The Jersey Devil

There have been a rash of dead livestock in the area, and it is assumed that there is a large animal, like a bear or lion, with some sort of affliction killing them. However, the kills have been abnormally gruesome and frequent to fit with it only being a deranged animal. Instead, the farmers believe that it is none other than the Jersey Devil that has been murdering their livestock with reckless abandon. These rumors have existed for many generations, and the origin story of the monster varies from telling to telling. Most claim that a local woman was bearing her 13th child and having a very difficult labor when she shouted “Oh, the devil take this babe!” Some say the child was more deformed, and others claim that it was born a normal child and transformed later.

Regardless of the origin story the physical description seems to remain the same. The Jersey Devil is described as a bipedal, humanoid creature. It has short arms like those of a kangaroo, bat-like wings covered with small feathers or scales, and a head like a horse. Its legs are powerful and its feet are cloven. The creature is most often described as between 8 and 10 feet tall.

Jersey Devil Large (aberration), chaotic neutral

TACTICS Before Combat: The Jersey Devil enjoys causing fear in its targets, and often lets its targets catch a glimpse before attacking. The Jersey Devil uses its piercing howl ability before closing in to use its other attacks. Morale: The Jersey Devil flees if reduced to one-quarter or fewer of its normal hit points.

Armor Class 18 (natural armor) Hit Points 114 (12d8+60) Speed 25ft., fly 40 ft.

STR 20, DEX 14, CON 20, INT 4, WIS 14, CHA 15

Skills Athletics +6, Perception +4, Intimidation +4 Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from non-silvered weapons Damage Immunities poison Condition Immunities poisoned Senses Darkvision 60 ft. Challenge 9 (5,000XP)

Magic Resistance. The Jersey Devil has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

ACTIONS Multiattack. The Jersey Devil makes two melee attacks and a bite, or it makes one melee attack and Disengage using its wings. ''Claw. Melee Weapon Attack:'' +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d4 + 5) slashing damage. If two claw attacks hit in one round the Jersey Devil can rend its target for 12 (2d6 + 5) additional slashing damage. ''Bite. Melee Weapon Attack:'' +9 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) piercing damage. Unearthly Howl: Once per minute, the Jersey Devil can let out a high pitched screeching noise that unnerves all living creatures and can be heard up to a half-mile away. Living creatures within 120 ft. of the Jersey Devil must succeed a DC 16 Wisdom check or be stunned for one round, then frightened for 1d4 rounds. On a successful save, the target is immune to this ability for 24 hours.