Uni-the-Unicorn!
Hero
FYI, in the MM the vampire spawn is simply referred to as “vampire” in the stat block, just as it is done here.
Level Up (A5E) Monster preview thread!
- Thread starter Morrus
- Start date
So again I like the subtle differences between the O5e and LU Vampires, which is good for the backwards compatibility that is a advertising hallmark of the game.
The LU vampire is 2 CR lower but its not that much weaker than O5e (again showcasing that standard monsters have often been over CRed in O5e, something that experience has proven out over time). The charm is "technically" a little weaker as the OG version specifically calls out that the victim will protect the vampire, whereas the LU one is the standard friend. However, the ability to use the charm as a defensive reaction is gold.
To me the real highlight is the bite. As more of the LU's damage is focused on the bite, the extra max HP damage combined with the strife will ensure that a party feels a vampire encounter long after the fight is over. That is a common criticism of undead in 5e, there lack of debilitating effects, and so its great to LU bringing some of that back.
The LU vampire is 2 CR lower but its not that much weaker than O5e (again showcasing that standard monsters have often been over CRed in O5e, something that experience has proven out over time). The charm is "technically" a little weaker as the OG version specifically calls out that the victim will protect the vampire, whereas the LU one is the standard friend. However, the ability to use the charm as a defensive reaction is gold.
To me the real highlight is the bite. As more of the LU's damage is focused on the bite, the extra max HP damage combined with the strife will ensure that a party feels a vampire encounter long after the fight is over. That is a common criticism of undead in 5e, there lack of debilitating effects, and so its great to LU bringing some of that back.
Yup.
I squinted at the question, went back to check the original &laughed at an assumed typo
I never did quite find a suitable jaw drop emoji, but I noticed levelup doesn't seem to be listed here
Really like the shift from +6 to hit 21(4d8+3) to dc14 con save for 21(6d6) with a passive fear aura. The default o5e wraith is almost harmless because of that sad tohit & seeing the gm dig out 6d6 invokes a different kind of dread than knowing that the gm is going to add something to 4d8. That Wraith Lord deserves the title 
dave2008
Legend
@duneguy and/or @Morrus : I do have a question about the wraith's life drain. I would love it if you could clarify how strife inflicting attacks work. Do they stack or not? If the wraith hits the same creature (or two wraiths) with strife, do the effects stack so that the target would now have 2 levels of strife?
I assumed they would, because I think that is the general rule with exhaustion, but I wasn't sure if that is the same in LevelUp. Thanks!
I assumed they would, because I think that is the general rule with exhaustion, but I wasn't sure if that is the same in LevelUp. Thanks!
Its interesting that life drain does strife instead of fatigue considering the con save. If its more of a spiritual "soul sucking" kind of thing I would expect a charisma save (some would go wisdom but cha seems the best save for soul based effects to me).
If it is a true draining of life (physical) force, I would expect fatigue instead of strife.
All of that said, this wraith looks solid. I really like the touch that radiant damage stops the incorporeal nature. My nitpick, considering how useful incorporeal movement is, it would be nice if the combat block touched on it more....using the movement to avoid OAs or even taking the damage for remaining in an object if it avoids the attacks of strong opponents. Wraiths have decent intelligence so they will certainly use some tactics.
If it is a true draining of life (physical) force, I would expect fatigue instead of strife.
All of that said, this wraith looks solid. I really like the touch that radiant damage stops the incorporeal nature. My nitpick, considering how useful incorporeal movement is, it would be nice if the combat block touched on it more....using the movement to avoid OAs or even taking the damage for remaining in an object if it avoids the attacks of strong opponents. Wraiths have decent intelligence so they will certainly use some tactics.
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