Veilbound Phantasm of the Sable Abyss
This elusive creature emerges from the depths of shadowy realms, its form shifting constantly as if caught between dimensions. The being embodies the essence of forgotten fears, cloaked in swirling dark mists that pulse with an eerie, bioluminescent glow. Wisps of its substance flicker in and out, leaving an unsettling sensation of being watched by countless eyes. It seeks to ensnare adventurers in a web of doubt and despair, feeding off their anxiety and hesitation. Those who dare to confront this entity must face not only its spectral presence but also the manifestations of their deepest fears, making each encounter a psychological battle as much as a physical one.
Creature Type: Undead
Challenge Rating: 6 (2,300 XP)
Armor Class: 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 101 (17d8 + 34)
Speed: 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (+0) | 20 (+5) | 14 (+2) | 18 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 22 (+6) |
Saving Throws: Dex +8, Wis +6, Cha +9
Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities: Necrotic, Psychic
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Paralyzed, Poisoned
Senses: Darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 14
Languages: Understands Common but cannot speak
Unique Trait: Mind's Grasp. When a creature takes damage from the creature's attacks, it must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened until the end of its next turn. A creature that succeeds on this saving throw is immune to this effect for 24 hours.
Actions:
-
Multiattack. The creature makes two attacks: one with a Shadow Slash and one with Fearful Visage.
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Shadow Slash. Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) necrotic damage.
-
Fearful Visage. The creature targets one creature it can see within 60 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. The frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
Reactions:
- Veil of Shadows. When attacked, the creature can use its reaction to gain advantage on its first Dexterity saving throw until the end of its next turn.
Legendary Actions (if applicable):
The creature can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The creature regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
- Shift in Shadows. The creature can move up to half its flying speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
- Glimpse of Terror (Costs 2 Actions). The creature targets one creature it can see within 30 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 17 Intelligence saving throw or take 10 (3d6) psychic damage and be paralyzed until the end of its next turn.
- Psychic Drain (Costs 3 Actions). The creature siphons psychic energy from one creature it can see within 60 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or take 22 (4d10) psychic damage, and the creature regains hit points equal to the damage dealt.
Adventurers who overcome this entity may find themselves forever changed, haunted by shadows of their own making, a lingering reminder of the darkness they faced.
