Spectral Lupines

Appearance: Spectral Lupines are ghostly entities that bear a resemblance to their original form, wolves. However, their ethereal nature gives them a translucent, misty appearance. They emit a pale, eerie glow, with wisps of mist swirling around their forms. Their eyes shine with an otherworldly light, and when they move, they leave behind faint trails of ghostly footprints.

Size: Spectral Lupines are slightly larger than regular wolves, standing at around 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) at the shoulder. Their spectral bodies give them an ethereal weightlessness, making them seem lighter than they actually are.

Behavior: These haunted creatures are restless spirits bound to specific locations or cursed by some malevolent force. They wander through their haunted territories, seeking both solace and vengeance. While they can be aggressive and territorial, they are not inherently evil. Their actions are driven by their tragic past or the need to protect their territory.

Emotions: Spectral Lupines experience emotions that are a mix of sadness, longing, and anger. They are haunted by the memories of their former lives and the circumstances that led to their transformation. Their howls are often filled with sorrow and despair, echoing through the night.

Environment: Spectral Lupines can be found in places with a dark and tragic history, such as abandoned ruins, forgotten forests, or cursed lands. They are drawn to locations where they suffered or died, and their presence intensifies the eerie atmosphere of these places. They are most active during the night, when their ghostly presence feels the strongest.

Additional Notes: Spectral Lupines possess a spectral bite, which can drain the life force or vitality of their targets. When they howl, their mournful cries can invoke a sense of melancholy in those who hear it, potentially weakening their resolve or instilling fear.

These haunting creatures can be encountered as guardians of cursed treasures, protectors of ancient burial grounds, or as restless spirits seeking peace or revenge. Engaging with them can lead to unique encounters, where players may have the opportunity to lift their curses, unravel the mysteries surrounding their transformation, or aid them in finding closure.

Tier 1 Stats:

• Strength: +2
• Dexterity: +3
• Constitution: +2
• Intelligence: -1
• Wisdom: +1
• Charisma: -2

Skills:

• Stealth: +4
• Survival: +2
• Perception: +3
• Intimidation: +1

Age: Spectral Lupines are immortal spirits trapped in their ghostly form. They do not age in the conventional sense and have existed for as long as their curse or haunting has endured.

Height: Approximately 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) at the shoulder.

Weight: Due to their ethereal nature, Spectral Lupines weigh considerably less than their physical counterparts. On average, they weigh around 60 to 80 pounds (27 to 36 kilograms).

Speed: Spectral Lupines possess supernatural agility and speed.

• Walking Speed: 40 feet (12 meters) per round.
• Running Speed: 60 feet (18 meters) per round.

Armor Slots:

• Ethereal Collar: This spectral collar enhances the Spectral Lupine’s haunting presence, granting a +2 bonus to Charisma-based skill checks and increasing the intensity of its ghostly glow.
• Shadowpelt Armor: Woven from shadow essence, this armor provides spectral protection. It grants a +2 bonus to the Spectral Lupine’s Armor Class and allows it to blend seamlessly with darkness, granting advantage on Stealth checks in dim light or darkness.
• Wailing Mask: This eerie mask amplifies the Spectral Lupine’s haunting howls. It allows the Lupine to emit an unsettling wail, affecting the emotions of those who hear it. Creatures within a 30-foot radius must make a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute.
• Phantom Claws: These spectral claws augment the Spectral Lupine’s natural attacks. They deal an additional 1d6 necrotic damage on a successful hit and have a chance to temporarily drain the target’s strength, reducing their Strength score by 2 until they finish a short or long rest.
• Soulbound Anklets: These ethereal anklets allow the Spectral Lupine to move effortlessly through the spirit realm. They grant advantage on saving throws against spells or effects that would banish or force the Lupine out of its spectral form.

Weapons:

• Haunting Howl: This ghostly spectral weapon takes the form of a shimmering, ethereal fang. When the Spectral Lupine bites with this weapon, it deals additional necrotic damage equal to the Lupine’s level and has a chance to drain the target’s life force, healing the Lupine for an amount equal to half the necrotic damage dealt.
• Ephemeral Clawblade: This ghostly, elongated claw extends from the Lupine’s paw. It grants the Lupine a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls and deals slashing damage. Once per short rest, the Lupine can channel its spectral energy into the clawblade, causing it to emit an eerie, pale light, which illuminates an area in a 10-foot radius as if by dim light.

Tools:

• Spiritbane Charm: This enchanted charm is adorned with a vial of ethereal essence. When activated, the charm emits a shimmering, protective aura that wards off malevolent spirits and undead creatures within a 30-foot radius. It grants advantage on saving throws against effects caused by ghosts, specters, and other incorporeal entities. Additionally, once per day, the Spectral Lupine can use the charm to banish a weak or unwilling ghost or specter within 10 feet, forcing it back to its plane of existence.
• Mistcaller Lantern: This ornate lantern is crafted from a combination of silver and ghostly mist. When the Spectral Lupine ignites the lantern, it emits a dim, eerie light that dispels magical darkness and mist within a 15-foot radius. The lantern also has the ability to reveal hidden ethereal creatures or objects that are invisible or in the ethereal plane.
• Echoing Spectral Flute: This spectral flute is capable of emitting haunting melodies that transcend the physical and ethereal realms. When played by the Spectral Lupine, the flute’s music can manipulate the emotions of those who hear it. By playing specific tunes, the Lupine can evoke fear, sadness, or tranquility, affecting the mood and behavior of nearby creatures. The flute can also be used to communicate with other spectral entities or animals attuned to ethereal energies.
• Essence Siphon: This small, ornamental vial is filled with a shimmering, ghostly liquid. When used by the Spectral Lupine, it can siphon and store residual ethereal energies. The Essence Siphon can be used in various ways, such as temporarily imbuing weapons with ghostly properties, mending minor spectral injuries, or temporarily bolstering the Lupine’s spectral form, granting temporary hit points equal to its level.