Lit Candle. While its wick is lit, the Waxworn gains a +2 bonus to melee attack rolls and Charisma checks. If the wick is extinguished (such as by magical darkness, water, or a gust of wind), the bonus is lost until the wick is reignited as a bonus action.
Wicklash. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) fire damage. The Waxworn lashes out with its burning wick, searing flesh and igniting flammable materials. If the target is wearing nonmagical cloth armor, it must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or catch fire, taking 1d4 fire damage at the start of each of its turns until it or another creature uses an action to extinguish the flames.
Ignite Wick (Recharge 4–6). If its wick is extinguished, the Waxworn can use a bonus action to reignite it, restoring the benefits of its Lit Candle trait. This action can only be used if the wick is currently extinguished and the ability has recharged.
Wax Shield. When the Waxworn is hit by a melee attack from a creature within 5 feet, it can use its reaction to exude a burst of molten wax. The attacker must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or take 5 (1d10) fire damage and have disadvantage on their next melee attack roll before the end of their next turn.
Description
A Waxworn resembles a melted effigy—its body twisted and malformed, as if sculpted by a child and left too close to a flame. Its limbs are stubby and uneven, hardened in places and dripping in others. A flickering wick juts from the top of its head, casting eerie shadows across its waxen face, which bears no mouth and only the suggestion of eyes.
Created long ago by candlefolk artisans to serve as temple guardians, Waxworn were abandoned when their enchantments began to fail. Now, they wander forgotten sanctuaries and ruined crypts, driven by residual magical commands. Though not inherently evil, they attack intruders with mechanical precision, defending relics and rituals they no longer understand.
When threatened, a Waxworn lashes out with its burning wick, and molten wax spills from its body, scalding anything nearby. Its flame is its power—when lit, it moves with uncanny speed and flickering aggression. When extinguished, it becomes sluggish and vulnerable, but always seeks to reignite and resume its vigil.