CR 5 – Type – Undead – Schoolyard Shade
**Tier 2 play**
**Monster Name**: Schoolyard Shade
**Size, Type, Alignment**: Medium Undead, Chaotic Neutral
**Core Stats**: Armor Class (AC) 14, Hit Points (HP) 85, Speed 30 ft.
**Ability Scores**:
Strength 12 (+1),
Dexterity 16 (+3),
Constitution 14 (+2),
Intelligence 10 (+0),
Wisdom 13 (+1),
Charisma 15 (+2)
**Proficiencies**: Saving Throws: Dex +6, Wis +4
Skills: Stealth +6, Intimidation +5
Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks
Damage Immunities: Poison, Psychic
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Paralyzed
**Senses**: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 11
Languages: Understands Common but does not speak
Challenge Rating (CR): 5
**Special Abilities**:
– **Shadow Blend**: The Schoolyard Shade can blend into shadows, gaining advantage on Stealth checks in dim light or darkness.
– **Haunting Laughter**: When a creature within 30 feet of the Schoolyard Shade fails a Wisdom saving throw (DC 14), it becomes frightened of the Shade until the end of its next turn.
**Actions**:
– **Multiattack**: The Schoolyard Shade makes two attacks: one with its Shadow Slash and one with its Scare Tactic.
– **Shadow Slash**: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) necrotic damage.
– **Scare Tactic**: Ranged Spell Attack: +6 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (3d6) psychic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14 Intelligence saving throw or be frightened until the end of its next turn.
– **Area Effect: Frightening Presence (Recharge 5-6)**: The Schoolyard Shade unleashes a chilling scream in a 30 ft. radius. Each creature in that area must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) psychic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Creatures that fail the save are also frightened until the end of their next turn.
**Description**: The Schoolyard Shade is the restless spirit of a young student who met an untimely demise and now roams the empty halls of abandoned schools. With an appearance resembling a shadowy figure draped in tattered clothing, it seeks revenge against those who disregard its pain. The Shade uses its agility and stealth to ambush intruders, employing haunting laughter to instill fear and confusion. With a cunning intellect, it prefers to manipulate rather than confront head-on, often using the shadows to its advantage.