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The Jabberwocky (CR 9)

Converted to 5e for my own reference to play The Gardens of Ynn (and/or The Land Beyond the Magic Mirror).  Since I ended up geasing my party to fight the Jabberwocky I felt throwing a CR 15 version at a party of level 3 characters was over the top.  This is a reduced threat version.


The Jabberwock is a strange dragon-like creature, with a long neck, bulging eyes, rodent-like incisors, and wide, grasping humanlike hands. The Jabberwock is a herald of intoxication. Where it passes, things behave drunkenly. Those who meet it are permanently altered. Perhaps there is some link to the Idea Of Thorns, but the Jabberwock is not infected.

THE JABBERWOCKY

AC 17; HP 207, Speed 40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft.
Saves +8, +5, +4
Damage Immunity All damage except vorpal and dragonslayer weapons.
Damage Vulnerability Double damage from vorpal weapons
Senses Blindsight 60 ft., Darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 22
Languages Common, Draconic
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)

Amphibious. The Jabberwocky can breathe air and water.

False Appearance. While the Jabberwocky remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a large hill.

Intoxicating Aura. Observing the Jabberwocky deals d2 damage to Intelligence each round. When a 4 is rolled for intelligence damage, roll for Ynnian Alterations (no save).

Immutable Form. The Jabberwocky is immune to any spell or effect that would alter its form.

Vorpal Vulnerability. If the Jabberwocky is struck by a vorpal weapon or any weapon with the dragon slayer trait its damage immunity is suppressed for this encounter and instead gains the trait:

  • Damage Resistance All damage except vorpal and dragonslayer weapons.
ACTIONS

Multiattack. The Jabberwocky makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 1d6 + 4 piercing damage plus 1d6 poison damage.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d6 + 4 slashing damage.

Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 1d6 + 6 bludgeoning damage.

Purple Haze (Recharge 5–6). The dragon shoots purple lightning from its eyes in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw, taking 10d8 fire/lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. A creature that takes damage from this attack is exposed to Ynnian Alterations (with a Wisdom saving throw allowed).

LEGENDARY ACTIONS
The Jabberwocky can take 1 legendary action, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The Jabberwocky regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
  • Detect. The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
  • Tail Attack. The dragon makes a tail attack.
  • Wing Attack. The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 10 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or take 13 (2d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.

SPECIAL
If the purple blood of the jabberwocky is drunk, the creature is automatically returned to their home plane at the point they first left.

 


’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
      Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
      And the mome raths outgrabe.
“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
      The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
      The frumious Bandersnatch!”
He took his vorpal sword in hand;
      Long time the manxome foe he sought—
So rested he by the Tumtum tree
      And stood awhile in thought.
And, as in uffish thought he stood,
      The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
      And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through
      The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
      He went galumphing back.
“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
      Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
      He chortled in his joy.
’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
      Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
      And the mome raths outgrabe.

Posted in 5e, Clash of the Titans, Dungeons & Dragons, Monstrous Compendium

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