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Shroud

Medium · Undead · CR 1/8 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

13 (3d8)

1/8

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-3

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Undead

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 25

Initiative Bonus +1

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 10

Skills

Stealth +3

Languages

Common

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

necrotic, poison

Damage Resistances

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

Damage Vulnerabilities

radiant

Condition Immunities

exhaustion, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained

Traits

Amorphous

The shroud can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.

Shadow Evolution

If the shroud deals at least 12 necrotic damage to a creature that isn’t a Construct or Undead in 1 minute or less, the shroud transforms into a shadow at the start of the turn after it last dealt damage. It uses the statistics of the shadow, except it reduces the shadow’s hp by an amount equal to the damage the shroud took before it transformed.

Sunlight Weakness

While in sunlight, the shroud has disadvantage on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws.

Undead Nature

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

Actions

Strength Drain

+3 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+1 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) necrotic damage, and the target has disadvantage on weapon attacks that use Strength until the end of its next turn. If a non-evil humanoid dies from this attack, a new shroud rises from the corpse 1d4 hours later.

Bonus Actions

Shadow Stealth

While in dim light or darkness, the shroud takes the Hide action.

About Shroud

Shroud is a medium undead with a Challenge Rating of 1/8. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 11 and possesses 13 hit points (derived from 3d8).

Shroud has communication capabilities including Common. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Shroud

1 tips available

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

Amorphous Movement: This creature can squeeze through spaces as small as 1 inch! Traditional barriers are ineffective. Use 'Wall of Force', 'Forcecage', or magical barriers to contain it.

Player Guide: Facing Shroud

1 strategies available

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

Contain Amorphous Creature: This creature can squeeze through tiny spaces! Traditional barriers won't work. Use 'Wall of Force', 'Forcecage', or magical barriers. 'Create Bonfire' can block movement.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 14 XP
Hard: 21 XP
Deadly: 28 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 Shroud?: Shroud has a Challenge Rating of 1/8, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.125.
What type of creature is Shroud?: Shroud is a Medium Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Shroud speak?: Shroud can communicate in Common.