Shadow

In the mysterious realms where darkness holds sway and the boundaries of light and shadow blur, the Shadow glides as an insubstantial and enigmatic entity. With its ephemeral form, stealthy movements, and connection to the plane of shadow, the Shadow embodies secrecy, darkness, and the intangible nature of the unseen.

The Shadow is a creature born from the Plane of Shadow, a realm of twilight and gloom. It appears as a silhouette, lacking distinct features and depth, as if formed from the absence of light. Its touch is icy cold, and its presence sends shivers down the spine of those who encounter it.

These otherworldly beings are masters of stealth and deception. They effortlessly blend into the darkness, becoming one with the shadows that surround them. Shadows move silently and swiftly, often lurking in places where the light is dim or absent. They have an uncanny ability to remain unnoticed until they choose to reveal themselves.

Shadows are drawn to sources of warmth and vitality, draining the life force of living beings. Their touch weakens and chills, sapping the strength and vitality from their victims. The touch of a Shadow can drain energy and leave those affected weakened or even paralyzed.

These entities are spawned by powerful negative emotions and dark magic. They often serve as minions to necromancers and those who dabble in shadowy arts. Legends speak of Shadows that have grown in power and awareness, known as “Umbral Lords,” commanding hordes of lesser Shadows and spreading their influence over vast regions.

Encountering a Shadow is to face an ethereal and elusive creature. Its presence exudes an aura of lingering darkness and the intangible nature of the unseen. Engaging with a Shadow requires both keen perception and the ability to strike swiftly, as its insubstantial form makes it immune to many conventional forms of attack.

Shadows bring a touch of darkness and the enigmatic allure of the plane of shadow to the tapestry of the world. They serve as reminders of the ever-present balance between light and darkness and the dangers that lie within the shadows. Whether encountered as guardians of ancient tombs, manifestations of malevolent spirits, or as harbingers of the encroaching darkness, Shadows add a sense of mystery, stealth, and the intangible nature of the unseen to the realms of adventure and exploration.

Special Abilities

Amorphous

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

Shadow Stealth

While in dim light or darkness, the shadow can take the Hide action as a bonus action. Its stealth bonus is also improved to +6.

Sunlight Weakness

While in sunlight, the shadow has disadvantage on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws.

Actions

• Strength Drain: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) necrotic damage, and the target’s Strength score is reduced by 1d4. The target dies if this reduces its Strength to 0. Otherwise, the reduction lasts until the target finishes a short or long rest.
  If a non-evil humanoid dies from this attack, a new shadow rises from the corpse 1d4 hours later.

Proficiencies

• Skill: Stealth +4