The Sa'ir, a Lamia of a Different Stripe

As Monster ENCyclopedia: Lamia shows, the lamia have had a long history in D&D. They have also had very varied and somewhat convoluted reproduction practices. This brings us to the sa'ir, which is the offspring of two common lamia (common as opposed to noble). The sa'ir made its appearance in Dragon #192 back in 1993.

Sa’ir

Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)

Hit Points 38 (7d8+7)

Speed 40 ft.

Str                    Dex                  Con                  Int                    Wis                  Cha

14 (+2)             14 (+2)             13 (+1)             3 (-4)               14 (+2)             7 (-2)

Skills Perception +4, Stealth +4

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14

Languages –

Challenge 1

Charge. If the sa’ir moves at least 20 ft. straight toward a target and then hits it with a ram attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 3 (1d6) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the sa’ir can make one claw attack against it as a bonus action.

Herbivore Mimicry. The sa’ir can mimic the appearance and behavior of a grazing herbivore. To detect the ruse, a creature must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom (Insight) check. The check automatically succeeds if the creature has encountered a sa’ir before and knows what it is.

Actions

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8+2) piercing damage.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4+2) slashing damage.

Ram. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) bludgeoning damage.

Prowling deserts and ancient ruins, sa’ir are predators that hunt the arid wastes in small groups. The offspring of common lamia, instinct rather than affection cause sa’ir to remain in the vicinity of their parent’s lair. Unlike their parents, sa’ir are hardly more intelligent than simple animals. Though largely ignored by the lamia and incapable of being trained, the sa’ir are de facto guard animals for their lairs, if only due to proximity.

The sa’ir has the hindquarters of a goat and the foreparts of a lion, including a lion’s head and, regardless of sex, mane. A pair of goat’s horns grow from their head and their chin has a goat’s dangling beard. Sages believe that sa’ir are incapable of breeding.

Clever Predators

Sa’ir are omnivores, though would much rather eat meat than plants. They’ll even eat carrion over fresh plants if they can. Despite not being overly intelligent, they do possess a base animal cunning. They frequently attempt to trick prey into thinking they’re harmless herbivores by mimicking the behavior of grazing herd animals. Once their prey has moved close enough, the sa’ir leap to the attack.