Spectator

"

Spectator Introduction

In the dimly lit corridors of ancient ruins, where shadows dance upon crumbling stone walls, a peculiar and unsettling presence lurks. The air grows thick with an eerie silence, broken only by the faint echo of dripping water. It is here, in these forgotten places, that the Spectator makes its home. This bizarre creature, a lesser beholder kin, hovers silently, its spherical body suspended in the air by some unseen force. Its skin, a mottled blend of sickly greens and grays, glistens with a sheen that reflects the dim light, giving it an otherworldly appearance.

The Spectator's most striking feature is its four eye stalks, each one twisting and turning independently, scanning its surroundings with an unsettling vigilance. These eyes, set upon long, sinuous stalks, are capable of casting a variety of magical effects, making the creature a formidable guardian. At the center of its body, a single, large eye stares unblinkingly, its gaze piercing and filled with an ancient intelligence. Below this central eye, a wide, toothy maw stretches into a grotesque grin, hinting at the creature's alien nature.

Legends speak of the Spectator as a summoned guardian, brought forth by powerful wizards to protect treasures or secrets long forgotten. Bound to its duty, the Spectator remains ever watchful, its loyalty unwavering until its task is complete. It is said that those who dare to trespass into its domain are met with a barrage of magical assaults, each eye stalk unleashing a different power to deter or destroy intruders. Yet, despite its fearsome reputation, the Spectator is not inherently malevolent. It is a creature of purpose, driven by the commands of its summoner, and will not attack unless provoked or its charge is threatened.

As you venture deeper into the heart of these ancient ruins, the air grows colder, and a sense of foreboding settles over you. The Spectator is near, its presence felt more than seen, a silent guardian of secrets lost to time. Will you dare to face this enigmatic creature, to unravel the mysteries it protects, or will you heed the warnings of those who came before and turn back while you still can?

Monster: Spectator Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +5

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 15

Languages

• Deep Speech
• Understands the languages of its creator but can't speak

Abilities

• Antimagic Cone: The spectator's central eye creates an area of antimagic, as in the antimagic field spell, in a 150-foot cone. At the start of each of its turns, the spectator decides which way the cone faces and whether the cone is active.
• Spell Reflection: If the spectator makes a successful saving throw against a spell, or a spell attack misses it, the spectator can choose another creature (including the spellcaster) it can see within 30 feet of it. The spell targets the chosen creature instead of the spectator. If the spell forced a saving throw, the chosen creature makes its own save. If the spell was an attack, the attack roll is rerolled against the chosen creature.

Actions

• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +1 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d6 - 1) piercing damage.
• Eye Rays: The spectator shoots two of the following magical eye rays at random (reroll duplicates), choosing one or two targets it can see within 90 feet of it:
  • 1. Confusion Ray: The target must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw, or it can't take reactions until the end of its next turn. On its turn, the target can't move, and it uses its action to make a melee or ranged attack against a randomly determined creature within range. If the target can't attack, it does nothing on its turn.
  • 2. Paralyzing Ray: The target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
  • 3. Fear Ray: The target must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, with disadvantage if the spectator is visible to the target, ending the effect on itself on a success.
  • 4. Wounding Ray: The target must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw, taking 16 (3d10) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
• Create Food and Water: The spectator magically creates enough food and water to sustain itself for 24 hours.

"

Battle Tips for the Spectator

The Spectator is a lesser beholder that can be a formidable opponent in any dungeon setting. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing the Spectator effectively can create a challenging and memorable encounter for your players. Here are some tips on how to use the Spectator in battle:

Using the Spectator in Battle

• Strategic Positioning: Place the Spectator in areas where it can take advantage of its flying ability and ranged attacks. High ceilings or open spaces allow it to hover out of reach while still being able to target the party with its eye rays.
• Surprise and Ambush: Use the Spectator's ability to become invisible to set up ambushes. It can wait in hiding until the party is in a vulnerable position before revealing itself and attacking.
• Guarding Treasures: The Spectator is often summoned to guard specific locations or treasures. Use this to your advantage by placing it in areas where the party must defeat it to progress or obtain valuable items.

Coordinating with Multiple Spectators

• Overlapping Fields of Fire: Position multiple Spectators so that their eye rays can cover different areas of the battlefield, making it difficult for the party to find safe spots.
• Divide and Conquer: Use multiple Spectators to split the party's focus. Each Spectator can target different members of the party, forcing them to spread their resources thin.
• Communication and Coordination: Spectators can communicate telepathically. Use this to coordinate their attacks, focusing on high-priority targets or combining their efforts to take down a single foe quickly.

Fleeing and Tactical Retreats

• Invisibility for Escape: If the battle turns against the Spectator, it can use its invisibility to retreat and regroup. This can be a great way to prolong the encounter or set up a future rematch.
• Using Minions: If the Spectator is part of a larger group, it can use other creatures as distractions while it makes its escape. This can be particularly effective if the Spectator is guarding a location and needs to alert others of the party's presence.
• Retreat to Defensive Positions: Have the Spectator fall back to areas where it has a tactical advantage, such as narrow corridors or areas with difficult terrain, to slow down the party's pursuit.

By using these tips, you can make encounters with the Spectator both challenging and engaging, providing your players with a memorable experience in your campaign.