Spriggan

Medium fey, chaotic neutral
A grotesque, mischievous guardian of ancient treasures, Spriggans are small and cunning but can swell to terrifying size when angered, using natural attacks, illusions, and curses to protect their hoards.

Armor Class: 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 105 (14d8 + 42)
Speed: 30 ft., climb 20 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	14 (+2)	16 (+3)	12 (+1)	14 (+2)	13 (+1)

Saving Throws: Dex +5, Wis +5
Skills: Stealth +7, Perception +5, Arcana +4
Damage Resistances: bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities: psychic
Condition Immunities: charmed, frightened
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages: Common, Sylvan
Challenge: 7 (2,900 XP)

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Traits

Swelling Form (Recharge 5–6). As a bonus action, the Spriggan can grow to Large size for 1 minute. While swollen:

• Strength becomes 20 (+5)
• Reach increases by 5 ft.
• Twisted Claws deal an extra 7 (2d6) slashing damage

Fey Cunning. The Spriggan has advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.

Innate Spellcasting (Fey). The Spriggan’s spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 12). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

• At will: Minor Illusion, Mage Hand
• 3/day each: Mirror Image, Misty Step, Bestow Curse

Treasure Guardian. The Spriggan knows the location of treasures within 100 ft. of its lair and has advantage on attack rolls against creatures attempting to steal or tamper with them.

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Actions

Multiattack. The Spriggan makes two Twisted Claw attacks or one Twisted Claw attack and casts one spell.

Twisted Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage. On a hit, the Spriggan can knock the target prone (DC 12 Strength).

Cursed Touch (Recharge 5–6). Melee Spell Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (3d6) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw or be cursed, suffering disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks until the curse is removed.

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Reactions

Evasive Trickery (1/Day). When targeted by an attack, the Spriggan can impose disadvantage on the attack roll.

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Legendary Actions (3 per round)

The Spriggan can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn.

• Move. The Spriggan moves up to half its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
• Illusory Double. The Spriggan creates a duplicate of itself in an unoccupied space within 30 ft. The duplicate lasts until the start of the Spriggan’s next turn. It has AC 12, 1 HP, and disappears if hit.
• Swift Strike (Costs 2 Actions). The Spriggan makes one Twisted Claw attack.

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Tactics

Spriggans rely on ambush and cunning. They hide in shadows or among ruins, using illusions to confuse and separate intruders. They strike first with spells and hit-and-run attacks, swelling to enormous size only when directly threatened. In combat, they exploit terrain, lead foes into traps, and retreat if outmatched, prioritizing the protection of treasures over defeating opponents.

Spriggan

Medium Fey (Chaotic Neutral)
A grotesque, mischievous guardian of ancient treasures, Spriggans are small, cunning fey that can swell to terrifying size when angered, using twisted claws, curses, and illusions to protect their hoards.

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DEFENSE

AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16 (+2 Dex, +6 natural)
hp 85 (10d8+40)
Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +6
Defensive Abilities fey traits, swelling form; DR 5/magic; Immune mind-affecting effects
Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

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OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft., climb 20 ft.

Melee

• Twisted Claws +11 (2d6+5; DC 12 Strength to avoid being knocked prone)

Special Attacks

• Cursed Touch +4 melee touch, 3d6 necrotic damage; target must succeed on DC 14 Will save or suffer –2 penalty on attack rolls and skill checks until remove curse is cast.
• Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th; concentration +8)
  • At will—minor illusion, mage hand
  • 3/day—mirror image, misty step
  • 1/day—bestow curse

Swelling Form (Su): As a swift action, the Spriggan can grow to Large size for 1 minute. While enlarged:

• Strength increases to 20 (+5)
• Reach increases by 5 ft.
• Claw attacks deal an additional 2d6 damage
• Gains +2 natural armor

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STATISTICS

Str 16, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 13
Base Atk +7; CMB +10; CMD 22
Feats Weapon Focus (Claw), Improved Initiative, Dodge, Mobility
Skills Stealth +15, Perception +10, Acrobatics +9, Knowledge (arcana) +6
Languages Common, Sylvan
SQ fey traits, treasure obsession

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TACTICS

Before Combat: Spriggans hide among ruins, shadows, or foliage, preparing illusions to mislead intruders.
During Combat: They strike with spell-like abilities and Twisted Claws, swelling to Large size only when directly threatened. Spriggans exploit terrain, ambush choke points, and isolate foes, prioritizing treasure protection over slaying enemies.
Morale: Retreats if outmatched, returning to its lair to regroup.

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ECOLOGY

Environment: Temperate forests, ruins, ancient burial sites
Organization: Solitary or pair
Treasure: Hoards of coins, gems, minor magical items, and trinkets

CR: 6

Spriggan

Medium Fey (Chaotic Neutral)
A grotesque, cunning guardian of treasures, Spriggans are small fey capable of swelling to monstrous size when angered, using claws, curses, and illusions to protect their hoards.

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Hit Dice: 10d8+40 (85 hp)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 30 ft., climb 20 ft.
Armor Class: 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16 (+2 Dex, +6 natural)
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+10
Attack: Twisted Claws +11 melee (2d6+5, DC 12 Strength to avoid being knocked prone)
Full Attack: Twisted Claws +11/+6 melee (2d6+5, DC 12 Strength to avoid being knocked prone)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. (10 ft. reach when Swelling Form active)

Special Attacks: Cursed Touch (3d6 necrotic, DC 14 Will or cursed), spell-like abilities, Swelling Form

Special Qualities: DR 5/magic, fey traits, Swelling Form, treasure guardian, immunity to mind-affecting effects, resistances to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Saves: Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +6
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 13
Skills: Stealth +15, Perception +10, Acrobatics +9, Knowledge (arcana) +6
Feats: Weapon Focus (Claw), Improved Initiative, Dodge, Mobility
Environment: Temperate forests, ruins, ancient burial sites
Organization: Solitary or pair
Challenge Rating: 6

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Languages: Common, Sylvan

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Special Abilities

Swelling Form (Su): As a swift action, the Spriggan can grow to Large size for 1 minute. While enlarged: Strength increases to 20 (+5), reach increases by 5 ft., claw attacks deal an extra 2d6 damage, and natural armor increases by +2. Usable 1/day.

Cursed Touch (Su): Melee touch attack; deals 3d6 necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 14 Will save or take –2 penalty on attack rolls and skill checks until remove curse is cast.

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th; concentration +8):

• At will: minor illusion, mage hand
• 3/day: mirror image, misty step
• 1/day: bestow curse

Treasure Guardian (Ex): Spriggans know the location of treasures within 100 ft. and gain +2 to attack rolls against creatures attempting to steal or tamper with them.

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Combat Tactics

Before Combat: Hides in shadows, ruins, or foliage; sets illusions to mislead intruders.
During Combat: Strikes with spell-like abilities first, then claws. Swells to Large size only when threatened. Exploits terrain and ambush points to isolate enemies. Prioritizes protecting treasure over slaying foes.
Morale: Retreats if outmatched.

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Ecology

Environment: Temperate forests, ruins, burial mounds
Treasure: Hoards of coins, gems, minor magical items, and trinkets

Spriggan Lair Encounter

Setting:
The lair is hidden in the ruins of an ancient burial mound deep in a temperate forest. The mound is overgrown with twisted trees, shadowed hollows, and scattered boulders, with natural pitfalls and illusionary hazards. The Spriggan has carefully arranged traps and illusions to protect its treasure hoard.

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Lair Layout & Hazards

1. Entrance Clearing:
   • Illusions: Faintly glowing fairy lights lead intruders toward false paths. Detect Magic or a successful Will save (DC 14) reveals the deception.
   • Pitfall Trap: 10 ft. x 10 ft. hidden pit covered with leaves and branches; Spot DC 20, Reflex DC 15 to avoid, 2d6 damage on fall, 10 ft. deep.
2. Twisting Corridor of Roots:
   • Tripwires & Root Snare: Natural roots act as snares, triggering entangling effects (Strength DC 14 to break free).
   • Illusory Walls: Appear to block the path; creatures attempting to pass without saving can walk into the illusion and fall prone.
3. Chamber of the Hoard:
   • Spriggan’s Lair: 30 ft. x 30 ft., partially open to the forest canopy. Twisted trees and boulders provide cover.
   • Hazardous Flora: Some plants release sleep or minor poison spores (Fort DC 13, 1d4 Constitution damage or 1d6 rounds sleep).
   • Treasure Placement: Scattered coins, gems, minor magical items, and trinkets; some items are trapped with glyph of warding (magic trap DC 16, 3d6 fire damage).

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Encounter: Spriggan Guardian

Spriggan (CR 6)

• Use the 3.5e Spriggan stat block
• The Spriggan starts hidden, relying on ambush and illusions.
• It will use spell-like abilities (mirror image, misty step) and Swelling Form when directly threatened.

Tactics:

• Spriggan uses hit-and-run attacks, moving between cover and using illusions to separate party members.
• Casts mirror image when multiple enemies converge.
• Uses Swelling Form as a surprise burst when intruders reach the hoard.
• Cursed Touch targets the party’s strongest combatant first.

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Treasure Hoard

• Coins: 1,000 gp scattered around hidden compartments.
• Gems: 3 × 100 gp, 5 × 50 gp, placed in small alcoves.
• Minor Magic Items (roll 1d4):
  1. +1 dagger
  2. Wand of light (10 charges)
  3. Cloak of resistance +1
  4. Potion of cure moderate wounds
• Trinkets: Ornamental jewelry, tiny statuettes, feathers, and shiny stones (mostly minor value, but valuable to collectors).

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Environmental Hazards Summary

Hazard	Effect	Save DC	Notes
Pitfall Trap	2d6 fall damage	Reflex 15	Hidden under leaves
Root Snare	Entangled	Strength 14 to break free	Natural roots act as tripwires
Illusory Walls	Prone if failed	Will 14	Can reveal treasure is beyond wall
Poisonous Plants	1d4 Con or sleep 1d6 rounds	Fort 13	Scattered in lair chamber
Glyph of Warding	3d6 fire damage	Spellcraft DC 16 to disarm	Protects valuable items

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Optional Twist

• Spriggan’s Swelling Form Trap: If the party triggers a secondary trap near the hoard (e.g., removing a gem), the Spriggan automatically uses Swelling Form and the illusionary lights turn into disorienting phantasms, forcing Reflex DC 15 or be prone.
• Forest Aid: Nearby animals and minor fey (1–2 twig blights, 2–3 pixies) may harass the party if noise alerts them.