Hezrou

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Hezrou Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the Abyss, where chaos reigns supreme and the very air seems to pulse with malevolent energy, there lurks a creature of pure, unbridled terror—the Hezrou. This hulking demon, standing nearly eight feet tall, is a grotesque amalgamation of amphibian and fiend, its skin a mottled tapestry of sickly greens and browns, slick with a foul, oily secretion that clings to its form. Its eyes, burning with a hellish red glow, peer out from a broad, toad-like face, promising nothing but malice and destruction to those who dare meet its gaze.

The Hezrou's massive, muscular frame is built for brutality, with powerful limbs ending in razor-sharp claws capable of rending flesh from bone with terrifying ease. Its maw, lined with rows of jagged teeth, can unleash a guttural roar that reverberates through the very fabric of reality, a sound that chills the blood and sows fear in the hearts of even the bravest adventurers. Yet, it is not just its physical prowess that makes the Hezrou a formidable foe; it exudes a noxious stench, a toxic miasma that can overwhelm the senses and leave its victims reeling in agony.

Hezrous are most commonly found in the fetid swamps and murky bogs of the Abyss, where the air is thick with decay and the ground is a quagmire of mud and rot. These demons revel in the chaos and corruption of their surroundings, often serving as enforcers or shock troops for more powerful demonic entities. Legends speak of Hezrous emerging from the depths to lay waste to entire villages, leaving nothing but ruin and despair in their wake. It is said that the very presence of a Hezrou can taint the land, causing crops to wither and water to turn foul, a blight that lingers long after the demon has departed.

Among the denizens of the Abyss, the Hezrou is both feared and respected, a creature of primal fury and relentless savagery. Tales of its exploits are whispered in hushed tones by those who have survived encounters with these fiends, stories of battles fought in the dead of night, where the only light comes from the baleful glow of the Hezrou's eyes. As you venture deeper into the unknown, remember this: should you hear the distant croak of a monstrous toad, or catch the faintest whiff of decay on the wind, beware, for a Hezrou may be near, lurking just beyond the veil of darkness, waiting to strike.

Hezrou Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +5

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 15

Languages

• Abyssal
• Telepathy 120 ft.

Abilities

• Magic Resistance: The hezrou has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Stench: Any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the hezrou must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the start of its next turn. On a successful saving throw, the creature is immune to the hezrou's stench for 24 hours.

Actions

• Multiattack: The hezrou makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage.
• Claws: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.

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Battle Tips for Hezrou

The Hezrou is a formidable demon known for its brute strength and toxic stench. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing the Hezrou effectively can create a challenging and memorable encounter for your players. Here are some tips on how to use the Hezrou in battle:

Using the Hezrou in Battle

• Leverage Its Stench: The Hezrou's stench ability can incapacitate players, giving it an advantage in combat. Position the Hezrou in tight spaces where players cannot easily escape the area of effect.
• Brute Force: With its high strength and multiattack capability, the Hezrou can deal significant damage. Use it to target the party's frontline fighters, potentially breaking their formation.
• Psychological Warfare: The Hezrou's demonic appearance and aura can be used to intimidate players. Describe its grotesque features and foul odor to enhance the atmosphere and create tension.

Coordinating Multiple Hezrou

• Divide and Conquer: Use multiple Hezrou to split the party. Have them attack from different directions, forcing players to divide their attention and resources.
• Stench Overload: Overwhelm the party with the combined stench of multiple Hezrou. This can be particularly effective in enclosed spaces where the players have limited mobility.
• Pack Tactics: Coordinate attacks to focus on one player at a time, using their multiattack to quickly bring down key party members.

Strategic Retreat

• Hit and Run: If the battle turns against them, Hezrou can use their superior strength to push through player lines and retreat to regroup.
• Use the Environment: Retreat into areas where their stench can be most effective, such as narrow corridors or rooms with poor ventilation.
• Summon Reinforcements: If possible, have the Hezrou call upon other demons or allies to cover their retreat, creating a new challenge for the players.

By using these strategies, you can make encounters with Hezrou both challenging and engaging, testing your players' tactical skills and adaptability.