CR 6 – Undead – The Preacher of Shadows
Tier 2 play
**Monster Name**: The Preacher of Shadows
**Size, Type, Alignment**: Medium, Undead, Neutral Evil
**Core Stats**: Armor Class (AC) 15, Hit Points (HP) 105, Speed 30 ft.
**Ability Scores**:
Strength 12 (+1),
Dexterity 14 (+2),
Constitution 16 (+3),
Intelligence 18 (+4),
Wisdom 15 (+2),
Charisma 20 (+5)
**Proficiencies**:
Saving Throws: Wisdom +6, Charisma +9
Skills: Deception +9, Insight +6, Persuasion +9
Damage Resistances: Necrotic, Psychic
Damage Immunities: Poison
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened
**Senses**: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 12
**Languages**: Common, Infernal
**Challenge Rating (CR)**: 6
**Special Abilities**:
– **Aura of Despair**: Creatures within 10 feet of the Preacher of Shadows must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on attack rolls and saving throws for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns.
– **Whispers of the Fallen**: The Preacher can cast *Confusion* once per day without expending a spell slot. The DC for this ability is 17.
**Actions**:
– **Multiattack**: The Preacher makes two Shadow Grasp attacks.
– **Shadow Grasp**: Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 2d8 + 5 necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed until the end of its next turn.
– **Soul Siphon (Recharge 5-6)**: The Preacher targets one creature it can see within 30 feet. The target must make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw, taking 4d10 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success. The Preacher regains hit points equal to the damage dealt.
**Description**: The Preacher of Shadows is an undead cleric, once a revered figure who manipulated faith for power, now haunting the realm between life and death. Clad in tattered vestments, it moves silently, its whispers echoing in the ears of the living, spreading despair and confusion. In combat, it uses its manipulative nature to sow discord among foes while draining the life force of the unsuspecting. Its ultimate goal is to gather a following of despairing souls, converting them into a legion of shadows to continue its dark sermon.