Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Wraith

Small · Undead · CR 5 · Neutral Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

13 (natural armor)

67 (9d8 + 27)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Undead

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 1800

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 5 ft (1.5 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 2 ft (0.6 m)

Climb 2 ft (0.6 m)

Crawl 2 ft (0.6 m)

Hover Yes

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 12

Saving Throws

Strength -2 Dexterity +3 Constitution +3 Intelligence +1 Wisdom +2 Charisma +2

Languages

Common plus two other languages

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

necrotic, poison

Damage Resistances

acid, cold, fire

Condition Immunities

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

Traits

Incorporeal Movement

The wraith 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 wraith has Disadvantage on ability checks and attack rolls.

Actions

Create Specter

Cost 1

The wraith targets a Humanoid corpse within 10 feet of itself that has been dead for no longer than 1 minute. The target's spirit rises as a Specter in the space of its corpse or in the nearest unoccupied space. The specter is under the wraith's control. The wraith can have no more than seven specters under its control at a time.

Life Drain

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 4d8+3 necrotic damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. 21 (4d8 + 3) Necrotic damage. If the target is a creature, its Hit Point maximum decreases by an amount equal to the damage taken.

About Wraith

Wraith is a small undead with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 67 hit points (derived from 9d8 + 27).

Wraith has communication capabilities including Common plus two other languages. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Wraith

2 tips available

When using Wraith 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 Wraith

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 5.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 7 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 3,000 XP
Hard: 4,500 XP
Deadly: 6,000 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 Wraith?: Wraith has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Wraith?: Wraith is a Small Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Wraith speak?: Wraith can communicate in Common plus two other languages.