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Horde of Shadows

Large · Undead · CR 4 · Chaotic Evil

Armor Class
12
Hit Points and Hit Dice
90 (20d8)
Challenge Rating CR
4

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
6
-2
DEX
14
+2
CON
10
+0
INT
8
-1
WIS
10
+0
CHA
14
+2

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Large
Type Undead
Alignment Chaotic Evil
XP 1100
Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)
Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)
Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)
Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)
Passive Perception 10

Skills

Stealth +4

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities
necrotic, poison
Damage Resistances
acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder; damage from nonmagical weapons
Damage Vulnerabilities
radiant
Condition Immunities
charmed, fatigue, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained

Traits

Amorphous

The horde can pass through an opening as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.

Area Vulnerability

The horde takes double damage from any effect that targets an area.

Horde

The horde is composed of 5 or more shadows. If it is subjected to a spell, attack, or other effect that affects only one target, it takes any damage but ignores other effects. It can share its space with Medium or smaller creatures or objects.

Horde Dispersal

When the horde is reduced to 0 hit points, it turns into 2 (1d4) shadows, each of which are bloodied.

Sunlight Weakness

While in sunlight, the horde has disadvantage on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws.

Undead Nature

The horde doesnt require air, sustenance, or sleep.

Actions

Claw

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 4d6+2 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 16 (4d6 + 2) necrotic damage and the target makes a DC 12 Constitution saving throw. On a failure the target is cursed until it finishes a short or long rest or is the subject of remove curse or a similar spell. While cursed the target makes attack rolls Strength checks and Strength saving throws with disadvantage. If the target dies while cursed a new undead shadow rises from the corpse in 1d4 hours the corpse no longer casts a natural shadow and the target can't be raised from the dead until the new shadow is destroyed.

Multiattack

The horde makes up to three claw attacks but no more than one against each target.

Bonus Actions

Shadow Sneak

The horde takes the Hide action even if obscured only by dim light or darkness.

About Horde of Shadows

Horde of Shadows is a large undead with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 90 hit points (derived from 20d8).

GM Tips: Using Horde of Shadows

1 tips available

When using Horde of Shadows in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

  • Amorphous Movement: This creature can squeeze through spaces as small as 1 inch! Traditional barriers are ineffective. Use 'Wall of Force', 'Forcecage', or magical barriers to contain it.

Player Guide: Facing Horde of Shadows

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

  • Contain Amorphous Creature: This creature can squeeze through tiny spaces! Traditional barriers won't work. Use 'Wall of Force', 'Forcecage', or magical barriers. 'Create Bonfire' can block movement.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 4.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 2,000 XP
  • Hard: 3,000 XP
  • Deadly: 4,000 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Horde of Shadows?
Horde of Shadows has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Horde of Shadows?
Horde of Shadows is a Large Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.

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