Bryne Saltdredge

There is nothing typical about the typical bryne. These coastal terrors are lumbering humanoids with a skin tone close to that of a drowned corpse. Crystal-like deposits of bone and salt erupt from their elbows, knees and shoulders while the rest of their flesh is puckered here and there from barnacle scars and fell branding. Their most disturbing aspect, however, is their fleshless skulls. Some say a bryne’s head resembles a dead horse, others a dead wolf’s and there is an argument to be made for both. While the skull’s shape is general equine the fangs within are wicked and sharp like a dire wolf’s Deep set eyes as black and cold as a shark's ooze off-white ichors and within the fleshy inside of a bryne’s mouth resides a forked tongue capable of speech.

Towering above a shambling squad of zombies, the saltdredge serves the bryne even in death. Yet, there is no honor in being pressed into this sort of service for any of these hated giants. The path to being a saltdredge starts with the bryne dying on land, but not in battle. Laying under the profane sun, their skin rapidly desiccates and reveals wider swaths of salt-riddled bones. Yet, carrion animals and even insects eschew its rancid meat. At some point, the dishonored corpse is retrieved by its tribe. If enough of the body is intact its salt crystals are enhanced with necromatic energies and bloom. If not, they are ground down to fuel the bryne’s other undead creations. Once the former process is completed, the risen saltdredge has flotsam and jetsum strapped to their form before being deployed as a lieutenant of sorts amid lesser corpses.

Bryne Gar

Large undead (Bryne), neutral evil

Armor Class 13 (flotsam, jetsam, and rope )

Hit Points 104 (11d10 + 44)

Speed 30ft

Swim 30ft

Str 17 Dex 10 Con 18 Int 7 Wis 10 Cha 6

Damage Resistances cold

Damage Immunities necrotic, poison

Condition Immunities exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10

Languages understands Common and Giant but cannot speak

Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)

Profane Preservation.

Undead creatures within 30ft of the saltdredge have advantage on saving throws against any effect that turns undead.

Salt in the Wound.

Whenever another creature within 10ft of the saltdredge takes damage, they must succeed on a DC 15 Consitution save or suffer Disadvantage on all attack rolls and ability checks until the end of their next turn. This has no effect on undead or constructs.

Turn Resistance.

The saltdredge has advantage on saving throws against any effect that turns undead.

Actions

Multiattack.

The bryne saltdredge makes two attacks.

Slam.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 7 (1d8+3) slashing damage.

Caustic Cloud (Recharge 6).

The saltdredge expells a 20ft cloud of searing humors. All other creatures within the area of effect must succeed on a DC 15 Consitution save or take 13 (4d6) acid damage and be blinded for the next minute. At the end of each of its turns, an affected creature may repeat this save with the blinded effect ending on success.