CR 6 – Undead – Despair Wraith

**Tier 2 play**

**Monster Name:** Despair Wraith

**Size, Type, Alignment:** Medium, Undead, Chaotic Evil

**Core Stats:** Armor Class (AC) 15, Hit Points (HP) 85 (10d8 + 40), Speed 0 ft., Fly 60 ft. (hover)

**Ability Scores:**

Strength 1 (-5),

Dexterity 16 (+3),

Constitution 18 (+4),

Intelligence 12 (+1),

Wisdom 14 (+2),

Charisma 20 (+5)

**Proficiencies:** Saving Throws: Dexterity +6, Wisdom +5, Charisma +8

Skills: Stealth +6, Intimidation +8

Damage Resistances: Psychic; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks

Damage Immunities: Poison, Necrotic

Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Paralyzed

**Senses:** Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 12

**Languages:** Understands Common and one other language of its choice but cannot speak

**Challenge Rating (CR):** 6

**Special Abilities:**

– **Aura of Despair:** Creatures that start their turn within 10 feet of the Despair Wraith must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

– **Life Drain:** When the Despair Wraith reduces a creature to 0 hit points, it regains hit points equal to half the creature's maximum hit points.

**Actions:**

– **Multiattack:** The Despair Wraith makes two attacks: one with its Life Drain and one with its Shadow Bolt.

– **Life Drain:** Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 30 (6d8) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have its hit point maximum reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest.

– **Shadow Bolt:** Ranged Spell Attack: +8 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 24 (4d10) psychic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Intelligence saving throw or be stunned until the end of its next turn.

**Description:** The Despair Wraith is a haunting figure, a manifestation of sorrow and hopelessness that lingers in the aftermath of tragic events. It is said to arise from the deep despair of those who have met untimely ends, particularly in cases of suicide or violent death. This wraith uses its powers to instill fear and drain the life force of its victims, leaving them in a state of hopelessness. Tactically, it prefers to ambush its prey from the shadows, using its ability to hover silently, and it thrives in environments where despair is prevalent. The Despair Wraith's demeanor is unsettlingly calm, often speaking in whispers that echo the fears of its enemies, making it a master of psychological warfare.