Monstrous Monday: Unicow (D&D 5E)

Today's monster comes from the Dragon #156 article, "(Not Necessarily the) Monstrous Compendium." Submitted by Sharon Jenkins, I think it's an interesting low-level celestial you can put into a module and not worry about it single-handedly taking on an encounter. I've had players convince unicorns to do their dirty work, and while it's a valid option for PCs, I don't mind having a noncombat alternative. The unicow is not nearly as potent as its more famous cousin, while still providing a healing respite for the party—but it's not going to tank the Big Bad on their behalf.

Unicow
Source: Sharon Jenkins, "Not Necessarily the Monstrous Compendium", Dragon #156 (April 1990)

Unicows dwell in enchanted grassy plains. They bear the same relation to mundane cattle that unicorns do to regular horses⁠—which is to say, none at all. Their ivory-colored hides, shining like moonlight, are speckled with black patches.
     A unicow bears a single spiraling blue horn on its brow; unlike its more famous relative, the unicow's horn has no magical powers. While unicows know the tongues of elves and sylvan folk, they generally only care to discuss the weather and the quality of the grass. Unicows shun contact with others.

Uncertain Origins
No one knows where the unicows came from, on what Higher Plane they originated. No church or temple has claimed their creation as an act of their god(s).
 
Inhabitants of Plains and Fields
A unicow herd's field is a celestial realm where little occurs. In a unicow herd’s pasture, a sense of calm pervades. From horses and dogs to tiny insects, the creatures of the unicows' domain seem quite tame. Local fey creatures usually ignore a unicow herd when they dwell nearby.

The unicow herd roams its domain constantly, moving from one type of grass or fodder to another. A creature might catch a passing glimpse of the herd then suddenly see nothing but the tall grass.

Nourishing Milk
A unicow’s milk is the focus of its renowned healing power.

Drinking unicow milk provides numerous proven health benefits, building strong bones and reinforcing the body's natural ability to resist illness. Witches and wizards can turn unicow milk into potent potions and elixirs.
 
Blessed Beasts
Much like the noble unicorn, unicows sometimes place themselves in the service of someone pure of heart. Invariably a young female humanoid (preferably of neutral alignment), these "cowgirls" or "milkmaids" look after their unicow herd.
 
A Unicow's Lair
A unicow herd’s lair might be a grassy field high in the mountains, a misty dell nestled among proud birches, a weedy hilltop buzzing with flies, or some other peaceful pastoral area.

Regional Effects
Transformed by the creatures' celestial presence, the domain of a unicow herd might include any of the following magical effects:

• Open flames of a nonmagical nature are extinguished within the unicows' domain. Torches and campfires refuse to burn, but closed lanterns are unaffected.
• Creatures native to the unicows' domain have an easier time running away; they gain a bonus of 10 feet to their ground Speed.
• All saving throws made to resist a disease or poison made within the domain are made at advantage.
• Hunting and foraging provides twice the normal amount of rations.

If the unicow herd dies, these effects end immediately.

Unicow

Large celestial, neutral

Armor Class 15 (natural armor)

Hit Points 45 (6d10 + 12)

Speed 30ft

STR     DEX     CON     INT     WIS     CHA

18 (+4) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 12 (+1)

Damage Immunities poison

Condition Immunities charmed, paralyzed, poisoned

Senses darkvision 60 feet, passive Perception

Languages Celestial, Elvish, Sylvan

Challenge 3 (700 XP)                                  Proficiency Bonus +2

Charge. If the unicow moves at least 20 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a horn attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 2d6 piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

 

Magic Weapons. The unicow’s weapon attacks are magical.

 

Actions

Multiattack. The unicow makes two attacks, one with its hooves and one with its horn.

 

Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 feet, one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Horn. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 feet, one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) piercing damage.

 

Healing Milk (1/Day). The unicow produces a flask of milk. Any creature can drink the milk as an action to magically regain 7 (2d4 + 2) hit points. In addition, the milk gives the target advantage on Constitution saving throws for 1 hour.