Yochlol

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Yochlol Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the Underdark, where the very air seems to pulse with an ancient, malevolent energy, there lurks a creature of both beauty and terror—the Yochlol. Known to the drow as the Handmaidens of Lolth, these fiendish beings are the living embodiment of their dark goddess's will. As you venture deeper into the labyrinthine tunnels, the oppressive darkness seems to thicken, and a chill runs down your spine, as if the very stones whisper of the horrors that lie ahead.

The Yochlol is a shapechanger, a creature of mutable form that can shift between a towering column of quivering, yellow-green slime and a seductive, drow-like figure. In its natural form, it resembles a grotesque pillar of ooze, its surface constantly undulating and bubbling with a sickly luminescence. When it assumes a humanoid guise, it becomes a vision of dark allure, with skin as smooth and pale as moonlight, and eyes that burn with an inner fire, betraying its fiendish nature.

These creatures are the enforcers and spies of Lolth, dispatched to ensure the drow's unwavering devotion to their spider queen. They are cunning and ruthless, capable of weaving intricate plots and manipulating the minds of those they encounter. A Yochlol's presence is often heralded by a sudden, inexplicable dread, as if the very shadows themselves are watching, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Legends speak of the Yochlol as the embodiment of Lolth's wrath, sent to punish those who dare defy her will. It is said that to encounter a Yochlol is to be tested by the goddess herself, and only the most devout—or the most fortunate—can hope to survive such an ordeal. In the darkened halls of drow cities, whispers of these creatures are enough to instill fear and obedience, for to cross a Yochlol is to invite the wrath of Lolth upon oneself.

As you stand at the threshold of the Yochlol's domain, the air grows thick with the scent of decay and the faint, echoing whispers of the damned. The walls seem to close in around you, and the darkness becomes almost palpable, as if it seeks to swallow you whole. It is here, in this forsaken place, that the true nature of the Yochlol is revealed—a creature of chaos and malice, a living testament to the dark power of the Spider Queen.

Yochlol Skills & Traits

Skills

• Deception +5
• Insight +4
• Perception +4
• Stealth +5

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 14

Languages

• Abyssal
• Elvish
• Undercommon
• Telepathy 120 ft.

Abilities

• Shapechanger: The yochlol can use its action to polymorph into a form that resembles a female drow or a giant spider, or back into its true form, which is an amorphous mass. 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.
• Magic Resistance: The yochlol has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Spider Climb: The yochlol can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Actions

• Multiattack: The yochlol makes two melee attacks.
• Pseudopod: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage plus 21 (6d6) poison damage.
• Mist Form (Recharge 4–6): The yochlol transforms into toxic mist or reverts to its true form. While in mist form, the yochlol is incapacitated and can't speak. It has a flying speed of 30 feet, can hover, and can pass through any space that isn't airtight. It has advantage on Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution saving throws, and it is immune to nonmagical damage. While in mist form, the yochlol can enter a creature's space and stop there. Each time that creature starts its turn with the yochlol in its space, the creature must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the start of its next turn. While poisoned in this way, the target is incapacitated.

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Battle Tips for Yochlol

The Yochlol, also known as the Handmaidens of Lolth, are shape-shifting demons that serve the Spider Queen. These creatures are formidable opponents in any encounter, with their ability to change forms and their innate magical abilities. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use Yochlol in battle:

Using Yochlol in Battle

• Shape-shifting Tactics: Yochlol can change their form between a cloud of toxic mist, a giant spider, or their true form. Use this ability to keep players on their toes. Start the encounter with the Yochlol in mist form to obscure vision and poison players, then shift to spider form for melee attacks.
• Spellcasting Abilities: Yochlol have access to powerful spells like Dominate Person and Charm Monster. Use these spells to turn the party against itself, creating chaos and confusion.
• Environmental Advantage: Place Yochlol in environments that complement their abilities, such as dark, web-filled caverns where they can use their spider form to move freely and set ambushes.

Coordinating Multiple Yochlol

• Divide and Conquer: Use multiple Yochlol to split the party. Have one or two Yochlol engage the front-line fighters while others use their mist form to bypass defenses and target spellcasters or healers.
• Overwhelming Magic: Coordinate their spellcasting to overwhelm the party's defenses. Multiple Yochlol casting Dominate Person can quickly turn the tide of battle.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, Yochlol can use their mist form to retreat quickly. They can regroup and return with reinforcements or a new strategy.

By leveraging their shape-shifting abilities, spellcasting prowess, and strategic coordination, Yochlol can be a challenging and memorable encounter for any adventuring party.