Vensturketh
Medium monstrosity, neutral evil
Known as pain rats, they are an arcane creation of Lord Ataxis, designed to serve as hunters and scavengers for his Duskorok Stalkers. These creatures bear the visible marks of their twisted origin, with their dusky fur revealing patches of exposed pink scars from their unnatural growth. Their bodies are adorned with thick metallic quills, jutting out with jagged points, while their whip-like tails possess the ability to ensnare or lacerate foes. These rats produce a toxic substance within their bodies, coating their tails and causing excruciating pain upon contact. Their snarling call serves as a warning before launching a vicious bite attack. With their ivory claws, they can ruthlessly rake ensnared adversaries, unleashing savage assaults.
During the Second Age, the Vensturketh roam freely in the wilds of Urngor, relentlessly searching for food and stalking prey that intrudes upon their invaded habitats. They typically prefer to operate alone or in pairs, covering expansive territories spanning several square miles. However, on rare occasions, they may come under the sway of a wandering dagoruk, a type of wild lycanthrope, and serve it for as long as possible, adding an additional layer of danger to their already formidable presence.
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 35 (7d8 + 7)
Speed 30 ft.
STR 14 (+2), DEX 16 (+3), CON 13 (+1), INT 6 (-2), WIS 12 (+1), CHA 6 (-2)
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +5
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Understands Common but cannot speak
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Keen Smell The Vensturketh has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Bite Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Tail Lash Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature restrained by the Vensturketh's tail. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) slashing damage. The target must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or take an additional 2d6 poison damage and be poisoned for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the poison effect on a success.
Pounce If the Vensturketh moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the Vensturketh can make a bite attack as a bonus action.
Multi-attack The Vensturketh makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its tail.
Arcane Scars The Vensturketh has resistance to damage from spells and magical effects.