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Shadow

Medium · Undead · CR 1/2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

12 (natural armor)

27 (5d8 + 5)

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Undead

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Saving Throws

Strength -2 Dexterity +2 Constitution +1 Intelligence -2 Wisdom +0 Charisma -1

Skills

Stealth +6

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

necrotic, poison

Damage Resistances

acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder

Condition Immunities

exhaustion, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, unconscious

Traits

Amorphous

The shadow can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch without expending extra movement to do so.

Sunlight Weakness

While in sunlight, the shadow has Disadvantage on D20 Test.

Actions

Draining Swipe

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+2 necrotic damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. 5 (1d6 + 2) Necrotic damage, and the target's Strength score decreases by 1d4. The target dies if this reduces that score to 0. If a Humanoid is slain by this attack, a Shadow rises from the corpse 1d4 hours later.

Bonus Actions

Shadow Stealth

While in Dim Light or darkness, the shadow takes the Hide action.

About Shadow

Shadow is a medium undead with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 27 hit points (derived from 5d8 + 5).

GM Tips: Using Shadow

1 tips available

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

Amorphous Movement: This creature can squeeze through spaces as small as 1 inch! Traditional barriers are ineffective. Use 'Wall of Force', 'Forcecage', or magical barriers to contain it.

Player Guide: Facing Shadow

1 strategies available

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

Contain Amorphous Creature: This creature can squeeze through tiny spaces! Traditional barriers won't work. Use 'Wall of Force', 'Forcecage', or magical barriers. 'Create Bonfire' can block movement.

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: 75 XP
Hard: 112 XP
Deadly: 150 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?: Shadow has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Shadow?: Shadow is a Medium Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.