Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Spectral Guardian

Medium · Undead · CR 6 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

93 (11d8 + 44)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Undead

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 2300

Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Walk 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 30 ft (9.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Blindsight 10 ft (3 m)

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

Dexterity +7 Wisdom +6

Languages

understands the languages it knew in life but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

cold, necrotic, poison

Damage Resistances

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

Condition Immunities

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

Traits

Disgrace Bound

The spectral guardian is bound to a tomb, castle ruins, or other place related to the disgrace in life that caused it to rise as a spectral guardian in death. If the guardian starts its turn more than 1 mile from its bound location, it loses its Spectral Blade action until it returns to the region. If it remains outside the region, it automatically teleports back to its bound location after 24 hours, regardless of distance.

Incorporeal Movement

The spectral guardian can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.

Undead Nature

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

Actions

Multiattack

The spectral guardian makes two Spectral Blade attacks. If both attacks hit one creature, the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have its hp maximum reduced by the total necrotic damage dealt by both attacks.

Spectral Blade

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+4 plus 2d8 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of its next turn.

Spectral Burst

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d10+4 plus 2d8 necrotic damage.

Melee or Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) force damage plus 9 (2d8) necrotic damage.

Spellcasting

The arcane guardian casts one of the following spells, requiring no material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 15):

At Will: dancing lights, fog cloud, minor illusion
3/Day Each: fear, slow
1/Day Each: arcane hand

About Spectral Guardian

Spectral Guardian is a medium undead with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 93 hit points (derived from 11d8 + 44).

Spectral Guardian has communication capabilities including understands the languages it knew in life but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Spectral Guardian

1 tips available

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

Incorporeal Movement: This creature can pass through objects and walls! Use 'Magic Circle', 'Forcecage', or other magical barriers. Physical obstacles are ineffective.

Player Guide: Facing Spectral Guardian

1 strategies available

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

Hit Incorporeal Creature: This creature can pass through objects! Use magical weapons or spells. Physical attacks may not work. 'Magic Missile' or 'Spiritual Weapon' are effective.

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 Spectral Guardian?: Spectral Guardian has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Spectral Guardian?: Spectral Guardian is a Medium Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Spectral Guardian speak?: Spectral Guardian can communicate in understands the languages it knew in life but can't speak.