In this set of blog entries I aim to convert the original 1e Oriental Adventure monsters to 5e to provide some extra fodder for an OA campaign. I am using both the original 1e source and the updated 3e source as reference for the build. I left some of the 3e spells intact – as the DM you will need to be creative when implementing there mechanics.
BAJANG
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Small fey (shapechanger, yokai), neutral evil Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Skills Climb +3, Deception +4, Perception +4, Stealth +3 |
Alternate Form. At will, a bajang can assume the form of a small wildcat with light brown 
fur and orange eyes, as if using the polymorph self spell. The bajang’s abilities and characteristics are unchanged in this form.
Ethereal Sight. The yokai can see 60 feet into the Ethereal Plane when it is on the Material Plane, and vice versa.
Innate Spellcasting. The bajang’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 12). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
3/Day: omen, divination, bane, ghost light, gust of wind, steam breath, and transfix
Tree Heart. A bajang’s life force is tied to a single tree in the forest where it dwells. If the tree is destroyed (chopped down, burned, or rotted with magic), the bajang dies immediately.
Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing plus 6 (2d6) poison. Target creature must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or suffer -1 on attacks. This penalty is cumulative. Creatures immune to poison are immune to this condition.
Ancient Curse (1/Day). The bajang speaks a despicable curse against a specific target or a general curse to all creatures within a 20 foot sphere that can hear must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or take 2d10+11 thunder damage and the target is cursed. Until the target is no longer cursed, it takes 3 psychic damage whenever it misses any target with an attack action. On a successful save the target takes half damage and is not cursed. At the end of each of the target’s long rests, it makes a DC 16 Religion check to try to end the curse.
- First Failed Check: The psychic damage increases to 6.
- Second Failed Check: The psychic damage increases to 9.
- Third Failed Check: The target dies.
If the cursing bajang is dead the cursed creature has advantage on its saving throw.
The following description was not included in the official SRD, and does not affect any rules or mechanics written therein. Knots of dark, mouldering hair spill over the features of this sickly, thin, green-skinned crone. The bajang is an evil and malignant creature found in tropical jungles. Its true form is that of a stunted and evil-looking humanoid with bird-like feet and clawed hands. However, the bajang is able to change shape at will, assuming the form of a small wildcat. Indeed, this is the most commonly seen appearance of the bajang.The bajang is particularly evil. In hand-to-hand combat, the bajang fights with its claws, although not to great effect. Bajangs are vicious and devious fighters, preferring weak or helpless prey. They prefer to attack sleeping victims or ambush single characters from behind.
As a spirit, the bajang suffers from all the limitations of spirit creatures, as regards spells which affect these creatures. Its lifeforce is tied to some tree in the forest in which it dwells. Should this tree be destroyed, the bajang is instantly slain. Obviously, the bajang goes to great efforts to con- ceal the location of this tree.
Bajang normally live in the area of a small village or habitation, preying on the people dwelling there. They strike at night, attempting to take their victims while sleeping. However, bajang sometimes serve powerful sorcerers of evil nature, serving as their familiar. They are intelligent and extremely devious. They speak their own language and the language common to the area they inhabit.