The following creature came about in the last game I played with my daughter. It is a mixture of a zombie and a wraith and is attracted to the smell of cooking food. My daughter found the creatures especially scary because of how the originally died (famine) and how they could instantly make a target suffer the “effects” of starving to death.
The Gortach is base don the Celtic fae known as a Fear Gorta or “Man of Hunger” a fae spirit that roams the land appearing emaciated and begging for alms. I took the fae and the intelligence away, making the figure an undead. The alms begging, however, translated into the creature mechanics through an “unconfirmed” rumor which could allow the Gortech to be taken care off without a fight.
enjoy!
Gortach
The howls of the wind in the arid lands are filled with the moans of the dead who Hunger claimed. Keep your waterskin close and your foodstuffs closer for if the Gortach smells what it was once denied I fear you too will be denied.
Type: Undead
Hit Dice: 4+2
Armor Class: 5[14]
Attacks: 2 Claws (1d4+2)
Saving Throw: 13
Special: Immune to all weather conditions, immune to charm, sleep, fear, suggestion, Famine
Move: 24 [72’]
Alignment: Chaotic
Challenge Level/XP: 6/400
Special Abilities
Famine – On a successful touch attack with their claws the Gortach has a 60% chance of draining the target of all vitality gained from regular consumption of food and drink inflicting a -1 to the target’s constitution modifier (Save negates).
Background
Gortach are emaciated appearing undead of Mortals who died of extreme hunger and thirst. 1 in every 100 people to die of starvation return as a Gortach leading many cultures to burn the dead of anyone who died of famine or wasting sickness.
While unconfirmed it has been said that if offered food the Gortach will take the offered food and leave its potential victims in peace.
Ecology
Gortach can be found in any region that has suffered famine or disease within the last twenty years. The typically roam in packs of 1 or 2d6 and are attracted to the smell of cooking food (especially meat).
Next Stats
Medium Undead
Armor Class 14
Hit Points 22 (4d8+4)
Speed 30 feet
Str 10 (+0) Dex 16 (+3) Con 14 (+2)
Int 04 (-3) Wis 10 (+0) Cha 04 (-3)
Alignment Neutral Evil
Languages –
Traits
Special Senses Darkvision 60’
Immunities – Disease, hunger, poison, sleep, suffocation, thirst, fear, charm
Extra Action (1/rest) – Can take one extra action on its turn.
Actions
Energy Drain – +5 to hit (reach 5 ft; one creature). Hit : 2d4+2 necrotic damage. If target fails a DC 15 Constitution Saving Throw its hit point maximum is reduced by the amount of damage this attack deals. Hit Point Maximum returns to normal after completion of a long rest. If the target is reduced to 0 hit points due to this attack, the target dies. A living mortal slain by this attack has a 50% chance of rising in 24 hours as a Gortach.
I love it. Great creature with a cool origin and story.
Thanks! I'm glad you like it!