This site is games | books | films

Deer Woman, Guardian of the Wilds

Deer Woman 1
Create

The Deer Woman is a captivating and enigmatic figure from Native American folklore, often depicted as a supernatural being with both human and deer-like traits. She typically appears as a stunningly beautiful woman with long, flowing hair and piercing eyes, but with the lower body of a deer, featuring hooves and elegant, slender legs. In some variations, her entire body may resemble a deer, save for a human-like face. Her skin is said to have a soft, earthy tone, blending seamlessly with the forest environment she inhabits.

Deer Woman is known for her graceful and elusive behavior, moving silently through forests or meadows, often in the twilight hours, where her presence feels otherworldly. While she may appear gentle and kind, she is also a formidable figure, capable of swift and decisive actions, especially when wronged. She has been portrayed as both a protector of nature and a punisher of those who disrespect the natural world, particularly men who are deceitful, predatory, or harmful toward women. Her behavior can shift from nurturing to vengeful in an instant, reflecting the duality of her nature.

Deer Woman’s habitat is typically in lush, forested areas or dense woodlands, where she blends into the wilderness. These places are often considered sacred and filled with natural beauty, representing the harmony she embodies between the human and animal worlds. The forest is where she feels most at home, and it is also where her power is strongest.

Her modus operandi involves using her beauty and charm to lure men into the forest, where she reveals her true nature. Those who approach her with ill intentions or who fail to respect her may find themselves ensnared by her supernatural abilities—sometimes cursed, transformed into animals, or led to a fatal encounter. For others, she might serve as a guide or protector, especially to those who approach her with reverence and humility.

Deer Woman’s motivation lies in the balance of life and respect for nature. She punishes those who harm the earth, its creatures, or women, serving as a reminder of the consequences of greed, arrogance, or disrespect. At the same time, she can also symbolize fertility, grace, and the interconnectedness of all life, teaching that true beauty and strength lie in harmony with nature. Her actions often reflect a deeper moral lesson about the importance of balance, respect, and the consequences of one’s actions.


  • Deer Woman 5e
  • Deer Woman Pathfinder

Deer Woman
Create

Large fey, chaotic neutral


Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 172 (15d10 + 90)
Speed 40 ft.


STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
18 (+4)20 (+5)22 (+6)14 (+2)18 (+4)24 (+7)

Saving Throws Dexterity +9, Wisdom +8, Charisma +11
Skills Acrobatics +9, Deception +11, Insight +8, Persuasion +11, Stealth +9
Damage Resistances Psychic; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks
Damage Immunities Poison, Necrotic
Condition Immunities Charmed, Frightened
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Sylvan, Elvish
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +4


TRAITS

Fey Presence

As an action, the Deer Woman can use her fey magic to beguile or terrify those around her. Each creature within a 30-foot radius of her that can see her must succeed on a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed or frightened (Deer’s choice) for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Innate Charm

The Deer Woman is a master manipulator. She adds double her Charisma modifier to any ability check that uses Charisma (Persuasion, Deception, or Intimidation), and creatures charmed by her have disadvantage on saving throws against her spells and abilities that influence emotions.

Magic Resistance

The Deer Woman has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Regeneration

The Deer Woman regains 10 hit points at the start of her turn if she has at least 1 hit point remaining.

Nature’s Embrace (Recharge 5-6)

The Deer Woman can regenerate 30 hit points, and any poisoned or frightened creature within 30 feet of her that can hear her calming whispers immediately has the effect ended. This ability recharges after a short or long rest.


ACTIONS

Multiattack

The Deer Woman makes two attacks: one with her Hoof and one with her Spear (or another weapon of choice).

Hoof (Melee Weapon Attack)

Attack Bonus: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 21 (3d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Spear (Melee Weapon Attack)

Attack Bonus: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 17 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage. If the Deer Woman hits with a spear attack, she may attempt to push the target 10 feet away from her.

Mystic Horns (Melee Weapon Attack)

Attack Bonus: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 24 (3d10 + 4) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of its next turn.

Entangling Vines (Recharge 5-6)

The Deer Woman can cast Entangle (save DC 18), causing plants within a 60-foot radius to grow rapidly, attempting to ensnare creatures within range. The entangled creatures must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be restrained. The effect lasts for 1 minute or until the vines are destroyed (AC 15, 20 HP). Creatures can make a Strength saving throw at the end of each of their turns to break free.


LEGENDARY ACTIONS

The Deer Woman can take 3 legendary actions, 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 Deer Woman regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.

  • Charm Gaze (Costs 1 Action): The Deer Woman targets one creature she can see within 30 feet. The creature must succeed on a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns to end the effect on itself.
  • Mystical Step (Costs 2 Actions): The Deer Woman teleports up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space she can see.
  • Wild Strike (Costs 3 Actions): The Deer Woman makes a Hoof or Spear attack.

REACTIONS

Fey Dodge

When a creature the Deer Woman can see attacks her with an attack roll, she can use her reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll.

Hypnotic Resistance

When a creature charmed by the Deer Woman is attacked, it can use its reaction to protect itself with a magical shield of light, imposing disadvantage on the attack roll.


SPELLCASTING

The Deer Woman is a 12th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell attacks). She has the following spells prepared:


  • Cantrips (at will): Druidcraft, Thaumaturgy, Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation
  • 1st Level (4 slots): Charm Person, Entangle, Detect Magic, Faerie Fire
  • 2nd Level (3 slots): Calm Emotions, Misty Step, Hold Person
  • 3rd Level (3 slots): Hypnotic Pattern, Plant Growth, Counterspell
  • 4th Level (3 slots): Greater Invisibility, Dominate Beast, Polymorph
  • 5th Level (2 slots): Dominate Person, Tree Stride
  • 6th Level (1 slot): True Seeing, Mass Suggestion
  • 7th Level (1 slot): Teleport, Regenerate

TACTICS AND BEHAVIOR

The Deer Woman uses her aura of charm and magical allure to manipulate and ensnare enemies. She attempts to beguile or frighten her enemies with her Fey Presence and Charm Gaze abilities before engaging in melee combat. Her Hoof and Spear are used for high-damage strikes, while Mystic Horns can stun key targets to eliminate threats.

The Deer Woman will often retreat or teleport with Mystical Step to take advantage of her Regeneration and Fey Dodge abilities. She uses her environment to her advantage, entangling foes with Entangling Vines and manipulating the battlefield with her plant-based spells. She may also use Nature’s Embrace to heal herself or end conditions affecting her.

In a multi-foe scenario, she separates enemies with Entangle and focuses on weaker foes with Charm Person or Hypnotic Pattern, causing division in the party. If threatened by stronger opponents, she will use Dominate Person or Mass Suggestion to turn enemies into her allies or manipulate the battlefield to her advantage.


ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS AND LORE

The Deer Woman is a protector of the wilds, her domain often being deep within ancient forests or fey-touched groves. She uses her connection to nature to call upon the land’s power, manipulating plants, creatures, and the very essence of the wilderness around her. Her domain is full of enchantments, and those who wander into it uninvited may be lured by her siren-like charm into dangerous circumstances.

While the Deer Woman is capable of being a dangerous foe, she is not inherently evil. She seeks to maintain balance in nature, and her goals may align with those of the players if they show respect for the land. However, those who exploit the natural world or disrespect her territory will face her full wrath.

Deer Woman
Create

CR: 7
XP: 3,200
N Medium Outsider (Native, Forest)
Init: +6; Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +13


DEFENSE

  • AC: 21, touch 15, flat-footed 18 (+3 Dex, +6 natural, +2 deflection)
  • HP: 85 (10d8+40)
  • Fortitude: +8
  • Reflex: +9
  • Will: +7
  • DR 5/cold iron
  • Immune: Fear, poison, charm
  • Resistances: Electricity 5, Fire 5
  • Spell Resistance: 17

OFFENSE

  • Speed: 40 ft. (forest terrain), 30 ft. (normal terrain)
  • Melee:
    • Spear +11 (1d8+5 piercing)
    • Hoof +8 (1d6+3 bludgeoning)
    • Antler Ram +9 (1d8+4 damage)
  • Ranged:
    • Spear Throw +10 (1d8+5 piercing)

SPECIAL ATTACKS

  • Trample (Ex): 2d6+5 bludgeoning damage (Reflex DC 20 half); knockdown
  • Antler Ram (Ex): 1d8+4 damage (Reflex DC 20 to avoid knockdown)
  • Enchanting Gaze (Su): Will DC 17; mesmerizes a creature for 1d4 rounds
  • Nature’s Fury (Su): +4 bonus to attack and damage rolls, all damage is magical (1 minute, 1/day)

SPELL-LIKE ABILITIES

(Caster Level 9th, Charisma-based)

  • 1st Level (DC 14 + spell level):
    • Entangle
    • Speak with Animals
  • 2nd Level (DC 15 + spell level):
    • Barkskin
    • Hideous Laughter
  • 3rd Level (DC 16 + spell level):
    • Call Lightning
    • Protection from Energy (fire)

SPECIAL ABILITIES

  • Deer’s Agility (Ex): +2 bonus on Acrobatics, Escape Artist checks; 5-foot step even in difficult terrain
  • Forest Step (Su): Teleport up to 60 ft. within forested areas (1d4 rounds recharge)
  • Hoof Kick (Ex): Charge attack deals 1d6+4 bludgeoning damage; Reflex DC 19 to avoid being knocked prone
  • Wild Shape (Su): Can assume giant stag form (1/day)

STATISTICS

  • Str: 16
  • Dex: 17
  • Con: 18
  • Int: 14
  • Wis: 16
  • Cha: 18

ECOLOGY

  • Environment: Temperate forests, sacred groves
  • Organization: Solitary, pair, or hunt (3–6)
  • Treasure: Standard


Tactics

  • Pre-Battle: Deer Woman begins combat by summoning the natural forces around her. She casts Barkskin on herself and prepares for close combat by using her Enchanting Gaze on a single target to disable a key opponent. If a target proves difficult, she uses Hideous Laughter to incapacitate enemies.
  • During Battle: In melee combat, Deer Woman will use her Spear and Hoof attacks to keep enemies at a distance, using her Trample to crush and knock down smaller creatures. She will also exploit Forest Step to reposition herself strategically, avoiding attacks while staying within forested areas to utilize her Trample and Antler Ram. If surrounded, she will attempt to use Nature’s Fury to increase her damage output. Her Enchanting Gaze can confuse an enemy, leaving them vulnerable to further attacks.
  • Escape Tactics: If the battle turns against her, Deer Woman will retreat into the forest using Forest Step, and may attempt to Call Lightning or Speak with Animals to send creatures in the area to hinder pursuing foes.

Environment

Deer Woman is typically found in deep forests or sacred groves, where the wilds are undisturbed. She is most active at dawn and dusk, when the forest is alive with magic. Her home is often surrounded by ancient trees, flowing streams, and dense underbrush. She acts as a guardian spirit, protecting the natural world from harm.


Lore

Deer Woman is a mystical spirit of the forest, worshipped and feared by many indigenous peoples who revere the natural world. Some believe she is the embodiment of nature’s wrath, while others see her as a gentle protector of the woods. Her antlers symbolize her connection to the wilderness, while her deer-like legs and graceful, lithe movements evoke the agility and swiftness of the animal kingdom. Deer Woman is said to have the power to mesmerize humans and creatures alike with her beauty and gaze, and is often encountered by those who venture too far into sacred forest groves.

Scroll to Top