Yuan-ti Malison

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Yuan-ti Malison Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the jungle, where the air hangs thick with humidity and the canopy above weaves a tapestry of dappled sunlight, there lurks a creature of both serpentine grace and sinister intent—the Yuan-ti Malison. As you venture deeper into this verdant labyrinth, the sounds of the jungle seem to fade, replaced by an eerie silence that clings to the air like a shroud. It is here, amidst the tangled vines and ancient trees, that the Yuan-ti Malison makes its lair, a place where the line between man and serpent blurs into something both fascinating and terrifying.

The Yuan-ti Malison is a creature of striking appearance, its form a seamless blend of human and snake. Its upper body retains a humanoid shape, with muscular arms and a torso that hints at its once-human ancestry. Yet, from the waist down, its body transforms into the sinuous coils of a serpent, scales glistening with an iridescent sheen that catches the light in mesmerizing patterns. Its eyes, slitted and cold, gleam with an intelligence that belies its bestial nature, and its forked tongue flickers in and out, tasting the air for the scent of intruders.

These creatures are known for their cunning and cruelty, often serving as the masterminds behind dark plots and sinister cults. The Yuan-ti Malison is a creature of ambition, driven by a desire for power and control. It is said that they can charm and manipulate those who wander too close, bending weaker wills to their own nefarious purposes. Legends speak of entire villages falling under the sway of a single Malison, their inhabitants becoming unwitting pawns in the creature's grand designs.

The habitat of the Yuan-ti Malison is as treacherous as the creature itself. They favor the dense jungles and ancient ruins of forgotten civilizations, places where the natural world and the remnants of the past intertwine. Here, they build their hidden temples and sanctuaries, places of dark worship where they pay homage to their serpent gods. It is whispered among the local tribes that these ruins are cursed, and those who dare to trespass do so at their own peril, for the Yuan-ti Malison guards its domain with a ferocity matched only by its cunning.

As you stand on the threshold of this forbidden realm, the air seems to pulse with an unseen energy, a warning of the danger that lies ahead. The Yuan-ti Malison is a creature of legend, a being whose very presence can turn the tide of fate. Will you face this serpent of shadow and scale, or will you heed the warnings and turn back, leaving the jungle and its secrets to slumber undisturbed?

Yuan-ti Malison Skills & Traits

Skills

• Deception +3
• Insight +4
• Perception +4
• Stealth +3

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 14

Languages

• Abyssal
• Common
• Draconic

Abilities

• Shapechanger: The yuan-ti can use its action to polymorph into a Medium snake or back into its true form. Its statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It doesn't change form if it dies.
• Innate Spellcasting: The yuan-ti's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 12). The yuan-ti can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
  • At will: animal friendship (snakes only)
  • 3/day each: suggestion
• Magic Resistance: The yuan-ti has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

• Multiattack (Yuan-ti Form Only): The yuan-ti makes two melee attacks.
• Bite (Snake Form Only): Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.
• Scimitar (Yuan-ti Form Only): Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.
• Constrict (Snake Form Only): Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 14). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, and the yuan-ti can't constrict another target.

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Battle Tips for Yuan-ti Malison

The Yuan-ti Malison is a cunning and versatile opponent, often found in the depths of ancient temples or hidden jungles. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing the unique abilities and traits of the Yuan-ti Malison can create a challenging and memorable encounter for your players. Here are some battle tips to effectively use this creature in your campaign:

Utilizing the Yuan-ti Malison's Abilities

• Shapechanger Ability: The Yuan-ti Malison can change its appearance to blend in with humans or other humanoids. Use this ability to set up ambushes or infiltrate player groups, creating a sense of paranoia and mistrust among the party.
• Innate Spellcasting: With spells like Suggestion and Animal Friendship, the Malison can manipulate the battlefield to its advantage. Use these spells to control or distract players, or to turn their allies against them.
• Multiattack: The Malison can make multiple attacks in a single turn, combining its scimitar and longbow attacks to keep pressure on the players. Position the Malison strategically to maximize its attack potential.

Coordinating with Multiple Yuan-ti Malisons

• Divide and Conquer: Use multiple Malisons to split the party, isolating weaker members and overwhelming them with coordinated attacks.
• Flanking Maneuvers: Position Malisons on opposite sides of the battlefield to flank players, granting them advantage on attack rolls and increasing their chances of landing hits.
• Spell Synergy: Coordinate spellcasting among multiple Malisons to create powerful combinations, such as using Suggestion to lure players into traps or ambushes set by other Malisons.

Strategic Retreat and Fleeing

• Hit-and-Run Tactics: If the battle turns against them, Malisons can use their superior speed and agility to disengage and retreat, regrouping for another attack later.
• Use of Terrain: Take advantage of the environment, such as dense jungles or temple corridors, to create choke points or escape routes for a strategic retreat.
• Covering Retreats: Use spells like Darkness or Fog Cloud to obscure vision and cover the retreat of the Malisons, making it difficult for players to pursue.

By leveraging the Yuan-ti Malison's unique abilities and tactics, you can create a dynamic and challenging encounter that will test your players' strategic thinking and adaptability.