How would you manage a 5e Shadow Demon encounter within D&D

Shadow Demon 5e dnd looks otherworldly and has many humanoid characteristics, but it generally appears quite alien, aggressive, and scary. Its stat list is even more critical. It is a formidable 14-INT machine, has infernal language knowledge and can reach 120ft. Telepathy. Telepathy is not a mere animal.

It is too dull not to use this potential. I would have him speak to the PCs at a safe distance while he hid in the shadows. “Light from your torch dances across the columns of the forgotten temple. Your search for danger is everywhere. Shadows dance menacingly about heroes. Rodolfo suddenly utters something in your head. It stops abruptly, just like it started. Josephina, it passes, and then the muttering begins in your head. “What are you going to do now?” Perhaps I would pick one character to question his sanity when he says he hears voices inside of him.

Introduction to Shadow Demon 5e dnd

Only the claws and teeth of this shadowy bat-winged demon have any physicality. The rest are lost in Darkness.

Stories of demonic possession are familiar and used by the ignorant to explain violent or strange behaviour. Although most of these cases are simply manifestations of madness and derangement, some are legit possessions.

Shadow demons are Incorporeal, unlike many other monsters. A particularly evil and envious mortal soul is pulled into Abyss to become a shadow demon. It is transformed, divided apart and combined with other souls until it becomes jealous venom, without any physical body.

Extra Abilities

Sprint (Ex) A Shadow demon can increase its fly speed by one minute to 240 feet per round.

Shadow Blend (Su), A Shadow demon can become invisible when there is no bright light around. This ability is not affected by artificial illumination or light spells of 2nd or lower levels.

Sunlight Powerlessness (Ex). A Shadow demon caught in the sun’s rays or natural sunlight is wholly powerless and will flee from it. The Shadow demon seen in such light cannot attack and can only take one move or standard action. The Shadow demon who is using Magic Jar to possess a Creature is not affected by sunlight. However, if the Shadow demon is struck by a Sunbeam or Sunburst Spell while having a Creature, it will be driven from its host.

The scene may be enhanced if one of the characters can speak abyssal languages or cast spells to understand it. I would make the demon scream at players or threaten them. The thing might be the only one in its lair. But do the players know this? To increase fear and anxiety about a potentially dangerous encounter, I would make him address himself to me as “We”. “We were waiting for you”. Your flesh and soul is our sustenance.

It is a demon. Demons love to weave lies into the conversation. He would suggest that PCs aren’t the first to be sent here by someone players have met not too long ago. It was an excellent old village elder who sent heroes to “cleanse” the temple! Was he a fearful old evil geezer trying to get rid of unwelcome visitors?

The Shadow Demon will attack if the PCs attempt to break up their formation and begin searching for the source of the telepathic abyssal murmuring,

Battle.

If a demon were fighting the entire 3-4 man party, it would first choose the weakest and avoid anyone with holy power. It would select a magic user. It would also try to get rid of the person. It would then follow the hit-and-run strategy. Demons would also use the terrain around them to their advantage, allowing them to break through walls and hide under shadows to strike again. All angles are possible to attack. You can attack from all angles.

Because they are being sent back to the Abyss, no demon wants to see them destroyed. If it feels it has done enough, it can either escape the fight or hide to wait for its powerful heroes to return. Then, it might follow them to exact its revenge. Demons can be pretty wicked, spiteful and have a good memory for anyone who crosses them.

Result.

An encounter with a CR4 monster became a memorable one. It provides pre-battle tension and space for role-playing, as well as potential recurring menace material. This creature is sure to make heroes wary of their shadows.

Shadow Demon 5e stat block

Medium fiend (demon), chaotic evil

Armor Class: 13
Hit Points: 66 (12d8 + 12)
Speed:30 ft., fly: 30 ft.

STR: 1 (-5)
DEX: 17 (+3)
CON: 12 (+1)

INT: 14 (+2)
WIS: 13 (+1)
CHA: 14 (+2)

ACTIONS: Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach five ft., one creature.
Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) psychic damage or, suppose the demon had advantage on the attack roll, 17 (4d6 + 3) psychic damage.
Saving Throws: Dex +5, Cha +4

Skills: Stealth +7
Damage vulnerabilities: Radiant
Damage Resistance: acid, fire, necrotic, thunder; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Damage Immunities: cold, lightning, poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, grappled, paralyzed
Senses: darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 11

Languages: Abyssal, telepathy 120 ft.
Challenge: 4 (1100 XP)