Ye Olde Shoppe of Magicks – Shaven Cultists

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Shaven Cultist

Medium or small humanoid (any race), lawful fanatical

Armor Class 12 (ritual robes, leather undergarments)
Hit Points 22 (5d8)
Speed 30 ft.

STR 11 (+0) | DEX 13 (+1) |
CON 12 (+1) | INT 10 (+0) |
WIS 11 (+0) | CHA 14 (+2)

Saving Throws Wis +2, Cha +4
Skills Intimidation +4, Religion +2, Sleight of Hand +3
Senses Passive Perception 10
Languages – Common, race native, plus one other
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

Members of the Shaven Cult

Traits

  • Fanatic of the Smooth Path. The cultist has advantage on saving throws against being frightened while within 30 ft. of another Shaven Cultist or Vet or 60 feet of a High Priest.
  • Razor Devotion. When reduced to 0 hit points, the cultist may make one final melee attack before falling unconscious, shouting a prayer to Ton’dur the Smooth.
  • Unholy Pomade (1/day). As a bonus action, the cultist coats their weapon or hands in slick divine oil. For 1 minute, their melee attacks deal an extra 1d4 radiant damage and cause the target’s hair to smoke or fall out harmlessly.

Actions

  • Straight Razor (Sickle variant). Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) slashing damage.
  • Holy Foam Bomb (2/day). Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: The target must succeed on a DC 12 Dex save or be blinded until the end of its next turn. The foam smells faintly of lavender and terror.
  • Convert Through Exfoliation (1/day). The cultist targets a creature within 5 ft. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom save or be charmed for 1 minute (“cleansed of follicular sin”). While charmed, the target cannot attack the cultist and feels an irresistible urge to shave themselves.

Tactics

  • Begin combat by lobbing foam bombs to disorient.
  • Use Convert Through Exfoliation on any visibly hairy target (especially dwarves, barbarians, or druids).
  • When bloodied, activate Unholy Pomade and fight to the bitterly smooth end.

Sample Quips

“The follicle is the finger of filth!”
“By the blade, be made pure!”
“You’ll thank me when you’re smooth!”

Racial Notes for Other Cult Members
Race		Modifications and Flavor
Elf+2 DEX, +1 WIS. Elegant, eerily serene. Foam bomb save DC +1. Favored razor style: curved ceremonial blade.
Dwarf+2 CON, –1 CHA. Considered “self-hating beardlings.” Gain advantage on CON saves against razor pain; speed 25 ft.
Half-Orc+2 STR, +1 CON. When reduced to 0 HP, can use Relentless Endurance (“The razor is not done with me yet!”).
Halfling+2 DEX, Lucky. Known as “the Smooth Foots.” They excel at sneaking into camp and stealing beard trimmings for ritual offerings.
Human VariantMay replace Convert Through Exfoliation with a bonus feat like Inspiring Leader (“Smoothness is next to godliness!”).

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