CR 5 – Undead – Wailing Harbinger
Tier 2 play
**Monster Name:** Wailing Harbinger
**Size, Type, Alignment:** Medium, Undead, Chaotic Evil
**Core Stats:** Armor Class (AC) 15, Hit Points (HP) 90, Speed 30 ft.
**Ability Scores:**
Strength 12 (+1),
Dexterity 16 (+3),
Constitution 14 (+2),
Intelligence 10 (+0),
Wisdom 18 (+4),
Charisma 20 (+5)
**Proficiencies:** Saving Throws: Wisdom +7, Charisma +8
Skills: Stealth +7, Persuasion +8
Damage Resistances: Necrotic, Psychic
Damage Immunities: Poison
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened
**Senses:** Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 14
**Languages:** Common, Infernal
**Challenge Rating (CR):** 5
**Special Abilities:**
– **Wail of Despair:** As a bonus action, the Wailing Harbinger can emit a haunting wail. All creatures within 30 ft. must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
– **Soul Drain:** When the Wailing Harbinger reduces a creature to 0 hit points, it regains hit points equal to the creature's hit point maximum divided by 4.
**Actions:**
– **Multiattack:** The Wailing Harbinger makes two attacks with its Ethereal Claws.
– **Ethereal Claws:** Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage.
– **Necrotic Burst (Recharge 5-6):** The Wailing Harbinger releases a wave of necrotic energy in a 15-ft. radius. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
**Description:** The Wailing Harbinger is a ghostly figure draped in tattered robes, its face obscured by shadows. Once a healer who witnessed the horrors of war, it has become a twisted embodiment of despair and vengeance. The Harbinger lurks in battlefields, preying on the weak and wounded, using its wail to instill terror in any who approach. It favors ambush tactics, striking from the shadows before retreating to sow fear and confusion among its foes.