Akhlut
The akhlut is a terrifying predator from the Feywild that patrols frigid environments in search of prey. The akhlut is a bizarre creature, resembling the mixture between a whale and a wolf. The most common variant seems to be a cross between a colossal wolf and a killer whale although other variants resembling different species of whales or dolphins have been reported.
Therian Precursors
They have a unique ability to transform from a whale into a large whale-wolf hybrid. Because of this ability, akhluts are therians which are creatures that have the ability to shift into different forms. Before therianthropy passed to humanoids, creatures known as therians had the ability to change their form. Their ability to shapeshift makes them unpredictable threats. Many ships have fallen prey to their pods as seemingly friendly whale that swim alongside the vessel rapidly transform into ravenous beasts that rip art the crew. Between their sheer strength, surprising speed, and supernatural resilience, these creatures would be seemingly unstoppable if not for their weakness to fire. Akhluts despise fire for open flames seem to temporarily poison them weakening them for a short period of time. However, given enough time or large enough numbers, akhluts are willing to brave their fear of fire if they truly desire their prey enough.
Akhlut Tactics
Akhluts are deadly hunters hunting in pods of 5 (2d4). These creatures are immensely dangerous and often serve as the apex predators of their respective hunting grounds. They possess a natural resilience against normal and magical weapons alike if they are not silvered which allows them to shrug off most attacks from prey and rivals. Additionally, they have an uncanny ability to seeming disappear in the presence of snowfall despite their rather large size. Because of this ability, they love to hunt during snowstorms and blizzards. However, their deadliest weapon is their chilling breath which turns its prey into ice which is their preferred method of devouring prey.
Pod Hunters
While hunting underwater, akhluts rely of different tactics in their whale form. They prefer to use their large size to incapacitate prey while the rest of the pod dives for the kill. When hunting large groups of prey, it uses its sonic pulse to quickly stun all its prey while it picks them apart with ease.
Akhlut
Huge Fey(shapechanger), Unaligned
- Armor Class 17 (Natural Armor)
- Hit Points 138(12d12+60)
- Speed 60ft.(therian form); 60ft. swim(whale form)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 21 (+5) 15 (+2) 20 (+5) 4 (-3) 20 (+5) 16 (+3)
- Skills Athletics +9, Stealth +6, Perception +9
- Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonsilvered attacks
- Damage Immunities cold
- Senses blindsight 60ft., darkvision 60ft., passive perception 21
- Proficiency bonus +4
- Challenge 11 (7200 XP)
Snow Sight The akhlut's vision is not obscured by snow or fog.
Ice Walk(therian Form Only) The akhlut can move across and climb icy surfaces without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, difficult terrain composed of ice or snow doesn't cost it extra movement.
Pack Tactics The akhlut has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the akhlut's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.
Fire Aversion When hit with fire, the Akhlut must succeed a Wisdom saving throw with a DC equal to half the fire damage dealt (minumum 10). On a failed save, the Akhlut is considered to be frightened until the end fo its next turn..
Stunning Dive(whale Form only) If the akhlut swims at least 30 ft. straight toward a creature and then hits it with a bite Attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of its next turn.
Pounce(therian Form only) If the akhlut moves at least 30 ft. straight toward a creature and then hits it with a bite Attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the akhlut can make one bite Attack against it as a Bonus Action.
Actions
Bite Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5ft., one target, Hit 23(4d8+5 piercing damage) + 18(4d8) cold damage.
Arctic Breath (therian form only; Recharge 5-6) The akhlut exhales a blast of freezing wind in a 30-foot cone. Each creature within the area must succeed a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or take 36(8d8) cold damage and become restrained. The restrained creature must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn, becoming petrified on a failure or ending the effect on a success. The petrification lasts until the creature is freed by the Greater Restoration spell or other magic. Creatures reduced to 0 hitpoints by this attack are turned to ice. On a successful save, creatures take half damage.
Sonic Pulse (whale form only; Recharge 5-6) The akhlut exhales a blast of sonic waves in a 30-foot cone. Each creature within the area must succeed a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or become stunned for one minute on a failed save. That creature can repeat its save at the end of each of its turns to end the effect.
Bonus Actions
Ice Skate(therian form only) While on icy terrain, the akhlut can use its bonus action to Dash
Nimble Dive(whale Form only)* While underwater, the akhlut can use its bonus action to Dash
Snow Stealth Whenever the akhlut is lightly obscured by fog, snowfall, or snowing terrain, it can use its bonus action to Hide.