CR 5 – Undead – Vinous Specter
Tier 2 play
**Monster Name:** Vinous Specter
**Size, Type, Alignment:** Medium Undead, Neutral Evil
**Core Stats:** Armor Class (AC): 15, Hit Points (HP): 85, Speed: 0 ft. (hover 30 ft.)
**Ability Scores:**
Strength 10 (+0),
Dexterity 16 (+3),
Constitution 14 (+2),
Intelligence 12 (+1),
Wisdom 15 (+2),
Charisma 18 (+4)
**Proficiencies:** Saving Throws: Wisdom +5, Charisma +7; Skills: Arcana +4, Stealth +6
Damage Resistances: Acid, Cold; Damage Immunities: Poison, Psychic; Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Paralyzed
**Senses:** Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 12
**Languages:** Common, Infernal
**Challenge Rating (CR):** 5
**Special Abilities:**
– **Wine of Regret:** The Vinous Specter can consume a creature’s memories by touching them, reducing their Intelligence by 1d4 (lasting until a long rest).
– **Phantom Grapes:** As a bonus action, it can create illusory grapes that distract enemies. Creatures within 15 ft. must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on their next attack roll.
**Actions:**
– **Multiattack:** The Vinous Specter makes two attacks: one with its Life Drain and one with its Ethereal Bite.
– **Life Drain:** Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (4d10) necrotic damage, and the Vinous Specter regains hit points equal to half the necrotic damage dealt.
– **Ethereal Bite:** Melee Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) psychic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the end of their next turn.
**Description:** The Vinous Specter is a tragic remnant of a once-celebrated sommelier who descended into madness after being betrayed by those he trusted. Now, he haunts vineyards, drawing power from the regrets of lost friendships and unfulfilled dreams. Ethereal in nature, he glides silently through the air, often approaching unsuspecting travelers with an alluring aura reminiscent of fine wine. In combat, he employs illusions and drains the life force of his victims while using misdirection to confuse and evade. The Vinous Specter seeks to reclaim his lost memories and inflict despair upon others, embodying the sorrow of a forgotten spirit lost to time.