Tanarukk
When demonic corruption taints a tribe’s leadership, orcs might turn to abyssal magic to make tanarukks. Evil humans who control orcs also use such power to bolster their followers’ strength.
The demon lord Baphomet gladly shares the secret of creating tanarukks with those who entreat him for power. The process corrupts an unborn orc of the tribe, transforming it at birth into a creature much more savage than an orc.
Although tanarukks are fearsome fighters, they are a threat to their allies off the battlefield. Within the tribe’s lair, a tanarukk is destructive and volatile, and best kept imprisoned. Sooner or later, a free tanarukk rampages through the tribe, attempting to take over by force. Most such coups fail, but at great cost to the tribe. If a tanarukk does seize the leadership of a tribe, reckless war is the course it inevitably chooses.
If a tanarukk manages to breed, its blood taints numerous subsequent generations, so its female descendants randomly produce tanarukks. Rather than risk raising a natural-born tanarukk, most tribes slay such abominations.
Tanarukk CR: 5 (1,800 XP)
Medium fiend (demon, orc), chaotic evil
Armor Class: 14
Hit Points: 95 (10d8 + 50)
Speed:
30 ft
STR
18 +4
DEX
13 +1
CON
20 +5
INT
9 -1
WIS
9 -1
CHA
9 -1
Skills: Intimidation +2, Perception +2
Damage Resistances: Fire, Poison
Senses: Darkvision 60 feet, Passive Perception 12
Languages: Abyssal, Common, Orc
Challenge Rating: 5 (1,800 XP)
Aggressive. As a bonus action, the tanarukk can move up to its speed toward a hostile creature that it can see. Magic Resistance. The tanarukk has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Actions
Multiattack. The tanarukk makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its greatsword. Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 feet, one target. Hit: 1d8 + 4 piercing damage. Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 feet, one target. Hit: 2d6 + 4 slashing damage.
Reactions
Unbridled Fury. In response to being hit by a melee attack, the tanarukk can make one melee weapon attack with advantage against the attacker.
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