What is a shadow demon

When a demon’s body is destroyed but the fiend is prevented from reforming in the Abyss, its essence sometimes takes on a vague physical form. These shadow demons exist outside the normal abyssal hierarchy, since their creation results most often from mortal magic, not from transformation or promotion.   Shadow demons all but disappear in the darkness, and they can creep about without making a sound. A shadow demon uses its insubstantial claws to feast on its victim’s fears, to taste its memories, and drink in its doubts. Bright light harries this fiend and shows its distinct shape, resolving it from a blur of darkness to a winged humanoid creature whose lower body trails off into nothing, and whose claws rend a victim’s mind.   A shadow demon doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.    

Medium fiend (demon), chaotic evil

Armor Class: 13

Hit Points: 66 (12d8 + 12)

Speed: 30ft Fly: 30ft

Saving Throws: Dex +5, Cha +4

Skills: Stealth +7

Damage Vulnerabilities: Radiant

Damage Resistances: Acid, Fire, Necrotic, Thunder, as well as Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from nonmagical attacks

Damage Immunities: Cold, Lightning, Poison

Condition Immunities: Exhausted, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained

Senses: Darkvision 120 feet, Passive Perception 11

Languages: Abyssal, Telepathy 120 feet

Challenge Rating: 4 (1,100 XP)

Incorporeal Movement. The demon can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 1d10 force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.   Light Sensitivity. While in bright light, the demon has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.   Shadow Stealth. While in dim light or darkness, the demon can take the Hide action as a bonus action.

Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 feet, one creature. Hit: 2d6 + 3 psychic damage or, if the demon had advantage on the attack roll, 4d6 + 3 psychic damage.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

Average Height

4 to 6 feet

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Aura of decay. A 30' aura around Necius causes 3d6 necrotic damage to any living creature which begins its turn within it.

Lord of the dead. All undead creatures obey Necius; this overrides any other compulsions, effects, abilities, or controls on them.

Demonic traits
Demons include devils, fiends, daemons, succubi, and more. Demons are usually unique.

Medium fiend (demon), chaotic evil

Armor Class 13
Hit Points 66 (12d8 + 12)
Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft.

STR
1 (-5)

DEX
17 (+3)

CON
12 (+1)

INT
14 (+2)

WIS
13 (+1)

CHA
14 (+2)

Incorporeal Movement. The demon 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.

Light Sensitivity. While in bright light, the demon has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Shadow Stealth. While in dim light or darkness, the demon can take the Hide action as a bonus action.

ACTIONS

Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) psychic damage or, if the demon had advantage on the attack roll, 17 (4d6 + 3) psychic damage.

Monster Manual (BR+)

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