Black Flame Body
Any creature that hits the zombie with a melee attack while within 5 feet takes 3 (1d6) necrotic damage as black flame clings to their flesh.
Lingering Black Flame
When the zombie deals necrotic damage to a creature, that creature is wreathed in black flame until the end of its next turn. While affected, it takes 3 (1d6) necrotic damage at the start of its turn. A creature can use an action to extinguish the flame with a DC 12 Dexterity (Acrobatics) or Strength (Athletics) check.
Undead Fortitude
If damage reduces the zombie to 0 hit points, it must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 5 + the damage taken, unless the damage is radiant or from a critical hit. On a success, the zombie drops to 1 hit point instead.
Black Flame Slam
Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 7 (1d8 + 2) bludgeoning damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage. The target is affected by Lingering Black Flame.
Black Flame Burst (Recharge 5–6)
The zombie erupts in a pulse of black fire. Each creature within 10 feet must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success. A creature that fails the save is also affected by Lingering Black Flame.
Description
Black Flame Zombies are corpses animated not by necromancy alone, but by a hungering, abyssal fire that burns without heat. Their bodies smolder with wavering tongues of shadow‑fire, each flicker consuming fragments of the soul rather than flesh. Where ordinary zombies shamble with dull instinct, these creatures move with a disturbing, feverish purpose, driven by the black flame’s need to devour vitality.
Their charred skin cracks like burnt parchment, revealing veins of ember‑dark light pulsing beneath. The air around them warps with a faint distortion, as if the flame is constantly pulling inward, drawing life toward its cold center. When they strike, the black flame clings to their victims, eating away at strength and spirit long after the blow lands.
Legends claim the black flame originates from a forgotten sect that sought to bind divine fire to mortal flesh. Others whisper it is a remnant of a primordial power — a flame that remembers death more clearly than life. Whatever its source, the corruption spreads like a plague: any corpse touched by the black flame may rise again, its will subsumed by the consuming dark.
Black Flame Zombies are often found guarding ancient ruins, cursed shrines, or the remains of failed rituals. They do not tire, do not retreat, and do not cease their pursuit until the flame within them is extinguished — a task far more difficult than simply destroying the body.
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