Large undead, any evil alignment
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 127 (17d10 + 34)
Speed 40 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +4
Proficiency Bonus +7 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 15 (+2) | 9 (-1) |
Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +6, Wis +6
Skills Perception +6, Stealth +7
Damage Resistances cold, necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages Common plus the main language of its master
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)
Rejuvenation. While it s master lives, a destroyed boneclaw gains a new body in 1d10 hours, with all its hit points. The new body appears within 1 mile of the boneclaw’s master.
Shadow Stealth. While in dim light or darkness, the boneclaw can take the Hide action as a bonus action.
ACTIONS
- Multiattack. The boneclaw makes two claw attacks.
- Piercing Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: + 8 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit : 20 (3d10 + 4) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, the boneclaw can pull the target up to 10 feet toward itself, and the target is grappled (escape DC 14) . The boneclaw has two claws. While a claw grapples a target, the claw can attack only that target.
- Shadow jump. If the boneclaw is in dim light or darkness, each creature of the boneclaw’s choice within 5 feet of it must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or take 34 (5d12 + 2) necrotic damage. The boneclaw then magically teleports up to 60 feet to an unoccupied space it can see. It can bring one creature it’s grappling, teleporting that creature to an unoccupied space it can see within 5 feet of its destination. The destination spaces of this teleportation must be in dim light or darkness.
REACTIONS
Deadly Reach. In response to a visible enemy moving into its reach, the boneclaw makes one claw attack against that enemy. If the attack hits, the boneclaw can make a second claw attack against the target.
5th Edition Advanced Mode
Limiting the power of a character and making the overall difficulty of the game harder, does not reduce the creativity, indeed it does quite the opposite.
The Game Master has the option to use any and all of the instances proposed in this guide, or just some of them according to their preference.
It is the lack of something that move and motivate characters, not the abundance of it
DESCRIPTION
A boneclaw is a terrifying undead creature that resembles a humanoid who is half skeletal and half without skin, with its sinew and muscle exposed. It has massive, oversized claws that can reach up to 15 feet and pierce through flesh and bone with ease. Its eyes glow with a sinister red light, and its mouth is filled with sharp teeth. A boneclaw is the result of a failed attempt to become a lich, a powerful undead spellcaster. When a mage fails to transfer their soul into a phylactery, their soul wanders the world until it finds an evil master to serve. The soul then creates a new body near its master, forming a bond that lasts until the master’s death or redemption. A boneclaw is loyal to its master, but also harbors a deep resentment and envy for their living state.
COMBAT
A boneclaw prefers to lurk in shadows and strike out at foes with its enormous claws. It can pull its victims closer to itself and grapple them with its claws, preventing them from escaping. A boneclaw can also use its shadowy magic to teleport in dim light or darkness, surprising its enemies or fleeing from danger. A boneclaw is resistant to cold and necrotic damage, as well as nonmagical weapons. It can regenerate from most wounds, unless it is exposed to fire or radiant damage. A boneclaw can only be truly destroyed if its master dies or turns to good, in which case it collapses into dust.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
A boneclaw has no will of its own, and follows the commands of its master without question. It can communicate with its master telepathically, and also speaks Common and Abyssal. A boneclaw usually stays close to its master, but can also be sent on missions or tasks by them. A boneclaw does not need to eat, sleep, or breathe, but it enjoys killing and inflicting pain on others. A boneclaw is often used by evil spellcasters, cultists, or warlords as an assassin, bodyguard, or enforcer. A boneclaw has no interest in other creatures, except as potential prey or enemies.
ECOLOGY
A boneclaw is an unnatural creature that disrupts the balance of life and death. It feeds on the negative emotions of its master and the suffering of its victims. It has no place in the natural order, and is hated by most living beings. A boneclaw has no allies or friends, only a master and foes. A boneclaw does not reproduce or create more of its kind, but it can be reborn if its body is destroyed while its master lives. A boneclaw leaves behind no traces of its existence, except for the corpses of its victims and the fear of its enemies.