Jackalwere

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Jackalwere Introduction

In the dim glow of the moonlit night, a sinister presence lurks at the fringes of the desert, where the sands meet the sparse, thorny brush of the wasteland. The Jackalwere, a creature of cunning and deceit, prowls these desolate lands, its eyes gleaming with an unnatural intelligence. As the wind whispers through the dunes, tales of this shape-shifting predator echo in the minds of those who dare to wander too close to its domain.

The Jackalwere appears at first as an ordinary jackal, its sleek, tawny fur blending seamlessly with the arid landscape. Yet, upon closer inspection, one might notice the unsettling glint of sentience in its gaze, a hint of the malevolent spirit that lies beneath its animal guise. When the time is right, this creature reveals its true nature, standing upright to assume a grotesque hybrid form—a twisted amalgamation of man and beast. In this state, its limbs elongate, and its claws sharpen, ready to rend flesh from bone.

Legends speak of the Jackalwere as the cursed offspring of a pact between a mortal and a dark deity, forever bound to serve as a harbinger of doom. It is said that these creatures possess the ability to weave illusions, ensnaring the minds of their prey with visions of safety and comfort, only to strike when their victims are most vulnerable. Their voices, a haunting blend of human and animal, can lull even the most vigilant traveler into a false sense of security.

Jackalweres are often found in the company of their jackal kin, leading packs with a ruthless cunning that belies their bestial appearance. They favor the shadows of ancient ruins and forgotten tombs, where the veil between worlds is thin, and the whispers of the past linger like ghosts. In these forsaken places, they plot and scheme, ever watchful for the next unwary soul to cross their path.

Beware, adventurers, for the Jackalwere is a master of deception, and its hunger for chaos knows no bounds. Should you find yourself in the barren expanse of its territory, trust not the eyes of the jackal, for they may be the last thing you see before darkness claims you.

Jackalwere Skills & Traits

Skills

• Deception +2
• Perception +2
• Stealth +2

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 12

Languages

• Common
• Gnoll

Abilities

• Shapechanger: The jackalwere can use its action to polymorph into a specific Medium human or back into its true form, which is a Small jackal-humanoid hybrid. Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
• Keen Hearing and Smell: The jackalwere has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.

Actions

• Multiattack: The jackalwere makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its scimitar.
• Bite (Jackal or Hybrid Form Only): Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
• Scimitar (Human or Hybrid Form Only): Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage.
• Sleep Gaze: The jackalwere gazes at one creature it can see within 30 feet of it. The target must succeed on a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw or fall unconscious for 10 minutes, or until the sleeper takes damage, or someone uses an action to shake or slap the sleeper awake. Undead and creatures immune to being charmed aren't affected by this ability.

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Battle Tips for the Jackalwere

The Jackalwere is a cunning and deceptive creature that can pose a significant threat to adventurers, especially when used strategically by a Dungeon Master. Here are some tips on how to effectively utilize Jackalweres in battle:

Utilizing the Jackalwere's Abilities

• Deceptive Appearance: Jackalweres can appear as normal jackals or humanoids, allowing them to infiltrate and ambush unsuspecting parties. Use this ability to set up surprise attacks or to gather information on the adventurers before engaging in combat.
• Sleep Gaze: The Jackalwere's Sleep Gaze can incapacitate a target, making it easier to overwhelm the party. Target spellcasters or heavily armored warriors to neutralize key threats early in the battle.
• Pack Tactics: When multiple Jackalweres are present, they gain advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of their allies is within 5 feet of the target. Use this to swarm and quickly take down isolated party members.

Strategies for Multiple Jackalweres

• Coordinated Attacks: Have Jackalweres work in pairs or small groups to maximize their Pack Tactics ability. This can be particularly effective in tight spaces where adventurers cannot easily maneuver.
• Divide and Conquer: Use the Jackalweres' ability to blend in with jackals to split the party. Lure some members away with a feigned retreat or by leading them into a trap, then ambush the separated adventurers.
• Hit and Run Tactics: Jackalweres can use their speed and agility to hit hard and then retreat, drawing adventurers into unfavorable terrain or towards reinforcements.

Fleeing and Survival Tactics

• Feign Weakness: If the battle turns against them, Jackalweres can pretend to be defeated or injured, only to strike again when the adventurers let their guard down.
• Retreat to Safety: Use their knowledge of the terrain to escape through narrow passages or dense foliage where larger or less agile adventurers cannot easily follow.
• Call for Reinforcements: If the Jackalweres are part of a larger pack or allied with other creatures, they can retreat to regroup and return with additional forces.

By leveraging their unique abilities and cunning tactics, Jackalweres can be a formidable challenge for any adventuring party. As a Dungeon Master, use these tips to create engaging and dynamic encounters that test the strategic thinking and adaptability of your players.