The Silent Lament of Watery Shadows
A chilling reflection of sorrow and despair, this creature manifests as a mass of shadowy water that undulates with an ethereal grace. Its form is obscured, revealing hints of fragmented faces weeping silently within the depths. As it moves through its watery terrain, the air grows cold, filling the senses with an eerie silence, which is occasionally shattered by the mournful whispers of lost souls echoing in the darkness. It thrives in areas of deep emotional turmoil, drawn to the sadness and pain of those who pass through. Adventurers may find themselves entranced by its sorrowful cries, only to be ensnared in a powerful embrace of shadowy tendrils that drain life force and hope.
Creature Statistics:
- Armor Class: 15 (natural armor)
- Hit Points: 130 (20d10 + 20)
- Speed: 0 ft., swim 40 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 1 (-5) | 18 (+4) | 20 (+5) |
- Saving Throws: Dex +7, Wis +8, Cha +9
- Damage Resistance: Psychic; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks
- Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
- Languages: Understands Common and Aquan but cannot speak
- Challenge: 6 (2,300 XP)
Traits:
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Amorphous Form: The creature can occupy the same space as a Medium or smaller creature and can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch without squeezing.
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Whispers of Despair: At the start of each of its turns, each creature within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be incapacitated until the end of their next turn as they are overwhelmed by visions of loss and grief.
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Shadowy Embrace: The creature can use a bonus action to meld into any body of water, becoming invisible while submerged. It returns to visibility at will.
Actions:
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Multiattack: The creature makes two attacks: one with its Enshadowing Tendril and one with its Life Drain.
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Enshadowing Tendril: Melee Spell Attack: +9 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (4d8) necrotic damage and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or become frightened until the end of its next turn.
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Life Drain: Melee Spell Attack: +9 to hit, reach 15 ft., one creature that is incapacitated or frightened. Hit: 22 (4d10) necrotic damage, and the creature's hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the creature finishes a long rest.
Reactions:
- Wail of the Damned: When attacked, the creature can emit a ghostly wail. Each creature within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or take 13 (3d8) psychic damage and be deafened until the end of its next turn. On a successful save, the creature takes half damage and isn't deafened.
In the presence of such sorrowful power, adventurers must balance fortitude with compassion, lest they be consumed by the echoes of a pain not their own.
