Bone claw

Boneclaws are the twisted remnants of failed lichdom—undead horrors born not from ambition fulfilled, but from ambition corrupted. When a spellcaster’s attempt to become a lich fails, and their soul does not bind to a phylactery, the magic may instead anchor itself to a creature filled with hatred, fear, or sorrow, creating a Boneclaw.

Gaunt and skeletal, a Boneclaw’s frame is unnaturally tall and elongated, with razor-sharp claws that stretch up to fifteen feet in length. Its entire form shifts with disturbing fluidity, sometimes seeming to warp or stretch like shadow or mist. Boneclaws haunt graveyards, cursed woods, and crypts, often drawn to those who remind them of the life they lost—or the life they never earned.

Despite their monstrous form, Boneclaws retain a shard of cruel intelligence. They stalk silently, blend with shadows, and delight in torment over quick death. They often act as enforcers, assassins, or guardians for greater evils, particularly those who command necrotic forces.

Multiattack. The Boneclaw makes two attacks with its piercing Claws. +8 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target 3d10 + 5 piercing damage plus 2d8 necrotic damage.

Paralyzing Horror (Recharge 5-6). The Boneclaw lets out an unearthly screech. Each creature within 30 feet must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become paralyzed for 1d4 rounds.

Shadow Jump (Recharge 5-6). As a bonus action, the Boneclaw teleports up to 60 feet into an unoccupied space of dim light or darkness.

Grave Step (Reaction). If the Boneclaw reduces a creature to 0 HP, it immediately teleports up to 30 feet into the shadows.

Claw of the Grave (Legendary Action 1/turn) If the Boneclaw hits a target with a claw attack, the creature must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be cursed for 1 minute. While cursed, they take 1d10 necrotic damage at the start of their next turn.