Wolpertinger

Tiny monstrosity, Unaligned

Armor Class 13 (natural armor)

Hit Points 10 (4d4)

Speed 30 ft., burrow 10 ft., fly 40 ft., swim 20 ft.

STR 4 (−3) · DEX 16 (+3) · CON 10 (+0) · INT 4 (−3) · WIS 14 (+2) · CHA 10 (+0)

Saving Throws Dex +5, Wis +4

Skills Perception +4, Stealth +5

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14

Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)

Traits

Spellbound by Light. If the Wolpertinger starts its turn able to see a bright, non-magical flame (such as a lantern, candle, or campfire) within 30 feet of it, it must use all its available movement to move as close to the flame as possible. While within 5 feet of such a flame, the Wolpertinger is so fascinated that it gains the Incapacitated condition.

Actions

Antlers. Melee Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) Piercing damage.

Sprouting Fangs. Melee Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 Piercing damage, and the target is coated in the creature's magical saliva. A patch of thick, wiry fur instantly sprouts from the skin around the wound. The target automatically gains the Poisoned condition until the end of its next turn due to the intense, distracting itch of the rapid hair growth.

Bonus Actions

Cautious Retreat. The Wolpertinger takes the Disengage or Hide action.

Reactions

Startled Flight. When a creature the Wolpertinger can see moves within 5 feet of it, the Wolpertinger can fly up to half its fly speed without provoking Opportunity Attacks.

Lore

A chimera most often described as a hare sporting deer antlers.

Deep in the shadowy Bavarian forests, in places where sunlight barely reaches the mossy ground, you might stumble upon one of the strangest creatures on Earth—the Wolpertinger. At a glance, it looks like a common rabbit or maybe a squirrel, but take a second look and you’ll swear your eyes are playing tricks on you. Tiny deer antlers jut from its fluffy head, pheasant wings sometimes beat on its back, and its hind feet are webbed like a duck's. Now and then a pair of little fangs poke from its mouth, and in the dark, its eyes glow an unsettling red or green.

So where did this oddity come from? Centuries ago, hunters occasionally spotted rabbits with hard growths on their heads—just a run-of-the-mill disease. But folks have always preferred a good story, and local craftsmen started stitching together taxidermy “proof” from bits of various animals, selling the curios to gullible travelers.

From Grimm Legends Bestiary 5E, p. 102 · Fern Flower Press