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Shadow Skeleton

Medium · Undead · CR 2 · Neutral Evil

Source. Creature Codex

52 (8d8+16)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Undead

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 40 ft (12.2 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Languages

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

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Damage Resistances

fire, piercing, slashing

Condition Immunities

exhaustion, poisoned

Actions

Finger Darts

+5 to hit, range 30 ft (9.1 m). Hit: 1d4+3 plus 1d6 necrotic damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) necrotic damage. If the target is a creature other than an undead or a construct, it must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the target is surrounded by a shadowy aura for 1 minute. While surrounded by the aura, the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) necrotic damage when hit by the scimitar attack of a shadow skeleton. Any creature can take an action to extinguish the shadow with a successful DC 12 Intelligence (Arcana) check. The shadow also extinguishes if the target receives magical healing.

Multiattack

The shadow skeleton makes two scimitar attacks.

Scimitar

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.

About Shadow Skeleton

Shadow Skeleton is a medium undead with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 52 hit points (derived from 8d8+16).

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

GM Tips: Using Shadow Skeleton

1 tips available

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

Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 40 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Shadow Skeleton

1 strategies available

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

Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 40 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 2.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 4 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 600 XP
Hard: 900 XP
Deadly: 1,200 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 Shadow Skeleton?: Shadow Skeleton has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Shadow Skeleton?: Shadow Skeleton is a Medium Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Shadow Skeleton speak?: Shadow Skeleton can communicate in understands all languages it knew in life but can't speak.