Lamia
- Size: Large
- Type: Fiend
- Alignment: Chaotic Evil
- AC: 13
- Initiative: +1 (11)
- HP: 97 (13d10+26)
- Speed: 40 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| DEX | 13 | +1 | +1 |
| CON | 15 | +2 | +2 |
| INT | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| WIS | 15 | +2 | +2 |
| CHA | 16 | +3 | +3 |
- Skills: Deception +7, Insight +4, Stealth +5
- Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.; Passive Perception 12
- Languages: Abyssal, Common
- CR: 4 (XP 1,100; PB +2)
Actions
Multiattack. The lamia makes two Claw attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Corrupting Touch.
Claw. Melee Attack Roll: +5, reach 5 ft. Hit: 7 (1d8+3) Slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) Psychic damage.
Corrupting Touch. Wisdom Saving Throw: DC 13, one creature the lamia can see within 5 feet. Failure: 13 (3d8) Psychic damage, and the target is cursed for 1 hour. Until the curse ends, the target has the Charmed and Poisoned conditions.
Spellcasting. The lamia casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 13):
At Will: Disguise Self (can appear as a Large or Medium biped), Minor Illusion
1/Day Each: Geas, Major Image, Scrying
Bonus Actions
Leap. The lamia jumps up to 30 feet by spending 10 feet of movement.
Lore & Background
Lamias are cursed beings with the upper body of a humanoid and the lower body of a lion, driven by an insatiable hunger for humanoid flesh. These creatures were once mortals who committed terrible acts of cannibalism or were cursed by the gods for their cruelty. They combine intelligence with predatory instincts, making them dangerous hunters.
Combat Tactics
Lamias use their Multiattack to strike with both claws and daggers, while their Intoxicating Touch can charm enemies into vulnerability. They prefer to isolate victims from their companions and use their cunning to set up ambushes in their lairs.
Encounter Ideas
The Desert Oasis: A lamia lures travelers to a false oasis where it can feed on them. Cursed Noble: A lamia was once a noble who now haunts their former estate. The Seductress: A lamia uses charm and illusion to infiltrate civilized areas. Pack Hunter: Multiple lamias work together to hunt larger groups of prey.
Environmental Effects
Lamia presence creates an atmosphere of unease and false beauty. Their lairs may appear luxurious but hide bones and remains of previous victims.
Treasure
Lamias collect jewelry, fine clothing, and personal effects from their victims. They may have magical items and wealth accumulated over years of hunting.
Plot Hooks
The Curse: A lamia seeks to break the curse that transformed it into a monster. Desert Predator: A lamia is terrorizing trade routes through desert regions. False Sanctuary: A lamia poses as a helpful guide or host to lure in victims. The Hunt: A lamia specifically targets the party for reasons connected to their past.
Lore & Background
Lamias are cursed beings with the upper torso of a humanoid and the lower body of a lion, driven by an insatiable hunger for humanoid flesh and an obsession with beauty and luxury. These creatures were once humanoids who were transformed by divine curse or dark magic, retaining their intelligence and memories while gaining monstrous appetites and predatory instincts.
Lamias are hedonistic creatures who surround themselves with luxury and beautiful objects, often establishing lairs in ruins or abandoned palaces where they can indulge their desires. They are skilled manipulators who use illusion magic and charm to lure victims into their domains.
Combat Tactics
Lamias prefer to avoid direct combat, using their spell-like abilities to charm and confuse enemies while positioning themselves for devastating attacks. They excel at using their claws and bite in combination with their magic, often attempting to isolate individual targets from their companions.
Encounter Ideas
Ruined Palace: A lamia has claimed an abandoned palace as its lair, filling it with stolen treasures and charmed servants. Desert Oasis: A lamia controls a vital water source, demanding tribute from travelers. Cursed Noble: A lamia was once a member of a noble family, and its transformation threatens political stability. Beauty Contest: A lamia poses as a patron of the arts, hosting competitions to find the most beautiful victims.
Environmental Effects
Lamia territories become centers of decadent luxury surrounded by the bones of their victims. The air carries the scent of exotic perfumes mixed with the stench of decay.
Treasure
Lamias collect beautiful objects, fine art, jewelry, and luxury items. Their hoards reflect their obsession with beauty and often include items taken from their victims as trophies.
Plot Hooks
The Cursed Transformation: A lamia seeks a way to break the curse that transformed it. Beauty and the Beast: A lamia has fallen in love with someone and struggles with its monstrous nature. Desert Politics: A lamia's control of water sources affects trade routes and regional politics. The Art Collector: A lamia commissions artists and then devours them to 'preserve' their beauty forever.