Jackalwere

Jackalwere CR: 1/2

Medium humanoid (shapechanger), chaotic evil

Armor Class: 12

Hit Points: 18 4d8

Speed: 40 ft

STR

11 +0

DEX

15 +2

CON

11 +0

INT

13 +1

WIS

11 +0

CHA

10 +0

Skills: Deception +4, Perception +2, Stealth +4

Damage Immunities: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from nonmagical attacks not made with silvered weapons

Senses: passive Perception 12

Languages: Common (can't speak in jackal form)

Challenge Rating: 1/2

Shapechanger. The jackalwere can use it's action to polymorph into a specific Medium human or a jackal-humanoid hybrid, or or back into it's true form (that of a Small jackal). Other than it's size, its statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to it's true form if it dies.
Keen Hearing and Smell. The jackalwere has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Pack Tactics. The jackalwere has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the jackalwere's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.

Actions

Bite (Jackal or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack +4 to hit, reach 5 ft, one target. Hit 4 1d4+2 piercing damage.
Scimitar (Human or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attach +4 to hit, reach 5 ft, one target. Hit 5 1d6+2 slashing damage.
Sleep Gaze. The jackalwere gazes at one creature it can see within 30 feet of it. The target must succeed on a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the target succumbs to a magical slumber, falling unconscious for 10 minutes or until someone uses an action to shake the target awake. A creature that successfully saves against the effect is immune to this jackalwere's gaze for the next 24 hours. Undead and creatures that are immune to being charmed are immune to this.

Jackalweres are found in well-travelled regions of the Middle East & Africa waylaying & murdering travellers. Usually found alone or small packs, they prefer to look after themselves. They are very skittish and will run if their opponents are too powerful. This also means a powerful creature like a Lamia, can dominate packs of these to act as it's eyes & ears.
Each is shaped like a bipedal jackal, and can transform into a fully shaped jackal. This they can use to surprise and scare opponents who think they are just dealing with wild animals.

Suggested Environments

Desert, savannah, oasis.