Description
The Walpurgar is a terrifying entity from the northern folklore, often called “The Wraith of the Woodlands.” It haunts dense forests and remote mountain trails, where it preys on those who wander under the moonlight. Stories describe it as a spectral figure cloaked in dark furs and crowned with a tangle of antlers, its hollow eyes glowing with a spectral light. Some legends say it is born from lost souls cursed to wander forever, while others suggest it is a forest spirit corrupted by dark magic.
Physical Appearance
The Walpurgar appears as a tall, shadowy figure draped in what seems to be tattered black fur and cloth, its antlered head giving it the unsettling appearance of a stag. The antlers are sharp and twisted, and its face is obscured by a mask-like visage with eerie, pale eyes that emit a faint glow. Its hands end in long, clawed fingers that it uses to attack or rend its prey.
Lore
Legends of the Walpurgar date back to an era when mortals feared venturing too deeply into ancient forests, especially on the nights when the moon looms large. Many northern myths claim that the Walpurgar was once a powerful druid or forest guardian who became corrupted by forbidden magic. Forsaking its natural calling, the spirit twisted into a creature of darkness, cursed to forever haunt the cold forests and mountain passes. Others say it is a forest revenant, spawned from countless souls of the lost and abandoned who died in the wilderness, bound together by the spirits’ collective rage.
People of the region believe that those who stray from well-worn paths may encounter the Walpurgar, particularly on the eve of Walpurgis Night, when spirits are believed to walk freely. Certain rituals, like scattering salt or carrying iron charms, are thought to ward off this spectral predator.
Tactics
The Walpurgar employs tactics that amplify the horror of its presence. It lurks silently in the forest’s shadows, stalking prey for hours before revealing itself with a chilling howl. The Walpurgar prefers to separate lone travelers from their companions, using its Aura of Dread to sow fear and break the group’s morale.
In combat, it uses Spectral Camouflage to remain hidden in dim light and darkness, only striking when its prey is most vulnerable. It leads with Howl of the Wilds, targeting weaker party members to stun them, followed by multiattacks that combine claws and antlers. When injured, it retreats into the darkness to heal using Soul Drain, only to re-emerge stronger and continue its attack.
The Walpurgar’s tactics exploit the terrain and psychological intimidation, creating a deadly and unnerving experience for adventurers who venture into its domain unprepared.
Monster: Walpurgar
- Challenge Rating (CR): 7
- Type: Aberration
- Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Stats
- Armor Class: 16 (Natural Armor)
- Hit Points: 123 (13d10 + 52)
- Speed: 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
| 18 (+4) | 15 (+2) | 18 (+4) | 11 (+0) | 16 (+3) | 13 (+1) |
Saving Throws: Dex +6, Wis +7
Skills: Stealth +7, Perception +6, Survival +6
Damage Resistances: Cold, Necrotic; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks
Damage Immunities: Poison
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Exhaustion, Frightened, Poisoned
Senses: Darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 16
Languages: Common, Sylvan
Challenge: 7 (2,900 XP)
Abilities
- Aura of Dread (30 ft.): Creatures within 30 feet of the Walpurgar must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends, it is immune to the Aura of Dread for the next 24 hours.
- Spectral Camouflage: The Walpurgar has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made in dim light or darkness.
- Fey Ancestry: The Walpurgar has advantage on saving throws against being charmed and magic cannot put it to sleep.
Actions
- Multiattack: The Walpurgar makes two attacks: one with its Claw and one with its Horns.
- Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.
- Horns: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d10 + 3) piercing damage.
- Soul Drain (Recharge 5–6): The Walpurgar targets one creature it can see within 30 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 27 (5d10) necrotic damage, and the Walpurgar regains hit points equal to half the damage dealt. The target’s hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest.