I'm a fairly new DM, have been playing for years, but want some advice on how to create an undead npc.
Here's the thing, said npc is actually the mother of one of the PCs. In my story I want them to come across this PCs mother who they know died, but is now the commander of an enemy army. The npc will be at least a level 15 fighter with the Samurai subclass, and will be an undead. I decided to make the character sheet for this npc, but I don't know how to add undead characteristics to the character. I've looked in the DMG and the MM to see specific characteristics and stat info specifically for Undead, but didn't find anything. What suggestions could anyone give?
Immunity to Poison damage is really common among undead, as is resistance to Necrotic and Cold damage. As a higher-level enemy, I would give her immunity to Poisoned, Charmed, Paralyzed, Petrified, and Exhaustion as well, just to solidify her boss-level defenses. Darkvision is also a must as an undead, and I would consider at least a short-range Blindsight.
If you are giving them PC levels anyway, just make them a Hollow One from Critical Role's Explorer's Guide to Wildemount or a Reborn from Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft. Both of these are versions of undead characters.
There’s a few things. First one problem, there are no playable races with the creature type undead, so that might be why you can’t make that work.
Second, it’s usually not worth the effort to build an NPC as a PC. First one, PCs get lots of powers that are not likely to be relevant to whatever the NPC is doing. Second, the game math for PCs and monsters is very different, in terms of how much damage they can take vs. how much they can dish out. So if you plan to have them fight this NPC, it will likely be unsatisfying. Also character level does not equal CR, so it would be tough to judge.
I’d suggest maybe looking at the Death Knight in the MM. it might get about where you’re trying to go.
I'm a fairly new DM, have been playing for years, but want some advice on how to create an undead npc.
Here's the thing, said npc is actually the mother of one of the PCs. In my story I want them to come across this PCs mother who they know died, but is now the commander of an enemy army. The npc will be at least a level 15 fighter with the Samurai subclass, and will be an undead. I decided to make the character sheet for this npc, but I don't know how to add undead characteristics to the character. I've looked in the DMG and the MM to see specific characteristics and stat info specifically for Undead, but didn't find anything. What suggestions could anyone give?
Immunity to Poison damage is really common among undead, as is resistance to Necrotic and Cold damage. As a higher-level enemy, I would give her immunity to Poisoned, Charmed, Paralyzed, Petrified, and Exhaustion as well, just to solidify her boss-level defenses. Darkvision is also a must as an undead, and I would consider at least a short-range Blindsight.
I'd suggest re-posting the question in the home brew forum, they are usually quite good at these things.
If you are giving them PC levels anyway, just make them a Hollow One from Critical Role's Explorer's Guide to Wildemount or a Reborn from Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft. Both of these are versions of undead characters.
There’s a few things. First one problem, there are no playable races with the creature type undead, so that might be why you can’t make that work.
Second, it’s usually not worth the effort to build an NPC as a PC. First one, PCs get lots of powers that are not likely to be relevant to whatever the NPC is doing. Second, the game math for PCs and monsters is very different, in terms of how much damage they can take vs. how much they can dish out. So if you plan to have them fight this NPC, it will likely be unsatisfying. Also character level does not equal CR, so it would be tough to judge.
I’d suggest maybe looking at the Death Knight in the MM. it might get about where you’re trying to go.
Undead generally:
Have low Dex, low AC, and high HP (or life draining abilities)
Are immune to poison/poisoned, and resistant to non-magical damage.
High level undead often have:
Magic resistance
Legendary Resistance (or Turn Resistance/immunity)
Resistance/immunity to necrotic damage
A fly-speed.