Frost Hag Species in The World of Cartyrion | World Anvil

Frost Hag

Frost Hags are a Gremlin subspecies, the corrupted form of Lesser Psyiads. Like the guardian nymphs that these creatures once were, they make their homes in regions where permafrost and tundra define the environment, preferring the shelter of the cold pine forests that often mark the edges of these lands.

Physically, these creatures, like most of their Hag cousins, resemble ancient, withered old Folk that may have been of Elven or Human origin. Their preference for living in crude wooden huts - often built by the minions in their thrall and not by their own labors - add to the chance that adventurers happening across one's lair will mistake them for more benign folk. Their slightly greyish-blue skin tone is one thing that alert adventurers may notice, though, to alert them to the fact that not all is as it may seem.

Like others of their ilk, Frost Hags use their charm enchantments to bind other creatures into their service; gnolls and dire wolves are their most common choices, though the opportunity to enthrall a more powerful creature such as an Ogre - or even a handful of unwary adventurers - is rarely overlooked. Besides performing menial labor, these enslaved creatures are used to extend the reach of the Frost Hag's ability to spread chaos, discord and disruption around themselves. Hags are known to use their magic to conceal the true nature of their minions when they are sent out among the folk to perform their mischief.

Name
Frost Hag
Type
Fey, Gremlin
Original Nymph
Lesser Psyiad
Size
SizeClass, 5.5ft (165cm)
Habitat
Uncommon: tundras, icy plains, cold pine forests
There have been reports of Froststalkers being enticed into service as well. There is debate, though, as to whether a Frost Hag does so by means of magical enchantment, or by simply promising the Froststalker an opportunity for them to sow more fear among those who travel the regions nearby.

Solitary Frost Hags can be dangerous opponents, but the danger increases dramatically when these creatures join forces with other Hags to form covens. Frost Hags often collaborate with others of their kind to devise magical schemes that involve powers that no single Hag could command. These need not be other Frost Hags; Ice Hags are commonly involved, or perhaps Tree Hags, Green Hags, Rock Hags, or even nearby Cave Hags, River Hags, or Sea Hags.


Gamemaster Notes

Frost Hags, like their other Hag cousins, seem to thrive on the torment and misery of others. They use their abilities to spread disruption and chaos wherever they can. They have little regard for natural beauty, and will do whatever they can to corrupt it, though the harsh regions in which they reside often make it difficult to notice this.

Frost Hags are immune to any effects of natural Cold, and are highly resistant to magical Cold threats. This resistance is tempered somewhat by a weakness toward magical Fire attacks, however.

They will use their ability to magically Charm other creatures into providing menial labor as well as acting as messengers to extend the reach of their evil machinations. Their ability to Polymorph other creatures often comes into play for this as well.

5E-compatible Statblock
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PF2E-compatible Statblock
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Credits

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

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