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Wraith

Medium · Undead · CR 5 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

67 (9d8+27)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-1

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Undead

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 1800

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 12

Languages

the languages it knew in life

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

necrotic, poison

Damage Resistances

acid, cold, lightning, thunder; damage from nonmagical, non-silvered weapons

Condition Immunities

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

Traits

Aura of Fear

A creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of a wraith makes a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, it is frightened until the start of its next turn. If a creatures saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, it is immune to any wraiths Aura of Fear for 24 hours.

Evil

The wraith radiates an Evil aura.

Incorporeal

The wraith 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.

Light Sensitivity

While in sunlight or bright light cast by a fire, the wraith has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Perception checks that rely on sight.

Undead Nature

A wraith doesnt require air, food, drink, or sleep.

Actions

Create Specter

The wraith touches a humanoid corpse it killed less than 1 day ago. The creatures spirit rises as a specter under the wraiths control.

Life Drain

The wraith targets a creature within 5 feet forcing it to make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw. On a failure the creature takes 14 (4d6) necrotic damage or 21 (6d6) necrotic damage if it is frightened or surprised and its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the creature finishes a long rest. It dies if its hit point maximum is reduced to 0.

About Wraith

Wraith is a medium undead with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 67 hit points (derived from 9d8+27).

Wraith has communication capabilities including the languages it knew in life. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Wraith

2 tips available

When using Wraith 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 Wraith

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 5.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 7 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 3,000 XP
Hard: 4,500 XP
Deadly: 6,000 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 Wraith?: Wraith has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Wraith?: Wraith is a Medium Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Wraith speak?: Wraith can communicate in the languages it knew in life.