| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 22 | +6 | +6 |
| DEX | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| CON | 18 | +4 | +9 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| INT | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| WIS | 16 | +3 | +8 |
| CHA | 14 | +2 | +7 |
Innate Spellcasting.
The Blightthorn Herald's innate spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 16). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
-
At will: Druidcraft, Chill Touch, Thorn Whip
-
3/day each: Blight, Plant Growth, Phantasmal Force
-
1/day each: Wall of Thorns, Contagion, Finger of Death
Twisted Regeneration.
If the Blightthorn Herald is in dim light or darkness, it regains 10 hit points at the start of its turn. If it takes radiant damage, this trait ceases to function until the start of its next turn.
Legendary Resistances (3/Day).
If the Herald fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Multiattack. The Blightthorn Herald makes two Claw attacks and one Thorned Slam attack.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 19 (3d8 + 6) slashing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Thorned Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target.
Hit: 21 (3d10 + 6) piercing damage and the target is grappled (escape DC 17). Until this grapple ends, the target takes 10 (3d6) necrotic damage at the start of its turn.
Necrotic Bloom (Recharge 5-6).
The Blightthorn Herald releases a wave of necrotic energy. Each creature of its choice within 30 feet must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw, taking 35 (10d6) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success. Any nonmagical plant life in this radius withers and dies instantly.
The Blightthorn Herald can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. It regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
-
Move. The Herald moves up to its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
-
Thorned Whip (Costs 2 Actions). The Herald makes a Thorn Whip attack (as per the spell) against a creature within 30 feet, pulling it 10 feet closer.
-
Corrupt the Land (Costs 3 Actions). The Herald causes the ground in a 20-foot radius around it to become blighted. This area becomes difficult terrain, and any creature that starts its turn in the area must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or take 10 (3d6) necrotic damage. The blight lasts for 1 minute.
Description
Once a revered guardian of the wilds, the Blightthorn Herald was corrupted by an ancient curse, merging with the spirits of the dead and the rot of the decayed forest. Now, it stalks the land, its bark-like flesh cracked with necrotic veins, a twisted fusion of wood, bone, and malice.
Legends tell of an ancient druid who sought eternal life by binding his soul to the oldest trees of the deep wood. But in his arrogance, he did not account for the hunger of the dead that festered beneath the roots. The result was the Blightthorn Herald, a being of both fey majesty and unholy rot, existing only to spread its corruption.
It is drawn to places of life and growth, seeking to smother them in its influence. It cares not for mortal concepts of good or evil—only the endless cycle of death and decay. Those who enter its blighted domain often find themselves lost in a maze of dead trees, hearing whispers that are not their own, before the Herald emerges to claim another victim.
Lair and Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), the Blightthorn Herald can take one of the following lair actions; it can't use the same effect two rounds in a row:
-
Summon Roots. Grasping, blackened roots sprout in a 30-foot radius, forcing creatures of the Herald’s choice to make a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be restrained until the next initiative count 20.
-
Misty Fog. The area fills with supernatural fog, lightly obscuring vision in a 60-foot radius until the next round. Creatures that are poisoned or frightened in this mist have disadvantage on saving throws against those conditions.
-
Unholy Resurgence. If the Herald is reduced to 0 hit points and hasn’t used this lair action yet, it can revive with 50 hit points instead of dying.
Regional Effects
The land within 10 miles of the Blightthorn Herald’s lair is cursed by its presence, creating the following effects:
-
Twisted Growth. Trees grow in unnatural shapes, their branches forming screaming faces. Plant creatures in the area are hostile and attack intruders on sight.
-
Whispers in the Dark. At night, eerie whispers fill the air, inducing paranoia and unease. Creatures in the region must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw at dawn or suffer the effects of a Minor Madness (DMG).
-
Rotting Harvest. Crops and plant life within the area begin to wither. Even purified food and water taste foul and provide half their normal nourishment.
Comments