Base Class: Fighter
The Monarch of Shadows is a Fighter who has mastered the power of darkness, combining martial prowess with shadow magic and the ability to command defeated creatures as Shadow Servants. Through this bond, the Monarch builds an ever-growing army of shadows and grows stronger alongside them.
Spellcasting
When you reach 3rd level, you augment your martial prowess with the ability to cast spells. See Spells Rules for the general rules of spellcasting for the sorcerer and the Spells Listing for the sorcerer, wizard and warlock spell list.
Cantrips
You learn two cantrips of your choice from the sorcerer, wizard and warlock spell list. You learn an additional cantrip of your choice at 10th level.
Spell Slots
The Monarch of Shadows Spellcasting table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your spells of 1st level and higher. To cast one of these spells, you must expend a slot of the spell’s level or higher. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a long rest.
For example, if you know the 1st-level spell shield and have a 1st-level and a 2nd-level spell slot available, you can cast shield using either slot.
Spells Known of 1st-Level and Higher
You know three 1st-level sorcerer, wizard or warlock spells of your choice.
The Spells Known column of the Monarch of Shadows Spellcasting table shows when you learn more spells of 1st level or higher. Each of these spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots. For instance, when you reach 7th level in this class, you can learn one new spell of 1st or 2nd level.
The spells you learn every three levels must be of the necromancy school.
Whenever you gain a level in this class, you can replace one of the spells you know with another spell of your choice from the sorcerer, wizard or warlock spell list. The new spell must be of a level for which you have spell slots and can be of any school, unless you’re replacing the spell you gained every three levels, in which case must be from the necromancy school of magic.
Spellcasting Ability
Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for your spells, since you learn your spells through study, memorization and the magical surge flowing inside you. You use your Intelligence whenever a spell refers to your spellcasting ability. In addition, you use your Intelligence modifier when setting the saving throw DC for any spell you cast and when making an attack roll with one.
Spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Intelligence modifier
Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your Intelligence modifier
Monarch of Shadows Spellcasting
|
Fighter Level |
Cantrips Known |
Spells Known |
— Spell Slots per Spell Level — |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
|||
|
3rd |
2 |
3 |
2 |
— |
— |
— |
|
4th |
2 |
4 |
3 |
— |
— |
— |
|
5th |
2 |
4 |
3 |
— |
— |
— |
|
6th |
2 |
4 |
3 |
— |
— |
— |
|
7th |
2 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
— |
— |
|
8th |
2 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
— |
— |
|
9th |
2 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
— |
— |
|
10th |
3 |
7 |
4 |
3 |
— |
— |
|
11th |
3 |
8 |
4 |
3 |
— |
— |
|
12th |
3 |
8 |
4 |
3 |
— |
— |
|
13th |
3 |
9 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
— |
|
14th |
3 |
10 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
— |
|
15th |
3 |
10 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
— |
|
16th |
3 |
11 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
— |
|
17th |
3 |
11 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
— |
|
18th |
3 |
11 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
— |
|
19th |
3 |
12 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
|
20th |
3 |
13 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
Level 3: Shadow Consumption
Shadow Consumption
At 3rd level, you gain the ability to detect and manipulate the dark essence of fallen creatures, creating Shadow Servants.
Creating a Shadow Servant. When a creature dies, you can perform a ritual over the course of 1 hour, which can be completed during a Short Rest. The creature must remain within your reach throughout the ritual. At the conclusion of the ritual, you raise your hand and create a Shadow Servant.
The creature's statistics are replaced by the statistics of the Shadow Servant below, while retaining its original creature type and also gaining the Undead type. Its appearance is that of a fully armored knight composed of shadows, with a bright blue glow emanating from parts of its body.
Keen Senses. The Shadow Servant has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks.
Group Tactics. The Shadow Servant has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the Shadow Servants's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.
Multiattack. The Shadow Servant makes two attacks, one with its sword and one with its dagger.
Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) force damage.
Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +1 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage. Once hit, the target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or gain the Bleeding condition for 2 rounds, dealing 4 damage at the start of the creature's turn.
Servant Limit. You can store a number of Shadow Servants equal to your Fighter level + your Intelligence modifier. However, you can have only a number of Shadow Servants summoned at the same time equal to your Intelligence modifier. If you create another Shadow Servant when you have reached your storage limit, you must dismiss one of your previously created Shadow Servants.
A Shadow Servant remains active until its Hit Points drop to 0, you dismiss it as a Bonus Action, or you become Incapacitated. You can summon a stored Shadow Servant as a Bonus Action.
Challenge Rating Limit. The Challenge Rating of the creature you convert must be no higher than half your Fighter level, rounded down. You cannot convert Legendary creatures into Shadow Servants at this level. You can convert creatures of any creature type.
Commands. A Shadow Servant obeys your commands as long as they are simple, such as attack, search, or protect. It takes its turn on your Initiative. On your turn, you can verbally or telepathically command it where to move without using an action. You can use your Action to command it to take the Attack, Dash, Disengage, or Help action. If you give it no command, it takes the Attack action against an enemy within 5 feet.
Extra Attack. Once you have the Extra Attack feature, when you use your Action to command a Shadow Servant to take the Attack action, you can make one weapon attack yourself as part of the same Action.
Independent Action. If you are Incapacitated or absent, the Shadow Servant acts on its own, focusing on protecting you and itself. It can use its Reaction without requiring your command, such as when making an Opportunity Attack.
Level 7: Presence of the Monarch
Your presence inspires fear and submission in those who stand before your Shadow Army.
You gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill.
While you have at least two Shadow Servants summoned and within 10 feet of you, you have Advantage on Charisma (Intimidation) checks.
In addition, your Shadow Servants gain Advantage on saving throws against being Frightened while they are within 10 feet of you.
Level 10: Shadow Recovery
You have learned to restore the dark essence of your Shadow Servants.
As a Reaction, when one of your Shadow Servants is within 60 feet of you, you can restore that Shadow Servant to its maximum Hit Points.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Intelligence modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest.
Level 15: Elite Army
Your Shadow Servants have grown stronger as your mastery of shadow magic has increased.
Complex Commands. Your Shadow Servants can now understand and follow complex orders, such as guarding a location while remaining hidden and attacking intruders who approach a designated area.
Elite Forms. Whenever you create a Shadow Servant, you can choose to create one of the following forms: Shadow Infantry, Shadow Caster, Shadow Tanker, Shadow Scout, Shadow Assassin, or Shadow Beast. Each form has its own specialized abilities.
Expanded Army. The maximum number of Shadow Servants you can have summoned simultaneously is doubled.
Rapid Extraction. You can now create a Shadow Servant from a dead creature within 30 feet of you as an Action instead of performing the 1-hour ritual described in Shadow Consumption.
Shadow Assassin
Shadow Assassin. Your Shadow Servant takes the form of a deadly shadow assassin specialized in stealth and precision attacks. Use the Shadow Assassin stat block when creating this Elite Shadow Servant.
Shadow Assassin
Your Shadow Servant takes the form of a deadly assassin composed almost entirely of living darkness.
Shadow Assassin
Medium Undead, Neutral
Armor Class: 17
Hit Points: 50 (10d8 + 5)
Speed: 40 ft.
STR 12 (+1)
DEX 20 (+5)
CON 12 (+1)
INT 14 (+2)
WIS 14 (+2)
CHA 10 (+0)
Saving Throws: Dex +8, Int +5
Skills: Acrobatics +8, Perception +5, Stealth +11
Damage Immunities: Necrotic
Condition Immunities: Frightened
Senses: Darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 15
Languages: Languages you know
Proficiency Bonus: +3
Shadow Ambush. The Assassin has Advantage on Initiative rolls. If it hits a creature that has not yet taken a turn in the current combat, the attack deals an additional 7 (2d6) Necrotic damage.
Multiattack. The Assassin makes two Shadow Dagger attacks.
Shadow Dagger. Melee or Ranged Attack Roll: +8, reach 5 ft. or range 30/90 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) Piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) Necrotic damage.
Death Mark. Once per turn when the Assassin hits a creature, it can mark that creature until the end of the Assassin's next turn. The next attack made by the Assassin against the marked creature has Advantage and deals an additional 7 (2d6) Necrotic damage.
Shadow Step. As a Bonus Action, the Assassin teleports up to 30 feet between areas of dim light or darkness.
Shadow Beast
Shadow Beast. Your Shadow Servant takes the form of a powerful shadow beast specialized in close combat and mobility. Use the Shadow Beast stat block when creating this Elite Shadow Servant.
Shadow Beast
Your Shadow Servant takes the form of a large predatory creature formed from living shadow.
Shadow Beast
Large Undead, Neutral
Armor Class: 16
Hit Points: 70 (8d10 + 24)
Speed: 50 ft.
STR 18 (+4)
DEX 16 (+3)
CON 16 (+3)
INT 6 (-2)
WIS 14 (+2)
CHA 8 (-1)
Saving Throws: Str +7, Dex +6
Skills: Perception +5, Stealth +6
Damage Immunities: Necrotic
Condition Immunities: Frightened
Senses: Darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 15
Languages: Understands the languages you know but can't speak
Proficiency Bonus: +3
Keen Hearing and Smell. The Beast has Advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Multiattack. The Beast makes one Bite attack and one Claw attack.
Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) Piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) Necrotic damage.
Claw. Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) Slashing damage.
Pounce. If the Beast moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a Bite attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or have the Prone condition. If the target is Prone, the Beast can make one Claw attack against it as a Bonus Action.
Shadow Leap. As a Bonus Action, the Beast can teleport up to 20 feet to an unoccupied space it can see that is in dim light or darkness.
Shadow Caster
Shadow Caster
Your Shadow Servant takes the form of an elite shadow spellcaster capable of attacking from a distance and manipulating the battlefield.
Shadow Caster
Medium Undead, Neutral
Armor Class: 14
Hit Points: 45 (10d8)
Speed: 30 ft.
STR 10 (+0)
DEX 14 (+2)
CON 12 (+1)
INT 16 (+3)
WIS 14 (+2)
CHA 12 (+1)
Saving Throws: Int +6, Wis +5
Skills: Arcana +6, Perception +5
Damage Immunities: Necrotic
Condition Immunities: Frightened
Senses: Darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 15
Languages: Languages you know
Proficiency Bonus: +3
Shadow Magic. The Caster's spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks).
Cantrips (at will): Chill Touch, Ray of Frost
1st level (3 slots): Ray of Sickness, Shield
2nd level (2 slots): Darkness, Misty Step
3rd level (2 slots): Counterspell, Vampiric Touch
Multiattack. The Caster makes two Shadow Bolt attacks, or uses one of its spells.
Shadow Bolt. Ranged Attack Roll: +6, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) Necrotic damage.
Shadow Step. As a Bonus Action, the Caster teleports up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see that is in dim light or darkness.
Shadow Infantry
Shadow Infantry. Your Shadow Servant takes the form of a heavily armed shadow soldier. Use the Shadow Infantry stat block when creating this Elite Shadow Servant.
Shadow Infantry
Your Shadow Servant takes the form of an elite shadow soldier, trained for sustained melee combat.
Shadow Infantry
Medium Undead, Neutral
Armor Class: 17 (Shadow Armor)
Hit Points: 60 (8d8 + 24)
Speed: 30 ft.
STR 18 (+4)
DEX 14 (+2)
CON 16 (+3)
INT 10 (+0)
WIS 12 (+1)
CHA 10 (+0)
Saving Throws: Str +7, Con +6
Skills: Athletics +7, Perception +4
Damage Immunities: Necrotic
Condition Immunities: Frightened
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 14
Languages: Languages you know
Proficiency Bonus: +3
Shadow Warrior. The Infantry has Advantage on saving throws against being Charmed or Frightened.
Multiattack. The Infantry makes two Shadow Blade attacks.
Shadow Blade. Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) Slashing damage plus 4 (1d8) Necrotic damage.
Shadow Cleave. Once per turn, when the Infantry hits a creature with Shadow Blade, it can deal 5 (1d10) Necrotic damage to another creature within 5 feet of the original target.
Unyielding Shadow. When the Infantry would be reduced to 0 Hit Points, it can drop to 1 Hit Point instead. Once this trait is used, it cannot be used again until the Infantry is resummoned.
Shadow Scout
Shadow Scout. Your Shadow Servant takes the form of a fast and perceptive shadow scout. Use the Shadow Scout stat block when creating this Elite Shadow Servant.
Shadow Scout
Your Shadow Servant takes the form of a swift and perceptive shadow hunter.
Shadow Scout
Medium Undead, Neutral
Armor Class: 16
Hit Points: 45 (10d8)
Speed: 40 ft., Climb 40 ft.
STR 12 (+1)
DEX 20 (+5)
CON 12 (+1)
INT 12 (+1)
WIS 16 (+3)
CHA 10 (+0)
Saving Throws: Dex +8, Wis +6
Skills: Acrobatics +8, Perception +6, Stealth +8, Survival +6
Damage Immunities: Necrotic
Condition Immunities: Frightened
Senses: Darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 16
Languages: Languages you know
Proficiency Bonus: +3
Shadow Stealth. The Scout can take the Hide action as a Bonus Action while in dim light or darkness.
Keen Hunter. The Scout has Advantage on Wisdom (Perception) and Wisdom (Survival) checks made to locate creatures.
Multiattack. The Scout makes two Shadow Blade attacks.
Shadow Blade. Melee Attack Roll: +8, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) Slashing damage plus 4 (1d8) Necrotic damage.
Shadow Shot. Ranged Attack Roll: +8, range 80/240 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) Piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) Necrotic damage.
Shadow Dash. The Scout can move up to its Speed without provoking Opportunity Attacks.
Shadow Tanker
Shadow Tanker. Your Shadow Servant takes the form of a heavily armored shadow guardian built to withstand attacks and protect its allies. Use the Shadow Tanker stat block when creating this Elite Shadow Servant.
Shadow Tanker
Your Shadow Servant takes the form of a massive armored guardian made of condensed shadow.
Shadow Tanker
Large Undead, Neutral
Armor Class: 19 (Shadow Armor)
Hit Points: 85 (10d10 + 30)
Speed: 25 ft.
STR 20 (+5)
DEX 10 (+0)
CON 16 (+3)
INT 8 (-1)
WIS 12 (+1)
CHA 8 (-1)
Saving Throws: Str +8, Con +6
Skills: Athletics +8
Damage Immunities: Necrotic
Condition Immunities: Frightened
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 11
Languages: Languages you know
Proficiency Bonus: +3
Shadow Bulwark. The Tanker has Advantage on Strength and Constitution saving throws.
Multiattack. The Tanker makes two Shadow Slam attacks.
Shadow Slam. Melee Attack Roll: +8, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) Bludgeoning damage plus 4 (1d8) Necrotic damage.
Guardian Shadow. When a creature the Tanker can see within 5 feet of it is hit by an attack, the Tanker can use its Reaction to impose Disadvantage on that attack roll.
Grasping Darkness. One creature within 10 feet of the Tanker must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or have its Speed reduced to 0 until the start of the Tanker's next turn.
Level 18: The Monarch of the Shadows
At 18th level, you have become the true Monarch of Shadows, capable of commanding creatures of extraordinary power.
Greater Shadow Consumption. The maximum Challenge Rating of a creature you can transform into a Shadow Servant increases to your Fighter level. You can now transform creatures with a Challenge Rating up to your Fighter level into Shadow Servants.
Legendary Servants. You can transform Legendary creatures into Shadow Servants.
When you create a Shadow Servant from a Legendary creature, the creature loses its Legendary Actions, Legendary Resistance, and any other abilities that specifically depend on its Legendary status. Its statistics are otherwise replaced according to Shadow Consumption and any applicable Elite Army form.
Elite Mastery. When you create an Elite Shadow Servant, you can choose any of the six Elite forms available through Elite Army: Shadow Infantry, Shadow Caster, Shadow Tanker, Shadow Scout, Shadow Assassin, or Shadow Beast.
