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Herald of Darkness

Large · Fiend · CR 7 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

15 (chain shirt)

105 (10d10 + 50)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Fiend

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 2900

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 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 240 ft (73.2 m)

Passive Perception 15

Saving Throws

Strength +8 Constitution +8 Charisma +7

Skills

Athletics +8 Deception +7 Perception +5 Stealth +5

Languages

Common, Elvish, Goblin, Infernal, Sylvan

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

necrotic, poison

Damage Resistances

bludgeoning, cold, lightning

Condition Immunities

exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned

Traits

Made of Shadows (Shadow Form Only)

The herald of darkness has resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage and can enter a hostile creature’s space and stop there. In addition, it can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.

Shadow’s Sight

Magical darkness doesn’t impede the herald’s darkvision.

Actions

Embrace Darkness

+7 to hit. Hit: 3d8+5 necrotic damage.

Melee Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in the herald's space. Hit: 18 (3d8 + 5) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed until the end of its next turn.

Majesty of the Abyss

Recharge 5–6

The herald of darkness emits a sinister burst of infernal power. Each creature within 15 feet of the herald and that can see it must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 27 (6d8) necrotic damage and is blinded for 1 minute. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn't blinded. A creature that fails the saving throw by 5 or more is also paralyzed until the end of its next turn. A blinded creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Multiattack

The herald of darkness makes two Embrace Darkness or Shadow Sword attacks.

Shadow Sword

+8 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d8+5 plus 2d8 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) necrotic damage.

Bonus Actions

Shadow Shape

The herald magically transforms into a Large shadow or back into its true form, which is a Fiend. Its statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying transforms with it. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

About Herald of Darkness

Herald of Darkness is a large fiend with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 105 hit points (derived from 10d10 + 50).

Herald of Darkness has communication capabilities including Common, Elvish, Goblin, Infernal, Sylvan. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Herald of Darkness

1 tips available

When using Herald of Darkness 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.

Player Guide: Facing Herald of Darkness

1 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.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 5,600 XP
Hard: 8,400 XP
Deadly: 11,200 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 Herald of Darkness?: Herald of Darkness has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Herald of Darkness?: Herald of Darkness is a Large Fiend, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Herald of Darkness speak?: Herald of Darkness can communicate in Common, Elvish, Goblin, Infernal, Sylvan.