A raven-haired young woman rises to the surface of the water as she swims, singing softly to herself—and her lower body is that of a mountain lion. Her sweet song turns to a yowl of rage when she spots prey.
Wampus cats are all born from an ancient shaman’s curse. Trollkin, orc, goblin, and human shamans alike all claim to be able to transform those who practice forbidden magic into wampus cats.
Forest Streams. The wampus cat stalks the shores of woodland waterways, using her magic to disguise her true form and lure unsuspecting victims to the water’s edge. She is particularly fond of attacking bathers or those pulling water from a stream.
Hatred of the Holy. While she prefers to feast on intelligent male humanoids, she holds a special animosity toward and hunger for holy men of any kind. Unless near starvation or if provoked, however, she will not kill women. Indeed, a wampus cat may strike up a temporary friendship with any woman who is having difficulties with men, though these friendships typically last only as long as their mutual enemies live. Some witches are said to command gain their trust and keep them as companions.
Swamp Team Ups. Will-o’-wisps and miremals enjoy working in tandem with wampus cats; the wisps alter their light to mimic the flicker of a torch or candle and illuminate the disguised cat, the better to lure in victims, then assist the cat in the ensuing battle. Miremals use a tall story to lure travelers into a swamp when the hour grows late, then abandon them.
Wampus Cat
Medium monstrosity, chaotic neutralArmor Class 14
Hit Points 58 (9d8 + 18)
Speed 40 ft., climb 20 ft., swim 20 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 (+2) | 18 (+4) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) |
Skills Deception +5, Persuasion +5
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Common
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Focused Animosity. The wampus cat has advantage on melee attacks against any male she has seen employ divine magic or wield a holy symbol.
Innate Spellcasting. The wampus cat’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13). She can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: disguise self (appearance of a female human), mage hand
2/day: hex
Magic Resistance. The wampus cat has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Actions
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.
Yowl (Recharge 5-6). Intelligent creatures within 60 feet of the cat who are able to hear its voice must make a DC 13 Charisma saving throw. Those who fail find the sound of the wampus cat’s voice pleasant and alluring, so that the cat has advantage on Charisma checks against them for 1 minute. The affected characters cannot attack the wampus cat during this time unless they are wounded in that time.