Night Hag
- Size: Medium
- Type: Fiend
- Alignment: Neutral Evil
- AC: 17
- Initiative: +5 (15)
- HP: 112 (15d8+45)
- Speed: 30 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 18 | +4 | +4 |
| DEX | 15 | +2 | +2 |
| CON | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| INT | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| WIS | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| CHA | 16 | +3 | +3 |
- Skills: Deception +6, Insight +5, Perception +5, Stealth +5
- Resistances: Cold, Fire
- Immunities: Charmed
- Senses: Darkvision 120 ft.; Passive Perception 15
- Languages: Abyssal, Common, Infernal, Primordial
- CR: 5 (XP 1,800; PB +3)
Traits
Coven Magic. While within 30 feet of at least two hag allies, the hag can cast one of the following spells, requiring no Material components, using the spell's normal casting time, and using Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 14): Augury, Find Familiar, Identify, Locate Object, Scrying, or Unseen Servant. The hag must finish a Long Rest before using this trait to cast that spell again.
Magic Resistance. The hag has Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Soul Bag. The hag has a soul bag. While holding or carrying the bag, the hag can use its Nightmare Haunting action. The bag has AC 15, HP 20, and Resistance to all damage. The bag turns to dust if reduced to 0 Hit Points. If the bag is destroyed, any souls the bag is holding are released. The hag can create a new bag after 7 days.
Actions
Multiattack. The hag makes two Claw attacks.
Claw. Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft. Hit: 13 (2d8+4) Slashing damage.
Nightmare Haunting (1/Day; Requires Soul Bag). While on the Ethereal Plane, the hag casts Dream, using the same spellcasting ability as Spellcasting. Only the hag can serve as the spell's messenger, and the target must be a creature the hag can see on the Material Plane. The spell fails and is wasted if the target is under the effect of the Protection from Evil and Good spell or within a Magic Circle spell. If the target takes damage from the Dream spell, the target's Hit Point maximum decreases by an amount equal to that damage. If the spell kills the target, its soul is trapped in the hag's soul bag, and the target can't be raised from the dead until its soul is released.
Spellcasting. The hag casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 14):
At Will: Detect Magic, Etherealness, Magic Missile (level 4 version)
2/Day Each: Phantasmal Killer, Plane Shift (self only)
Bonus Actions
Shape-Shift. The hag shape-shifts into a Small or Medium Humanoid, or it returns to its true form. Other than its size, its game statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed.
Lore & Background
Night hags are among the most feared and cunning of all fiends, existing as traders in souls and nightmares across the Lower Planes. These ancient crones appear as withered, elderly women with iron teeth and claws, but their true power lies in their ability to invade dreams and corrupt souls. Night hags are native to the Gray Waste of Hades, where they serve as intermediaries between different factions of evil.
These creatures are master manipulators who delight in corrupting mortals through slow, methodical psychological torture. They often pose as harmless old women, gaining the trust of their victims before revealing their true nature and beginning their campaign of terror.
Combat Tactics
Night hags prefer to avoid direct confrontation, using their ethereal travel and magic resistance to stay mobile while casting spells and curses. They often attack sleeping victims through the Ethereal Plane, using their nightmare haunting ability to weaken enemies over time.
Encounter Ideas
Dream Merchant: A night hag offers to trade nightmares for valuable information. Soul Broker: A night hag negotiates contracts between mortals and powerful fiends. Nightmare Plague: A night hag spreads terror through a community by haunting their dreams. Coven Gathering: Multiple night hags work together to accomplish a dark ritual.
Environmental Effects
Night hag presence brings an oppressive atmosphere of dread and despair. Sleep becomes fitful and filled with nightmares, while the boundary between dreams and reality begins to blur.
Treasure
Night hags collect soul gems containing trapped spirits, magical items related to dreams and sleep, and contracts written in blood that bind mortals to terrible fates.
Plot Hooks
The Soul Contract: A night hag holds the soul of someone important and demands a terrible price for its return. Nightmare Investigation: Heroes must enter the realm of dreams to stop a night hag's influence. Hag Bargain: A night hag offers to help heroes in exchange for a favor to be collected later. Coven Politics: Night hags are involved in a complex scheme involving multiple factions of evil.