Huge monstrosity (yuan-ti), neutral evil
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 189 (18d12 + 72)
Speed 40 ft., climb 30 ft., swim 30 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +4
Proficiency Bonus +7 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 (+6) | 13 (+1) | 17 (+3) | 17 (+3) | 17 (+3) | 20 (+5) |
Saving Throws (suggested) Str +10, Con +7, Int +7, Wis +7, Cha +9
Skills Perception +7, Stealth +5
Damage Resistances acid, fire, lightning
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses blindsight 30 ft., darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages Abyssal, Common, Draconic
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)
Innate Spellcasting (Anathema Form Only). The anathema’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material
components:
- At will: animal friendship (snakes only)
- 3/day each: darkness, entangle, fear, haste, suggestion, polymorph
- 1 /day: divine word
Magic Resistance. The anathema has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Ophidiophobia Aura. Any creature of the anathema’s choice, other than a snake or a yuan-ti, that starts its turn within 30 feet of the anathema and can see or hear it must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of snakes and yuan-ti. A frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a target’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the target is immune to this aura for the next 24 hours.
Shapechanger. The anathema can use its action to polymorph into a Huge giant constrictor 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.
Six Heads. The anathema has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks and on saving throws against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, or knocked
unconscious.
ACTIONS
- Multiattack (Anathema Form Only). The anathema makes two claw attacks, one constrict attack, and one Flurry of Bites attack.
- Multiattack (suggested, Anathema Form Only). The anathema makes two claw attacks, one constrict attack, and six bite attacks.
- Claw (Anathema Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: + 10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage.
- Constrict. Melee Weapon Attack:+ 10 to hit, reach 15 ft., one Large or smaller creature. Hit: 16 (3d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage plus 7 (2d6) acid damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 16). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained and takes 16 (3d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage plus 7 (2d6) acid damage at the start of each of its turns, and the anathema can’t constrict another target.
- Flurry of Bites. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one creature. Hit: 27 (6d6 + 6) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) poison damage.
- Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one creature. Hit: 9 (1d6 + 6) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) poison damage.
5th Edition Advanced Mode
Limiting the power of a character and making the overall difficulty of the game harder, does not reduce the creativity, indeed it does quite the opposite.
The Game Master has the option to use any and all of the instances proposed in this guide, or just some of them according to their preference.
It is the lack of something that move and motivate characters, not the abundance of it
DESCRIPTION
The Yuan-Ti Anathema is a monstrous creature that represents the pinnacle of the yuan-ti’s quest for godhood. It is the result of a dark ritual that transforms a yuan-ti abomination into a larger, more powerful, and more aggressive form. An anathema has six snake heads, each with its own personality and abilities, and a massive body covered in scales and claws. An anathema is immortal and can live for thousands of years, unless it is slain by a powerful foe or sacrifices itself for a greater cause.
COMBAT
An anathema is a formidable opponent in combat, as it can unleash a barrage of attacks with its six heads, each capable of biting, spitting venom, or casting spells. An anathema also has a powerful tail that can constrict and crush its enemies. An anathema is resistant to many forms of damage and immune to poison, and it can use its magic to alter its shape, charm its foes, or summon other yuan-ti to aid it. An anathema prefers to avoid melee combat when possible, and instead uses its cunning and charisma to manipulate others into doing its bidding.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
An anathema is revered as a god by other yuan-ti, who worship it and obey its commands without question. An anathema usually dwells in a hidden temple or a ruined city, surrounded by loyal followers and guarded by traps and monsters. An anathema seeks to expand its influence and power by conquering other lands, enslaving other races, or destroying its enemies. An anathema also has a keen interest in ancient lore and secrets, especially those related to the fallen god Dendar the Night Serpent.
ECOLOGY
An anathema is a rare and unnatural creature that has little impact on the natural environment. It feeds on the flesh and blood of its victims, but does not need to eat often. It does not reproduce, but instead creates new yuan-ti through rituals or experiments. An anathema has few predators, as most creatures fear and avoid it. An anathema’s main threat comes from adventurers, heroes, or rival deities who seek to challenge or destroy it.