Green Hag

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Green Hag Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the ancient forest, where sunlight struggles to pierce the dense canopy, there lurks a creature of malevolent cunning and wicked intent—the Green Hag. Her presence is often heralded by the unsettling silence that falls over the woods, as if nature itself holds its breath in fear of her approach. The air grows thick with the scent of decay and damp earth, a prelude to the sinister figure that emerges from the gloom.

The Green Hag is a grotesque parody of a woman, her form twisted and gnarled like the roots of the trees she calls home. Her skin is a sickly shade of green, mottled and warty, blending seamlessly with the foliage around her. Long, tangled hair, resembling strands of swamp moss, cascades down her hunched back, and her eyes gleam with a malevolent intelligence, glowing like embers in the darkness. Her fingers, elongated and claw-like, are perfect tools for weaving her dark magic and ensnaring the unwary.

These hags are known for their cunning and cruelty, delighting in the suffering of others. They are master manipulators, using illusions and enchantments to deceive and torment those who wander too close to their lairs. The Green Hag's voice is a raspy whisper, capable of mimicking the cries of lost children or the pleas of a loved one, luring victims deeper into her domain. She revels in sowing discord and despair, often striking bargains that lead to inevitable ruin.

The Green Hag typically dwells in desolate swamps or dense, ancient forests, places where the natural world seems to conspire against intruders. Her lair is a tangled nest of roots and vines, hidden from prying eyes and protected by her dark magic. Legends speak of her ability to control the very environment around her, summoning mists to obscure her presence or commanding the beasts of the forest to do her bidding.

Stories of the Green Hag have been passed down through generations, often as cautionary tales to keep children from straying too far from home. It is said that she can see through the eyes of crows and hear through the whispers of the wind, making her aware of all that transpires within her territory. Those who dare to challenge her must be prepared to face not only her formidable magic but also the twisted landscape she commands.

Green Hag Skills & Traits

Skills

• Deception +5
• Insight +3
• Perception +3
• Stealth +5

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 13

Languages

• Common
• Draconic
• Sylvan

Abilities

• Mimicry: The green hag can mimic animal sounds and humanoid voices. A creature that hears the sounds can tell they are imitations with a successful DC 14 Wisdom (Insight) check.
• Amphibious: The green hag can breathe air and water.
• Illusory Appearance: The green hag covers herself and anything she is wearing or carrying with a magical illusion that makes her look like another creature of her general size and humanoid shape. The illusion ends if the hag takes a bonus action to end it or if she dies. The changes wrought by this effect fail to hold up to physical inspection. For example, the hag could appear to have smooth skin, but someone touching her would feel her rough flesh. Otherwise, a creature must take an action to visually inspect the illusion and succeed on a DC 20 Intelligence (Investigation) check to discern that the hag is disguised.

Actions

• Claws: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.
• Invisible Passage: The hag magically turns invisible until she attacks or casts a spell, or until her concentration ends (as if concentrating on a spell). While invisible, she leaves no physical evidence of her passage, so she can be tracked only by magic. Any equipment she wears or carries is invisible with her.

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Battle Tips for Green Hag

The Green Hag is a cunning and malevolent creature that thrives on deception and manipulation. As a Dungeon Master, you can use these traits to create a challenging and memorable encounter for your players. Here are some tips on how to effectively use a Green Hag in battle:

Using the Green Hag in Battle

• Illusions and Deception: The Green Hag can use its innate ability to cast illusions to confuse and mislead the party. Consider using illusions to create false threats or hide the hag's true location.
• Environmental Advantage: Place the Green Hag in a swampy or forested area where it can use the terrain to its advantage. The hag can use the natural cover to hide and strike from the shadows.
• Psychological Warfare: The Green Hag enjoys tormenting its victims. Use its mimicry ability to impersonate a loved one or ally, sowing doubt and fear among the party members.

Coordinating with Multiple Creatures

• Hag Coven: If the Green Hag is part of a coven, it can cast more powerful spells. Use this to your advantage by having the hags work together to cast debilitating spells on the party.
• Allied Monsters: Pair the Green Hag with other creatures that complement its abilities, such as trolls or will-o'-wisps, to create a more dynamic and challenging encounter.
• Divide and Conquer: Use illusions and deception to split the party, making it easier for the hag and its allies to pick off isolated members.

Strategic Retreat

• Escape Plan: The Green Hag is intelligent and will not fight to the death if it can avoid it. Have an escape route planned, such as a hidden underwater tunnel or a secret passage in the trees.
• Distraction Tactics: Use illusions or summoned creatures to distract the party while the hag makes its escape.
• Regroup and Return: If the hag escapes, it can regroup with its allies and return for a future encounter, perhaps with new tricks and tactics up its sleeve.

By leveraging the Green Hag's abilities and cunning, you can create a challenging and engaging encounter that will test your players' wits and teamwork.