Hey everyone,
Our spooky season monster manual continues! We are making a 180-degree turn and going with a low-level monster after the queen that is Baba Yaga. We're diving into a tale that has been used to scare children off the streets after dark in Spain, Portugal, and across Latin America for generations. It's the story of the creepy old man who wanders the towns at dusk, looking for naughty children to put in his sack. Meet the Sack Man.
Medium Humanoid, Neutral Evil
Armor Class 13 (Leather Armor)
Hit Points 52 (8d8 + 16)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 15 (+2) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 9 (-1) |
Skills Stealth +6, Perception +3, Sleight of Hand +4
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 13
Languages Common
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2
Urban Stalker. The Sack Man has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in urban environments, especially at twilight or in dim light.
Keen Hearing. The Sack Man has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
Snatch and Stuff. The Sack Man targets one Small or smaller creature it can see within 5 feet of it. The target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be grappled (escape DC 13). If the grapple is successful, the Sack Man can immediately use its bonus action to try and stuff the grappled creature into its sack. The creature must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is stuffed into the sack, becoming blinded, restrained, and deafened. The sack can hold only one creature at a time. A creature can use its action to make a DC 13 Strength check to break free from the sack. Dealing 5 slashing damage to the sack (AC 10) also frees the creature without harming it.
The Sack Man is a grim figure of urban folklore, a hunched and shambling old man who appears on quiet streets as the sun begins to set. He is always seen carrying a large, empty burlap sack over his shoulder. He is a cautionary tale given life, a predator who preys on children who disobey their parents, stay out too late, or wander off on their own.
A Sinister Purpose. No one knows for sure what the Sack Man does with the children he captures. Some tales say he sells them to wicked witches or wizards. Others whisper that he eats them himself to sustain his unnatural existence. The most horrifying stories claim he works for a wealthy, cruel master, rendering the children down for their fat to cure a terrible disease. Whatever his motive, his goal is always the same: to fill his sack before the sun rises.
The Sack Man is the perfect low-level threat for an urban campaign. The party might be hired by frantic parents whose child has gone missing, or they might stumble upon the Sack Man themselves as he stalks his next victim down a cobblestone alley.
As always,
Michael Garcia a.k.a. TheCrazyGM
