Revenant

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Revenant Introduction

In the dim, flickering light of the moon, a figure emerges from the shadows, its presence as chilling as the grave itself. This is the revenant, a relentless spirit bound by a singular purpose: vengeance. Cloaked in tattered remnants of its former life, the revenant's appearance is a haunting reminder of mortality. Its eyes burn with an unholy fire, a stark contrast to the pallor of its decaying flesh. The air around it seems to grow colder, as if the very essence of death clings to its form.

The revenant is driven by an insatiable need to hunt down those who wronged it in life. It moves with a deliberate, unyielding determination, its every step echoing with the weight of unfinished business. Unlike other undead, the revenant retains a semblance of its former intelligence, making it a cunning and formidable adversary. It is said that no barrier can deter its pursuit, for it will rise again and again until its vengeance is sated.

These creatures are often found in places steeped in sorrow and betrayal, where the veil between life and death is thin. Abandoned graveyards, desolate battlefields, and forgotten ruins serve as their haunting grounds. Legends speak of revenants returning to the sites of their demise, drawn by the lingering echoes of their final moments. It is whispered that those who encounter a revenant and survive are forever marked by its presence, haunted by nightmares of its burning gaze.

In the annals of lore, tales of revenants are often recounted as cautionary stories, warning of the consequences of treachery and deceit. Some say that a revenant's wrath can only be quelled by righting the wrongs of the past, while others believe that only divine intervention can lay such a tormented soul to rest. As you stand on the precipice of this encounter, remember that the revenant is not merely a foe to be vanquished, but a tragic reminder of the price of betrayal.

Revenant Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +4
• Stealth +2

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 14

Languages

• The languages it knew in life

Abilities

• Regeneration: The revenant regains 10 hit points at the start of its turn. If the revenant takes fire or radiant damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of the revenant's next turn. The revenant's body is destroyed only if it starts its turn with 0 hit points and doesn't regenerate.
• Rejuvenation: When the revenant's body is destroyed, its soul lingers. After 24 hours, the soul inhabits and animates another corpse on the same plane of existence and regains all its hit points. While its soul is bodiless, a wish spell can be used to force the soul to go to the afterlife and not return.
• Turn Immunity: The revenant is immune to effects that turn undead.
• Vengeful Tracker: The revenant knows the distance and direction to any creature against which it seeks revenge, even if the creature and the revenant are on different planes of existence. If the creature being tracked by the revenant dies, the revenant knows.

Actions

• Multiattack: The revenant makes two fist attacks.
• Fist: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature against which the revenant has sworn vengeance, the target takes an extra 14 (4d6) bludgeoning damage.
• Vengeful Glare: The revenant targets one creature it can see within 30 feet of it. The target must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the target is paralyzed until the revenant deals damage to it, or until the end of the revenant's next turn. When the paralysis ends, the target is frightened of the revenant for 1 minute. The frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, with disadvantage if it can see the revenant, ending the frightened condition on itself on a success.

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Battle Tips for Fighting a Revenant

The Revenant is a relentless undead creature driven by a singular purpose: vengeance. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing a Revenant in your campaign can create a thrilling and challenging encounter for your players. Here are some tips on how to effectively use a Revenant in battle:

Using the Revenant in Battle

• Relentless Pursuit: The Revenant's primary strength is its ability to track its target unerringly. Use this to create tension and urgency, as the Revenant will stop at nothing to reach its quarry. Consider having it appear at unexpected moments, keeping the players on their toes.
• Regeneration: The Revenant can regenerate health each turn, making it a formidable opponent. Encourage players to find creative ways to deal with this, such as using radiant damage or holy water to prevent its regeneration temporarily.
• Vengeful Glare: This ability can paralyze a target with fear. Use it strategically to isolate a key player character, forcing the party to adapt their tactics and protect their vulnerable ally.

Coordinating Multiple Revenants

• Divide and Conquer: If using multiple Revenants, have them target different party members, forcing the group to split their focus and resources. This can create a chaotic and challenging battle scenario.
• Flanking Tactics: Revenants can work together to flank and corner their targets, maximizing their attack potential. Use the environment to your advantage, driving players into tight spaces where the Revenants can surround them.
• Strategic Retreat: If the battle turns against them, Revenants can retreat to regroup and heal, only to return stronger. This can prolong the encounter and test the players' endurance and resource management.

Fleeing and Tactical Withdrawal

• Feigning Defeat: A Revenant might pretend to be defeated, only to rise again when the players least expect it. This can create a sense of dread and uncertainty, as the players realize the battle is far from over.
• Using the Environment: Revenants can use their knowledge of the terrain to escape and regroup. Consider having them lead the players into traps or ambushes, turning the tables on the adventurers.
• Psychological Warfare: Even in retreat, a Revenant can taunt and intimidate the players, sowing doubt and fear. Use this to create a narrative tension that extends beyond the battlefield.

By leveraging the Revenant's unique abilities and characteristics, you can create a memorable and challenging encounter that will test your players' skills and creativity. Whether as a lone hunter or part of a vengeful pack, the Revenant is sure to leave a lasting impression on your campaign.