Phouka

Description

Phoukas are cunning and mischievous fey, famous, or perhaps infamous for their shapechanging abilities, and playful yet unpredictable nature. Natively appearing as wiry humanoids with bat wings, sharp features, dark hair, and glinting eyes, they are very rarely seen in their natural form, preferring to take on the form of animals such as black horses, goats, crows, cockerels or sleek hounds.

Phoukas in their natural form stand around 4 feet tall, and weigh about 60 pounds. They are exceptionally stealthy, remaining 90% undetectable in natural environments while stationary, and 70% while moving.

Phoukas can shift their shape at will, transforming into a horse, goat, crow, cockrel or hound in a single round, as often as they wish. While in animal form, they retain their hit points, Armour Class, and general intelligence, but their ability to wield weapons or perform fine manipulations is limited, restricting their attack to their bite.

Phoukas are capable of creating minor illusions, confusing sounds, or fleeting visual tricks to mislead or startle others, creating an illusion similar to Phantasmal Force up to three times per day.

Phoukas speak both Fey and Common, and can mimic voices and sounds with uncanny accuracy, often using this talent to lure or mislead others.

Phoukas can fly when unencumbered for up to 10 rounds but must rest for an equal duration afterwards. When lightly encumbered, they can fly for 5 rounds and require 20 rounds of rest. Their lightweight build and fey agility reduce fall damage by half.

Phoukas are highly unpredictable and thrive on trickery. They are rarely outright hostile but will defend themselves fiercely if cornered. They are vulnerable to cold iron (iron or steel) weapons, taking an additional +1 damage from such attacks.

While generally playful, Phoukas can become malicious if insulted or wronged. Wise adventurers tread carefully in their presence, offering respect and perhaps a jest to appease these tricksters.

Source note: This creature is converted from The Basic Fantasy Field Guide of Creatures Malevolent and Benign – Omnibus Edition, 1st Edition Release 4, © 2010–2025 Chris Gonnerman, R. Kevin Smoot, James Lemon, Matt Sluis, and Contributors. The Basic Fantasy Field Guide textual material is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International; this page adapts that creature to White Box.

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