A Hag is a creature in the fantasy role-playing game DnD. Hags often portray themselves as sinister and evil witches, manipulating and controlling others through their dark magic.
Their shapeshifting abilities make them known for assuming various identities and taking on different forms. DnD hag is typically associated with the fey and often lives in secluded places such as swamps, forests, or abandoned houses.
They are powerful and dangerous adversaries, and players must use their wits and skills to defeat them.
History of Hag in DnD
Hags have been a part of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) since the game’s inception in the 1970s. In the original edition of the game, hags were simply described as “witches,” and were portrayed as evil spellcasters who lived in secluded places and used their powers for their own gain.
Over time, hag in DnD has evolved into a more complex and nuanced creature. In the second edition of the game, hags were given specific subtypes, including annis hags, green hags, and sea hags.
These subtypes had unique abilities and traits, such as the annis hag’s ability to use her long claws in combat, and the green hag’s ability to shapeshift into a beautiful woman.
In later editions of D&D, hags were given even more depth and complexity. They were given specific lore and backstory, which explained their relationship to the fey and their place in the world of D&D.
In addition, hags were given more nuanced personalities and motivations, making them more interesting and dynamic characters to encounter in the game.
Today, hags remain a popular and important part of D&D lore and are often used in campaigns and adventures to add an element of danger and intrigue.
Their unique abilities and powers make them formidable foes, and their complex personalities and motivations make them interesting characters to interact with.
Definition of a Hag in DnD
A hag is a type of creature often depicted as an evil and malevolent witch with shapeshifting abilities in DnD. Hags are known for their use of dark magic to manipulate and control others and are often associated with the fey.
They are typically solitary creatures who live in secluded places such as swamps, forests, or abandoned houses and are powerful adversaries for players to face in the game.
Hags are an iconic part of D&D lore and have evolved over time to become complex and nuanced creatures with their own motivations and backstory.
Types of Hags
Hag manifests in different forms in DnD, each with its distinct abilities and characteristics. Let’s explore the three primary types of hags commonly encountered in the game:
Green Hags
One can often find green hags dwelling in the depths of dense forests and swamps. These cunning creatures have a natural affinity for illusion and disguise, using their shape-changing abilities to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
Green hags possess a reputation for their deceptive nature and take delight in sowing discord among communities.
Night Hags
Night hags are sinister beings that hail from the dark planes of existence. With their withered appearance and shadowy wings, they strike fear into the hearts of adventurers.
Night hags possess powerful magical abilities, including the ability to enter the dreams of their victims and manipulate them through nightmares.
Sea Hags
Dwelling near treacherous coastlines and stormy seas, sea hags are grotesque creatures with slimy skin and jagged teeth. They possess a deep connection to water and can control its elements.
Sea hags are notorious for their habit of luring unsuspecting sailors to their doom, dragging them beneath the waves with their powerful claws.
Annis Hags
Annis hags are towering and monstrous hags that dwell in desolate and forsaken places. They have immense strength and skill in close combat, effortlessly wielding formidable weapons.
Annis hags are known for their penchant for capturing and torturing victims, relishing in their pain and suffering.
Bheur Hags
Bheur hags are hags associated with icy landscapes and freezing climates. They have an affinity for cold magic and can unleash chilling spells and abilities.
Bheur hags are often found leading tribes of frost giants or other cold-dwelling creatures, using their powers to command and manipulate their minions.
Morgantha
Morgantha is a unique hag known for her role in the “Curse of Strahd” adventure. She presents herself as an innocent old woman, but her true nature is that of a night hag.
Morgantha operates a traveling pastry cart, selling her infamous dream pastries to the unsuspecting residents of Barovia. However, these pastries contain dark magic and have sinister consequences for those who consume them.
Death Hag
Death hags, a rare and potent hag variation, hold a strong affiliation with death and decay. They possess the ability to drain the life force from their victims and are commonly encountered in locations intertwined with death, including graveyards and catacombs.
Hagspawn
Hagspawn is the offspring of hags and other humanoid creatures. They inherit some of their hag parent’s abilities and characteristics, making them a potent mix of dark magic and mortal flesh.
Hagspawn frequently struggles with their dual nature and face the dilemma of whether to embrace their hag heritage or strive to break free from it.
Elder Hag
The most powerful of all the hag types are the elder hags, often depicted as ancient and wise creatures possessing vast knowledge and magical abilities. They are often leaders of hag covens and have the ability to control and manipulate other hags.
Blood Hag
Blood hags are a rare type of hag that feed on the blood of their victims. They are often depicted as vampiric creatures with elongated fangs and a thirst for blood.
Ash Hag
They associate ash hags with fire and destruction, recognizing their ability to create and control flames. One can often find them in volcanic regions, where they display great skill in using fire-based magic.
Storm Hag
Storm hags hold a close association with storms and possess the ability to manipulate the weather. They tend to be prevalent in regions characterized by frequent storms, such as coastlines and islands.
Physical Characteristics of Hag in DnD
Hags in Dungeons and Dragons possess distinctive physical characteristics that set them apart from other creatures. These unique features reflect their dark nature and often serve as a visual representation of their twisted magic.
Here are some notable physical traits commonly associated with hags:
Hideous Appearance
Hags possess a notorious reputation for their repulsive and grotesque appearances. They have hunched or stooped postures, with long, wiry limbs that seem unnaturally thin.
Hags frequently possess an unsettling and repulsive appearance, with pallid, leathery skin and a profusion of warts and boils. Typically hags sport wrinkled and weathered faces, along with crooked noses and sharp, yellowed teeth.
Mismatched Eyes
One of the most distinctive features of hags is their mismatched eyes. Each eye may be a different color or size, adding to their unsettling appearance. This peculiarity reflects their chaotic and unpredictable nature, hinting at the underlying magic that courses through their veins.
Wild Hair
Hags often have wild, unkempt hair that can range in color from gray and white to dirty brown or black. Their hair is wiry and tangled, giving them a disheveled and witch-like appearance. It adds to their aura of untamed magic and hints at the potent energy that surrounds them.
Bony Claws
Hags possess long, bony claws that extend from their fingers. Hags employ their sharp and jagged claws not only as weapons in combat but also as tools for their dark rituals and spellcasting. Their adeptness in using these claws allows them to inflict pain and suffering upon their victims.
Tattered Clothing and Adornments
Hags typically wear tattered and worn-out clothing, often resembling rags or patchwork garments. Their attire is a reflection of their chaotic nature, mirroring their disregard for societal norms and conventions.
They may also wear a variety of trinkets, bones, feathers, or other macabre accessories that symbolize their connection to the dark forces they harness.
Hags in Various Cultures
The concept of hag has been present in various mythologies and folklore across different cultures in DnD. Here are some examples of the mythological origins of hags:
- Celtic mythology: The Celts associated the goddess Cailleach with winter and the land. Artists often depicted her as an old hag holding a staff and with only one eye.
- Arabian mythology: In Arabian mythology, the Jinn are supernatural creatures that can take on many forms, including that of a hag. They are often associated with mischief and trickery.
- Chinese mythology: In Chinese mythology, the Gu is a type of hag-like demon that feeds on human blood and vitality.
- Native American mythology: In Native American mythology, the Nalusa Falaya is a hag-like creature from Choctaw mythology who preys on children and the elderly.
These are just a few examples of the various mythological origins of hags across different cultures. The concept of the hag has evolved and taken on different meanings over time, but the idea of an old, often wicked woman with supernatural powers remains a common theme.
Strategies for Fighting Against a Hag
When facing combat encounters with hags, players should ready themselves for demanding battles that necessitate strategy, resourcefulness, and adaptability. Hags possess a wide array of abilities and tricks up their sleeves, making them formidable adversaries.
Here are some tactics and strategies to consider when facing off against these cunning creatures:
Understanding the Hag’s Abilities
Before engaging in combat, players should familiarize themselves with the specific abilities of the hag they are facing in DnD. Each type of hag possesses unique powers and spellcasting abilities that can range from illusions and curses to debilitating spells and shapechanging.
Knowing what the hag is capable of will help players anticipate and counter its moves.
Exploit Vulnerabilities
While hags are powerful, they do have vulnerabilities that can be exploited. For example, some hags might have a particular vulnerability to certain types of damage or effects. It’s essential to identify and exploit these weaknesses to gain an advantage in combat.
Disrupt Illusions
Hags are masters of illusion and deception. They can create false images, mirages, or even entire illusory environments to confuse and disorient their enemies. Players should be cautious and use abilities or spells that can reveal or dispel illusions, allowing them to see through the hag’s tricks.
Countering Curses and Hexes
Hags possess the ability to curse or hex their opponents, causing debilitating effects and hindering their abilities. Players should have contingency plans to counteract these curses, such as spells or abilities that can remove or neutralize negative effects.
Divide and Conquer
If facing a hag coven, it’s crucial to disrupt their synergy and divide their attention. Hags working together as a coven can be significantly more powerful than when encountered individually..
Players should focus on separating the hags, disrupting their spells, and eliminating their ability to support one another.
Exploit Environmental Factors
Hags are cunning and resourceful, often using their surroundings to their advantage. They might have traps, hidden lairs, or advantageous positions within their environment.
Players should be observant and look for ways to neutralize or exploit these environmental factors to gain the upper hand.
Maintain Focus and Coordination
Hags possess a reputation for their capability to sow discord and manipulate emotions. It’s crucial for players to maintain focus, communication, and coordination during combat encounters.
Avoid falling into the hag’s psychological traps and work together as a team to overcome their tactics.
Abilities and Traits of Hags
Hag possesses a range of abilities and traits that make them formidable adversaries in DnD. Understanding these attributes is crucial for both players and DMs when engaging with hags in the game.
Shapechanging
Hags are masters of disguise, capable of assuming various forms to deceive their prey. Whether it’s a beautiful maiden, a harmless old woman, or a terrifying monster, hags can alter their appearances at will, making it challenging to discern friend from foe.
Spellcasting
Hags are proficient spellcasters, wielding dark magic to further their nefarious goals. They can hex their opponents, cast powerful curses, and unleash devastating spells.
It is crucial for players to recognize the significance of being prepared for the twisted spells that hags might unleash during encounters
Hags’ Coven
Hags have the ability to form covens, joining forces with other hags to amplify their powers. A coven of hags becomes a formidable force, capable of performing dark rituals, summoning otherworldly creatures, and casting spells of immense destruction.
Players must exercise caution when facing a hag coven, as the combined strength of these creatures can be overwhelming.
Weird Magic
Weird magic refers to the unpredictable and often chaotic nature of certain magical effects in the game. It encompasses spells, abilities, or occurrences that don’t follow traditional rules or have unexpected outcomes.
Weird magic can manifest in the form of wild surges, where spellcasting can lead to unintended consequences or additional magical effects.
These surges can result in unpredictable transformations, random teleportation, or other strange occurrences, adding an element of surprise and unpredictability to the game.
Some examples of weird magic include the Wild Magic Sorcerer’s Wild Magic Surge table, where casting spells can trigger random magical effects, or the Deck of Many Things, a powerful magical item that can dramatically alter the course of a game with unpredictable results.
Mounts & Transport
Mounts are creatures, such as horses, griffons, or magical beasts, that characters can ride to increase their movement speed and maneuverability. They serve as reliable companions for travel or combat, allowing characters to cover long distances more quickly.
Mounted Combat: Characters can engage in mounted combat, utilizing their mounts as extensions of their combat abilities. Mounted characters gain advantages such as increased mobility, a height advantage, and potential trampling attacks, depending on the rules of the game and the specific mount.
Magical Mounts: In addition to mundane mounts, D&D offers various magical options. These include creatures like the phantom steed, which is a spectral mount that can be summoned magically, or the flying carpet, a magical item that functions as a mode of transportation.
Other Modes of Transport: Apart from traditional mounts, D&D offers numerous modes of transportation to suit different settings and scenarios.
This can include ships for seafaring adventures, airships for aerial exploration, teleportation spells for instant travel, or magical portals for interdimensional journeys.
Role of DnD Hag in Storytelling
The role of D&D hags in storytelling can be multifaceted, serving as complex and intriguing characters who add depth and intrigue to a campaign. Here are some ways in which hags can play a role in storytelling:
Antagonists: Hags can provide a challenging and interesting foe for the player characters to overcome, forcing them to think creatively and come up with inventive solutions to defeat them.
Symbols of corruption and decay: Hags can represent a darker aspect of the natural world and serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and ambition.
Enigmatic mentors or guides: Hags can serve as mentors or guides, offering the player characters insights into their own powers or providing them with valuable information about the world around them.
Catalysts for change: The Dungeon Master can use hags as catalysts for change, sparking events or crises that force player characters to take action and make difficult decisions, potentially leading to significant character growth and development.
Sources of mystery and intrigue: Hags can act as sources of mystery and intrigue, weaving elaborate webs of deception and manipulation that draw the player characters deeper into the story and create an atmosphere of suspense and uncertainty.
Using Hags as Villains or Allies
Game masters can employ hag in various ways to enhance the narrative of a DnD campaign. Whether as primary antagonists or complex allies, hags offer exciting possibilities for storytelling and character development.
Creating Intriguing Hag NPCs
Dungeon Masters can craft hag NPCs with unique personalities, motivations, and backstories. Giving hags distinct quirks, desires, and conflicting emotions adds depth to their characters and makes them more compelling for players to interact with.
Incorporating Hags into Storylines
Hags have the ability to seamlessly integrate into the storyline of a campaign, playing the roles of quest catalysts, providers of forbidden knowledge, or bringers of imminent doom.
Their involvement can introduce moral dilemmas, tests of loyalty, and opportunities for redemption or corruption.
Iconic spells and magical items
Hag in DnD possess a deep understanding of dark magic and often wield spells and magical items that are unique to their kind. These iconic spells and items closely associate with hags and gain notoriety for their twisted nature. Here are a few examples:
Hex
Hags commonly utilize the Hex spell to cast curses upon their enemies. By casting Hex, a hag can bestow a debilitating effect on a target, weakening their abilities and making them more susceptible to harm.
This spell represents the hag’s mastery of dark magic and their ability to ensnare and manipulate their foes.
Hag’s Eye
The Hag’s Eye is a magical item that allows a hag to perceive and manipulate events from a distance. It is often crafted from a gemstone and enchanted with divination magic.
With the Hag’s Eye, a hag can spy on her enemies, scry on potential victims, or even cast spells remotely, all while remaining hidden in the safety of her lair.
Hearthstone
Night hags possess the Heartstone, a magical item they own. It is an ethereal gemstone that serves as the source of their power and acts as a conduit for their evil influence.
The Heartstone grants night the ability to phase in and out of the ethereal plane, making them elusive and difficult to track. It is a prized possession and a symbol of dominance for night hags.
Dream Pastries
Hags, particularly Morgantha in the “Curse of Strahd” adventure, are known for crafting dream pastries, which are enchanted pastries.
These pastries have a dark secret: they contain a magical ingredient that causes those who consume them to experience vivid dreams and forget their troubles. However, prolonged consumption can lead to addiction and enslavement to the hag’s will.
Bestow Curse
Hags possess the ability to curse their enemies, and the magic of the Bestow Curse spell embodies this aspect of their power. It allows the caster to inflict a variety of debilitating curses upon a target, such as reduced ability scores or disadvantages on specific types of rolls.
Eyebite
This spell embodies the sinister nature of hags, allowing the caster to afflict a creature with a gaze that causes fear, sleep, or even madness. It reflects the hags’ ability to manipulate emotions and sow terror in their victims.
Hags’ Coven Spells
Hags in a coven gain access to a set of shared spells that highlight their combined magical power. These spells include spells like Lightning Bolt, Cone of Cold, or Polymorph, enabling the coven to unleash devastating and versatile magical effects.
Scrying
Hags excel in divination magic, using the Scrying spell to spy on enemies from a distance. This spell lets them observe locations or creatures through a magical sensor, gathering vital information for their manipulations.
Relationships with Other Creatures
In the vast and intricate world of Dungeons and Dragons, hags have complex relationships with various creatures and factions. These connections often shape their motivations, alliances, and even the dynamics of entire regions.
Here are some notable relationships hags can have in the realm of D&D:
Fey Beings
Hags, being creatures of fey origin, have intricate ties to other fey beings. Some hags may form alliances with powerful arch fey or share an understanding with mischievous pixies and sprites.
These connections can provide hags with access to hidden knowledge, magical artifacts, or even a network of spies and informants.
Coven Bonds
Hags form covens, consisting of three hags who collaborate for their mutual benefit. These covens have a unique dynamic where the hags combine their powers and share dark secrets.
Covens allow hags to amplify their magical abilities, making them even more formidable opponents for adventurers.
Fiendish Bargains
Hags are cunning negotiators and may strike bargains with friends or other extraplanar creatures. They can offer their services, dark magic, or even captured souls in exchange for power, protection, or favors.
Such bargains can lead to unexpected consequences and intertwine the fates of hags and friends.
Lycanthropes
Hags and lycanthropes share a curious relationship in some D&D settings. They may cooperate or form uneasy alliances, as both factions have an affinity for darkness and the manipulation of nature.
Hags might aid lycanthropes in their quests for power or use them as pawns in their own schemes.
Shadow Organizations
Hags often operate in the shadows, and their influence can extend to secretive organizations such as thieves’ guilds, assassin factions, or cults devoted to dark entities. Hags may provide magical assistance, and secret knowledge, or act as puppet masters, pulling the strings behind the scenes.
