History +5, Insight +7, Deception +8, Perception +7, Intimidation +9
Senses
darkvision 60 ft.
Tainted Vision 30 ft. (Can see through magical darkness.)
passive Perception 17
Characteristics
Damage Vulnerabilities
Radiant
Damage Resistances
Necrotic, Poison
Damage Immunities
Poisoned
Condition Immunities
Charmed, Frightened, Paralyzed, Poisoned
LanguagesCommon, Infernal, Undercommon
Traits
Undead Fortitude
If damage reduces the Hengyokia Chieftain to 0 hit points, it must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 5 + the damage taken, unless the damage is radiant or from a critical hit. On a success, the Chieftain drops to 1 hit point instead.
Aura of Despair
All creatures of the Chieftain's choice within 30 feet must make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw at the start of their turn or suffer disadvantage on attack rolls and saving throws until the end of their next turn.
Actions
Multiattack
The Tainted Hengyokia Chieftain makes two attacks: one with its Life Drain and one with its Spear.
Life Drain
Melee Spell Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) necrotic damage, and the Tainted Hengyokia Chieftain regains hit points equal to half the necrotic damage dealt.
Spear
Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 6) piercing damage.
Combat Behavior
Tactics
• Employs Aura of Despair for battlefield control. • Uses Life Drain to regain health, encouraging aggressive play. • Relies on minions for distractions while dealing with stronger enemies.
Combat Style
Seeks to dominate through fear, utilizing the terrain to ambush.
Morale
The chieftain will fight to the death if threatened, but will retreat if severely injured.
Monster Description
The Tainted Undead Hengyokia Chieftain embodies a terrifying blend of nature’s wrath and dark necromancy. Once a proud leader of a feral tribe known for their deep connection to the land, this chieftain fell victim to a dark curse that has twisted its body and soul. Corrupted by a malevolent spirit, the chieftain wears the remnants of its once fierce tribal attire, adorned with bone and skulls of its enemies. Its presence is marked by a faint, ominous glow, a sign of the dark energies that now fuel its existence. Wandering marshes and shadowy forests, this undead creature commands the respect of lesser undead and seeks to dominate through fear and manipulation.
Monster behavior
The Tainted Undead Hengyokia Chieftain employs a strategy of using its Aura of Despair to weaken its foes before engaging in combat. It prefers to strike from the shadows, utilizing the terrain to create ambushes. When threatened, it will invoke its Undead Fortitude, making it a relentless opponent. In battle, it shows no hesitation, violently draining the life from its enemies with its Life Drain ability while also using its spear for physical attacks. The chieftain commands loyalty from weaker undead, often sending them forth to distract or weaken its enemies before stepping into the fray itself.
Ecology
In its cursed state, the Tainted Undead Hengyokia Chieftain has become a blight on the ecosystems it once revered. The land surrounding its territory suffers from growth of twisted plants and a haunting silence. Animals that once thrived in these areas have either fled or fallen under its influence, becoming undead servitors. It preys on living creatures to maintain its powers, draining their life force and polluting the earth further with decay. Thus, it embodies an unnatural balance, taking more than it gives back to the ecosystem.
History
The transformation of the Hengyokia Chieftain into a tainted undead was a tragic event stemming from a tribal war. In an effort to protect its people from a rival faction, the chieftain invoked dark magics, believing this would assure victory. However, the ritual backfired, corrupting not only the chieftain but the land it sought to protect. Over time, the once-proud leader became a symbol of terror, stalking the remnants of its tribe now forced to bow to its will. The once noble legacy transformed into a legend of shadow and despair, sending chills through any who dare speak of the cursed ground.
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