Creature profile
| Type | Medium aberration, chaotic evil |
|---|---|
| Armor Class | 15 (painted hide) |
| Hit Points | 44 (8d8 + 8) |
| Speed | 30 ft., climb 30 ft. |
| Ability Scores | STR 14 (+2), DEX 16 (+3), CON 12 (+1), INT 11 (+0), WIS 13 (+1), CHA 16 (+3) |
| Saves and Skills | Deception +6, Stealth +6; resistance to psychic damage |
| Senses | darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11 |
| Languages | Common; telepathy 30 ft. |
| Challenge | 3 (700 XP) |
Traits
Canvas Passage. The hunger moves between portraits within 60 feet as a bonus action. Turn the Frame. A creature adjacent to its empty frame can use an action and DC 14 Athletics to rotate it, restraining the hunger for one round.
Actions
Multiattack. Two Painted Claw attacks. Painted Claw. Melee Spell Attack: +6 to hit; 10 (2d6 + 3) psychic. Steal Memory. One creature within 30 feet makes a DC 14 Wisdom save. On a failure, the hunger learns one memory and has advantage on its next attack against that creature.
Tactics and roleplaying
It bargains before attacking, offering a door for a cherished memory. In combat it changes frames after each hit and flees if its empty frame is covered or destroyed.
Game Master guidance
This entry is complete for table use. Apply the listed defenses, actions, and encounter behavior directly. If the creature is used outside its original adventure, preserve its surrender trigger and primary motivation so a social solution remains as usable as combat.