The Jolly Hearthkeeper
Medium Fey (Spirit), Chaotic Neutral
Armor Class: 15 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points: 102 (15d8 + 30)
Speed: 30 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover)
Challenge Rating: 6 (2,300 XP)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 20 |
Saving Throws: Strength +3, Dexterity +5, Charisma +8
Skills: Performance +11, Persuasion +8, Insight +5, Deception +8
Damage Vulnerabilities: None
Damage Resistances: Psychic Damage
Damage Immunities: None
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Truesight 30 ft., Passive Perception 15
Languages: Understands Common and Sylvan but cannot speak
Spellcasting
Spellcasting. The Jolly Hearthkeeper is a 7th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). The Jolly Hearthkeeper has the following spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): **Minor Illusion**, **Dancing Lights**, **Vicious Mockery**
1st level (4 slots): **Charm Person**, **Healing Word**, **Disguise Self**
2nd level (3 slots): **Suggestion**, **Invisibility**
3rd level (3 slots): **Fear**, **Hypnotic Pattern**
4th level (2 slots): **Greater Invisibility**, **Phantasmal Killer**
**Special Notes:**
– The Jolly Hearthkeeper can cast any of its prepared spells without requiring material components as long as it remains within the confines of the Hearthstone Tavern.
– Before combat, the Hearthkeeper may use **Invisibility** to ensure the patrons feel comfortable and protected, blending its enchanting presence with the ambiance of warmth, allowing it to turn the tides of a confrontation with surprise.
– It tends to use spells like **Suggestion** and **Charm Person** during its interactions to maintain a jovial mood and steer patrons toward merriment, ensuring its insatiable joy-collecting sustains.
Actions & Abilities
Multiattack: The Jolly Hearthkeeper makes three attacks: one with its Flamey Hand and two with Spectral Mugs.
– Flamey Hand.
Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 2d8 + 4 fire damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or be ignited, taking an additional 1d4 fire damage at the start of its next turn.
– Spectral Mug.
Ranged Spell Attack: +6 to hit, range 30 ft., one target.
Hit: 2d6 + 3 bludgeoning damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be incapacitated with an illusion of drink-induced euphoria until the end of its next turn.
Laughter Echo (Recharge 5-6): The Hearthkeeper unleashes an infectious laugh, sending waves of mirth cascading over the battlefield. Each creature within a 15-foot radius must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or become incapacitated from laughter until the end of their next turn. If a creature succeeds, it is immune to this effect for 24 hours.
Illusionary Feast (Recharge 4-6): The Hearthkeeper creates a tantalizing illusion of a lavish feast in a 30-foot area. Each creature within that radius must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is drawn to the feast, wasting its action to interact with it. If a creature succeeds, it can act normally but is slightly distracted until the end of its next turn.
Guiding Spirit (1/Long Rest): The Hearthkeeper targets up to three creatures within 30 feet, sprinkling them with magical joy. Each targeted creature gains advantage on their next attack roll or saving throw and temporary hit points equal to 1d8 + the Hearthkeeper’s level (5).
Patron’s Amnion: The Hearthkeeper summons 1d4 spectral patrons to assist it in combat. These patrons appear as friendly, ghostly versions of past tavern-goers. They have the following statistics:
– Armor Class: 13
– Hit Points: 12 (2d8)
– Speed: 30 ft.
– Action – Distracting Banter: Each spectral patron can make a melee spell attack (+5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target) dealing 1d6 + 2 psychic damage. Once summoned, these patrons last for 1 minute, protecting the Hearthkeeper and providing a distraction to its enemies.
Jolly Maneuver (Reaction): When a creature within 30 feet of the Hearthkeeper makes an attack against it, the Hearthkeeper can use its reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll, causing happiness to momentarily diffuse the aggressor’s focus.
Joyful Sidestep (Legendary Action): The Hearthkeeper moves up to its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
Ignite Laughter (Costs 2 Actions): The Hearthkeeper causes one creature that has failed a saving throw against its Laughter Echo or Illusionary Feast to re-roll that save with disadvantage.
Restorative Comfort: While within its tavern, The Jolly Hearthkeeper gains 1d4 temporary hit points at the beginning of each of its turns if there are patrons present.
Liar’s Laughter: Once per turn, it can choose one creature within the tavern to be filled with an irresistible urge to laugh uncontrollably at the sight of The Hearthkeeper, allowing the Hearthkeeper to take an extra action to either hide or maneuver behind an object.
Appearance
The Jolly Hearthkeeper is a captivating creature that instantly draws attention with its imposing height of 6 feet and delightfully rounded form, reminiscent of a joyful tavern owner. Its silhouette radiates warmth and hospitality, cloaked in a swirling mist that gives it an ethereal quality. The creature hovers gracefully above the ground, embodying a delightful energy.
Drenched in a striking blend of warm gold and soft crimson, its misty body shimmers like the flickering light of a roaring fire, creating an inviting and lively atmosphere. As the colors swirl and shift, they evoke the comforting glow of a bustling tavern, filling the surrounding space with cheer and delight.
The texture of the Hearthkeeper’s exterior is fluid and soft, akin to moving fabric that hugs its round form. This vaporous mist occasionally takes shape, giving the illusion of substance before dissipating, adding to the charm and allure of its presence. Its face is an embodiment of joy, featuring exaggerated, rounded features that radiate friendliness. The large, twinkling eyes shift from deep amber to playful gold, glistening with mischief. Its wide, beaming grin showcases sharp, pointed teeth, yet the cheerful demeanor softens the edges, making it seem approachable and inviting.
The Hearthkeeper’s limbs, resembling flickering flames, are elongated and graceful, floating effortlessly in the air. These flame-like appendages serve dual purposes, acting as both hands and ethereal tools that carry spectral mugs filled with illusionary drinks. Though it lacks legs, it moves with a buoyant energy, gliding gracefully and weaving through its surroundings, stopping occasionally to engage with visitors.
An enchanting glow emanates from within the Hearthkeeper’s mist, casting a warm ambiance that fills its environment with an inviting light. As it moves, it leaves a trail of sparkling dust behind, reminiscent of festive confetti. This delightful spectacle stimulates a sense of nostalgia and joy in all who are fortunate enough to be near.
Among its many special features, the Hearthkeeper possesses the unique ability to project feasting illusions from its seemingly endless pockets, offering glimpses of delightful spectral food and drink. Its eyes can momentarily glow with a bright, inviting light that charms and captivates those who meet its gaze, enhancing its whimsical allure even further.
Maintaining an upright and buoyant posture, the Jolly Hearthkeeper exudes a sense of playful exuberance. It dances through the air with lighthearted grace, embodying the spirit of joy and celebration. Each movement is fluid and poetic, resonating with the laughter and warmth that it brings, making it an unforgettable figure in any setting.
Tactical Information
Tactical Information on The Jolly Hearthkeeper
Behavior in Day-to-Day Life:
In the lively Hearthstone Tavern, The Jolly Hearthkeeper thrives. It is not only the spirit of joy but also the protector of the tavern, ensuring that patrons find warmth and companionship amid laughter and carefree evenings. With ethereal, flickering hands, it constantly engages with guests—serving spectral mugs of ale that evaporate in thin air and conjuring dazzling, illusionary feasts to entice patrons.
The Hearthkeeper is motivated by the joy derived from laughter and camaraderie; it feeds on the merriment generated by its guests. This sustenance has shaped its temperament to be cheerful, vivacious, and disarmingly playful. It often arranges spontaneous storytelling events or impromptu sing-alongs to keep spirits high, projecting an atmosphere of community. However, it is also discerning; it can sense discomfort, sadness, or disenchantment and will quickly intervene—releasing infectious laughter or weaving delightful tales to reignite merriment.
In social interactions, the Hearthkeeper is inclusive but manipulative at times. It is aware that drawing individuals deep into its enchantment can serve its darker motivations, making it a creature that is both a friend and a puppeteer. While patrons regard it as a benevolent spirit, those who spend too much time in the tavern might find themselves bound to the Hearthkeeper’s whims, becoming entrapped in its need for joy.
Combat Behavior:
When combat breaks out, The Jolly Hearthkeeper approaches the situation with the same blend of charm and treachery that defines its essence. Its initial instinct is to defuse tension using laughter, invoking its ability “Laughter Echo” to incapacitate enemies within a 15-foot radius. If caught off-guard, it will resort to its illusions, deploying “Illusionary Feast” to distract or disorient would-be assailants, drawing their focus away from more serious threats.
In a fight, the Hearthkeeper prefers to keep engagement light-hearted—often using its flickering, flame-like hands to allow its spectral mugs to fly towards opponents with exaggerated and comical force. It views the battlefield as a stage; its combat moves are theatrical, using its unique capability to summon “Patron’s Amnion” to conjure ghostly patrons that rise up, adding layers of chaotic fun while shielding it from harm.
When surrounded or badly outnumbered, the Hearthkeeper reacts with cunning. It may temporarily retreat into the shadows of the tavern’s corners, laughing maniacally, before emerging with renewed vigor or conjuring additional illusions to throw enemies off guard. The connection with its environment grants it a strategic advantage; it can manipulate the tavern’s layout, causing spectral bar stools and tables to obstruct the paths of intruders.
Should its plans unravel, it can become volatile, drawing upon the sorrow derived from lost joy to enhance its resilience, invoking “Joyful Resilience” as it stands firm against attacks. The moment it senses a shift in the atmosphere, such as growing hostility or dwindling joy, it will shift from playful to a more serious tone, warning enemies that uninvited drudgery is best left for another tavern.
Roleplay/Narrative Interactions:
Outside of combat, The Jolly Hearthkeeper’s charisma is unshakeable. When approached, it greets adventurers with a booming laugh, inviting them to enjoy the tavern’s many pleasures. It excels at weaving stories and charming visitors with its irresistibly warm demeanor—crafted to create camaraderie and trust. Its dialogue rolls forth like a flowing mug of ale, often mixed with puns and lighthearted jests.
Should adventurers desire diplomacy, The Hearthkeeper will respond positively, eager to learn their tales while inquiring about their pursuits. It is open to exchanges—promising bountiful entertainment and magical moments in return for stories or songs. However, it can see through greed or hostile intent easily; its eyes twinkle with a knowing mirth, cautioning against any underhanded tactics.
Bribery will elicit laughter, but may also be met with a knowing wink. If offered something tangible, such as a fine bottle of wine or an enticing melody, it will weigh the value against the delight currently abundant in the tavern. If the bribe exceeds the potential joy it would lose, it might negotiate, perhaps suggesting a playful wager instead.
In dire situations, such as being cornered or faced with aggressive hostility, The Jolly Hearthkeeper’s demeanor might shift from playfulness to a shrewd, almost capricious nature. Instead of retreating, it might release bursts of jovial laughter, taunting the adventurers, enveloping them in a temporary moment of confusion. It seeks to defend its domain and spirit fiercely, wielding its abilities as both shield and weapon. Ultimately, it embodies the dualities of cheer and foreboding, offering an unpredictable but engaging interaction that dances on the edge of mirth and menace.
