CR 6 – Undead – Haqqani Shade
Tier 2 play
**Monster Name:** Haqqani Shade
**Size, Type, Alignment:** Medium Undead, Neutral Evil
**Core Stats:** Armor Class (AC) 15, Hit Points (HP) 85 (10d8 + 40), Speed 30 ft.
**Ability Scores:**
Strength 14 (+2),
Dexterity 16 (+3),
Constitution 18 (+4),
Intelligence 10 (+0),
Wisdom 12 (+1),
Charisma 8 (-1)
**Proficiencies:** Saving Throws: Wisdom +4, Constitution +7; Skills: Stealth +6, Intimidation +2
Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks
Damage Immunities: Poison, Psychic; Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened
**Senses:** Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 12
**Languages:** Common, Abyssal
**Challenge Rating (CR):** 6
**Special Abilities:**
– **Shadow Manipulation:** The Haqqani Shade can blend into shadows, granting advantage on Stealth checks in dim light or darkness.
– **Aura of Despair:** Creatures within 10 feet of the Haqqani Shade must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.
**Actions:**
– **Multiattack:** The Haqqani Shade makes two Shadow Strike attacks.
– **Shadow Strike:** Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) necrotic damage. On a hit, the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have their maximum hit points reduced by the damage dealt until they finish a long rest.
– **Darkness Burst (Recharge 5-6):** The Haqqani Shade releases a wave of dark energy in a 15-foot radius. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one. The area becomes heavily obscured for 1 minute.
**Description:** The Haqqani Shade is the vengeful spirit of a once-powerful warlord, twisted by the darkness of betrayal and greed. Clad in shadowy, tattered robes that flicker like smoke, it haunts desolate battlefields, seeking to siphon the life force of the living. Its tactics involve ambushing foes from the shadows, exploiting fear to sow discord among adventurers, and weakening them with its draining strikes. The Haqqani Shade embodies a relentless pursuit of power, feeding on the despair of its victims, leaving behind an aura of dread wherever it roams.