Kryzhatyk

Medium undead, neutral

Armor Class 12

Hit Points 27 (5d8 + 5)

Speed 0 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover)

STR 6 (−2) · DEX 14 (+2) · CON 12 (+1) · INT 10 (+0) · WIS 14 (+2) · CHA 13 (+1)

Skills Perception +4, Stealth +4

Damage Resistances Necrotic; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks

Damage Immunities Poison

Condition Immunities Charmed, Exhaustion, Frightened, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14

Languages Understands all languages it knew in life but can't speak

Challenge 1

Traits

Ethereal Sight. The Kryzhatyk can see 60 feet into the Ethereal Plane when it is on the Material Plane, and vice versa.

Incorporeal Movement. The Kryzhatyk can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.

Bound to the Cemetery. The Kryzhatyk cannot leave the boundaries of the cemetery it protects.

Sacred Ground Guardian. The Kryzhatyk is invisible while in the cemetery unless it wishes to be seen.

Actions

Chill Touch. Melee Spell Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.

Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or be unable to regain hit points until the end of its next turn.

Unsettling Whispers. The Kryzhatyk targets one creature within 30 feet of it. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on its next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw within the next minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

Spectral Push. Ranged Spell Attack: +4 to hit, range 30 ft., one creature.

Hit: The target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be pushed up to 10 feet away and knocked prone.

Reactions

Protect the Resting. When a creature within 30 feet damages or desecrates a grave, the Kryzhatyk can use its reaction to become visible and make a Chill Touch attack against that creature.

Lore

Kryzhatyk is a spirit that dwells within the boundaries of a cemetery.

According to folklore, the Kryzhatyk is a spirit that dwells within the boundaries of a cemetery. A Kryzhatyk comes into being when a deceased person's grave—or more precisely, their grave cross—has been damaged for some reason. Generally, the Kryzhatyk is not hostile toward people, except those who commit mischief on sacred ground (within the cemetery under his protection or at nearby churches and chapels). He can knock someone off their feet or even push them into an open grave prepared for burial.

Unlike most other restless souls, the Kryzhatyk is not afraid of holy water, crosses, or prayers.

From The Witchwood Bestiary 5E, p. 68 · Fern Flower Press