Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Specter

Medium · Undead · CR 1 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

22 (5d8)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-4

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Undead

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 200

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Fly 50 ft (15.2 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Languages

understands the languages it knew in life but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

necrotic, poison

Damage Resistances

acid, cold, fire, lighting, thunder; damage from nonmagical weapons

Condition Immunities

charmed, fatigue, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, unconscious

Traits

Incorporeal

The specter can move through creatures and objects. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object. If it takes radiant damage, it loses this trait until the end of its next turn.

Sunlight Sensitivity

While in sunlight, the specter has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Perception checks that rely on sight.

Undead Nature

A specter doesnt require air, sustenance, or sleep.

Actions

Fade

While not in sunlight the specter turns invisible and takes the Hide action. It remains invisible for 1 minute or until it uses Life Drain or takes damage. If the specter takes radiant damage it can't use this action until the end of its next turn.

Hurl

The specter targets a Medium or smaller creature or an object weighing no more than 150 pounds within 30 feet of it. A creature makes a DC 12 Strength saving throw. On a failure it is hurled up to 30 feet in any direction (including upwards) taking 3 (1d6) damage for every 10 feet it is hurled. An object is launched up to 30 feet in a straight line and a creature in its path makes a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw taking 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage on a failure. On a success the creature takes no damage and the object keeps flying past it.

Life Drain

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d6 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (3d6) necrotic damage and the target must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the creature finishes a long rest. The target dies if its hit point maximum is reduced to 0.

About Specter

Specter is a medium undead with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 22 hit points (derived from 5d8).

Specter has communication capabilities including understands the languages it knew in life but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Specter

2 tips available

When using Specter in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Incorporeal Movement: This creature can pass through objects and walls! Use 'Magic Circle', 'Forcecage', or other magical barriers. Physical obstacles are ineffective.

Player Guide: Facing Specter

2 strategies available

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

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Hit Incorporeal Creature: This creature can pass through objects! Use magical weapons or spells. Physical attacks may not work. 'Magic Missile' or 'Spiritual Weapon' are effective.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 3 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 200 XP
Hard: 300 XP
Deadly: 400 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 Specter?: Specter has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Specter?: Specter is a Medium Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Specter speak?: Specter can communicate in understands the languages it knew in life but can't speak.