Boli-Head

Medium fey, chaotic neutral

Armor Class 16 (natural armor)

Hit Points 110 (13d8 + 52)

Speed 30 ft.

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

Saving Throws Con +7, Cha +6

Skills Deception +9, Perception +5, Stealth +5

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15

Languages Common, Sylvan

Challenge 5

Traits

Deceptive Appearance. Boli-Head can magically alter his appearance to resemble a frail, elderly humanoid or a poor traveler. This effect is similar to the Disguise Self spell (PHB, p. 233) but is not an illusion; it physically changes his appearance. His true form is that of a big-headed creature with massive arms.

Confounding Presence. Any creature that starts its turn within 30 feet of Boli-Head must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on Wisdom ability checks and saving throws until the start of its next turn due to a splitting headache caused by his aura.

Actions

Multiattack. Boli-Head makes two attacks: one with his Claw and one with his Crushing Embrace.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.

Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Crushing Embrace. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Medium or smaller creature.

Hit: The target is grappled (escape DC 15). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, and Boli-Head can't use Crushing Embrace on another target. At the start of each of Boli-Head's turns, the grappled target takes 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Confounding Pathways (Recharge 5–6). Boli-Head warps the terrain around him with illusory magic. Each creature of his choice within 60 feet that can see him must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, a creature is unable to determine direction or navigate for 1 hour. While affected, the creature's movement is erratic, and it automatically fails any ability check to avoid becoming lost. The creature can repeat the saving throw every 10 minutes, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Beguiling Request. Boli-Head targets one humanoid he can see within 30 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be magically charmed for 1 hour. The charmed creature feels compelled to help Boli-Head search for his lost basket. The effect ends if Boli-Head harms the creature or if the creature takes damage from any source. The creature can repeat the saving throw every 10 minutes, ending the effect on a success.

Reactions

Leap onto Shoulders. When a creature moves within 5 feet of Boli-Head, he can use his reaction to leap onto the creature's back. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or become grappled by Boli-Head. While grappled in this way, the target's speed is halved, and Boli-Head has advantage on attack rolls against it.

Lore

A clumsy, large-headed forest spirit inhabiting berry-rich areas.

Boli-Head is a clumsy forest spirit living in berry-rich areas. He can deceive a traveler by leading them into unfamiliar parts of the forest or by jumping onto their shoulders and strangling them.

Boli-Head most often chooses forest glades abundant with cranberries or lingonberries—his favorite berries. He appears as a big-headed creature with rather massive arms, resembling an awkward old man. His clothing is peculiar; more accurately, it's heavily worn and patched up, so this spirit can often be mistaken for a poor man simply wandering through the forest. Notable features include his sharp nose.

From The Witchwood Bestiary 5E, p. 42 · Fern Flower Press