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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Leatherhead" data-source="post: 8569698" data-attributes="member: 53176"><h3>Bodak (VGtM)</h3>There are many “unstatted rituals”  in D&D, where the books describe a monster or person doing something and then some magic happens. Normally these kinds of rituals end up being (purposely) vague so the DM can fill in the blank. Other times the ritual is explained in simple terms. The Bodak is created by perhaps the simplest ritual. All one has to do is make some ritual vows to Orcus then carve a symbol on their chest over their heart, then they are turned into an undead engine of mass destruction.  There is almost always some unfortunate soul who seeks revenge upon the community that wronged them, no matter the cost. Given that this ritual is so easy to perform, you would wonder why there aren’t more running around. Fortunately for most living things, the answer is that the Bodak will not survive long in direct sunlight. Which puts a leash on their destructive range without support from other cultists.At CR 6, Bodaks are designed to kill towns and other small communities. Any living creature that ends it’s turn within 30’ of the Bodak will automatically have it’s health drained with necrotic energy, no saving throw or attack roll required. A rare mechanic in 5e. Furthermore, if that creature can lock eyes with the Bodak, the Bodak will force that creature to make a constitution saving throw or be psychically damaged by fear. If a creature fails that saving throw by 5 or more, it automatically drops to 0 hps, something that would give even higher level parties pause. As a counter, a character can avert their eyes, which gives them disadvantage on attack rolls.Mind you, that entire last paragraph was what the Bodak does by simply being in the area, no actions required, save for the one bonus action needed to turn on their necrotic aura. During the Bodak’s own turn, it will move to a group of targets and then use it’s Withering Gaze Power, which does a lot of damage, and half of that damage when the creature saves.  Their Fist attack is really just there in case they need to make an OA.That’s right, the Bodak has two independent Gaze Powers, a bit confusing to say the least. Consider working Withering Gaze into Withering Beam for clarity.The only Change to the stat block was the addition of Unusual Nature.</blockquote>

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