Night Hag

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Night Hag Introduction

In the shadowy recesses of the world, where the veil between the waking realm and the dreamscape thins, lurks the sinister presence of the Night Hag. This malevolent creature, born of nightmares and steeped in dark magic, is a figure of dread whispered about in hushed tones by those who dare to acknowledge her existence. Her form is a grotesque parody of humanity, with skin the color of midnight and eyes that burn with an eerie, otherworldly light. Her hair, a tangled mass of shadow, seems to writhe and coil as if alive, and her long, claw-like fingers are ever poised to snatch the unwary from their slumber.

The Night Hag is a creature of cunning and malice, delighting in the torment of mortals. She is known to haunt the dreams of her victims, weaving nightmares so vivid and terrifying that they can drive even the strongest of minds to madness. Her presence is often heralded by a chill in the air and the unsettling feeling of being watched, even when no eyes are upon you. Those who fall under her spell may find themselves trapped in a cycle of restless sleep, their vitality slowly drained away as the hag feeds upon their fear and despair.

These fiendish beings are most commonly found in desolate and forsaken places, where the natural world seems to recoil from their presence. Dense, twisted forests, abandoned ruins, and mist-shrouded swamps are among their favored haunts, each location steeped in an aura of foreboding that keeps the curious at bay. It is said that the Night Hag can traverse the ethereal plane, slipping between worlds with ease, and it is in this liminal space that she crafts her dark schemes.

Legends speak of the Night Hag's insidious bargains, offering power or forbidden knowledge to those desperate enough to seek her out. But such deals are fraught with peril, for the hag's gifts are always tainted, and the price she demands is often more than one can bear. Tales abound of those who have sought her aid, only to find themselves ensnared in a web of deceit and treachery, their souls forfeit to the hag's insatiable hunger.

As you venture deeper into the unknown, be wary of the shadows that stretch and twist in the corners of your vision. For in the darkness, the Night Hag waits, her laughter a chilling echo that lingers long after the dream has ended.

Night Hag Skills & Traits

Skills

• Deception +7
• Insight +6
• Perception +6
• Stealth +7

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 16

Languages

• Abyssal
• Common
• Infernal
• Primordial

Abilities

• Innate Spellcasting: The night hag's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 14). She can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
  • At will: detect magic, magic missile
  • 2/day each: plane shift (self only), ray of enfeeblement
  • 1/day: sleep
• Magic Resistance: The night hag has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Nightmare Haunting: While on the Ethereal Plane, the hag magically touches a sleeping humanoid on the Material Plane. A protection from evil and good spell cast on the target prevents this contact, as does a magic circle. As long as the contact persists, the target has dreadful visions. If these visions last for at least 1 hour, the target gains no benefit from its rest, and its hit point maximum is reduced by 5 (1d10). If this effect reduces the target's hit point maximum to 0, the target dies, and if the target was evil, its soul is trapped in the hag's soul bag. The reduction to the target's hit point maximum lasts until removed by the greater restoration spell or similar magic.

Actions

• Claws (Hag Form Only): Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.
• Change Shape: The hag magically polymorphs into a Small or Medium female humanoid, or back into her true form. Her statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment she is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. She reverts to her true form if she dies.

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Battle Tips for Night Hag

The Night Hag is a formidable foe, known for her cunning and dark magic. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing her abilities effectively can create a memorable and challenging encounter for your players. Here are some tips on how to use a Night Hag in battle:

• Dream Haunting: Before the battle even begins, have the Night Hag haunt the dreams of one or more party members. This can weaken them before the encounter, making the battle more challenging and adding a psychological element to the fight.
• Invisibility and Etherealness: Use the Night Hag's ability to become invisible or shift to the Ethereal Plane to her advantage. She can use these abilities to reposition herself, avoid attacks, or set up ambushes. This makes her a tricky opponent to pin down.
• Covens and Allies: If the Night Hag is part of a coven, she can cast more powerful spells. Consider having her team up with other hags or dark creatures to increase the challenge. A coven can cast spells like Lightning Bolt or Bestow Curse, which can turn the tide of battle.
• Use of Minions: Night Hags often have minions or enslaved creatures at their disposal. Use these minions to distract or weaken the party while the Night Hag focuses on more powerful party members or spellcasters.
• Strategic Retreats: If the battle turns against her, the Night Hag should not hesitate to retreat. She can use her Etherealness ability to escape and regroup, potentially returning later with reinforcements or after the party has been weakened by other encounters.
• Psychological Warfare: Night Hags are masters of manipulation and fear. Use illusions, taunts, and psychological tactics to unsettle the party. This can make the battle more than just a physical confrontation, adding layers of tension and drama.

By leveraging the Night Hag's unique abilities and strategic thinking, you can create a dynamic and engaging battle that will test your players' skills and creativity.