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Shadow of Death

Large · Celestial · CR 21 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

250 (20d10+140)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

+10

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Celestial

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 33000

Initiative Bonus +8

Movement

Walk 50 ft (15.2 m)

Swim 25 ft (7.6 m)

Climb 25 ft (7.6 m)

Crawl 25 ft (7.6 m)

Senses

Truesight 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 24

Saving Throws

Intelligence +14 Wisdom +14 Charisma +17

Skills

Perception +14

Languages

all, telepathy 120.0 ft (36.6 m).

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

cold, necrotic, poison

Damage Resistances

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

Damage Vulnerabilities

radiant

Condition Immunities

charmed, exhaustion, frightened, poisoned

Traits

Death Throes

When the shadow of death dies, it explodes, and each creature within 30 feet of it must make a DC 22 Constitution saving throw, taking 35 (10d6) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one.

Deathly Shroud

At the start of each of the shadow of death’s turns, each creature within 15 feet of it must succeed on a DC 22 Constitution saving throw or take 10 (3d6) necrotic damage.

In addition, light within 30 feet of the shadow of death is less effective. Bright light in the area becomes dim light, and dim light in the area becomes darkness.

Destroyer of Life

If the shadow of death reduces a creature to 0 hp, the creature can be restored to life only by means of a wish spell.

Magic Resistance

The shadow of death has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Shadow Stealth

While in dim light or darkness, the shadow of death can take the Hide action as a bonus action.

Weapons of Death

The shadow of death’s weapon attacks are magical. When the shadow of death hits with any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 10 (3d6) necrotic damage (included in the attack).

A creature that takes necrotic damage from the shadow death’s weapon must succeed on a DC 22 Constitution saving throw or its hp maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. The reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hp maximum to 0.

Actions

Multiattack

The shadow of death can use Vision of Ending. It then makes three shortsword attacks.

Shortsword

+15 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+8 plus 3d6 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) necrotic damage.

Teleport

The shadow of death magically teleports, along with any equipment it is wearing or carrying, up to 120 feet to an unoccupied space it can see.

Vision of Ending

Each creature that is not undead within 60 feet of the shadow of death that can see it must succeed on a DC 22 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. While frightened in this way, the creature is also paralyzed as it sees visions of its death. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to this shadow of death's Vision of Ending for the next 24 hours.

About Shadow of Death

Shadow of Death is a large celestial with a Challenge Rating of 21. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 250 hit points (derived from 20d10+140).

Shadow of Death has communication capabilities including all, telepathy 120 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Shadow of Death

1 tips available

When using Shadow of Death in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.

Player Guide: Facing Shadow of Death

1 strategies available

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

Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 21.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 3.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 46,200 XP
Hard: 69,300 XP
Deadly: 92,400 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 Shadow of Death?: Shadow of Death has a Challenge Rating of 21, making it appropriate for parties of level 21.0.
What type of creature is Shadow of Death?: Shadow of Death is a Large Celestial, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Shadow of Death speak?: Shadow of Death can communicate in all, telepathy 120 ft..