Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Starving Specter

Medium · Undead · CR 5 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 3

90 (12d8+36)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Undead

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 1800

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Fly 40 ft (12.2 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 15

Saving Throws

Constitution +6 Wisdom +5

Skills

Perception +2

Languages

the languages it knew in life

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Vulnerabilities

psychic

Traits

Aura of the Forgotten

Beasts and Humanoids within 10 ft. of the starving specter have disadvantage on saves.

Ethereal Sight

Can see 60' into the Ethereal Plane.

Incorporeal Movement

Move through others/objects as difficult terrain. Takes 5 (1d10) force if it ends turn in object.

Life Hunger

When a creature specter can see regains hp specter's next Bite deals extra 7 (2d6) necrotic on a hit.

Undead Nature

Doesn't require air food drink or sleep.

Unnerving Visage

When a creature that can see specter’s faces starts its turn within 30' of it at least one of specter’s faces shifts to look like one of the creature’s departed loved ones or bitter enemies if specter isn’t incapacitated and can see the creature. Creature takes 7 (2d6) psychic and is frightened of specter until start of its next turn (DC 14 Wis negates both). Unless surprised a creature can avert its eyes to avoid the save at start of its turn. If creature does so it can’t see the specter until the start of its next turn when it can avert again. If creature looks at specter in the meantime it must immediately save.

About Starving Specter

Starving Specter is a medium undead with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 90 hit points (derived from 12d8+36).

Starving Specter has communication capabilities including the languages it knew in life. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Starving Specter

2 tips available

When using Starving Specter 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.
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 Starving Specter

2 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.
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 5.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 7 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 3,000 XP
Hard: 4,500 XP
Deadly: 6,000 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 Starving Specter?: Starving Specter has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Starving Specter?: Starving Specter is a Medium Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Starving Specter speak?: Starving Specter can communicate in the languages it knew in life.