Binx, the Shrouded Feline
Small Fey, Chaotic Neutral
Armor Class: 15 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points: 88 (13d6 + 39)
Speed: 30 ft., Climb 30 ft.
Challenge Rating: 4 (1,100 XP)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
Saving Throws: Dexterity +7, Wisdom +6, Charisma +8
Skills: Stealth +10, Deception +8, Perception +6, Acrobatics +7, Arcana +5
Damage Vulnerabilities: Radiant
Damage Resistances: Psychic; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks
Damage Immunities: none
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Keen Smell: advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell, Passive Perception 16
Languages: Sylvan, understands Common but does not speak it
Spellcasting
Spellcasting. Binx is a 6th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). Binx has the following spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): *Minor Illusion*, *Dancing Lights*, *Thaumaturgy*
1st level (4 slots): *Disguise Self*, *Charm Person*
2nd level (3 slots): *Mirror Image*, *Misty Step*
3rd level (3 slots): *Fear*, *Hypnotic Pattern*
4th level (2 slots): *Greater Invisibility*
Binx often casts the following spells before combat to gain an advantage:
– **Mirror Image**: She will use this to create multiple illusory duplicates of herself, making her harder to hit when combat begins.
– **Greater Invisibility**: If she anticipates a fight, she casts this spell to stay hidden while still being able to attack, enhancing her guerrilla tactics.
Her spellcasting includes mischievous and deceptive magic, enabling her to charm, confuse, and mislead her adversaries while slipping through the shadows with ease.
Actions & Abilities
Multiattack: Binx can make two attacks: one with her Cursed Claws and one with her Shadow Snack (see below). Binx uses her stealth and illusion abilities to strike swiftly and vanish into the shadows.
Cursed Claws: – Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
– Hit: 1d6 + 2 slashing damage.
– Critical Hit Effect: If Binx scores a critical hit, the target must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC 13) or be afflicted with the *Hex* spell, suffering from disadvantage on ability checks of Binx’s choosing for the duration (up to 1 minute or until dropped by Binx).
Shadow Snack: – Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
– Hit: 1d8 + 2 psychic damage and the target must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15). On a failure, the target becomes frightened until the end of their next turn.
– Description: Binx pounces toward her target, her claws glowing faintly with shadowy energy. The attack delivers a sharp psychic shock, leaving the victim disoriented and terrified.
Illusionary Double: – Action: As an action, Binx creates an illusory duplicate of herself, distracting enemies and providing cover for her to strike.
– Duration: 1 minute or until the duplicate is dispelled.
– Description: The illusion mimics Binx’s movements, creating confusion among foes. The duplicate has the same statistics as Binx but cannot deal damage. Attacks against the illusion have disadvantage, while attacks against Binx are made with normal attack rolls.
Purring Mirage: – Action: Binx can emit a magical purr, captivating all creatures within a 15-foot radius.
– Saving Throw: Each creature in the area must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15).
– Effect: On failure, creatures become charmed for 1 minute; they regard Binx as a friend and do not want to harm her. Charmed creatures may repeat the saving throw at the end of their turns, ending the effect on a success.
– Description: As Binx purrs, her fur shimmers with ethereal light, casting an enchanting aura that clouds the minds of those nearby.
Wrap of Shadows (Recharge 5-6): – Action: Binx can release tendrils of shadow to ensnare a target within 30 feet.
– Saving Throw: The target must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 14).
– Effect: On a failed save, the target is restrained for 1 minute. They can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of their turns, escaping on a success.
– Description: Shadowy tendrils snake across the ground, wrapping around the target and pinning them in place. The shadows whisper ominously, instilling dread in those who hear them.
Obscured Stalker: – Bonus Action: Binx can attempt to hide in dim light or darkness. She gains a +2 bonus on Stealth checks while in these conditions due to her Shadow Meld ability.
– Description: Binx slips into nearby shadows effortlessly, making her nearly undetectable. She can then attack from the shadows with advantage.
Ethereal Retreat: – Bonus Action: When reduced to 10 hit points or less, Binx can dematerialize into the Veil of Whispers, becoming ethereal until the end of her next turn. While in this state, she cannot take damage and cannot be targeted or affected by spells.
– Description: As she retreats, her essence melds into swirling shadows, making her difficult to follow. Once she reappears, she can attack again, taking enemies by surprise.
Environmental Awareness: – Passive Ability: Binx has advantage on perception checks made in dim light or darkness and can sense the presence of invisible creatures within 30 feet.
– Description: Binx adapts to her shadowy environment, maintaining an acute sense of her surroundings that allows her to avoid ambushes and detect hidden foes.
Appearance
No data available
Tactical Information
Tactical Behavior of Binx, the Shrouded Feline
Combat Behavior:
As a skirmisher and controller, Binx utilizes her dexterity, cunning, and illusions to stay a step ahead of her opponents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of her combat tactics:
-
Ambush and Retreat:
- Binx prefers to engage opponents from the shadows, using her Shadow Meld ability to remain undetected until she strikes. She will often position herself in dimly lit areas with plenty of cover to maximize her stealth advantage.
- Upon attacking, she typically targets the most isolated or vulnerable player, then retreats back into the shadows, using her high dexterity to dodge any potential attacks of opportunity.
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Creating Confusion:
- Binx will frequently use her Illusionary Double ability at the start of combat to create chaos among the party. This allows her to divert attention away from her actual position and enables her to relocate for a flanking attack.
- In crowded encounters, she will utilize her Purring Mirage ability to charmingly sway party members, aiming to isolate those who fail their saving throws and turning them against their allies.
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Control and Restriction:
- Binx actively seeks to control the battlefield by using her Wrap of Shadows ability to restrain the most threatening characters. Once a target is restrained, she can capitalize on their helpless state to deal damage with her Cursed Claws or distract their allies.
- She will often prioritize incapacitating melee fighters or spellcasters, disrupting the party’s tactical flow.
-
Elusive and Strategic Retreat:
- After inflicting damage or chaos, she will rarely stay in combat long enough to be targeted. Instead, she will use her agility to dart back into the shadows, where she can remain hidden and potentially re-engage later with a surprise attack.
- If the battle turns in the players’ favor, Binx might momentarily become defensive, relying on her stealth and environmental advantages to evade capture rather than risking a direct confrontation.
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Negotiation with Guards:
- Binx can utilize her actual presence to shift the narrative into a negotiation or trickery scenario. If players are savvy and try to communicate or reason, she may recognize that they are not a direct threat and could use charm instead of aggression. Conversations could involve riddles or tests of wit.
- During these moments, she may shift from combat to a playful game of words, using her mischievous spirit to tempt the players into challenges or bargains.
Narrative Interactions:
In addition to her combat abilities, Binx can serve as a rich narrative device, presenting both challenges and opportunities to the players:
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Riddles and Trials:
- When encountering Binx, players might find her settled on a tree branch, lazily grooming herself. She may allow time for dialogue but only if approached with caution.
- If players initiate conversation, she could engage them with riddles, requiring them to answer correctly to gain information about the Veil or navigate the haunted grove—failure might lead to playful mischief or illusions that cause confusion.
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Ambiguous Motives:
- Binx’s actions are not purely malicious; she may appear to be leading the players into traps or illusions but could do so to test their worthiness. If they show cleverness or bravery, she might reveal a hidden path or grant them aid.
- Players should be aware that her nature swings like a pendulum; she can equally assist or hinder their progress, depending on their responses to her whims.
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Charm and Enticement:
- During interactions, Binx’s Enchanting Purr can create an enchanting atmosphere that draws players in emotionally. She may share vague insights or foreboding messages about their future, but only in cryptic snippets that require them to interpret her intent.
- If players succeed in charming her with clever dialogue or gifts (like shiny objects, feigned respect, or challenges showcasing their skill), she might unveil secrets about the Veil or offer minor assistance in combat (like granting advantage on one character’s attack).
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Bargains:
- Binx might propose a bargain to the characters: help her restore balance to the Veil or retrieve something she covets, and in return, she will share knowledge about their quest.
- This negotiation can involve the players either providing her with enchanted items (as an offering) or proving themselves through feats of agility or intellect against her challenges.
Encounter Summary:
When facing Binx, players must balance combat tactics with social maneuvering. They will need to adapt quickly to her unpredictable nature, navigate her illusions, and either confront her in battle or engage her in dialogue to outsmart one of the most intriguing creatures of the shadows. The encounter blends tactical challenges and rich narrative interactions into a deeply immersive experience that captures the enchantment and mystery of the legend of Binx, the Shrouded Feline.
