Minsc and Boos Journal of Villainy

Sword Spider Deep Spider

Sword spiders are a type of giant arachnid that stalk Huge beast, unaligned
the forests and caverns of Faerûn, walking on legs that
resemble razor-sharp blades. These solitary predators Armor Class. 15 (natural armor)
move incredibly fast and with great stealth for their Hit Points. 95 (10d12 + 30)
large size. The sword spider’s sleek, 12-foot-long body Speed. 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
is encased in a durable black exoskeleton covered in
fine dark hairs. Although their eyesight is poor, sword STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
spiders locate their prey using tremorsense to feel for 20 (+5) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 6 (--2) 12 (+1) 4 (--3)
minute vibrations in the ground.
Skills Stealth +8
Natural Weapons. All eight legs of a sword spider end Senses tremorsense 60 ft., passive Perception 11
in thick chitinous plates with serrated ridges. However, Languages —
its primary weapons are its front two legs, which look Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
like a pair of massive curved swords. Its victims are
impaled upon these limbs and brought close enough for Spider Climb. The deep spider can climb difficult surfaces,
the spider to deliver its poisonous bite. Once slain, its including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make
prey is then chopped up into manageable morsels that an ability check.
can be fed into its cavernous maw lined with multiple
rows of crooked fangs Web Sense. While in contact with a web, the deep spider
knows the exact location of any other creature in contact
Death From Above. Rather than trapping its food with- with the same web.
in a pre-constructed web, sword spiders prefer to wait
for prey high up in tree branches and on cavern walls. Web Walker. The deep spider ignores movement restric-
(Despite their large frames, sword spiders retain the ability tions caused by webbing.
to cling to most surfaces, making them adept climbers.)
Once it spots its prey, the spider sprays the creature with a Actions
restraining web and drops down with all eight of its lethal
legs extended to impale its meal. When hunting in areas Multiattack. The deep spider makes two foreleg attacks
not conducive to this strategy, sword spiders instead stalk and one bite attack.
and chase their prey like big cats and are able to leap
forward up to 30 feet, lashing out with their forelimbs. Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage, and the target must make a
Deep Spiders. Sword spiders are native to the jun- DC 14 Constitution saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) poison dam-
gles of Mhair on the Chultan Peninsula in southwest age on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful
Faerûn. Drow traders brought them to the Underdark one. If the poison damage reduces the target to 0 hit points,
where they were bred for use in battle under the con- the target is stable but poisoned for 1 hour, even after regain-
trol of Lolthite priestesses. These variants are called ing hit points, and is paralyzed while poisoned in this way.
deep spiders and many have since escaped their pens
and, with the ability to tolerate a wide range of climates, Foreleg. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
adapted quickly to their new subterranean homes. target. Hit: 19 (4d6 + 5) slashing damage.
These creatures soon spread throughout the Underdark
with many finding their way to the surface. Web Sense. While in contact with a web, the sword spider
knows the exact location of any other creature in contact
Sword Spider with the same web.

Large beast, unaligned Web Walker. The sword spider ignores movement restric-
tions caused by webbing.
Armor Class. 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points. 45 (6d10 + 12) Actions
Speed. 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
Multiattack. The sword spider makes two foreleg attacks
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA and one bite attack.
16 (+3) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 6 (–2) 12 (+1) 4 (–3)
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Skills Stealth +7 Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a
Senses tremorsense 60 ft., passive Perception 11 DC 12 Constitution saving throw, taking 9 (2d8) poison dam-
Languages — age on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful
Challenge 3 (700 XP) one. If the poison damage reduces the target to 0 hit points,
the target is stable but poisoned for 1 hour, even after regain-
Spider Climb. The sword spider can climb difficult surfaces, ing hit points, and is paralyzed while poisoned in this way.
including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make
an ability check. Foreleg. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage.
151
Chapter 5 | Monsters



Tasloi Tasloi

Lanky but small goblin-like creatures, tasloi largely dwell Small humanoid, chaotic evil
in the dense tropical forests of southern Faerûn. However,
groups of tasloi have made their way northwards to Armor Class 13
the Sword Coast, with a notable enclave within the Hit Points 5 (2d6 - 2)
Cloakwood. With vibrant green skin covered by a thin Speed 25 ft., climb 25 ft.
layer of coarse black hair, tasloi can perfectly blend in
with their surroundings with only the faint glow of their STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
golden, almost feline eyes betraying their presence. 8 (–1) 16 (+3) 8 (–1) 12 (+1) 9 (–1) 12 (+1)
Although generally less intelligent than humans, tasloi
can be quite clever, using superior numbers and pack Skills Stealth +5, Perception +1
tactics to make them surprisingly formidable foes. Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Common, Sylvan, Tasloi
Tree Dwellers. Tasloi prefer the low-light conditions Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
of jungle canopies and avoid direct sunlight altogether.
In more temperate areas where foliage is sparse, such Nimble Escape. The tasloi can take the Disengage or Hide
as the forests of the Sword Coast, they largely limit their action as a bonus action on each of its turns.
activities to dawn and dusk. Expert climbers, the tasloi’s
long arms allow them to rapidly move among treetops by Javelin Expert. Tasloi can use their Dexterity score for attack
leaping from branches and swinging from vines. Tasloi and damage rolls with a javelin, just as if the javelin had the
are less at home on the ground, where they knuckle-walk finesse property.
by adopting a crouched position similar to that of an ape.
Actions
Social Creatures. Tasloi live in a loosely structured
tribal society together in bands that consist of multiple Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
individual families. Most tasloi communities build homes target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
in trees surrounded by interconnected platforms high
off the ground. Tasloi have a deep fear of being alone, Net. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 5/15 ft., one
which is reinforced by their culture’s many superstitions. Large or smaller creature. Hit: The target is restrained. A
They practice a form of husbandry, raising giant rats and creature can use its action to make a DC 10 Strength check
other large vermin as livestock, both for food and use as to free itself or another creature in a net, ending the effect
mounts. Tasloi mostly speak a language unique to their on a success. Dealing 5 slashing damage to the net (AC 10)
kind, but some have learned to speak a broken form of frees the target without harming it and destroys the net.
Common. Although vicious, these opportunists can be
reasoned with under the right circumstances. Javelin. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/120 ft.,
one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Ambush Predators. Although tasloi can and will eat
almost anything, they have a strong preference for fresh Nimble Escape. The tasloi can take the Disengage or Hide
meat, especially that of humans, elves, and other hu- action as a bonus action on each of its turns.
manoids. They are known take advantage of much more
fearsome monsters by staking out escape routes from Javelin Expert. Tasloi can use their Dexterity score for attack
their lairs and luring already-injured adventurers into a and damage rolls with a javelin, just as if the javelin had the
trap. Tasloi also use hit-and-run tactics and other tech- finesse property.
niques that take advantage of their familiarity with their
forest homes. Actions

Tasloi Sniper Blowgun. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 25/100 ft.,
one target. Hit: 5 (1 + 4) piercing damage and 7 (2d6) poi-
Small humanoid (goblinoid), chaotic evil son damage. The target must succeed on a DC 9 Constitu-
tion saving throw or be poisoned for one hour.
Armor Class. 14
Hit Points. 15 (6d6 - 6) Javelin. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 30/120 ft.,
Speed. 25 ft., climb 25 ft. one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
8 (–1) 18 (+4) 8 (–1) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.

Skills Stealth +8 Chapter 5 | Monsters
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Goblin, Sylvan, Tasloi
Challenge 1 (200 XP)

153

Wolfwere Alpha Pack Tactics. The wolfwere has advantage on an attack roll
against a creature if at least one of the wolfwere’s allies is
Medium humanoid (beast, shapechanger), chaotic evil within 5 ft. of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.

Armor Class 12 humanoid form, 13 (natural armor) wolf/ Actions
hybrid form
Multiattack (Hybrid form only). The wolfwere makes three
Hit Points 104 (16d8 + 32) attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. in dire wolf form)
Longsword (Humanoid form only). Melee Weapon Attack:
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 5) slashing
20 (+5) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 8 (–1) 16 (+3) damage or 11 (1d10 + 6) slashing damage if used with two
hands.
Skills Perception +6
Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing Bite (Wolf or Hybrid form only). Melee Weapon Attack: +8
to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) piercing
damage from nonmagical weapons that aren’t iron damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC
Senses passive Perception 16 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Languages Common (can’t speak in wolf form)
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Claws (Hybrid form only). Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d4 + 5) slashing damage.
Shapechanger. The wolfwere can use its action to poly-
morph into a wolf-humanoid hybrid or into a human or elf, Lethargic Song (Humanoid form only). The wolfwere plays
or back into its true form, which is a dire wolf. Its statistics, a magical melody on an instrument. Every humanoid within
other than its AC, are the same in each form. Any equip- 200 ft. of the wolfwere that can hear the melody must
ment it is wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. It reverts to succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be slowed for
its true form if it dies. 10 minutes. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end
of each of its turns. If a creature’s saving throw is successful,
Keen Hearing and Smell. The wolfwere has advantage on the effect ends on it. A target that successfully saves is
Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell. immune to this wolfwere’s melody for the next 24 hours.

Wolfwere aDSnrhdehaIhmhs..h.oafclllsotjsaoerilnyioguhyotr,uedyrseoesao.nm. of sights unseen,
-Wolfwere
Wolfweres are shapeshifters that have the natural
form of a large wolf but can transform at will into both Wolfwere
humanoid and bipedal hybrid shapes. These hateful
creatures are much more intelligent than a normal Medium humanoid (beast, shapechanger), chaotic evil
wolf and use this preternatural cunning to hunt their
favorite prey: humans. Although some believe them to Armor Class 12 humanoid form, 13 (natural armor) wolf/
be the offspring of werewolves and normal wolves— hybrid form
and this may very well be their origin—wolfweres are
their own species and their form of lycanthropy is not Hit Points 55 (10d8 + 10)
a transmissible curse or disease. Like werewolves, Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. in dire wolf form)
wolfweres are repelled by wolfsbane but are vulnerable
to iron rather than silver weapons. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 8 (–1) 15 (+2)
Strange Packs. Although some wolfweres are soli-
tary, others choose to stay in familial bands. However, Skills Perception +4
they most often run in packs of normal wolves or Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
worgs. Wolfweres are able to influence and command
these beasts, making them much more vicious and damage from nonmagical weapons that aren’t iron
bolder. Rarely, a wolfwere may choose to blend in with Senses passive Perception 13
human society. Wolfweres never associate with were- Languages Common (can’t speak in wolf form)
wolves, as the two share a mutual hatred and will at- Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
tack each other unprovoked.
Shapechanger. The wolfwere can use its action to poly-
Myriad Forms. A wolfwere’s natural form is similar morph into a wolf-humanoid hybrid or into a human or elf,
in size and appearance to that of a dire wolf. In combat, or back into its true form, which is a dire wolf. Its statistics,
they usually shift into a hybrid form, which is able to other than its AC, are the same in each form. Any equip-
both bite and use weapons with its human-like hands. ment it is wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. It reverts to
To trick stronger prey, a wolfwere dons a charismatic its true form if it dies.
human shape. Unlike werewolves, wolfweres have no
single humanoid form to revert to. Instead, a wolfw- Keen Hearing and Smell. The wolfwere has advantage on
ere can transform into any humanoid shape it desires, Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
though they almost universally choose ones with great
physical beauty. Wolfweres have the ability to sense Pack Tactics. The wolfwere has advantage on an attack roll
what their particular prey would find attractive and as- against a creature if at least one of the wolfwere’s allies is
sume a seductive disguise. Wolfweres have less control within 5 ft. of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
over their appearance when they involuntarily transform
under a new moon, though they usually assume a shape Actions
they have taken on recently.
Multiattack (Hybrid form only). The wolfwere makes two
A Sedating Melody. While in their humanoid forms, attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.
wolfweres have the ability to sing a song that induces a
lethargy in their prey that is similar to a slow spell. Many Longsword (Humanoid form only). Melee Weapon Attack:
wolfweres play stringed instruments and pose as bards to +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 4) slashing
avoid arousing suspicion while they work their charms. damage or 10 (1d10 + 5) slashing damage if used with
two hands.
wptmshrpIooeialsrfdrceweaetmtehforoheereu.aamsgmrBbhswseoo.tmroeeTrerbhde!eietsirnhnaeaaggtnruiestroaeelnd’dopstiwtshhpisitaneMehtgrdIfNeoScftCf
Bite (Wolf or Hybrid form only). Melee Weapon Attack:
+7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing 155
damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a
DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Claws (Hybrid form only). Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d4 + 4) slashing damage.

Lethargic Song (Humanoid form only). The wolfwere plays
a magical melody on an instrument. Every humanoid within
200 ft. of the wolfwere that can hear the melody must suc-
ceed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be slowed for 10
minutes. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end
of each of its turns. If a creature’s saving throw is success-
ful, the effect ends on it. A target that successfully saves is
immune to this wolfwere’s melody for the next 24 hours.

Chapter 5 | Monsters

(otWphfTyiecmhcthifuysrarolegbnadootr)oon.hdk,eADirfslreysi)oend.,naedhdteiocJiraatthh(eeepdiirlcaattotu-ermehdyKushalboatsalitndd
MINSC & BOO!