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Ankou Soul Seeker

Large · Dragon · CR 8 · Neutral

Source. Creature Codex

15 (natural armor)

171 (18d10+72)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Neutral

XP 3900

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Truesight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 18

Saving Throws

Dexterity +3 Constitution +7 Wisdom +5 Charisma +5

Skills

Perception +8 Persuasion +6 Stealth +3

Languages

all

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

cold, necrotic, poison

Condition Immunities

charmed, exhaustion, frightened, poisoned

Traits

Aura of Necromancy's Bane

When an undead creature starts its turn within 30 feet of the ankou, the undead must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 7 (2d6) radiant damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Cloak of Shadows

As a bonus action while in dim light or darkness, the ankou becomes invisible. The cloak of shadows ends when the ankou chooses to end it as a bonus action, when the ankou dies, or if the ankou ends its turn in bright light.

Death Ascended

The ankou has the celestial type in addition to the dragon type.

Actions

Bite

+6 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10+3 plus 1d8 cold damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d10 + 3) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) cold damage.

Change Shape

The ankou magically polymorphs into any beast, humanoid, or undead creature it has seen before that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is absorbed or borne by the new form (the ankou's choice). Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form and it doesn't gain any class features or legendary actions of the new form.

Claw

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The ankou makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

Reaper's Breath

Recharge 5–6

The ankou exhales cold fire in a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 44 (8d10) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Undead creatures automatically fail the saving throw and treat all damage dealt by this breath weapon as radiant instead of cold.

Usher of Souls

The ankou can transport itself and up to eight creatures in contact with it to another plane of existence. This works like the plane shift spell, except dead or incorporeal creatures can be transported and don't have to be willing. The ankou can't use this ability to banish an unwilling creature.

About Ankou Soul Seeker

Ankou Soul Seeker is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 8. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 171 hit points (derived from 18d10+72).

Ankou Soul Seeker has communication capabilities including all. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ankou Soul Seeker

3 tips available

When using Ankou Soul Seeker 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.
Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.
Cold Damage Strategy: Cold-based attacks can slow or freeze. Prepare 'Heat Metal' or fire spells as countermeasures. Ice terrain can be used to create difficult terrain for melee characters.

Player Guide: Facing Ankou Soul Seeker

3 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.
Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.
Cold Damage Protection: This creature deals cold damage! Get cold resistance or use fire spells. Avoid water surfaces - they can freeze and create difficult terrain. 'Heat Metal' can counter cold.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 8.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 11 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 7,200 XP
Hard: 10,800 XP
Deadly: 14,400 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 Ankou Soul Seeker?: Ankou Soul Seeker has a Challenge Rating of 8, making it appropriate for parties of level 8.0.
What type of creature is Ankou Soul Seeker?: Ankou Soul Seeker is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ankou Soul Seeker speak?: Ankou Soul Seeker can communicate in all.