Stygira

Stygiras are a Gremlin subspecies, the corrupted form of Greater Oreads. They make their homes - or lairs - in caves accessible only from entrances located near the barren peaks of tall, lonely, windswept mountains of the world. They dedicate most of their efforts to uncovering and mastering the secrets of the dark places beneath the earth - secrets they use to enhance their powers.

At a distance, these creatures are similar in appearance to their Rock Hag cousins; the differences become apparent as the observer gets closer. Ancient, emaciated-looking arms ending in bony, almost claw-like fingers protrude from the usually tattered rags the creatures wear. Their skin resembles dry, cracked, rough-cut stone. Tattered hoods cover nearly hairless heads. A more caareful look reveals that the wrinkled, folded skin that covers their faces where eyes would be expected, for unlike their Rock Hag cousins, Stygiras do not have eyes.

The creatures will almost always be carrying a large gem or crystal when encountered -- an enchanted stone that gives them the ability to see. Without such a stone, they are truly blind. They will likely be in possession of many other magically charged stones; Stygiras have mastered the art of imbuing rock crystals with magical energies which they can tap in various ways. Adventurers sometimes seek out these creatures - at their peril - to acquire these stones, or perhaps to learn the secrets of creating them.

Name

Stygira

Type

Fey, Gremlin

Original Nymph

Greater Oread

Size

SizeClass, 5.5ft (165cm)

Habitat

Uncommon: high, rocky peaks
Rare: mountainsides

The creatures are also sought out from time to time for the knowledge they possess. The caves in which they lair are often connected by tunnels and shafts that extend downward to the roots of the mountains in which they live - and lower still to dark, hidden places under the surface of the world. Stygiras use their magical abilities to keep aware of the denizens of these underworld places; they know where the dark horrors live and what they are up to.

---

Gamemaster Notes

The frail, emaciated appearance of the Stygiras belies the remarkable physical strength the creatures possess - strength which makes their physical attacks quite dangerous. This danger is compounded by the effect that the Stygira's innage magic has upon the wounds inflicted by their talon-like bony fingers. Creatures that take damage from a Stygira's claws are subject to a slow petrification effect that persists until the light of the sun shines upon them.

Most Adventurers will be operating under the mistaken belief that the gemstone a Stygira is almost always sure to be carrying is magically imbued with powers that give the creature sight. This is not the case, however. A Stygira's ability of Gem Sight is an innate ability of the creature itself -- as long as it is holding any gemstone in its grip, it has the ability to see. Moreover, this ability goes beyond normal vision -- a Stygira clutching a gemstone also possesses both Darkvision and True Sight. The stone itself can be any form of rock crystal, from an uncut quartz crystal to a finely faceted diamond. Each Stygira will, however, have a "favorite seeing stone" - a crystal that they consider much like a personal brand or identifier.

5E-compatible Statblock

StatblockID

PF2E-compatible Statblock

StatblockID

Credits

Side panel character images by RPGDinosaurBob using HeroForge
Banner map by RPGDinosaurBob using Fractal Terrains by ProFantasy and Inkarnate