Wraith

"

Wraith Introduction

In the dim, flickering light of your torches, a chill runs down your spine as the air grows unnaturally cold. Before you, a shadowy figure begins to coalesce, its form barely distinguishable from the surrounding darkness. This is a wraith, a malevolent spirit that embodies the very essence of death and despair. Its presence is marked by an eerie, otherworldly glow that seems to drain the warmth and life from everything around it. The wraith's form is insubstantial, a swirling mass of shadow and mist, with hollow, glowing eyes that pierce through the gloom, promising nothing but doom to those who dare to meet its gaze.

Wraiths are creatures of pure malice, driven by an insatiable hunger for the life force of the living. They are often found haunting the ruins of ancient castles, forgotten battlefields, or desolate graveyards—places steeped in sorrow and loss. These spectral beings are bound to the mortal realm by a curse or unfinished business, forever denied the peace of the afterlife. Legends speak of wraiths as the restless spirits of those who met a violent or unjust end, their souls twisted by hatred and vengeance.

As you stand in the presence of a wraith, the very air seems to thicken with dread, and the shadows around you deepen, as if the creature is drawing the darkness to itself. It moves with an unnatural grace, gliding silently over the ground, its tattered shroud-like form trailing behind it. The wraith's touch is deathly cold, sapping the strength and vitality from its victims, leaving them as lifeless husks. Beware, for those who fall to a wraith's embrace may rise again as spectral minions, bound to serve their dark master for eternity.

Stories passed down through generations tell of brave adventurers who have faced these fearsome apparitions, only to be driven mad by the wraith's haunting whispers and chilling presence. It is said that only the purest of heart, armed with powerful magic or blessed weapons, can hope to banish a wraith back to the shadowy realm from whence it came. As you prepare to confront this terrifying foe, remember that courage and resolve are your greatest allies, for the wraith feeds on fear and despair.

Wraith Skills & Traits

Skills

• Stealth +6
• Perception +4

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 14

Languages

• The languages it knew in life

Abilities

• Incorporeal Movement: The wraith can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.
• Sunlight Sensitivity: While in sunlight, the wraith has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

• Life Drain: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 21 (4d8 + 3) necrotic 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.
• Create Specter: The wraith targets a humanoid within 10 feet of it that has been dead for no longer than 1 minute and died violently. The target's spirit rises as a specter in the space of its corpse or in the nearest unoccupied space. The specter is under the wraith's control. The wraith can have no more than seven specters under its control at one time.

"

Battle Tips for Wraith

The Wraith is a formidable undead creature that can pose a significant challenge to adventurers. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing the Wraith effectively can create a thrilling and intense encounter. Here are some battle tips to make the most out of this spectral foe:

Using the Wraith in Battle

• Ambush Tactics: Wraiths can move through walls and other solid objects, making them perfect for ambushes. Use this ability to surprise players, emerging from walls or floors to catch them off guard.
• Dark Environments: Wraiths thrive in darkness. Set the battle in dimly lit or completely dark areas to give the Wraith an advantage, as it can see perfectly in the dark while players may struggle.
• Fear and Intimidation: Use the Wraith's terrifying presence to instill fear in the party. This can be enhanced by describing its chilling aura and the eerie wails that accompany its attacks.

Coordinating Multiple Wraiths

• Flanking Maneuvers: When using multiple Wraiths, have them coordinate to flank the party. This can split the players' focus and make it harder for them to defend against attacks.
• Divide and Conquer: Use the Wraiths' ability to pass through walls to separate the party. Isolate weaker members and focus attacks on them to quickly reduce the party's strength.
• Hit and Run Tactics: Wraiths can use their incorporeal movement to hit and then retreat through walls, making it difficult for players to retaliate. This can frustrate and wear down the party over time.

Fleeing Strategies

• Retreat to Darkness: If the battle turns against the Wraiths, they can retreat into dark areas where they have the advantage. This can allow them to regroup and plan a counterattack.
• Use of Minions: If the Wraiths have lesser undead minions, they can use them as a distraction to cover their retreat. This can buy them time to escape and potentially set up another ambush.
• Phasing Through Obstacles: Utilize their ability to phase through walls to escape to areas the party cannot easily follow, allowing them to regroup or flee entirely.

By leveraging these tactics, a Dungeon Master can create a memorable and challenging encounter with Wraiths that will test the skills and resolve of any adventuring party.