Bartok the Bat
Small Fey, Chaotic Good
Armor Class: 15 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points: 45 (6d8 + 18)
Speed: 15 ft. (walking), 40 ft. (flying)
Challenge Rating: 3 (700 XP)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
Saving Throws: Dexterity +7, Constitution +6, Charisma +6
Skills: Perception +5, Performance +6, Stealth +7, Deception +6
Damage Vulnerabilities: Radiant Damage
Damage Resistances: Necrotic Damage, Thunder Damage
Damage Immunities: none
Condition Immunities: Charmed
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Blindsight 10 ft. (blind beyond this radius), Passive Perception 15
Languages: Understands Common, Sylvan, and Draconic, but cannot speak
Spellcasting
Spellcasting. Bartok the Bat is a 5th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). Bartok has the following spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): *Dancing Lights*, *Minor Illusion*
1st level (4 slots): *Mage Armor*, *Tasha’s Hideous Laughter*, *Charm Person*
2nd level (3 slots): *Mirror Image*, *Enhance Ability*
3rd level (2 slots): *Hypnotic Pattern*
**Special Notes**: Bartok often casts *Mirror Image* before entering combat to ensure his survival, using his illusory duplicates to confuse attackers. He typically uses *Dancing Lights* to create distractions in the environment, and *Minor Illusion* for setting up traps or misleading opponents while exploring. His spells are reflective of his cunning nature, adding an extra layer of challenge for those who dare to confront him.
Actions & Abilities
Bite: **Melee Weapon Attack**: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. **Hit**: 1d6 + 3 piercing damage. **Description**: Bartok swoops down to bite at his foes, his sharp little teeth glinting playfully in the moonlight.
Wing Whirl: **Melee Weapon Attack**: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. **Hit**: 1d4 + 4 slashing damage. **Description**: Using his dazzling wings, Bartok flutters fiercely at an enemy, throwing them off balance as the edges of his wings cut through the air.
Distracting Flurry (Recharge 5-6): **Action**: Bartok performs an elaborate display of acrobatics while flapping his wings, producing a dazzling spectacle of light and sound. Each creature within a 15-foot radius must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 14). On a failed save, they are distracted for 1 round, suffering disadvantage on their next attack roll or ability check. **Description**: As a swirl of sparkles envelops the area, Bartok giggles mischievously, enjoying the confusion he’s caused.
Rejuvenating Song: **Bonus Action**: Bartok sings a sweet yet whimsical tune that invigorates his allies. Each ally within 30 feet regains 1d6 temporary hit points. This ability recharges on a 5-6. **Description**: His melodious voice echoes through the shadows, lifting the spirits of those who hear it and filling them with a burst of hope.
Illusory Escape: **Action (Once per encounter)**: Bartok casts the *Mirror Image* spell on himself. This effect creates illusory duplicates that confuse attackers, lasting for 1 minute or until he is hit. **Description**: With a flourish and a wink, Bartok creates three duplicates that dance around him, bewildering any adversary trying to approach him.
Defensive Retreat: When Bartok takes damage, he can use his reaction to Dash away without provoking opportunity attacks. **Description**: He flits away in a playful manner, cackling as he narrowly escapes the clutches of danger, leaving only a shimmering trail behind.
Appearance
In a realm touched by magic and wonder, Bartok the Bat emerges as a whimsical, enchanting creature, standing gracefully at around 2 feet tall on his hind legs. His compact, agile body boasts a delightful silhouette, leaning slightly forward, ready for flight or playful darting escapes. With an aura of mischief, his presence captures attention against a pristine white background, where every detail of his captivating form stands out.
Bartok’s pristine white fur glimmers like fresh snow lit by moonlight, a striking canvas that emphasizes the delicate beauty of his pale yellow wings. These wings are adorned with speckles of iridescent gold, resembling the shimmering stars that blanket the night sky. This unique coloration creates an enchanting contrast that enhances his charm.
His soft fur has a smooth, silky texture, inviting touches, while the wings possess a velvety surface reminiscent of flower petals. This subtle difference not only highlights their delicate nature but also reinforces Bartok’s ability to glide silently—a skill that aids him in whimsical flights and evasive maneuvers.
Bartok’s face is a delightful spectacle of expression. His large, shimmering amber eyes twinkle with curiosity and mischief, framed by oversized ears capable of swiveling to catch the faintest sounds. A small, upturned nose adds a touch of humor to his charm, while his wide mouth, filled with tiny, sharp teeth, perpetually hints at a cheeky grin, ready to engage those who dare to approach.
His limbs are small yet nimble, perfect for navigating tight spaces and gathering trinkets from his surroundings. Lean fingers end in tiny claws, allowing for deft manipulation of objects. His wings, grand in proportion to his body, enable him to execute rapid maneuvers, filled with playful flips and daring turns, showcasing his joyous energy.
One of Bartok’s most captivating features is the bioluminescent patterns that trace the edges of his wings, glowing softly in the dark. This mystical illumination not only enhances his ethereal charm but serves as a tool for distraction or allure, captivating all who gaze upon him. Surrounded by a faint sparkle that seems to dance in low light, Bartok embodies the essence of magic, capturing starlight and shining like a beacon in the night.
As he moves, Bartok embodies grace and agility. His playful posture and swift movements paint a dynamic picture—each leap and glide filled with energy and intention. The subtle melody that accompanies him, like echoes of an enchanting lullaby, resonates with his magical core, inspiring allies and bewildering foes.
In all his glory, Bartok the Bat stands as a stunning testament to magical wonder, with a vivid presence that leaves an indelible mark on the imagination, a creature both charming and enchanting in every detail.
Tactical Information
Bartok the Bat: Tactical Information
Behavior in Day-to-Day Life:
Bartok the Bat thrives in the twilight hours of enchanted forests and ruined castles, where the magic of the night weaves through the atmosphere. His primary motivations stem from a desire to protect the artifacts and stories of the past, while also indulging in the playful mischief that defines his character. Bartok often spends his days flitting about, gathering shimmering trinkets and lore from the places he inhabits. He forms loose alliances with other small creatures, frequently hosting gatherings of woodland beings to share tales of adventure and fortune.
A creature of whimsy, Bartok approaches life with a playful spirit. When not engaged in gathering, he enjoys surprising adventurers who venture too close to his lair – popping out from behind shadows or flapping his dazzling wings in a burst of light and sound. His daily activities are punctuated with laughter and song as he flutters through the trees or navigates through ancient ruins, leaving a trail of sparkling dust in his wake. Though he is primarily solitary, Bartok is not averse to the company of others, often engaging in harmless pranks that keep his fellow inhabitants entertained.
Combat Behavior:
When Bartok senses a threat or a source of mischief that he wishes to engage, he typically initiates combat with a flair for the dramatic. Instead of rushing directly into melee, Bartok begins with his Distracting Flurry ability, dazzling his foes with a burst of light and sound to sow confusion among their ranks. He takes advantage of his high dexterity to dart around, spending combat as an elusive target, evading attacks while using his Mischievous Dash to achieve advantageous positions or retreat when needed.
In engagements, Bartok targets spellcasters or those with notable power first, relying on Illusory Escape to create duplicates that distract attackers and allow him to flit away to safety. If he finds himself outnumbered or in dire peril, he may use his Rejuvenating Song ability to heal allies or bolster the spirits of those nearby while simultaneously searching for ways to escape while still plotting creative distractions against his foes.
Bartok tends to employ guerrilla tactics, utilizing the environment to his advantage. He will perch on high ledges in ruins or hide within the canopy of trees, using shadows and darkness to conceal himself. When the odds are against him, his cunning allows him to find routes for quick escape while leaving behind illusions or disruptive spells, setting up potential traps or barriers that he can exploit if pursued.
Roleplay/Narrative Interactions:
In non-combat situations, Bartok is whimsical and downright charming, often engaging adventurers with a mix of wit and playful sarcasm. He has an innate ability to read the intentions of those who approach him, using his Intelligence and Charisma to steer conversations toward light-hearted banter. When adventurers pose threats, he doesn’t resort to violence immediately. Instead, Bartok may engage in clever dialogue, offering riddles or challenges to test their worthiness. He often adopts an air of faux superiority, making his happiness at outsmarting them apparent with a cheeky laugh.
Should adventurers try to bribe him or offer gifts, he might feign disinterest, turning their offerings into humorous anecdotes about their “potential” and how they still have much to learn. Honest attempts at diplomacy may yield a different result; Bartok may be persuaded to assist a party allied in purpose with him or those who prove themselves clever enough to get past his playful trials.
If cornered or threatened, Bartok’s demeanor shifts. His playful demeanor may quickly turn serious, and he may resort to cunning tactics to escape, leaving his foes bewildered with illusions or dashes into nearby shadowy nooks. He is likely to speak in a hasty, witty manner, trying to charm his way out while concocting a daring escape plan born of his mischievous spirit. In a more desperate situation, he may express a willingness to negotiate, offering allies the chance to leave with their lives and a few whimsical parting words—thereby preserving his legacy as a traveler of mischief and magic in the hearts of those who dare to remember him.
