An experienced adventurer would not mistake this smaller, flightless bird for the massive phoenix. However, to the untrained eye, the fool’s phoenix, with its plethora of vibrant feathers resembling fire in motion, could easily be mistaken for something grander. While it is not a true phoenix, the fool’s phoenix still commands respect and admiration.
These birds are powerful in their own right, moving swiftly and creating a swirl of colors that can mesmerize predators. Their saliva is toxic and can eventually paralyze their victims. Fortunately, fool’s phoenixes do not have a taste for flesh and only fight when cornered or defending their territory.
In some cultures, the fool’s phoenix is revered. It is said that being in the presence of one of these beautiful creatures can enhance one’s outlook and focus. People suffering from mind-altering diseases have sought the fool’s phoenix for its purported healing properties.
The feathers of a fool’s phoenix are sometimes harvested to create armor that offers protection against mundane weapons. In cultures that revere these birds, feathers from naturally deceased fool’s phoenixes are used to craft armor for their greatest warriors.
Fool’s Phoenix
Medium Beast, Unaligned
Armor Class 16
Hit Points 78 (12d8 + 24)
Speed 90 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 (-1) | 22 (+6) | 15 (+2) | 4 (-3) | 14 (+2) | 18 (+4) |
Skills Perception +5
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Senses passive Perception 15
Languages —
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +3
Inspiring Presence. The phoenix emits a 15-foot-radius aura of inspiration. Each creature of the phoenix’s choice within the area has advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma ability checks and saving throws.
Sudden Motion. Creatures have disadvantage on opportunity attacks against the phoenix.
Actions
Multiattack. The phoenix makes one Beak attack and uses Hypnotic Dance, if available.
Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d6 + 6) piercing damage plus 27 (6d8) poison damage and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have the poisoned condition for 1 hour. While poisoned in this way, if the target is reduced to 0, the target is stable and has the paralyzed condition until this poison ends.
Hypnotic Dance (Recharge 5–6). The phoenix displays its wings in a swirling hypnotic pattern projected in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature has the charmed condition for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
Downloads
Further Reading
The rock owl is another “feathered” friend, and the fowler is a potential hunter of a fool’s phoenix.
A quest for the creation of a prismatic quill could include a fool’s phoenix.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
