Moosweiblein

Tiny fey, Neutral Good

Armor Class 13 (natural armor)

Hit Points 10 (4d4)

Speed 20 ft., climb 20 ft.

STR 6 (−2) · DEX 15 (+2) · CON 11 (+0) · INT 10 (+0) · WIS 14 (+2) · CHA 13 (+1)

Skills Nature +2, Stealth +6, Survival +4

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12

Languages Common, Sylvan

Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)

Traits

Tree-Bound. The Moosweiblein is magically bound to a single, specific forest tree. If that tree is chopped down or its bark is heavily gouged, the Moosweiblein immediately dies.

Mossy Camouflage. The Moosweiblein has Advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in forested terrain.

Actions

Icy Touch. Melee Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) Cold damage.

Freezing Breath (Recharge 5-6). Magic Attack: The Moosweiblein exhales an impossibly cold mist in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 4 (1d8) Cold damage and is Paralyzed until the end of its next turn. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage and isn't Paralyzed.

Spellcasting. The Moosweiblein casts one of the following spells, using Wisdom as the spellcasting ability (Spell Save DC 12):

At Will: Druidcraft (PHB, p. 266), Minor Illusion (PHB, p. 298)

1/Day Each: Goodberry (PHB, p. 280), Pass without Trace (PHB, p. 303)

Bonus Actions

Vanish into Bark. The Moosweiblein magically melds into a living tree it is touching. While inside the tree, it has Total Cover, is Invisible, and cannot be targeted by attacks or spells. It can see and hear normally. If the tree takes damage, the Moosweiblein is violently expelled, takes 5 (1d10) Bludgeoning damage, and lands Prone in an unoccupied space within 5 feet of the tree. It can exit the tree voluntarily by using a Bonus Action.

Lore

Moss People — kind but secretive forest spirits clad in moss.

Old German folktales often mention the moss people, called Moosleute in the original texts. They are ancient spirits that embody the very soul and life-force of untouched woodlands. The famous storyteller Jacob Grimm was the first to gather their stories, realizing they were neither mere forest beasts nor standard dwarves or elves, but a people all their own. Their name points to their favorite disguise: because they are extremely timid, the Moss People hide deep in the moss and spend most of their lives there. At the top of their little society stands the Shrub Mother, an age-old woodland matron. In earlier times farmers would leave her treats so the forest would reward them with plenty of berries and mushrooms.

The Moss People are formed to blend right into the trees. They’re tiny—no taller than a human knee. Their skin, gray or brown and deeply wrinkled, feels like rough bark. They have pitch-black eyes, wild gray hair, and if you touch their heads you’ll find them ice-cold. Their voices are thin and creaky.

From Grimm Legends Bestiary 5E, p. 50 · Fern Flower Press