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Explore the Darkest Shadows at your Peril – Part 2 Shadow Summoner

Previously on Nerdarchy I talked about how dangerous shadows and the shadowfell can be. I even gave a stat block for a dire shadow mastiff. You can find that here

I toyed around with the idea of a shadar-kai shadow summoner and that I would grant you a stat block for such a creature.

Shadar-Kai Shadow Summoner

Within the shadowfell the shadar-kai call home there is a place where shadows are thicker and even other shadar-kai fear to tread. Gwathren Gurth literally translates to shadow death in the common tongue. But it is a dark tower, supposedly created from solidified shadow energy in an age long ago. Here shadar-kai are infused with the powers of the shadowfell and shadow energy.

These shadow summoners not only gain the ability to breach into the shadowfell and draw out energy in the form of shadows, but they also are immune to the draining attacks of all shadows. Infused with shadow energy they can become invisible in darkness, call darkness and see in complete darkness. As a last ditch resort from not getting caught they can even retreat back into the shadowfell to fight another day.

Shadar-Kai Shadow Summoner

Medium Humanoid (Shadar-Kai Elf), Chaotic Neutral

Armor Class 15 (studded leather)

Hit Points 78 (12d8 + 24)

Speed 30 ft., climb 20 ft.

STR: 11 (+0)

DEX: 16 (+3)

CON: 14 (+2)

INT: 13 (+1)

WIS: 11 (+0)

CHA: 10 (+0)

Saving Throws DEX +6, INT +4

Skills Acrobatics +6, Deception +3, Perception +3, Stealth +6

Damage Resistances Poison, Necrotic

Senses Darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 13

Languages —

Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

Proficiency Bonus +3

Shadow Infused. The Shadar-Kai Shadow Summoner is immune to the strength drain of any shadow. Shadows refuse to attack a Shadar-Kai Shadow Summoner unless directly ordered to do so by its summoner. A Shadar-Kai Shadow Summoner can see in darkness and magical darkness.

 

Spells. A Shadar-Kai Shadow Summoner is infused with a number of spells from the shadowfell.

3 times a day – darkness

2 times a day  – invisibility (the spell fails if they end their turn in direct sunlight)

 

Shadow Portal. A Shadar-Kai Shadow Summoner can open a portal for them to step into or out of the shadow fell, It remains open for 1d6 rounds or until the Shadar-Kai Shadow Summoner chooses to close it.

 

Evasion. If the Shadar-Kai Shadow Summoner is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, the Shadar-Kai Shadow Summoner instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails.

 

Actions

Multiattack. The Shadar-Kai Shadow Summoner makes two shortsword attacks and uses Summon Shadow..

 

Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 17 (5d6) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

 

Summon Shadow. If the Shadar-Kai Shadow Summoner has less then 3 shadows under its control, it is able to summon a shadow. It appears within 30 feet of the summoner and goes on its own initiative.

 

Reactions.

Shadow Shift. In response to taking damage, a Shadar-Kai Shadow Summoner can open a portal to the shadowfell and step through. This movement does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

 

If you read my first article on this series, you can put the Shadow Summoner on the dire shadow mastiff and make them more imposing. But if you also read that first article you would also know that I designed a Shadow Summoner over on Hero Forge. They offer a great tool set for designing what your character actually looks like. Whether you just want to use the design tools to make your tokens, get stl files to print yourself, or use the many options for plastic, metal, color printed, or professionally painted you have plenty of options of choice. I have been using Hero Forge for years and I love the supreme customization of making my perfect mini. I have made a character for every campaign I have played for 5th edition since its inception. I have made characters for fantasy, modern, and sci-fi and added amazing detail that you can get nowhere else.

 

So head on over to Heroforge.com and begin designing your own characters today, be it for your PC or your favorite NPCs

 

Thanks for reading. Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!

*Featured Image – Nerdarchy adventure for 5e Gaze of the Void Eye Cover by Darryl T. Jones.

Here is the video that inspired the featured image: