Men & Monsters of Polynesia: Maero (5th Edition D&D Monster)

Maero

Medium humanoid, neutral evil

AC: 14 (natural armor)

Hit Points: 39 (5d8+15)

Speed: 30 ft. (15 ft. in trees)

STR          DEX          CON          INT          WIS          CHA

14 (+2)      15 (+2)      16 (+3)      7 (-2)        9 (-1)        7 (-2)

Skills: Athletics +4, Intimidation +1, Perception +1, Stealth +4

Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11

Languages: Giant

Challenge: 3 (700 XP)

Death from Above. If a Maero leaps downward at least 10 feet from a tree or other height and then hits with a claw attack on the same turn, the target takes an additional 3 (1d6) bludgeoning damage and must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Keen Smell. A Maero has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Regeneration. A Maero regains 6 hit points at the start of its turn. If a Maero takes acid or fire damage, this trait does not function at the start of its next turn. A Maero dies only if it starts its turn with 0 hit points and does not regenerate.

Actions

Multiattack. A Maero makes three melee attacks, one with its bite and two with its claws.

Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8+2) slashing damage.

Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4+4) piercing damage.

Bonus Actions

Frightening. Because of its terribly fearsome appearance, as a bonus action a Maero can make an Intimidation check against one target, which the victim can oppose with a DC 8 Charisma saving throw. If a target fails this check, its next attack against the Maero will be at disadvantage. 

Maero

Maero are man-sized cousins of Trolls that dwell in woodlands and are believed to have inhabited some islands prior to their settlement by Polynesians. They have long filthy talons, sharp fangs, unkempt dirty hair, and mottled green flesh, which allows them to blend into foliage and be hard for others to spot. They are strong, wiry, and tough and move through the branches of trees in order to stalk and ambush their victims. Such creatures hate even each other but will work together for large ventures like raids, and will generally render aid to any of their fellows who call for help against adventurers or the like.

Ravenous Killers. Maero are exceedingly violent and will kill and devour almost any sort of living thing, and especially relish hunting Humans and other sentient races for these purposes. They attack with their talons and sharp fangs in attacks made whenever possible by leaping from trees or other heights.

Regeneration. A Maero can survive even total dismemberment or decapitation, and its severed body parts can fight on their own or wriggle back to rejoin with the main body of the creature, and will be regrown if totally destroyed. Only if a Maero is damaged by fire or a corrosive like acid or lye will its regeneration be impeded.