As the party descends into the depths of the underground library beneath Eldoria, the air becomes heavy with the scent of ancient tomes and the cool touch of stone. The flickering light of enchanted orbs hanging from the ceiling reveals rows upon rows of dusty shelves, each bearing the weight of countless volumes. However, as the adventurers venture deeper, the library's tranquil ambiance is disrupted by the manifestation of the Umbral Harbinger's malevolent forces – The Shadowspawn.
Appearance: The Shadowspawn are ephemeral entities, born from the deepest recesses of darkness. Their forms are nebulous and shadowy, resembling humanoid silhouettes with elongated limbs. Black mist tendrils writhe around them, and their eyes, mere glimmers of crimson, pierce through the inky void that makes up their faces. The library's arcane illumination reflects off their shadowy bodies, creating an unsettling contrast between the ancient knowledge surrounding them and the malevolence they embody.
Movement: The Shadowspawn move with an unsettling fluidity, gliding across the stone floor as if riding the currents of darkness itself. Their movements are accompanied by soft whispers, a symphony of indistinct murmurs that seem to echo through the hidden chambers.
Infiltration: These minions of darkness emerge from the shadows cast by the towering bookshelves, materializing in a silent, predatory manner. They use the labyrinthine layout of the library to their advantage, employing the darkness within the shelves to cloak their approach.
Dark Manifestation: When idle, the Shadowspawn seem to meld with the shadows around them, becoming nearly indistinguishable from the natural play of darkness within the library. This makes them adept at surprising unsuspecting intruders who believe they are merely navigating the dimly lit aisles.
Crimson Gaze: The eyes of the Shadowspawn burn with an inner crimson glow, providing an eerie and disconcerting contrast to the surrounding darkness. These eyes fixate upon the intruders with an intense malevolence, their gaze unnerving and hauntingly intelligent.
Malevolent Purpose: The presence of the Shadowspawn within the library is not merely accidental; it is a manifestation of the Umbral Harbinger's will. Their purpose is to guard the ancient knowledge stored within, preventing unauthorized access and eliminating any who would dare threaten the secrets harbored by the depths of Eldoria.
As the party delves deeper into the Ancient Library, they must navigate not only the vast sea of knowledge but also the lurking darkness embodied by the Shadowspawn, ensuring that every step forward is not met with an encounter with the malevolent minions of the Umbral Harbinger.
Enemy Sheet: Shadowspawn (Weakened Variant)
Type: Aberration
Size: Medium
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Armor Class: 12 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points: 24 (4d8 + 4)
Speed: 30 ft., Shadow Stride 30 ft.
Abilities:
Strength: 12 (+1)
Dexterity: 14 (+2)
Constitution: 10 (+0)
Intelligence: 6 (-2)
Wisdom: 10 (+0)
Charisma: 6 (-2)
Saving Throws:
Dexterity +4
Skills:
Stealth +4
Senses:
Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 10
Languages:
None
Challenge:
1/2 (100 XP)
Traits:
Shadow Stride: The Shadowspawn can move through dim light or darkness as if it were difficult terrain. If it starts its turn in darkness, it can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see that is also in darkness.
Umbral Fragility: The Shadowspawn has disadvantage on saving throws against spells and effects that deal radiant damage.
Actions:
Shadow Touch: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 1) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 11 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.
Shadow Step: The Shadowspawn magically teleports, along with any equipment it is wearing or carrying, up to 15 feet to an unoccupied space it can see. Before or after teleporting, the Shadowspawn can make one melee attack.
Dark Whispers (Recharge 5-6): The Shadowspawn releases a wave of disorienting whispers. Each creature of the Shadowspawn's choice within 15 feet of it must succeed on a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of its next turn.
Reactions:
Shadow Cloak: When the Shadowspawn is targeted by an attack, it can use its reaction to become insubstantial, granting it resistance to all damage until the start of its next turn.