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Will-o'-Wisp

Tiny · Undead · CR 2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

22 (9d4)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-5

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Tiny

Type Undead

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +9

Movement

Fly 50 ft (15.2 m)

Hover Yes

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 12

Languages

the languages it knew in life

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

lightning, poison

Damage Resistances

acid, cold, fire, necrotic, thunder; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Condition Immunities

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

Environments

Forest or Jungle Swamp or Marsh Urban

Traits

Consume Life

As a bonus action, the will-o'-wisp can target one creature it can see within 5 ft. of it that has 0 hit points and is still alive. The target must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw against this magic or die. If the target dies, the will-o'-wisp regains 10 (3d6) hit points.

Ephemeral

The will-o'-wisp can't wear or carry anything.

Incorporeal Movement

The will-o'-wisp 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.

Variable Illumination

The will-o'-wisp sheds bright light in a 5- to 20-foot radius and dim light for an additional number of ft. equal to the chosen radius. The will-o'-wisp can alter the radius as a bonus action.

Actions

Invisibility

Cost 1

The will-o'-wisp and its light magically become invisible until it attacks or uses its Consume Life, or until its concentration ends (as if concentrating on a spell).

Shock

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m).

Melee Spell Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 9 (2d8) lightning damage.

About Will-o'-Wisp

Will-o'-Wisp is a tiny undead with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 19 and possesses 22 hit points (derived from 9d4).

Will-o'-Wisp has communication capabilities including the languages it knew in life. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Will-o'-Wisp

3 tips available

When using Will-o'-Wisp 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.
Lightning Damage Awareness: Lightning attacks often have long range and high speed. Advise players to use cover and avoid metal armor/weapons. Water surfaces amplify lightning damage - avoid fighting near water.
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 Will-o'-Wisp

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.
Lightning Damage Protection: This creature deals lightning damage! Avoid metal armor and weapons. Use cover and avoid water surfaces. 'Iron Skin' or 'Protection from Energy' can help.
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 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 Will-o'-Wisp?: Will-o'-Wisp has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Will-o'-Wisp?: Will-o'-Wisp is a Tiny Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Will-o'-Wisp speak?: Will-o'-Wisp can communicate in the languages it knew in life.