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Shadow Beast

Medium · Fey · CR 7 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts

135 (18d8+54)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Fey

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 2900

Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Fly 40 ft (12.2 m)

Hover Yes

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 12

Saving Throws

Dexterity +7 Constitution +6

Skills

Stealth +7

Languages

Common, Elvish, Umbral, Void Speech

Environments

Caves Forest or Jungle Ruins Badlands Underworld

Traits

Amorphous

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

Incorporeal Movement

The shadow beast 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.

Innate Spellcasting

the shadow beast's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

3/day each: fear, telekinesis

Magic Resistance

The beast has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Sunlight Sensitivity

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

Actions

Bite

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.

Claw

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d10 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The shadow beast makes one bite attack and two claw attacks.

Shadow Push

Recharge 5–6

The shadow beast buffets opponents with a gale of animated shadows in a 15-foot cone. Any creatures in the area of effect must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be pushed back 10 feet and knocked prone.

About Shadow Beast

Shadow Beast is a medium fey with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 135 hit points (derived from 18d8+54).

Shadow Beast has communication capabilities including Common, Elvish, Umbral, Void Speech. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Shadow Beast

3 tips available

When using Shadow Beast 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.
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.
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 Shadow Beast

3 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.
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.
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 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 5,600 XP
Hard: 8,400 XP
Deadly: 11,200 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 Beast?: Shadow Beast has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Shadow Beast?: Shadow Beast is a Medium Fey, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Shadow Beast speak?: Shadow Beast can communicate in Common, Elvish, Umbral, Void Speech.