CR 5 – Undead – Shadowbound Wraith
Tier 2 play
**Monster Name:** Shadowbound Wraith
**Size, Type, Alignment:** Medium, Undead, Chaotic Evil
**Core Stats:** Armor Class (AC) 15, Hit Points (HP) 85, Speed 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)
**Ability Scores:**
Strength 10 (+0),
Dexterity 16 (+3),
Constitution 14 (+2),
Intelligence 12 (+1),
Wisdom 15 (+2),
Charisma 18 (+4)
**Proficiencies:** Saving Throws: Dex +6, Wis +5; Skills: Stealth +6, Intimidation +7
Damage Resistances: Necrotic, Psychic; Damage Immunities: Poison, Disease; Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Grappled, Paralyzed, Poisoned
**Senses:** Darkvision 60 ft., Blindsight 10 ft. (blind beyond this radius), Passive Perception 12
Languages: understands Common and Abyssal but cannot speak
Challenge Rating (CR): 5
**Special Abilities:**
– **Shadow Form:** The Shadowbound Wraith can move through creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.
– **Fear Aura:** Any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the Wraith must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.
**Actions:**
– **Multiattack:** The Shadowbound Wraith makes two attacks: one with its Touch of Darkness and one with its Life Drain.
– **Touch of Darkness:** Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d8) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have its maximum hit points reduced by the amount of necrotic damage taken until it finishes a long rest.
– **Life Drain:** Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (4d10) necrotic damage, and the Wraith regains hit points equal to half the damage dealt.
**Area Ability:**
– **Shadow Surge (Recharge 5-6):** The Wraith can create a wave of shadowy energy in a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on itself. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) necrotic damage on a failed save or half as much on a successful one.
**Description:** The Shadowbound Wraith is a terrifying specter that haunts the remnants of battlefields, driven by the souls lost in the chaos. It appears as a swirling mass of darkness with glowing red eyes, often manifesting in areas of great sorrow or despair. Tactically, it prefers to ambush its prey from the shadows, using its Fear Aura to weaken opponents before engaging. It thrives on the life force of its victims, seeking to drain their vitality to sustain its own wretched existence.