Swanmay

A rare and graceful type of fey shapeshifter that transforms between humanoid and swan forms

Basic Fantasy Field Guide Omnibus

Armor Class	14
Hit Dice	4*
Number Appearing	1d4, Lair 2d4
Attacks	1 bite or buffet or 1 weapon
Damage	1d6 bite or 2d4 buffet or by weapon
Movement	30' Swim 30' Fly 90'
Save As	Fighter: 4
Morale	8
XP	280
Treasure Type	Individuals S; Lair I

Swanmays, also known as swan maidens, are a rare and graceful type of fey shapeshifter. All swanmays are female, with an otherworldly beauty. In their humanoid form, they appear as slender women with long flowing platinum blonde hair, and draped in long flowing cloaks of white feathers. When they wrap themselves in their magical feather cloaks, they transform instantly into elegant swans. Without the cloak, a swanmay cannot transform and appears entirely human. The loss of her cloak renders a swanmay vulnerable, and she will do anything to retrieve it.

In their swan form, swanmays can attack with a bite, or use their enormous wings to buffet their foes, causing 2d4 damage, and knocking their target prone. In their humanoid form, they use a weapon, typically a dagger or shortbow. Like other fey, they are vulnerable to cold iron, taking extra +1 damage from weapons made of iron or steel.

Special Abilities

Shapeshifting: When they wrap themselves in their magical feather cloaks, they transform instantly into elegant swans. Without the cloak, a swanmay cannot transform and appears entirely human. The loss of her cloak renders a swanmay vulnerable, and she will do anything to retrieve it.

Buffet: In swan form, can use enormous wings to buffet foes, causing 2d4 damage and knocking target prone.

Vulnerable to Cold Iron: Take extra +1 damage from weapons made of iron or steel.

Invoke Wind: Once every day a swanmay can invoke the wind to create a gust in a 20-foot wide line pushing any creatures in that area to save vs. Breath Weapon or be knocked prone and pushed back 10 feet.

Wind-Assisted Flight: Once every hour, can use the wind to assist their flight, doubling their flying speed (to 180’) for 1 minute.

Calm Air: Can calm the air in a 30-foot radius around them once a day, dispelling magical effects reliant on wind or weather for 1 full turn.

Magical Song: Once per day, a swanmay can sing a magical song that affects all creatures within 60 feet (except other fey). Creatures that hear the song must save vs. Spells or fall under the effect of a charm monster spell. Those who succeed in their saving throw are immune to any swanmays song for the next 24 hours.

Variants

Black Swanmay (as cruel and capricious counterparts)

Black swanmays are the cruel and capricious counterparts of the swanmay. These dark fey are cruel and seductive. Their cloaks are made from black feathers, and their long hair is black as night, and their eyes glow with a wild and unsettling malice.

Black swanmays have all the same abilities as regular swanmays but with a darker twist. Their magical songs are laced with malice and chaos, and unlike swanmays, those who succeed in the save against their song become fearful of the black swanmay for 1 hour, suffering a -1 penalty to all attack rolls and saving throws against the black swanmay.

Rather than the swanmays defensive gust, once per day, a black swanmay can summon a powerful storm. Causing a vicious gale in a 30-foot radius, forcing all creatures within range to save vs. Breath Weapon or be knocked prone and take 3d6 damage from the swirling winds and debris. Those who succeed in their saving throw take half damage but still suffer the effects of being knocked prone.

Black swanmays are especially vulnerable to cold iron, taking +2 damage from weapons made of iron or steel. However, they also have a unique resistance to charm effects, making them immune to any charm effects.

Finally, black swanmays usually coat the weapons they use in their humanoid form in a poison that paralyzes those who fail a save vs. Poison for 1 day.

Armor Class	14
Hit Dice	4*
Number Appearing	1d4, Lair 2d4
Attacks	1 bite or buffet or 1 weapon
Damage	1d6 bite or 2d4 buffet or by weapon
Movement	30' Swim 30' Fly 90'
Save As	Fighter: 4
Morale	8
XP	280
Treasure Type	Individuals S; Lair I