Ghast

A ghast is a horrifying undead creature, an even more twisted and malevolent form of a ghoul. It resembles a gaunt and emaciated humanoid, with pale, rotting flesh stretched tightly over its bones. Its eyes burn with a malevolent hunger, and its elongated limbs end in sharp, clawed fingers.

Ghasts are known for their insatiable appetite for flesh, particularly the flesh of the living. They prowl in dark and desolate places, often dwelling in crypts, underground tunnels, or forgotten ruins. Their foul stench precedes their arrival, filling the air with the stench of decay and death.

These vile creatures possess enhanced strength and agility compared to their lesser ghoul counterparts. They are known for their ability to paralyze their victims with a touch, leaving them helpless and vulnerable to the ghast’s voracious attacks.

Ghasts are highly sensitive to light and are most active during the night, lurking in shadows and waiting for unsuspecting prey to cross their path. Their insidious nature and predatory instincts make them formidable opponents, as they coordinate attacks with other ghoul-like creatures or operate as leaders among their kind.

Fighting a ghast requires not only physical prowess but also a strong will, as their presence instills fear and terror in those who face them. They are repelled by holy symbols and divine power, making spells and abilities that harness radiant energy effective against them.

Encountering a ghast is a harrowing experience, as they embody the darkest aspects of undeath. Their relentless hunger for flesh and their ability to paralyze victims make them a fearsome foe that adventurers must face with caution, resilience, and a strong resolve to vanquish the forces of darkness.

Special Abilities

Stench

Any creature that starts its turn within 5 ft. of the ghast must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the start of its next turn. On a successful saving throw, the creature is immune to the ghast’s Stench for 24 hours.

Turn Defiance

The ghast and any ghouls within 30 ft. of it have advantage on saving throws against effects that turn undead.

Actions

• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) piercing damage.
• Claws: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage. If the target is a creature other than an undead, it must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.