FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Cold Wilderness Mountains], [Cold Wilderness Forest], [Cold Wilderness Swamp])
FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Temperate Wilderness Mountains], [Temperate Wilderness Forest], [Temperate Wilderness Swamp])
FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Dungeon Level VII])
 

NO. APPEARING: 1-3
ARMOR CLASS: 0
MOVE: 15"
HIT DICE: 7 + 3-12
% IN LAIR: 20%
TREASURE TYPE: [D]
NO. OF ATTACKS: 3
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2-9/2-9/3-9 (with strength bonus 9-16/9-16/3-9)
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Grappling (see below)
SPECIAL DEFENSES: 100% vs. illusion/phantasm magic only
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Low to exceptional
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic evil
SIZE: L (7 1/2' - 8' tall)
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: VII | 1300 + 10

SAVES, 7+1-4: 10.11.12.21.13
SAVES, 7+5-12: 8.9.10.9.11

The race of annis are relatives of the night hags (q.v) of the Lower
Planes. Their appearance is similar to night hags, but annis are larger
and more physically powerful.
Annis dwell naturally upon the Prime Material Plane.
These giantesses are particularly fond of human flesh;
however, so voracious is their appetite, they will devour even so rank a
beast as a stench kow. It is common for annis to dwell singly or in a small
group, but these creatures have also been known to cooperate with such
monsters as ogres, trolls, and evil giants for reasons of safety or better
provisions, and occasional mixed communities have been encountered.

An annis typically attacks with her iron-like talons and teeth, inflicting
horrible wounds. As the strength of an annis is equal to that of a hill
giant (19), <> it will also tend to grapple with an opponent. If an annis
succeeds in hitting one creature with all 3 of her attacks during the same
round, the annis has automatically seized her opponent after inflicting
damage, and the opponent is held fast. Next round, all attacks by the
annis are automatic hits, unless the opponent is stronger, the annis is
slain, or the victim has some means of magical escape. Otherwise, the
annis will continue to hold her grip and deliver damage with raking
talons and gnawing fangs until the opponent is slain.

In addition to normal attacks, an annis has the spell-like ability to CAST a
[fog cloud] at an opponent. This will be done to confuse resistance or
DELAY attack by a superior foe. For defense an annis has the spell-like
power of [change self], so she can appear as a large human, [ogre], etc.
Such powers are usable 1 at a time, 1 per round, twice each per day.
They are CAST at 8th level for purposes of determining spell range,
duration, etc.

Because of the iron-hard skin of an annis, treat the monster as if she
were clad in plate mail for purposes of adjusting weapons vs. armor
types. In any event, when striking an annis, edged weapons will do -1
damage, and blunt ones +1. (Consider flails and morning stars as blunt
weapons.)

Annis have normal [infravision] but superior hearing and sense of smell.
They speak their own language, Ogre, common Giant, and a smattering <added to DMG>
of Common. Some of the most intelligent are able to speak various
humanoid languages and are more fluent in Common.

An annis has a deep blue color, quite similar in complexion and visage to a
night hag. Hair, teeth, and nails are glossy black. The eyes of an annis
are usually dull, however, being greenish or yellow instead of the red of
their night hag cousins. The tall body is thin, muscular, and wiry. The
arms and legs are long and quick. Their garb is not unlike that of peasant
women, but usually more tattered and filthy.

An annis typically attacks with her iron-like talons and teeth, inflicting horrible wounds. As the strength of an annis is equal to that of a hill giant 19). it will also tend to grapple with an opponent. If an annis succeeds in hittingone creaturewith all 3 of her attacksduring the same round, the annis has automatically seized her opponent after inflicting damage, and the opponent is held fast. Next round, all attacks by the annis are automatic hits, unless the opponent is stronger, the annis is slain, or the victim has some means of magical escape. Otherwise, the annis will continue to hold her grip and deliver damage with raking talons and gnawing fangs until the opponent is slain.

In addition to normal attacks, an annis has the spell-like ability to cast a fog cloud at an opponent. This will be done to confuse resistance or delay attack by a superior foe. For defense an annis has the spell-like power of change self, so she can appear as a large human, ogre, etc. Such powers are usable 1 at a time, 1 per round, twice each per day. They are cast at 8th level for purposes of determining spell range, duration, etc.

Because of the iron-hard skin of an annis, treat the monster as if she were clad in plate mail for purposes of adjusting weapons vs. armor types. In any event, when striking an annis, edged weapons will do -1 damage, and blunt ones +1, (Consider flails and morning stars as blunt weapons.)

Annis have normal infravision but superior hearing and sense of smell. They speak their own language, Ogre, common Giant, and a smattering of Common. Some of the most intelligent are able to speak various humanoid languages and are more fluent in Common.
 

Wulfgarn wrote:
OK- so I am looking for the inspiration for Hags from 1st edition AD&D and I am comming up with bupkis....

Anyone shed any light on this?
 

Folklore:

Annis, Jenny Greenteeth, Hag.

Yuletide best wishes,
Gary
 
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Elfdart
Did you ever use Katherine Briggs' Encyclopedia of Fairies? Unlike other such tomes, it includes a number of actual stories about the fairies, goblins, bogeys and other critters.

I've used it for 20+ years and still haven't used everything in it.
Happy Christmas!

I have at least one of Katherine Brigg's books somewhere in the book archives in the basement here, but darned if I can recall the title.
IIRR, the book of hers I have is well illustrated and is based mainly on the folklore of the British Isles.

Yuletide best wishes,
Gary
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Elfdart

Yep, that's the one! The section about Black Annis alone is worth the price. I have a whole sub-campaign around the machinations of the Cailleach Bheur.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Elfdart
Merry New Year to you too!

Heh...

Black Annis and green hags are indeed worthy monsters for FRPGs!

Being here and able to look forward to 2007 makes if a joyous time 

Christmas best wishes,
Gary