Excerpted from "The Flora, Fauna, and Fey of Isteria" by Dr. Maximilan Augustus Serrenti DMA, MPC, Vice Chair of the Department of Thaumaturgy at the University of Fontana. Copies available at Fontana University in the Grand City of Eisenbach as well as the School of the Seers at Ulsterbridge.
Start of Excerpt-
Concerning Hags:
The occurrence of the strange and evil creatures known commonly as Hags is rare but not unknown in Isteria. Tales of such evil beings amongst the peasantry is common especially north in the foothills of the Greywatch Mountains but can be found also south of the Moaning Moorlands and across the Black Elster as one nears Trans-Pagonia. Careful investigation often dispels these as simple rumors, slanders against certain individuals, and the occasional retributive violence from an angry hedge-witch (oft angry over unpaid bills for services rendered).
The question as to the origins of the hideous creatures is not fully answered, but some hard evidence has been collected. They were often thought to be evil hedge-witches that had sold their spirits to devilish and otherworldly creatures for power, and been corrupted by the experience. A careful study however by former hedge-witch, Dr. Laurelie Sanolfi currently Under Chair of the Department of Potions at Fontana University and fully licensed Practitioner of the Magic Art has found this not to be the case. Being still thought by many other hedge-witches to be the leading witch in Isteria, her deep knowledge of tribal magic and the hedge-witch community has unearthed no known incantations or pacts that would produce such corruption. Further, census data on hedge magicians, though sparse has shown no such transformations- the famous Horrid Dame of Alt_Mitternacht being actually a fully licensed Female Wizard that turned drastically evil and the Ancient Crone of Freda turning out not to have any magic at all. In fact, she was a simple grandmother involved in an annual Fall Festival prank supported by her 12 grandchildren and almost uncountable great-grandchildren.
The actual documented occurrences such as the Beldame of Moaning Moorlands and the Weeping Witch of Nova Gorica point to non-human origins. The Beldame was finally cut down by a party of knights after great loss. The creature was able to cut down warhorses and had claws that tore through steel armor. The corpse showed little resemblance to any human anatomy though it was burned with holy fire before an autopsy could be conducted.
The Weeping Witch was destroyed by a both magic and blade, but the corpse melted and turned to dust before any examination. An examination of her horde uncovered evident of the consumption of hundreds of children and some fully grown humans. Magical residues detected in the area were analyzed to be of non-human origin.
My current theory is that these creatures are not humans, but rather corrupted Fey. Isteria still has pockets of the wild chaos magic that destroyed the ancient Medean Empire. Fey creatures that are inimical to humans might well be tempted to use this power to influence or seek retribution on the mundane world. Recovery and proper dissection of a Hag corpse could possibly settle this vexing question.
On quick note: The current known Hags, classified as either "Green" (found on land) or "Sea" found in littoral areas is probably not inclusive. It is unknown if they are of a different species. Green Hags however are always known to be evil. The strange case of the Sea Hag of the Coast documents active Hag sightings from Sailors and Fishermen of a creature that sometimes is helpful to humans. There are stories with some reliable witnesses that this creature even operated a seaside restaurant that bestowed temporary magical powers to the patrons eating there. Similar tales speak of Sea Hags as being sometimes helpful to humans. More study is needed.
-End of Excerpt.
Hags for Mythic Heroes and Legends:
Green Hag
Armor Class: 15 (Hard Leathery Skin)
Hit Dice: 7
Attacks: Ripping Talons D6+1 if successful then Bite D6
Special:
Half Damager from Bludgeoning Weapons (Mace, Morningstar, Clubs, and Warhammers)
+1 Damager from Silvered Weapons
Spells usable per day-
Magic Missile x3
Charm Person x1
Cause Light Wounds x1
Obscuring Mist x1 (Illusionist Spell)
Fear x1
Non-Detection x1
Hags may also Disguise Self x2/day, but not at night!
Finally they may Hex someone by touch- Bad dreams and the loss of 1d6 hits every night until the hex is lifted for the Hag is killed
Move: 5
HDE/XP 10/1400
Green Hags are ugly fey creatures found in deep woods and occasionally in swamps. They can form a Coven with 2 other Hags and attract 3d6 Crones as allies. They are always evil and can be diabolically intelligent. They will often dominate other creatures and force them to do their bidding.
Crone
Armor Class: 12 (Hard Leathery Skin)
Hit Dice: 2
Attacks: Ripping Talons D6
Special: Spells usable per day-
Magic Missile x2
Curse x1
While hideous, these fey can often pass as old women. Being weaker and more cowardly
than their more powerful sisters, they usually prey on lone individuals and children, though they always fear discovery.
Move: 5
HDE/XP 10/1400
Sea Hag
Armor Class: 15 (Hard Leathery Skin)
Hit Dice: 5
Attacks: Ripping Talons D6+1
Special:
+1 Damage from Silvered Weapons
Spells usable per day-
Know Weather x1
Charm Person x1
Breath Water x2
Cause Light Wounds x1
Speak with Animals x1 (Druid Spell)
Fear x1
Non-Detection x1
Sea Hags may also Disguise Self x1/day.
Move: 5, Swim 5!
HDE/XP 8/1100
Sea Hags are found along sea shores. They are the most hideous of Hags and force those that view them directly to make a Saving Throw against Charisma or be Cursed while in sight of the Hag. They are loners and do not form Covens, though they may have sea creatures that are allies. They are said to be able to cook up potions that allow breathing underwater and controlling sea creatures. While usually evil, some have been known to be neutral and on occasion helped or even befriended sailors and fishermen, though one should mind their children while a Sea Hag is nearby.
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