Lore & Background

Origins:
The Wendigo is a cursed spirit born from famine and greed. In the frozen reaches of the world, when hunger drives mortals to cannibalism, the Wendigo curse takes root. The victim’s body twists into a gaunt, towering monstrosity with frost‑cracked skin, elongated limbs, and antlers like skeletal trees. Its heart becomes a shard of living ice, and its hunger is eternal.

Nature:
A Wendigo is not merely a beast—it is a spiritual predator. It stalks blizzards and boreal forests, mimicking voices of loved ones to lure prey. It thrives in isolation, feeding on fear and flesh. Each kill makes it stronger yet never sated. Some say destroying its icy heart with fire or radiant energy is the only way to end its existence.

Behavior:

• Hunts alone, using stealth and mimicry.

• Targets the weakest or most desperate.

• Avoids direct confrontation unless cornered or starving.

• Drawn to areas of famine, war, or magical winter.

Legends in the World:

• Villagers whisper that hearing a loved one’s voice in a snowstorm means the Wendigo is near.

• Druids and shamans claim the Wendigo is a punishment for breaking sacred taboos.

• Its presence warps the land: unnatural cold, eerie silence, and sudden whiteouts.

Wendigo – Stat Block (D&D 5e)

Large Monstrosity (Spirit), Chaotic Evil
Armor Class: 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 178 (17d10 + 85)
Speed: 40 ft., climb 30 ft.

STR 20 (+5) | DEX 16 (+3) | CON 20 (+5) | INT 10 (+0) | WIS 16 (+3) | CHA 18 (+4)

Saving Throws: Dex +7, Con +9, Wis +7, Cha +8
Skills: Perception +7, Stealth +9, Survival +7, Intimidation +8
Damage Resistances: bludgeoning, piercing, slashing from nonmagical attacks; necrotic
Damage Immunities: cold
Condition Immunities: frightened
Senses: darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages: understands Common and local tongues; cannot speak, only mimic
Challenge: 11 (7,200 XP)

Traits

• Snow Stalker: Ignores difficult terrain caused by snow or ice; leaves no tracks unless it chooses.

• Winter’s Aura: Creatures within 20 ft. must succeed on DC 16 Con save or suffer “Chilled”: speed −10 ft., disadvantage on Str/Dex checks until end of next turn. At 3 levels of Chilled, creature gains vulnerability to cold.

• Heart of Ice: Fire or radiant damage disables its Regeneration until end of next turn. If reduced to 0 HP while Regeneration is active, it drops to 1 HP instead. Destroying its icy heart with fire or radiant damage prevents revival.

• Regeneration: Regains 15 HP at start of its turn if it has at least 1 HP and isn’t affected by fire or radiant damage.

• Mimic Voice: Bonus action to mimic a loved one’s voice; creatures within 60 ft. must succeed on DC 16 Wis save or be charmed until end of next turn and move toward the sound.

Actions

• Multiattack: Two attacks (Claw or Bite).

• Claw: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d10+5) slashing.

• Bite: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (3d10+5) piercing; target must succeed on DC 16 Wis save or gain the Wendigo Curse.

• Howl of Famine (Recharge 5–6): All creatures within 60 ft. that can hear must make DC 16 Wis save or be frightened for 1 minute and have disadvantage on death saves while frightened.

• Devour the Fallen: Targets a creature at 0 HP within 5 ft.; inflicts one failed death save and Wendigo regains 25 HP.

Legendary Actions (3 per round)

• Stalking Step: Move up to half speed without provoking opportunity attacks.

• Claw Swipe: Make one Claw attack.

• Echoed Howl (Costs 2): Mimic Voice targeting creatures that failed a save against Howl of Famine; those creatures roll with disadvantage.

Wendigo Curse

A humanoid bitten by the Wendigo must eat a ration during short rests or gain 1 level of exhaustion. When seeing a humanoid at 0 HP, it must succeed on DC 15 Wis save or attempt to harm that creature. Remove Curse ends it; Lesser Restoration suppresses exhaustion for 24 hours.

Lair Actions

• Whiteout: Area becomes heavily obscured until end of round; difficult terrain for others.

• Black Ice: 30‑ft. cone; Dex save DC 15 or fall prone and speed 0 until next turn.

• Hungry Echoes: Mimics familiar voices; creatures within 60 ft. must succeed on DC 16 Wis save or use reaction to move toward sound.

Regional Effects

• Unnatural cold and eerie silence pervade the land.

• Travelers hear voices of loved ones in snowstorms.

• Wildlife avoids carrion; scavengers vanish.