Alperer

Medium fiend (shapechanger), Lawful Evil

Armor Class 15 (natural armor)

Hit Points 136 (16d8 + 64)

Speed 40 ft., climb 40 ft. (Fly 40 ft., hover in Energy form)

STR 18 (+4) · DEX 16 (+3) · CON 18 (+4) · INT 12 (+1) · WIS 14 (+2) · CHA 16 (+3)

Saving Throws Str +7, Dex +6, Con +7

Skills Athletics +7, Intimidation +6, Perception +5, Survival +5

Gear Ghostly Whip, Heavy Iron Cowbell

Senses Darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15

Languages Common, Abyssal, Infernal

Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)

Traits

Aversion to the Triple Cross. The Alperer physically cannot cross any doorway, threshold, or boundary carved with three consecutive crosses. Furthermore, if a creature within 30 feet visibly brandishes a weapon (like a hunting knife) marked with three crosses, the Alperer suffers Disadvantage on all attack rolls against that creature.

Deafening Approach. The Alperer is constantly accompanied by the spectral sounds of snapping whips, heavy cowbells, and furious cursing. It has Disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide.

Sinner's Scent. The Alperer has Advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks to track creatures that are missing half or more of their hit points, or creatures that are cursed.

Actions

Multiattack. The Alperer makes three attacks using its Phantom Whip, Hell-Hound Bite, or Fire Jet, depending on its current form. It can replace one of these attacks with Spellcasting.

Phantom Whip (Herdsman Form). Melee Attack: +7 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage. The target is automatically knocked Prone and pulled up to 10 feet in a straight line toward the Alperer.

Hell-Hound Bite (Hound Form). Melee Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage plus 5 (1d10) fire damage.

Fire Jet (Energy Form). Ranged Attack: +6 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (4d8) fire damage.

Spellcasting. The Alperer casts one of the following spells, requiring no material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (Spell Save DC 14):

At Will: Thaumaturgy (often used to slam doors, rattle dishes, or boom its voice)

1/Day Each: Command, Fear, Gust of Wind

Bonus Actions

Alpine Shapeshifter. The Alperer magically transforms into a Large Hell-Hound, a hovering knot of fiery energy (Medium), or back into its true scarred Herdsman form (Medium). Its statistics remain the same in each form, except that in its Energy form it gains a flying speed of 40 feet (hover) and typically relies on its Fire Jet. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying transforms with it.

Phantom Chores (Recharge 5–6). The Alperer manifests a terrifying illusion of spectral cattle and phantom farmhands frantically completing chores in a 30-foot radius centered on itself. Each enemy in that area must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become Frightened until the end of their next turn.

Lore

The wicked mountain spirit that sends travelers tumbling into the abyss.

Picture the Alps running across southern Germany and Austria: breathtaking views, dizzying peaks, sheer cliffs. Locals, however, know exactly how treacherous those high-country trails can be, and if you ever run into an old herdsman up there, brace yourself for a tale about a terrifying being they call the Alperer.

The name is tied to the summer pastures high above the tree line, yet the creature’s origin lies in a grimly human story. People say the Alperer is the cursed soul of a Senner – a head herdsman and cheesemaker – whose cruelty once ruled an alpine estate. According to folklore, he was vicious: he beat his livestock, stole from his neighbors, was swollen with pride, and even committed murder. For those sins he was doomed to wander forever as a demonic mountain spirit, endlessly trying to atone for what he did in life.

From Grimm Legends Bestiary 5E, p. 8 · Fern Flower Press