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Black Knight Commander

Medium · Humanoid · CR 5 · Lawful Evil

Armor Class
18 (plate)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
91 (14d8 + 28)
Challenge Rating CR
5

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
18
+4
DEX
10
+0
CON
14
+2
INT
12
+1
WIS
13
+1
CHA
15
+2

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Medium
Type Humanoid
Alignment Lawful Evil
XP 1800
Initiative Bonus +0

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

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Dexterity +3 Wisdom +4 Charisma +5

Skills

Athletics +7 Intimidation +5

Languages

any two languages

Traits

Hateful Presence

Each friendly creature within 10 feet of the black knight commander gains a +2 bonus on weapon damage rolls but can’t use the Help action.

Locked Saddle

The black knight commander can’t be knocked prone, dismounted, or moved against its will while mounted.

Mounted Charge

If the black knight commander moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature while mounted and then hits it with a Lance attack on the same turn, the commander can use a bonus action to command its mount to make one melee weapon attack against that creature as a reaction.

Mounted Warrior

The black knight commander is rarely seen without its warhorse mount. The warhorse wears custom barding that raises is Armor Class to 15, and mounting and dismounting the warhorse costs the commander only 5 feet of movement. While the commander is mounted, its mount can’t be charmed or frightened.

Actions

Frightful Charge

While mounted, the black knight commander lets loose a terrifying cry. It then moves up to 30 feet in a straight line and can move through the space of any Large or smaller creature. This movement doesn't provoke opportunity attacks. The first time it enters a creature's space during this move, that creature must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 28 (8d6) bludgeoning damage and is frightened for 1 minute. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn't frightened. A frightened creature can make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Lance

+7 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 1d12+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d12 + 4) piercing damage.

Mace

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+4 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Multiattack

The black knight commander makes one Lance attack and two Mace attacks. If the commander is mounted, its mount can then make one Hooves attack. If both Mace attacks hit one creature, the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage.

About Black Knight Commander

Black Knight Commander is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a lawful evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 91 hit points (derived from 14d8 + 28).

Black Knight Commander has communication capabilities including any two languages. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Black Knight Commander

2 tips available

When using Black Knight Commander in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

  • Significant Threat: Challenging for parties of levels 5-10
  • Epic Potential: Consider legendary actions for memorable battles

Player Guide: Facing Black Knight Commander

2 strategies available

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

  • Significant Threat: Prepare spells and resources
  • Team Coordination: Coordinate attacks and defenses

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 Black Knight Commander?
Black Knight Commander has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Black Knight Commander?
Black Knight Commander is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Black Knight Commander speak?
Black Knight Commander can communicate in any two languages.

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