Medium monstrosity (yuan-ti), neutral evil
Armor Class 12
Hit Points 66 (12d8 + 12)
Speed 30 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +2
Proficiency Bonus +5 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 16 (+3) |
Saving Throws (suggested) Str +5, Dex +4, Int +4
Skills Deception +5, Stealth +4
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Abyssal, Common, Draconic
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
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 (Yuan-ti Form Only). The yuan-ti’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13). The yuan-ti can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
- At will: animal friendship (snakes only)
- 3/day: suggestion
Magic Resistance. The yuan-ti has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Malison Type. The yuan-ti has one of the following types:
- Type 1: Human body with snake head
- Type 2: Human head and body with snakes for arms
- Type 3: Human head and upper body with a serpentine lower body instead of legs
ACTIONS
For type 1
- Multiattack (Yuan-ti Form Only). The yuan-ti makes two ranged attacks or two melee attacks, but can use its bite only once.
- Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. 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.
- Longbow (Yuan-ti Form Only). Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.
For type 2
- Multiattack (Yuan-ti Form Only). The yuan-ti makes two bite attacks using its snake arms.
- Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.
For type 3
- Multiattack (Yuan-ti Form Only). The yuan-ti makes two ranged attacks or two melee attacks, but can constrict only once.
- Bite (Snake Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.
- Constrict. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 13). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, and the yuan-ti can’t constrict another target.
- Scimitar (Yuan-ti Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.
- Longbow (Yuan-ti Form Only). Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing 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 Malison is a type of monstrosity that has both human and snake-like features. They are shapechangers that can transform into a medium-sized snake or back to their true form. They are also innate spellcasters that can charm animals and influence the minds of others. The Yuan-Ti Malison has different types depending on the extent of their serpentine traits:
- Type 1: Human body with snake head
- Type 2: Human head and body with snakes for arms
- Type 3: Human head and upper body with a serpentine lower body instead of legs
The Yuan-Ti Malison is a product of the Yuan-Ti’s experiments to create more powerful and loyal servants. They are considered halfbloods by the Yuan-Ti, and they serve as warriors and temple assistants in their society. They are usually loyal to their masters, but some may harbor resentment or ambition for a higher status.
COMBAT
The Yuan-Ti Malison is a cunning and ruthless combatant that uses its shapechanging ability, magic, and natural weapons to gain an advantage over its enemies. Depending on its type, it may use different tactics and strategies in battle:
- Type 1: This type prefers to fight from a distance, using its longbow to deliver poisoned arrows or its innate spellcasting to manipulate its foes. It may also use its bite attack to inflict more poison damage if cornered or in melee range.
- Type 2: This type favors close combat, using its snake arms to bite and grapple its opponents. It may also use its innate spellcasting to charm or suggest actions to its enemies, making them more vulnerable to its attacks.
- Type 3: This type is more agile and mobile, using its constrict attack to squeeze and restrain its targets. It may also use its scimitar or longbow to deal slashing or piercing damage, or its innate spellcasting to influence or deceive its foes.
The Yuan-Ti Malison is resistant to poison and immune to being poisoned. It also has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects, making it harder to affect with magic. The Yuan-Ti Malison usually fights in groups, coordinating with other Yuan-Ti or allied creatures. It may also retreat or surrender if the situation becomes unfavorable.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
The Yuan-Ti Malison lives in the same places as the Yuan-Ti, such as ancient ruins, hidden temples, or tropical jungles. They are part of the Yuan-Ti’s complex and hierarchical society, where they occupy a middle rank between the purebloods and the abominations. They are expected to obey and serve their superiors, especially the anathemas, who are the leaders and demigods of the Yuan-Ti.
The Yuan-Ti Malison has a mixed attitude towards other races. They may view them as enemies, slaves, food, or potential converts. They may also ally with them for mutual benefit or deception. The Yuan-Ti Malison follows the same religion as the Yuan-Ti, worshipping the god Sseth and his avatar Zehir. They seek to spread their influence and restore their former glory as a dominant civilization.
ECOLOGY
The Yuan-Ti Malison is a carnivorous creature that feeds on meat, preferably warm-blooded animals or humanoids. They may also consume plants or fruits for variety or necessity. They have a low reproductive rate, as they are usually sterile or infertile due to their hybrid nature. They may also be created artificially by the Yuan-Ti’s rituals or experiments.
The Yuan-Ti Malison has few natural predators, as they are formidable fighters and can blend in with their surroundings. They may face threats from adventurers, explorers, or other enemies of the Yuan-Ti. They may also compete with other reptilian races, such as lizardfolk, kobolds, or troglodytes, for resources or territory.