As a form of punishment or recognition, a vampire spawn can be transformed into a shadowcursed steed to serve as the mount for its vampire master. These bestial creatures are mostly hairless, with the majority of its hair concentrated in their mane and tail. Their skin is marred by scars, etched during the ritual that creates them. Instead of hooves, they possess long, bony claws, enabling them to climb difficult surfaces or upside down on ceilings. The last remnant of the spawn’s former appearance is in its face, now exaggerated and elongated, ending in a maw filled with sharp teeth.
The creation of a shadowcursed steed is an hours-long ritual performed by a powerful vampire. The spawn must remain within a ritual glyph throughout the process. Upon completion, the spawn loses much of its former identity, becoming more animalistic and deeply obedient to its master. A telepathic bond is also formed, allowing the vampire to communicate commands directly to the steed. Reversing this transformation requires the death of the vampire who performed the ritual. To the spawn, the memories of its time as a steed are hazy, like fragments of a distant dream.
Shadowcursed Steed
Large Undead, Chaotic Evil
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 136 (13d10 + 65)
Speed 50 ft., climb 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 (+5) | 18 (+4) | 20 (+5) | 3 (-4) | 14 (+2) | 2 (-4) |
Saving Throws Str +9, Con +9, Wis +6
Skills Perception +6, Stealth +8
Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages —
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +4
Spider Climb. The steed can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the steed has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Unusual Nature. The steed doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.
Actions
Multiattack. The steed makes one Bite attack and two Claw attacks.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) necrotic damage. The steed regains hit points equal to the necrotic damage dealt.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d10 + 5) slashing damage plus 10 (3d6) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or have the prone condition if it is a Medium or smaller creature.
Bonus Actions
Shadowstep. The steed teleports to an unoccupied space in dim light or darkness that it can see within 60 feet of it.
Reactions
Bodyguard. If a creature within 5 feet of the steed is hit by an attack, the steed can choose to be hit instead.
Sudden Snap. If a creature within 5 feet of the steed moves to a space within 5 feet of the steed, the steed can make a Bite attack with disadvantage.
Downloads
Further Reading
Use fungeratu to guard the sewers to the vampire’s castle!
Blood spawn might be found in stables housing a shadowcursed steed.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
