Maglings are cat-sized fey creatures often found near areas where the barrier to the fey realm has thinned, allowing passage between the planes. In the fey realm, maglings are benign creatures that absorb magical energy from the plane itself and are often kept as pets. However, on the material plane, even a single magling can become a nuisance, especially to adventurers.
Novice adventuring parties may encounter a magling on their travels and adopt it as a mascot due to its playful nature and adorable demeanor. But as these adventurers defeat various evils and collect rewards, they may notice their valuable magic items malfunctioning—working one day but not the next. Unbeknownst to them, the magling has been feeding on the magical essence of these items, absorbing their power until the items naturally restore themselves.
Maglings can be exceptional treasure hunters thanks to their innate ability to detect magical auras. A group aware of a magling’s special traits can use them to help track magical treasure in exchange for letting it feed off less useful magical trinkets. This talent also makes them favored among thieves’ guilds.
One notable encounter occurred when a magling was brought to a magic academy as a pet. Within a week, it had duplicated into dozens, wreaking havoc on the academy’s magic items. The city guard eventually had to intervene to control the magling horde.
Magling
Tiny Fey, Unaligned
Armor Class 14
Hit Points 7 (3d4)
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (-2) | 18 (+4) | 11 (+0) | 4 (-3) | 12 (+1) | 11 (+0) |
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +6
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages —
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2
Arcane Release. The magling releases absorbed magical essence when it dies. The essence returns to the items it came from if they are within 120 feet of the magling. Any remaining essence vanishes into the air.
Magic Detection. The magling can see faint auras around creatures or objects that bear magic.
Magic Immunity. The magling is immune to spells and other magical effects.
Actions
Absorb. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: The magling absorbs the magical essence from a magic item the target is carrying, turning it into a mundane item for 24 hours.
Reactions
Duplicate. When the magling is subjected to a spell or magical effect, it duplicates itself, creating a new magling.
Downloads
Further Reading
If you’re searching for another mischievous fey, take a look at the dream gorger.
Pairing maglings with arcana moles is sure to cause some magical migraines.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
