Toadalaka

Medium monstrosity (shapechanger), neutral evil

Armor Class 12 (natural armor)

Hit Points 52 (7d8 + 21)

Speed 20 ft., swim 30 ft.

STR 12 (+1) · DEX 14 (+2) · CON 16 (+3) · INT 10 (+0) · WIS 12 (+1) · CHA 6 (−2)

Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13

Languages Common

Challenge 2

Traits

Amphibious. The Toadalaka can breathe air and water.

Shapechanger. The Toadalaka can use its action to polymorph into a Medium toad or back into its true form—a grotesque humanoid with toad-like features. Its statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment it wears or carries isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

Swamp Camouflage. The Toadalaka has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in swampy terrain.

Cursed Existence. The Toadalaka is bound by a divine curse. If a good-aligned creature spends at least 1 minute praying for the Toadalaka's soul within 30 feet, the Toadalaka must succeed on a DC 12 Charisma saving throw or be freed from its curse, instantly dying as its soul is released.

Actions

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.

Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) poison damage.

Tongue Lash. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.

Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be pulled 5 feet toward the Toadalaka.

Lore

A shapeshifter appearing as a toad or frog.

Toadalaka is a shapeshifter appearing in the form of a toad or frog. This is a very rare monster, and there are very few legends about it. Generally, people become Toadalaks after committing many evil deeds; the gods transform them into toads that live in swamps where humans never venture.

One legend tells how, once, a traveler during his journey through forested lands stopped and pondered. He was very surprised and thought that it was no coincidence he had ended up in these forest swamps. Suddenly, the adventurer saw a fat, ugly toad nearby. The toad, without taking its eyes off him, was approaching with slow, short hops.

From The Witchwood Bestiary 5E, p. 80 · Fern Flower Press