Vuzhalka

Medium fey (shapechanger), neutral

Armor Class 15 (natural armor)

Hit Points 97 (13d8 + 39)

Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.

STR 14 (+2) · DEX 18 (+4) · CON 16 (+3) · INT 12 (+1) · WIS 14 (+2) · CHA 20 (+5)

Skills Deception +9, Perception +6, Persuasion +9, Stealth +8

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

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16

Languages Common, Sylvan

Challenge 6

Traits

Shapechanger. The Vuzhalka can use its action to polymorph into a Medium humanoid woman, a snake maiden with a serpentine tail, or back into its true form, which is that of a large snake adorned with gold ornaments. Its statistics are the same in each form, except for its speed. While in humanoid form, its walking speed is 30 ft. In snake maiden form, it has a walking speed of 20 ft. and a swim speed of 30 ft.

Amphibious. The Vuzhalka can breathe air and water.

Magic Resistance. The Vuzhalka has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Alluring Presence. Creatures within 30 feet of the Vuzhalka that can see her must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on saving throws against charm effects until the start of their next turn.

Innate Spellcasting. The Vuzhalka's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17). She can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

At will: Animal Friendship (PHB, 212; snakes only), Dancing Lights (PHB, 230), Minor Illusion (PHB, 260)

3/day each: Charm Person (PHB, 221), Suggestion (PHB, 279)

1/day each: Enthrall (PHB, 238), Hypnotic Pattern (PHB, 252)

Actions

Multiattack. The Vuzhalka makes two attacks: one with her Constrict and one with her Golden Touch or Hypnotic Gaze.

Constrict. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.

Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 14). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, and the Vuzhalka can't constrict another target.

Golden Touch. Melee Spell Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.

Hit: 18 (4d6 + 5) psychic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by the Vuzhalka for 1 minute. The charmed target regards the Vuzhalka as a trusted friend to be heeded and protected. Although the target isn't under the Vuzhalka's control, it takes the Vuzhalka's requests or actions in the most favorable way it can. Each time the Vuzhalka or the Vuzhalka's allies do anything harmful to the target, it can repeat the saving throw, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Reactions

Protective Charm. If the Vuzhalka is the target of an attack and another creature is within 5 feet of her, she can force the attacker to target that creature instead. The attacker must make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the attacker must target the creature next to the Vuzhalka; on a successful save, the attacker can choose their target normally.

Lore

Daughter of the serpent king.

Vuzhalka is a snake maiden and daughter of the Serpent King, who, according to folklore, could be encountered near forest waters.

Vuzhalkas are described as young, long-haired maidens with a serpent's tail instead of legs, adorned with expensive dowries—gold earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and other ornaments.

From The Witchwood Bestiary 5E, p. 92 · Fern Flower Press