Medium humanoid (shapechanger), neutral evil
Armor Class 11
Hit Points 67 (9d8 + 27)
Speed 30 ft. (20 ft. and swim 40 ft. in hybrid form)
Proficiency Bonus +2
Proficiency Bonus +4 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 13 (+1) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) |
Saving Throws Wis +3, Cha +4
Skills Deception +6, Insight +3, Sleight of Hand +3, Stealth +3
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Aquan, Common, thieves’ cant
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Shapechanger. The deep scion can use its action to polymorph into a humanoid-piscine hybrid form, or back into its true form. Its statistics, other than its speed, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. The deep scion reverts to its true form if it dies.
Amphibious (Hybrid Form Only). The deep scion can breathe air and water.
ACTIONS
- Multiattack. In humanoid form, the deep scion makes two melee attacks. In hybrid form, the deep scion makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
- Battleaxe (Humanoid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage, or 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage if used with two hands.
- Bite (Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage.
- Claw (Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage.
- Psychic Screech (Hybrid Form Only; Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). The deep scion emits a terrible scream audible within 300 feet. Creatures within 30 feet of the deep scion must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be stunned until the end of the deep scion’s next turn. In water, the psychic screech also telepathically transmits the deep scion’s memories of the last 24 hours to its master, regardless of distance, so long as it and its master are in the same body of water.
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
A deep scion is a humanoid who was kidnapped or rescued by a powerful underwater entity, such as a kraken, an aboleth, or a sea hag, and forced to undergo a horrific transformation into a shapechanger. A deep scion can appear as a normal human, or as a hybrid of human and fish, with scales, fins, gills, and sharp teeth. A deep scion serves its master as a spy, an assassin, or a saboteur, infiltrating coastal communities and ships to gather information, sow discord, or cause destruction.
COMBAT
A deep scion prefers to avoid direct confrontation, relying on its deception and stealth skills to accomplish its missions. However, if cornered or ordered by its master, a deep scion can be a formidable opponent. In its humanoid form, a deep scion can wield weapons and use thieves’ cant to communicate with other rogues. In its hybrid form, a deep scion gains enhanced speed and senses, as well as the ability to breathe underwater. A deep scion can also unleash a psychic scream that can stun nearby enemies and transmit its memories to its master.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
A deep scion lives a double life, switching between its human and hybrid forms as needed. In its human guise, a deep scion can blend in with any society, adopting various roles and personas to gain trust and access. A deep scion can be a sailor, a merchant, a fisherman, a pirate, or even a noble. A deep scion often operates alone, but sometimes works with other agents of its master or allies itself with other aquatic creatures. In its hybrid form, a deep scion dwells in the depths of the sea, near the lair of its master or in hidden caves.
ECOLOGY
A deep scion is an unnatural creature, created by dark magic and bound to the will of its master. A deep scion has no free will or personality of its own, only the memories and skills of its former life. A deep scion does not age or reproduce, and only dies if killed or released by its master. A deep scion feeds on raw fish and other sea creatures, but can also consume human food in its humanoid form. A deep scion has no natural enemies or predators, except those who oppose its master’s schemes.