Puddlemoppet

Puddlemoppets CR: 2

Small shapechanger, fey, beast, chaotic good/evil (depending on form)

Armor Class: 12/14 (cute /predator form)

Hit Points: 22 (5d6 + 5) 5d6+5

Speed: 25 ft , climb: 20 ft

STR

8 -1

DEX

14 +2

CON

12 +1

INT

6 -2

WIS

12 +1

CHA

19 +4

Skills: Stealth +4 Perception +3

Senses: Darkvision 60 ft. Passive Perception 13

Languages: Understands Sylvan but can't speak

Challenge Rating: 2 ( 450 XP)

Proficiency Bonus: +2

Shapechanger: The Puddlemoppet involuntarily transforms into its Predator Form upon contact with water; the transformation is instantaneous. It reverts to its Cute Form when completely dry.

Actions (Cute Form)

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
Enhanced Leap. The Puddlemoppet can leap twice its movement speed in length or height, even without a running start, for superior maneuverability and climbing.

Actions (Predator Form)

Multiattack. The Puddlemoppet makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.
Poisonous Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned and confused. While poisoned, the target can make a saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
Poisonous Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) slashing damage. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned and confused. While poisoned, the target can make a saving throw at the end of each of its turns.
Predatory Leap. The Puddlemoppet can leap up to twice its movement speed. If it ends its leap within reach of a creature, it makes a bite or claw attack against that creature with advantage.

Lore
Origins and Habitat: Puddlemoppets hail from the Feywild but are now commonly found in forests, jungles, and swamps of the Prime Material Plane. They avoid large bodies of water and fire due to their transformative nature. Upon contact with water, they shift from their playful Cute Form to their aggressive Predator Form.

Unique Traits
Animal Companionship: Puddlemoppets may occasionally form bonds with rangers, becoming dynamic and versatile animal companions marked by deep mutual understanding.

Magical Affinity: Despite being monstrosities, Puddlemoppets are affected by spells targeting beasts, like Beast Sense and Beast Bond, due to their Feywild origins and animalistic nature.

Environmental Impact
Puddlemoppets influence local ecosystems and inspire various local legends and myths, reflecting their enigmatic origins and dual nature.

Mythology
Dual Souls Myth: Believed to have twin souls, Puddlemoppets manifest different alignments in each form: chaotic good in their Cute Form and chaotic evil in their Predator Form.

Legends and Tales: In some cultures, Puddlemoppets are revered as spiritual beings, while others use them metaphorically in cautionary tales. There are also legends of a rare harmonious Puddlemoppet, sought for its wisdom and arcane knowledge.

Magical Properties
Cute Form: Fur used for crafting luck items; saliva as a focus for Detect Magic and an alternative component for Locate Animals or Plants.
Predator Form: Fur crafted into wildshaping items; claws and teeth for potent poisons.
Adventure Hooks
Feywild Encounter: Uncover a hidden portal to the Feywild linked to Puddlemoppets.
Ecological Mystery: Investigate the impact of Puddlemoppets on local environments.
The Harmonious Puddlemoppet: Seek a rare Puddlemoppet balancing its twin souls.
The Ethical Dilemma: Navigate moral challenges when procuring Puddlemoppet parts for magical uses.
Feywild Festival: Get involved in fey politics at a festival honoring Puddlemoppets.
Bond of the Wilds: Encounter a Puddlemoppet as a potential animal companion for a ranger.
Magical Research: Explore the unique magical compatibility of Puddlemoppets.