CR 6 – Undead – Shadowbinder
Tier 2 play
**Monster Name**: Shadowbinder
**Size, Type, Alignment**: Medium Undead, Chaotic Evil
**Core Stats**: Armor Class (AC) 14, Hit Points (HP) 88 (13d8 + 26), Speed 30 ft.
**Ability Scores**:
Strength 12 (+1),
Dexterity 16 (+3),
Constitution 14 (+2),
Intelligence 10 (+0),
Wisdom 15 (+2),
Charisma 18 (+4)
**Proficiencies**: Saving Throws: Dex +6, Wis +5, Cha +7; Skills: Deception +7, Stealth +6
Damage Resistances: Necrotic, Psychic; Damage Immunities: Poison; Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened
**Senses**: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 12
Languages: Common, Abyssal
Challenge Rating (CR): 6
**Special Abilities**:
– **Shadow Affinity**: The Shadowbinder can move through shadows and is considered heavily obscured while in dim light or darkness.
– **Whispers of the Damned**: As a bonus action, it can force one creature within 30 feet to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or take 2d10 psychic damage and be frightened until the end of its next turn.
**Actions**:
– **Multiattack**: The Shadowbinder makes two attacks with its Shadow Grasp.
– **Shadow Grasp**: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d8 + 3 necrotic damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have its maximum hit points reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken until it finishes a long rest.
– **Shadow’s Grasp (Recharge 5-6)**: The Shadowbinder targets all creatures within a 15 ft. radius. Each target must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 4d10 necrotic damage and be restrained in magical shadow until the end of its next turn.
**Description**: The Shadowbinder is a malevolent undead creature, born from the remnants of those who died harboring deep grudges. Its form seems to flicker in and out of existence, cloaked in swirling shadows, and it delights in manipulating fear and despair among its foes. In combat, it uses its agility and the darkness to ambush, often separating weaker members of a party to pick them off one by one. The creature's whispers echo with the torment of the lost, sowing panic and confusion in the hearts of adventurers. When threatened, it retreats into the shadows, ready to strike again when least expected.