Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Specter

Medium · Undead · CR 1 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-5

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)

Hover Yes

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Saving Throws

Strength -5 Dexterity +2 Constitution +0 Intelligence +0 Wisdom +0 Charisma +2

Languages

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

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

necrotic,charmed,grappled,paralyzed,petrified,prone,restrained,unconscious,Undead Resilience

Damage Resistances

acid,cold,fire,lightning,thunder; bludgeoning,piercing,and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks

Traits

Incorporeal Movement

The specter can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.

Sunlight Sensitivity

While in sunlight, the specter has disadvantage on attack rolls, and its Perception is 5 when perceiving by sight.

Undead Nature

The specter doesn't require air, food, drink, or sleep.

Undead Resilience

The specter is immune to poison damage, to exhaustion, and to the poisoned condition.

Actions

Life Drain

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d6+2 necrotic damage.

Melee Spell Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 12 (3d6+2) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 12 CON save or its HP maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its HP maximum to 0.

Reactions

Retributive Shriek

When the specter takes damage from a creature it can see within 30 feet of it, the specter can shriek with the fury of its tormented existence. That creature must succeed on a DC 12 WIS save or be frightened until the end of its next turn.

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 27 hit points (derived from None).

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.