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There are those whose life is consumed with epistemology: the study of knowledge. Few forces in the universe provide greater insight into different ways of knowing than truespeech, tempting scholars down a perilous path. Those who aspire to wield such forces rarely succeed, instead becoming desperate failures called utterances of erudition, beings for whom enlightenment lies tantalizingly out of reach. The kind of people who become utterances of erudition are well acquainted with books, libraries, and long nights of study. This doesn’t change when they begin to understand—if anything, these habits become even more pronounced. They relish an opportunity to learn new information, always to further their field of study, and will spare no expense to expand their understanding of the subject. Their distended tongues are inscribed with magical symbols while their tiny stunted eyes are suitable only for reading fine text by candlelight.

UTTERANCE OF ERUDITION

Medium humanoid (any), lawful evil

Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 135 (18d8 + 54)
Speed 30 ft.

Saving Throws Dex +9, Int +10, Wis +9, Cha +7
Skills Arcana +15, Deception +7, Investigation +10, Perception +9
Damage Immunities radiant
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 19
Languages all with Book of Truth; otherwise, Common, Elvish
Challenge 13 (10,000 XP)

TRAITS

Book of Truth. The utterance carries with it a book of its research into truespeech. While the utterance is in possession of this book, it has advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws. Additionally, it can speak all languages and knows if it hears a lie. If the utterance loses this book, it can no longer use its Consult the Book or In Defense of Self abilities.

In Defense of Self. As a bonus action on each of its turns, the utterance can cast one of the following spells at will, requiring only verbal components: dimension door, dispel magic (5th level), true seeing. The utterance’s spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell attacks).

ACTIONS

Multiattack. The utterance uses Consult the Book or Speak the Word, then makes two Ray of Truth attacks.

Consult the Book. The utterance chooses a creature it can see within 120 feet. The utterance learns the following information about the target: current hit points, hit point maximum, and saving throw proficiencies.

Ray of Truth. Ranged Spell Attack: +10 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 23 (4d8 + 5) radiant damage.

Speak the Word. The utterance targets a creature it can see within 120 feet and magically causes one of the following effects.

• Despair (At Will). The target must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or become overwhelmed with despair for 1 minute. During this time the creature can’t attack or target any creature with harmful abilities, spells, or other magical effects. The target can repeat this saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
• Discord (At Will). The target must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or fall to bickering and arguing with everyone around it for 1 minute. During this time, it is incapable of meaningful communication and has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks. The target can repeat this saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
• Heal (1/Short Rest). The target regains all its hit points. If the target is charmed, frightened, paralyzed, or stunned, the condition ends. If the target is prone, it can immediately take a reaction to stand up.
• Kill (1/Long Rest). If the target has 100 hit points or fewer, it dies. Otherwise, this has no effect.
• Stun (2/Short Rest). If the target has 150 hit points or fewer, it is stunned. Otherwise, this has no effect. An affected target may attempt a DC 18 Constitution saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

REACTIONS

Superior Linguistics. When a creature the utterance can hear within 120 feet casts a spell with a range other than touch or self, the utterance can use its reaction to choose the spell’s target area or creatures. The utterance must be able to see any targets it wishes to affect in this manner.

Ref: TPKB1 p233