Monarch Skeleton

Stat block

Cha

8

Con

20

Dex

14

Int

12

Str

21

Wis

14

Speed

Walk: 30

Senses

darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 12

Skills

Actions

• Multiattack. The monarch skeleton makes two dreadblade attacks.
• Dreadblade. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or its hp maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. This reduction lasts until the creature finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hp maximum to 0.
• Grasp of the Grave (Recharge 5-6). Each non-skeleton creature within 30 feet of the monarch must succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw or be restrained by ghostly, skeletal hands for 1 minute. A restrained target takes 10 (3d6) necrotic damage at the start of each of its turns. A creature, including the target, can take its action to break the ghostly restraints by succeeding on a DC 16 Strength check.

Languages

the languages it knew in life

Saving throws

Wisdom: 6

Damage immunities

necrotic, poison

Special abilities

• Master Tactician. The monarch skeleton and any skeletons within 30 feet of it have advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the skeleton's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.
• Sovereign's Command. As a bonus action, the monarch commands a skeleton within 30 feet of it to make one attack as a reaction against a creature the monarch attacked this round.
• Turning Defiance. The monarch skeleton and any skeletons within 30 feet of it have advantage on saving throws against effects that turn undead.

Damage resistances

bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks not made with silver

Condition immunities

charmed, exhaustion, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned