CR 6 – Undead – Shadow Warden (2)
Tier 2 play
**Monster Name**: Shadow Warden
**Size, Type, Alignment**: Medium, Undead, Chaotic Neutral
**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 12 (+1),
Wisdom 15 (+2),
Charisma 10 (+0)
**Proficiencies**:
Saving Throws: Wisdom +5, Constitution +7
Skills: Stealth +6, Perception +5
Damage Resistances: Necrotic, Psychic
Damage Immunities: Poison
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened
**Senses**: Darkvision 60 ft., Truesight 10 ft., Passive Perception 15
**Languages**: Understands Common and one other language of its choice but cannot speak
**Challenge Rating (CR)**: 6
**Special Abilities**:
– **Shadow Meld**: The Shadow Warden can become invisible in dim light or darkness until it attacks or uses a bonus action to end the effect.
– **Soul Drain**: When the Shadow Warden 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 Shadow Warden makes two attacks with its Shadow Blade.
– **Shadow Blade**: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) necrotic damage. On a hit, the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the end of its next turn.
– **Necrotic Burst (Recharge 5-6)**: The Shadow Warden releases a pulse of necrotic energy in a 15-foot radius. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
**Description**: The Shadow Warden is a spectral guardian of ancient burial grounds, cursed to protect the resting places of the long-forgotten. It emerges from the shadows, cloaked in darkness, with glowing eyes that pierce through the gloom. Tactical in nature, it uses its ability to meld into the shadows to ambush intruders, striking swiftly to drain the life from its victims before retreating into the darkness. It is drawn to chaos and seeks to punish those who disturb the peace of the dead.