Shadow Captain

Medium undead, lawful evil

Armor Class 19 (half plate, shield)
Hit Points 156 (24d8 + 48)
Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	10 (+0)	16 (+3)	10 (+0)

Saving Throws Strength +8, Wisdom +7
Skills Perception +11, Stealth +10
Damage Resistances lightning; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical weapons
Damage Immunities cold, necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned, unconscious
Senses darkvision 60 ft. passive Perception 21
Languages Common
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)

Special Traits

• Alter Self. The shadow captain can assume a different form at will. The magic that provides the shadow captain with this ability is so powerful that only a true seeing spell can discern what lies under the illusion.
• Innate Spellcasting. The shadow captain’s spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). The shadow captain can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
  • At will: alter self, resistance, sacred flame
  • 3/day each: bane, inflict wounds, shield of faith
  • 1/day each: animate dead, contagion
• Regeneration. The shadow captain regains 10 hit points at the start of its turn. If the shadow captain takes acid or fire damage, this trait doesn’t function at the start of its next turn. The shadow captain dies only if it starts its turn with 0 hit points and doesn’t regenerate.

Actions

• Multiattack. The shadow captain makes two longsword attacks.
• Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) slashing damage plus 22 (4d10) cold damage.
• Draining Touch. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d8 + 2) cold damage. The target must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.

About

The black-armored figure has no face save a pair of burning points of light. Its breastplate is emblazoned with the sigil of a skull that sprouts massive stag’s horns.

Regardless of their origin, shadow captains leading undead armies, exterminating enemies, engaging in acts of corruption and espionage using their alter self ability. Many tales have been told about rulers, advisors, valued counselors, lovers and other intimate associates who were, in the end, revealed to be shadow captains.