Storms of Anaias

Zytaz

Large undead, chaotic evil

The Zytaz, a haunting and malevolent presence in the realms of Anaias, are eternal servants of Lord Ataxis, bound to their dark purpose even beyond the demise of their master and the destruction of Lords Ataxis and Librasulus. Legends speak of their origin as the spirit essence of soldiers, clerics, and wizards who perished while in service to the dark lord. Rather than allowing their spirits to find peace, Lord Ataxis harnessed and trapped them within a perpetual state of damnation.

Manifesting as a large, amorphous mass of shadow, the Zytaz exude an aura of darkness and despair. At the forefront of their form lies a single, piercing amber-colored disc, serving as their eye. Through this eye, they project waves of sorrow and suffering, assailing their victims with devastating psychic attacks. Additionally, they possess the ability to unleash spells of flame and poison upon those unfortunate enough to cross their path.

The true nature of the Zytaz remains shrouded in mystery, as their existence defies conventional understanding. It is unknown whether they can be destroyed or dispelled, though countless attempts have been made to rid the world of their menacing presence. Fortunately, encounters with the Zytaz are relatively rare, as they tend to linger in the very places where their source essences met their demise, haunting those darkened corners with their malevolence.

Those who find themselves in the presence of a Zytaz must exercise extreme caution. The psychic assaults and potent magical abilities unleashed by these otherworldly beings can be debilitating and even fatal. Only the most skilled and resilient individuals have a chance of withstanding their relentless onslaught.

Travelers and adventurers should be vigilant and avoid venturing into areas known to be inhabited by the Zytaz unless adequately prepared for a confrontation with these nightmarish entities. Their presence serves as a chilling reminder of the lingering echoes of dark forces that once sought to dominate Anaias.

Armor Class 15 (natural armor)

Hit Points 95 (10d10 + 40)

Speed 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)

STR 10 (+0), DEX 18 (+4), CON 18 (+4), INT 10 (+0), WIS 16 (+3), CHA 14 (+2)

Saving Throws Dexterity +7, Constitution +7, Wisdom +6

Skills Perception +6

Damage Resistances Necrotic; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks

Damage Immunities Poison

Condition Immunities Exhaustion, Poisoned

Senses Darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 16

Languages Abyssal, Common

Challenge Rating 7 (2,900 XP)

Ethereal Sight The Zytaz can see 60 feet into the Ethereal Plane when it is on the Material Plane and vice versa.

Incorporeal Movement The Zytaz can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.

Shadow Aura The Zytaz exudes an aura of darkness in a 30-foot radius, heavily obscuring the area. Creatures other than undead within this area have disadvantage on saving throws against the Zytaz's psychic and necrotic damage.

Psychic Wave The Zytaz releases a psychic wave in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw, taking 28 (8d6) psychic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Spellcasting The Zytaz is a 7th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). The Zytaz has the following spells prepared:

  • Cantrips (at will) Chill Touch, Minor Illusion, Ray of Frost
  • 1st level (4 slots) Inflict Wounds, Shield, Thunderwave
  • 2nd level (3 slots) Crown of Madness, Darkness, Scorching Ray
  • 3rd level (3 slots) Fireball, Stinking Cloud

Slam Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d8 + 2) bludgeoning damage plus 10 (3d6) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have its hit point maximum reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest.

Amorphous Form The Zytaz can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.

Undead Fortitude If damage reduces the Zytaz to 0 hit points, it must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 5 + the damage taken, unless the damage is radiant or from a critical hit. On a success, the Zytaz drops to 1 hit point instead.

Radiant Vulnerability The Zytaz takes double damage from radiant sources.