Waker of Midnight
medium undead (spirit), neutral evil
Defense
Proficiencies & Senses
Characteristics
Traits
Invisibility
The Waker of Midnight can turn invisible at will, but exposes itself when it attacks. This ability ends if it takes damage.
Terrifying Presence
Creatures within 30 feet that can see the Waker of Midnight must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
Actions
Life Drain
Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 16 (3d10 + 3) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or its maximum hit points are reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. If a creature’s maximum hit points is reduced to 0, it dies.
Midnight's Grasp
The Waker of Midnight targets one creature within 30 feet of it. The target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be restrained for 1 minute. A restrained target can use its action to make a Strength check against the DC to escape.
Combat Behavior
Tactics
• Uses Invisibility to ambush unsuspecting victims.
• Utilizes Midnight's Grasp to restrain and isolate targets.
• Employs its Terrifying Presence to frighten and scatter opponents.
Combat Style
Stealthy and ambush-oriented, seeking to instill fear and drain life with deadly precision.
Monster Description
The Waker of Midnight is a spirit that haunts the open fields after dark, preying on those who wander into its territory past the stroke of midnight. This spectral figure is believed to embody the souls of fallen travelers who met their end under the cold moonlight, now compelled to lure unsuspecting victims into its realm. With an ethereal form that blends seamlessly with the shadowy landscape, the Waker can invoke fear and despair in those who breach its boundaries. Local tales describe it as a dark silhouette with glowing red eyes, drifting silently through the air, often accompanied by a chilling breeze that sweeps through the grass.Monster behavior
Patterns of behavior include stalking victims from afar, often lurking in the shadows and ambushing when least expected. The Waker listens for sounds of late-night activity and ensures its presence is felt by emitting an eerie moan, enhancing the feeling of dread among those nearby. Once a victim is detected, it becomes invisible, creeping closer until it strikes with deadly accuracy using its Life Drain attack. Those affected find themselves weakened, not just physically, but mentally, as the Waker feeds off their life force. If confronted, it uses its terrifying presence to instill panic and confusion before disappearing into the night.Ecology
The Waker of Midnight plays a crucial role in maintaining balance within its environment. As a spirit of vengeance, it ensures that the nighttime is respected and those who tread carelessly into its grounds are punished. It acts as a cautionary tale, dissuading others from wandering at night. Predominantly solitary, this creature's existence is tied to the natural cycle of life and death, lingering over the fields as a reminder of the perils of temptation and carelessness in the dark.History
Local lore suggests that the Waker of Midnight was once a guardian spirit until it was betrayed and condemned to roam the plains after dark. Its transformation into an undead entity serves as a warning to anyone who dares to venture into its fields at night. Historical records note various encounters with this creature dating back centuries, with tales of villagers disappearing, only to be rediscovered as pale husks of life. With every generation, stories of the Waker ensure it remains a vivid part of local folklore. Some folklorists argue it is a manifestation of collective fears surrounding the night, reflecting how deeply ingrained these tales are within the cultural psyche. Monuments and sites of past tragedies scattered throughout the fields serve as silent reminders of its tragic history.Ready to Unleash Your Dungeon Master Potential?
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