Plague Mistress (Pesta, Norse Undead) for BECMI
by Håvard
Illustration: Theodor Kittelsen. Norway National Museum
| STATS (BECMI) | Plague Mistress (Pesta) |
| Armor Class | 3 |
| Hit Dice | 5+1** (S) |
| Move | 120' (40') |
| Attacks | 1 claw |
| Damage | 2d6 + disease |
| No. Appearing | 1d6 (1) |
| Save As | F5 |
| Morale | 12 |
| Treasure Type | D |
| Intelligence | 9 |
| Alignment | Chaotic |
| XP Value | 575 |
Type: Undead (Enchanted, Rare)
The Plague Mistress wanders the land spreading deadly disease. These are undead creatures of pure evil. Some say their actions are directed by the Immortal Hel or some other Entropic Immortal. They appear as gaunt women clothed in rags and often carrying farming tools.
In combat the Plague Mistress will attack with her claw like hands. These claws do 2d6 points of damage. Those hit must also save vs. poison or be affected by disease. Those affected will suffer -2 penalty to attacks and may not recover hit points through normal or magical means. The disease is fatal in 2d12 days. Can be cured from a Cure Disease Spell.
The Plague Mistress is often encountered in the Northern Reaches and Norwold. They can also be found in the Planes of Helheim and Niflheim.
Note: Pesta seems to be inspired by the Grim Reaper. What I was told these legends, I always assumed that she was a unique individual. However, in D&D it makes sense that there are more of them similar to how Medusa was a single creature in Greek legends.