Red Cap
A murderous fey that preys upon travelers seeking refuge in ruins or abandoned castles
Basic Fantasy Field Guide Omnibus
| Armor Class | 14 |
|---|---|
| Hit Dice | 3* |
| Number Appearing | 1d4 |
| Attacks | 1 weapon |
| Damage | By weapon |
| Movement | 60' |
| Save As | Thief: 6 |
| Morale | 8 |
| XP | 175 |
| Treasure Type | D |
A Red Cap is a murderous fey that preys upon travelers seeking refuge in ruins or abandoned castles. Distantly related to both goblins and fairies, it appears as a small ugly man with unkempt hair, red eyes, and wickedly crooked teeth. A red cap wears small iron shoes and a blood-red hat upon its head; its shoes magically enhance its speed, so that if somehow removed the red cap’s movement rate is halved. These shoes are useless to anyone other than a red cap. A red cap prefers to attack only helpless targets, usually with a knife or other bladed weapon that will spill blood.
Special Abilities
Thief abilities: Within its lair a red cap has the abilities of a 6th-level Thief, including the sneak attack ability. Outside its lair a red cap’s Thief abilities are only 3rd-level.
Iron shoes: Wears small iron shoes that magically enhance its speed. If somehow removed the red cap’s movement rate is halved. These shoes are useless to anyone other than a red cap.
Sleep: Can cast sleep once daily, which it uses to incapacitate those it intends to murder.
Evasion: When hard pressed, it will flee and hide, counting on its speed to evade any pursuers.
Blood-soaked hat: The hat of a red cap must be soaked in blood regularly, lest the being wither and fade away. This hat, even if inert for years, can summon a red cap if soaked in blood anew. Only total destruction of the hat guarantees a true end.