Couatl
- Size: Medium
- Type: Celestial
- Alignment: Lawful Good
- AC: 19
- Initiative: +5 (15)
- HP: 60(8d8+24)
- Speed: 30 ft, Fly 90 ft .
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| Dex | 20 | +5 | +5 |
| Con | 17 | +3 | +3 |
| INT | 18 | +4 | +4 |
| Wis | 20 | +5 | +7 |
| CHA | 18 | +4 | +4 |
- Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing
- Immunities: Psychic, Radiant
- Senses: Truesight 120 ft.; Passive Perception 15
- Languages: All; telepathy 120 ft .
- CR: 4 (XP 1,100; PB +2 )
Traits
Shielded Mind. The couatl's thoughts can't be read by any means, and other creatures can communicate with it telepathically only if it allows them.
Actions
Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +7 , reach 5 ft . Hit: 11 (1d12 + 5) Piercing damage, and the target has the Poisoned condition until the end of the couatl's next turn.
Constrict. Strength Saving Throw: DC 15, one Medium or smaller creature the couatl can see within 5 feet. Failure: 8 (1d6 + 5) Bludgeoning damage. The target has the Grappled condition (escape DC 13), and it has the Restrained condition until the grapple ends.
Spellcasting. The couatl casts one of the following spells, requiring no spell components and using Wisdom as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 15):
At Will: Detect Evil and Good, Detect Magic, Detect Thoughts, Shapechange (Beast or Humanoid form only, no Temporary Hit Points gained from the spell, and no Concentration or Temporary Hit Points required to maintain the spell) 1/Day Each: Create Food and Water, Dream, Greater Restoration, Scrying, Sleep
Bonus Actions
Divine Aid (2/Day). The couatl casts Bless, Lesser Restoration, or Sanctuary, requiring no spell components and using the same spellcasting ability as Spellcasting.
Lore & Background
Couatls are magnificent celestial serpents with brilliant feathered wings and an innate connection to divine magic. These benevolent creatures serve as messengers and agents of good-aligned deities, working to protect the innocent and combat evil wherever it may arise. Their serpentine bodies shimmer with iridescent scales while their feathered wings span wide enough to carry them gracefully through both sky and spirit realm.
These celestial beings originated in the Upper Planes but have long served as intermediaries between the divine and mortal realms. Couatls are drawn to areas where good and evil clash, appearing to tip the balance in favor of righteousness. They are particularly associated with ancient civilizations and lost temples, often serving as guardians of sacred knowledge and divine artifacts that must be protected from corruption.
Couatls possess ancient wisdom accumulated over millennia of service to the forces of good. They understand the complexities of mortal nature and the ongoing struggle between light and darkness. Unlike some celestials who view mortals with detachment, couatls genuinely care about individual lives and communities, often forming lasting bonds with those who prove themselves worthy of trust and respect.
Combat Tactics
Couatls prefer to avoid unnecessary violence, using their wisdom and diplomatic skills to resolve conflicts peacefully when possible. When combat becomes unavoidable, they employ their full range of abilities tactically, combining physical attacks with divine magic to protect the innocent and defeat evil. Their bite carries a potent poison that can quickly incapacitate opponents without killing them.
These celestials use their flight ability to maintain tactical advantage, staying mobile while employing their spellcasting abilities to support allies and hinder enemies. Their constrict attack allows them to restrain dangerous foes while their magic provides healing and protection to those in need. Couatls are particularly effective against fiends and undead, as their celestial nature gives them natural advantages against such creatures.
When protecting others, couatls position themselves between threats and innocents, using their bodies as shields while employing protective magic. They coordinate well with good-aligned allies, providing healing and support while allowing others to take more aggressive roles in combat.
Encounter Ideas
The Divine Messenger: A couatl appears to deliver an important message from a deity, but the message comes in the form of cryptic prophecy that requires interpretation and action.
The Temple Guardian: Ancient ruins contain a couatl that has been guarding sacred artifacts for centuries, testing visitors to determine their worthiness to receive divine blessings.
The Corruption Crisis: A couatl seeks help in cleansing an area that has been tainted by evil magic, requiring both combat prowess and spiritual purification rituals.
The Celestial Guide: A couatl offers to guide heroes through dangerous spiritual or physical terrain, but the journey requires them to prove their commitment to good through word and deed.
Environmental Effects
Sacred Presence: Areas blessed by couatl presence become consecrated ground where evil creatures suffer penalties and good-aligned beings receive benefits.
Purifying Influence: Water sources and plant life in areas protected by couatls become pure and healthy, capable of healing minor ailments and providing spiritual comfort.
Divine Resonance: Holy symbols and blessed items function more powerfully in the presence of couatls, while cursed objects may become inert or even purified.
Peaceful Atmosphere: The couatl's presence promotes calm and rational thought, making it easier to resolve conflicts through negotiation rather than violence.
Treasure
Divine Artifacts: Sacred items blessed by the gods, including holy symbols, blessed weapons, and relics with powerful protective or healing properties.
Ancient Wisdom: Scrolls, tablets, and books containing religious knowledge, historical records, and divine teachings accumulated over millennia.
Celestial Components: Feathers, scales, and other materials from the couatl that retain divine properties useful for creating holy items or performing sacred rituals.
Purified Gems: Precious stones that have been cleansed of any evil influence and imbued with positive energy, valuable both monetarily and spiritually.
Plot Hooks
The Fallen Couatl: A couatl has been corrupted by dark magic and needs to be either purified or, if redemption is impossible, put to rest with honor and dignity.
The Divine Test: A couatl presents the heroes with a moral dilemma that tests their commitment to good, with the outcome affecting their standing with celestial powers.
The Prophecy Unfolds: A couatl's ancient prophecy is beginning to come true, and the heroes must decide whether to try to prevent it or help it come to pass.
The Celestial Alliance: A couatl seeks to form an alliance with mortal heroes to combat a growing evil threat that requires both divine power and mortal agency to defeat.