A small fey being closely related to pixies and sprites, an elf-like creature about 2 feet tall

A Brownie is a small fey being closely related to pixies and sprites, as it is an elf-like creature about 2 feet tall. A brownie is able to shape-change at will into the form of a small deer or hawk. A brownie is industrious and predisposed to tinkering with and fixing things. In all forms the brownie has Darkvision with a range of 60 feet. A brownie can speak Common as well as the languages of pixies and sprites. In its natural humanoid form, a brownie attacks with its miniature weapon, sometimes with paralytic poison applied (save vs. Poison or be held for 2d4 rounds as per the hold person spell). In its other forms, see the antelope or hawk monster entry in the Basic Fantasy RPG Core Rules; none of these other forms will have the poison attack.

Brownies are small, peaceful, friendly creatures. Honest to a fault, brownies will go out of their way to take responsibility for their actions. The brownie will usually stay out of combat unless they are defending themselves or others. Playing dead is always an option for this small fey. In this state, it isn't that easy to tell if the brownie is actually dead or not. Typical dwellings include hollow trees and burrows. They make excellent guides, as they know their territory like the backs of their small hands.

A small fey being closely related to pixies and sprites, an elf-like creature about 2 feet tall

Found in sylvan woodland, often along with fauns, unicorns and similar creatures, brownies are shy and retiring. They can sometimes be persuaded to help good aligned creatures. They are skilled craftsmen, adept at making and repairing ordinary things, and highly magical; they may use the following spells once each per day: confusion, continual light, dancing lights, dimension door, mending, mirror image, protection from evil, and ventriloquism. They may become invisible at will, provided they remain still while doing so. They are also lucky and strongly defended against magic, which means they make all saving throws as a 7th level cleric does. Thanks to their excellent senses and habitual alertness Brownies cannot be surprised. They speak their own tongue, elven, halfing, and can communicate with other fey creatures such as spites, nymphs or dryads.