Phouka

Cunning and mischievous fey famous for shapechanging abilities and playful yet unpredictable nature

Basic Fantasy Field Guide Omnibus

Armor Class	16
Hit Dice	5*
Number Appearing	2d4, Wild 3d6, Lair 10d6
Attacks	1 bite, or weapon
Damage	1d6 bite, or by weapon
Movement	40' Fly 60'
Save As	Fighter: 5
Morale	9
XP	405
Treasure Type	C

Phoukas are cunning and mischievous fey, famous, or perhaps infamous for their shapechanging abilities, and playful yet unpredictable nature. Natively appearing as wiry humanoids with bat wings, sharp features, dark hair, and glinting eyes, they are very rarely seen in their natural form, preferring to take on the form of animals such as black horses, goats, crows, cockerels or sleek hounds.

Phoukas in their natural form stand around 4 feet tall, and weigh about 60 pounds. They are exceptionally stealthy, remaining 90% undetectable in natural environments while stationary, and 70% while moving.

While generally playful, Phoukas can become malicious if insulted or wronged. Wise adventurers tread carefully in their presence, offering respect and perhaps a jest to appease these tricksters.

Special Abilities

Shapechanging: Phoukas can shift their shape at will, transforming into a horse, goat, crow, cockrel or hound in a single round, as often as they wish. While in animal form, they retain their hit points, Armour Class, and general intelligence, but their ability to wield weapons or perform fine manipulations is limited, restricting their attack to their bite.

Stealth: Exceptionally stealthy, remaining 90% undetectable in natural environments while stationary, and 70% while moving.

Minor Illusions: Phoukas are capable of creating minor illusions, confusing sounds, or fleeting visual tricks to mislead or startle others, creating an illusion similar to phantasmal force up to three times per day.

Voice Mimicry: Phoukas speak both Fey and Common, and can mimic voices and sounds with uncanny accuracy, often using this talent to lure or mislead others.

Flight: Phoukas can fly when unencumbered for up to 10 rounds but must rest for an equal duration afterwards. When lightly encumbered, they can fly for 5 rounds and require 20 rounds of rest. Their lightweight build and fey agility reduce fall damage by half.

Vulnerability to Cold Iron: They are vulnerable to cold iron (iron or steel) weapons, taking an additional +1 damage from such attacks.