Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Malphas

Medium · Fey · CR 6 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

16 (studded leather)

135 (18d8 + 54)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Fey

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 2300

Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 40 ft (12.2 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

Saving Throws

Dexterity +7 Constitution +6 Wisdom +4

Skills

Perception +4

Languages

Common, Ravenfolk, Sylvan

Traits

Shadow-Infused Weapons

The malphas’s weapon attacks are magical. When it hits with any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 3d6 necrotic damage (included in the attack).

Sunlight Sensitivity

While in sunlight, the malphas has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

Longsword

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8+4 plus 3d6 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage, or 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage if used with two hands, plus 10 (3d6) necrotic damage.

Multiattack

The malphas makes two Longsword attacks or three Shadow Bolt attacks. If both Longsword attacks hit one creature, the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the end of its next turn, as shadows fill its eyes. A creature that can see through magical darkness has advantage on this saving throw.

Shadow Bolt

+7 to hit, range 60 ft (18.3 m). Hit: 3d6+4 necrotic damage.

Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (3d6 + 4) necrotic damage.

Reactions

Shadow Call

When the malphas is hit by a ranged attack, it can make one Shadow Bolt attack against the attacker. The malphas doesn't have disadvantage on this attack from being within 5 feet of a hostile creature, though it may still have disadvantage from other sources.

About Malphas

Malphas is a medium fey with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 135 hit points (derived from 18d8 + 54).

Malphas has communication capabilities including Common, Ravenfolk, Sylvan. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Malphas

1 tips available

When using Malphas 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 Malphas

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 6.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 9 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 4,200 XP
Hard: 6,300 XP
Deadly: 8,400 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 Malphas?: Malphas has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Malphas?: Malphas is a Medium Fey, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Malphas speak?: Malphas can communicate in Common, Ravenfolk, Sylvan.