Keen Senses. The vampiric dread has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or sight.
Bound Guardian. The vampiric dread is bound to guard a specific area, item, or location as dictated by the enchantments that animate it. It cannot leave this area unless its creator or the destruction of its binding allows it.
Regeneration. The vampiric dread regains 5 hit points at the start of its turn if it has at least 1 hit point and isn’t in direct sunlight. If the vampiric dread takes radiant damage or damage from holy water, this trait doesn’t function at the start of its next turn.
Turn Resistance. The vampiric dread has advantage on saving throws against effects that turn undead.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the vampiric dread has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Multiattack. The vampiric dread makes two unarmed strikes or one unarmed strike and one weapon attack.
Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) necrotic damage. When the vampiric dread deals damage with an unarmed strike, it regains hit points equal to half the damage dealt (rounded down).
Weapon Attack. The vampiric dread wields a weapon of its creator’s choice, typically a scimitar or axe. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.
Bone Throw (Recharge 5–6). The vampiric dread hurls a sharpened bone or similar object at a target within 30 feet. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) piercing damage.
Description
A vampiric dread is a twisted undead guardian made from a skeletal arm imbued with a fragment of unholy power. Flying eerily through the air, these creatures are often armed with weapons or improvised bones, attacking intruders with relentless malice. Unlike ordinary dread, vampiric dreads sustain themselves by consuming the life force of the living, draining vitality with each unarmed strike.
They are often bound to their creator’s will, protecting treasure, forbidden chambers, or other vital areas. However, the enchantments binding them can degrade over time, allowing some vampiric dreads to wander and hunt independently.
Ecology. Vampiric dreads are not natural beings, but the result of foul rituals performed by necromancers or dark clerics. They have no need for sustenance other than the life force they drain from their victims. Their powdered bones are sought after for alchemical and magical uses, particularly in the crafting of potions or spells related to flight and necromancy.
Behavior. These creatures are cunning in their defense, lurking in ambush or pursuing weakened foes. Their eerie forms and blood-dripping appearance make them the subject of dark legends and chilling warnings.
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