CR 7 – Undead – The Polling Shade

Tier 2 play

**Monster Name:** The Polling Shade

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

**Core Stats:** Armor Class (AC) 15, Hit Points (HP) 105, Speed 30 ft.

**Ability Scores:**

Strength 12 (+1),

Dexterity 16 (+3),

Constitution 14 (+2),

Intelligence 18 (+4),

Wisdom 15 (+2),

Charisma 20 (+5)

**Proficiencies:** Saving Throws: Wisdom +6, Charisma +9; Skills: Deception +9, Insight +6

**Damage Resistances:** Necrotic, Psychic

**Damage Immunities:** Poison

**Condition Immunities:** Charmed, Frightened, Poisoned

**Senses:** Darkvision 60 ft., True Sight 30 ft., Passive Perception 14

**Languages:** Common, Infernal

**Challenge Rating (CR):** 7

**Special Abilities:**

– **Aura of Despair:** Creatures within 10 ft. of the Polling Shade must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or take 10 (3d6) psychic damage and have disadvantage on saving throws against being frightened until the end of their next turn.

– **Whispers of the Forgotten:** As a bonus action, the Polling Shade can target one creature it can see within 60 ft. The target must succeed on a DC 17 Intelligence saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns.

**Actions:**

– **Multiattack:** The Polling Shade makes two attacks: one with its Shadow Grasp and one with its Soul Drain.

– **Shadow Grasp:** +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be restrained until the end of its next turn.

– **Soul Drain:** Melee Spell Attack: +9 to hit, range 30 ft., one target. Hit: 27 (5d10) psychic damage, and the Polling Shade regains hit points equal to half the damage dealt.

– **Area of Influence (Recharge 5-6):** The Polling Shade can create a 30 ft. radius of dark energy centered on itself for 1 minute. Creatures in the area must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw at the start of their turn or take 10 (3d6) necrotic damage and have disadvantage on attack rolls until the end of their next turn.

**Description:** The Polling Shade is a spectral figure born from the collective fears and anxieties of a failing political regime. It wanders the halls of power, feeding on despair and using its dark influence to manipulate those around it into making poor decisions. Tactically, it prefers to isolate its foes, using its abilities to instill fear and chaos on the battlefield. While it appears as a shadowy figure draped in tattered robes, its glowing eyes reveal a malevolent intelligence. It thrives in the presence of conflict, often appearing at moments of crisis to amplify despair.