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Accursed Defiler

Medium · Undead · CR 4 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

75 (10d8 + 30)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Undead

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 14

Skills

Perception +4 Stealth +4

Languages

understands an ancient language but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Damage Resistances

necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Condition Immunities

charmed, exhaustion, frightened, poisoned

Traits

Cursed Existence

When it drops to 0 hp in desert terrain, the accursed defiler’s body disintegrates into sand and a parched breeze. However, unless it was killed in a hallowed location, with radiant damage, or by a creature under the effects of the bless spell, the accursed defiler reforms at the next sundown 1d100 miles away from where it died in a random direction.

Sand Shroud

A miniature sandstorm constantly whirls around the accursed defiler in a 10-foot radius. This area is lightly obscured to creatures other than the accursed defiler. Wisdom (Survival) checks made to follow tracks left by the accursed defiler or other creatures that were traveling in its sand shroud are made with disadvantage.

Undead Nature

The accursed defiler doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.

Actions

Multiattack

The accursed defiler makes two Slam attacks.

Sandslash

Recharge 5–6

The accursed defiler intensifies the vortex of sand that surrounds it. Each creature within 10 feet of the accursed defiler must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) slashing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Slam

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+4 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the accursed defiler scores a critical hit, the target suffers one level of exhaustion.

About Accursed Defiler

Accursed Defiler is a medium undead with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 75 hit points (derived from 10d8 + 30).

Accursed Defiler has communication capabilities including understands an ancient language but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Accursed Defiler

2 tips available

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

Mid-level Encounter: Ideal for parties levels 3-8 as solo or small groups
Terrain Advantage: Use terrain to offset moderate combat abilities

Player Guide: Facing Accursed Defiler

2 strategies available

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

Moderate Threat: Prepare standard combat tactics
Tactical Advantage: Use terrain and positioning

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

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

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 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 Accursed Defiler?: Accursed Defiler has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Accursed Defiler?: Accursed Defiler is a Medium Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Accursed Defiler speak?: Accursed Defiler can communicate in understands an ancient language but can't speak.