Scarecrow

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Scarecrow Introduction

In the dim light of the waning moon, a figure stands motionless amidst the swaying fields of corn, its silhouette a haunting presence against the night sky. This is no ordinary scarecrow, for its eyes glint with an unnatural light, and its tattered clothing flutters with a life of its own. Crafted from straw and old, weather-beaten garments, the scarecrow's form is eerily humanoid, yet something about it feels profoundly wrong. Its head, a burlap sack stitched with crude features, seems to follow your every move, as if aware of your presence.

Legends speak of these sinister constructs as guardians of cursed lands, animated by dark magic to ward off intruders. They are said to be the remnants of a forgotten ritual, where the souls of the damned are bound to the earth, forever cursed to protect the secrets buried beneath the soil. The scarecrow's behavior is unpredictable; it remains still as stone until the moment it springs to life, moving with a jerky, unsettling grace. Its purpose is singular and relentless: to drive away those who dare to trespass.

Scarecrows are most commonly found in desolate farmlands, abandoned villages, and fields long left to ruin. These places are often shrouded in mist and shadow, where the air is thick with the scent of decay and the whispers of the past. It is said that those who encounter a scarecrow and live to tell the tale are forever marked by its gaze, haunted by nightmares of straw and shadow.

As you stand before this eerie sentinel, a chill runs down your spine. The wind picks up, rustling the dry leaves and carrying with it the faintest echo of a distant, mournful cry. You realize that the scarecrow is not merely a guardian, but a warning—a reminder of the dark forces that linger just beyond the edge of the light, waiting for the unwary to stumble into their grasp.

Scarecrow Skills & Traits

Skills

• Stealth +4

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 11

Languages

• Understands the languages of its creator but can't speak

Abilities

• Damage Vulnerabilities: Fire
• Damage Immunities: Poison
• Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Paralyzed, Poisoned
• False Appearance: While the scarecrow remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from an ordinary, inanimate scarecrow.
• Fear Aura: Any creature that starts its turn within 30 feet of the scarecrow and can see it must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of the creature's next turn.

Actions

• Multiattack: The scarecrow makes two claw attacks.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (2d4 + 1) slashing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of the scarecrow's next turn.

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Battle Tips for Scarecrow

The Scarecrow is a classic creature that can add an eerie and unsettling atmosphere to any encounter. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing Scarecrows effectively can create memorable and challenging battles for your players. Here are some tips on how to use Scarecrows in combat:

Using Scarecrows in Battle

• Psychological Warfare: Scarecrows are designed to instill fear. Use their Terrifying Glare ability to frighten players, potentially causing them to flee or become paralyzed with fear. This can be particularly effective in dimly lit or foggy environments where visibility is limited.
• Environmental Advantage: Place Scarecrows in fields, corn mazes, or abandoned farms where they can blend in with their surroundings. This allows them to ambush unsuspecting adventurers, striking when least expected.
• Illusions and Deception: Use illusions or other scarecrow-like figures to confuse players. They may waste resources attacking decoys, allowing the real Scarecrows to strike from the shadows.

Coordinating Multiple Scarecrows

• Pack Tactics: Scarecrows can work together to surround and isolate targets. Use their numbers to flank and overwhelm players, making it difficult for them to escape or regroup.
• Divide and Conquer: Have Scarecrows split the party by using their fear abilities to scatter players. This can make it easier to pick off isolated characters one by one.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, Scarecrows can retreat into the environment, using their knowledge of the terrain to evade capture. They can then regroup and launch a surprise counterattack when the players least expect it.

Fleeing and Tactical Withdrawal

• Feigning Defeat: Scarecrows can pretend to be defeated, lying still among other inanimate scarecrows. Once the players lower their guard, they can spring back to life for a surprise attack.
• Using the Environment: Scarecrows can use the environment to their advantage when fleeing. They can disappear into fields or blend into the scenery, making it difficult for players to track them.
• Creating Diversions: Use other creatures or environmental hazards to distract players while Scarecrows make their escape. This can include setting fields on fire or causing a stampede of animals.

By leveraging these tactics, Dungeon Masters can create dynamic and engaging encounters with Scarecrows that challenge players both mentally and strategically. Whether used as a lone terror or as part of a coordinated group, Scarecrows can be a formidable foe in any campaign.