CR 5 – Undead – Warden of the Forgotten
**Tier 2 play**
**Monster Name:** Warden of the Forgotten
**Size, Type, Alignment:** Medium Undead, Neutral Evil
**Core Stats:** Armor Class (AC) 15, Hit Points (HP) 85, Speed 30 ft.
**Ability Scores:**
Strength 14 (+2),
Dexterity 12 (+1),
Constitution 16 (+3),
Intelligence 10 (+0),
Wisdom 14 (+2),
Charisma 8 (-1)
**Proficiencies:** Saving Throws: Constitution +6, Wisdom +5
Skills: Perception +5, Stealth +4
Damage Resistances: Necrotic, Psychic
Damage Immunities: Poison
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Poisoned
**Senses:** Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 15
**Languages:** Common, understands but cannot speak
**Challenge Rating (CR):** 5
**Special Abilities:**
– **Guardian's Grasp:** When a creature within 5 feet of the Warden makes a melee attack, they must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be paralyzed until the end of their next turn.
– **Aura of Despair:** Creatures within 10 feet of the Warden have disadvantage on saving throws against being frightened.
**Actions:**
– **Multiattack:** The Warden makes two attacks with its Spectral Touch.
– **Spectral Touch:** Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d8 + 3 necrotic damage. On a hit, the target must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or have their maximum hit points reduced by the amount of necrotic damage taken until they finish a long rest.
– **Soul Rend (Recharge 5-6):** The Warden unleashes a wave of necrotic energy in a 15-foot radius. Each creature in that area must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw, taking 3d10 necrotic 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 Warden of the Forgotten is a spectral figure, once a cruel jailer who relished in tormenting prisoners. Now, as an undead being, it guards the remnants of a long-abandoned prison, using its powers to ensnare the souls of the unwary. It employs cunning tactics, luring adventurers into tight quarters where its aura of despair can weaken them before striking with its spectral touch. Its demeanor is cold and calculating, reveling in the fear it instills in those who dare to enter its domain.