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Skull Lantern

Tiny · Undead · CR 1/4 · Unaligned

Source. Creature Codex

14 (4d4+4)

1/4

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-5

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

-2

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Tiny

Type Undead

Alignment Unaligned

XP 50

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Hover Yes

Senses

Passive Perception 8

Saving Throws

Dexterity +5

Languages

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Condition Immunities

charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned, prone, unconscious

Traits

Flare

When immersed in magical darkness, a skull lantern emits a brilliant flash of light powerful enough to dispel magical darkness in a 30-foot-radius sphere centered on itself, illuminating the area with bright light for 1d4 rounds. Afterwards, the light winks out and the skull falls to the ground, inert. In one week, the skull lantern has a 50% chance of becoming active again, though failure to do so means it will never reanimate.

Illumination

The skull lantern sheds bright light in a 20-foot-radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet.

Undead Fortitude

If damage reduces the skull to 0 hp, it must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 5 + the damage taken, unless the damage is radiant or from a critical hit. On a success, the skull drops to 1 hp instead.

Actions

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+3 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage.

Fire Beam

Recharge 6

The skull lantern opens its mouth, releasing a searing beam of light in a 15-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 7 (2d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

About Skull Lantern

Skull Lantern is a tiny undead with a Challenge Rating of 1/4. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 14 hit points (derived from 4d4+4).

Skull Lantern has communication capabilities including -. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Skull Lantern

2 tips available

When using Skull Lantern 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.

Player Guide: Facing Skull Lantern

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.
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.

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 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 31 XP
Hard: 46 XP
Deadly: 62 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 Skull Lantern?: Skull Lantern has a Challenge Rating of 1/4, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.25.
What type of creature is Skull Lantern?: Skull Lantern is a Tiny Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Skull Lantern speak?: Skull Lantern can communicate in -.