Undead can be found all over the adventuring world. From the depths of a dungeon or crypt to the hordes that march on cities controlled by evil necromancers. But those undead started out alive as another creature entirely. These abilities, when applied to that original creature, or even onto another undead, can provide new challenges that better fit with the stories you want to tell. Share the flavor of death with your players.
When using these abilities, remember that the creature’s appearance, behavior, and actions are as important as the added ability.
If an ability would require a saving throw, use a DC from an ability the creature already has. If unavailable, the DC is 8 + the creature’s proficiency bonus + the relevant ability modifier (Consitution for these abilities).
Bloated
Noxious. When the creature is dealt damage, it can use its reaction to expel poisonous gas within 5 feet of it. Each other creature in the area must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or have disadvantage on its next attack or ability check before the end of its next turn.
Bloated Characteristic
| d6 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | A vile stench emanates from the creature. |
| 2 | The creature’s limbs, digits, and belly are swollen. |
| 3 | The creature’s skin is pale and clammy. |
| 4 | The creature’s clothing, fur, and hair is waterlogged. |
| 5 | Underwater plant debris is tangled in the creature’s hair. |
| 6 | The creature belches excessively. |
Boneless
Formless. The creature can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing and is immune to the grappled condition.
Boneless Characteristic
| d6 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The creature has a slick slimy texture to its skin. |
| 2 | The creature’s movement has a disturbing quality. |
| 3 | The creature is difficult to see when viewed from the side. |
| 4 | The creature moves like a rolling mass of rubbery appendages. |
| 5 | The creature makes a squishing sound as it moves. |
| 6 | The creature’s form can go from flat to an inflated appearance. |
Embalmed
Mummy Rot. When the creature deals damage, it instead deals necrotic damage and the target can’t regain hit points until the creature’s next turn.
Embalmed Characteristic
| d6 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The creature’s body is wrapped in bandages and cloth. |
| 2 | The creature’s skin is desiccated. |
| 3 | The creature’s movement is accompanied by dust. |
| 4 | Dark fluids leak from the creature’s wounds. |
| 5 | The creature is protective of a particular item. |
| 6 | The creature’s movement is stiff. |
Headless
Absent Noggin. The creature gains blindsight of 30 feet (blind beyond this radius) and it has disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks.
Headless Characteristic
| d6 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | … the creature doesn’t have a head. |
| 2 | A glowing face appears where the creature’s head would be. |
| 3 | The creature’s head floats nearby. |
| 4 | The creature’s head has been replaced by a large squash. |
| 5 | The creature holds its head in its hands. |
| 6 | The creature’s head is severely malformed. |
Rot
Necrosis. When the creature deals damage, it instead deals necrotic damage and the target must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or be diseased. While diseased, a creature has disadvantage on Charisma ability checks as it sports festering boils, coughs up flies, and sheds rotting skin.
Rot Characteristic
| d6 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The creatures eyes are a sickly yellow or green. |
| 2 | Layers of boils erupt from portions of the creature’s skin. |
| 3 | Worms and maggots tunnel along the creature’s skin. |
| 4 | Nearby plants wither in the creature’s wake. |
| 5 | The creature’s teeth and nails are blackened. |
| 6 | The creature’s flesh flakes away easily. |
Scavenger
Carrion. As an action, the creature can eat a recently deceased target and regain a number of hit points equal to a roll of the target’s hit die. The creature can use this ability once per target.
Scavenger Characteristic
| d6 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The creature has a preoccupation with the recently deceased. |
| 2 | The creature is part of a pack that eats together. |
| 3 | The creature’s teeth and claws are razor-sharp. |
| 4 | The creature often sniffs the air. |
| 5 | The creature twitches. |
| 6 | The creature’s fur or hair is patchy. |
Spectral
Incorporeal Movement. The creature can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.
Spectral Characteristic
| d6 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The creature appears semitransparent with a blue glow. |
| 2 | The lower half of the creature’s body fades into a wispy tail. |
| 3 | The creature speaks in moans and whispers. |
| 4 | An aura of cold emanates from the creature. |
| 5 | A trail of mist or smoke follows the creature’s movement. |
| 6 | The creatures face switches between serenity and horror. |
Vampiric
Life Drain. Once per turn, when the creature deals damage with a natural weapon, it regains a number of hit points equal to a roll of its hit die. The creature cannot benefit from this trait while in sunlight or if it was dealt radiant damage since its last turn.
Vampiric Characteristic
| d6 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The creature has pointed, elongated canines. |
| 2 | The creature’s eyes are captivating and alluring. |
| 3 | The creature has pale skin and glowing red eyes. |
| 4 | The creature lacks a reflection in mirrors. |
| 5 | Bats, rats, and wolves have an affinity towards the creature. |
| 6 | The creature has a regal bearing with an air of confidence and power. |
Further Reading
Looking for a skeletal or zombie template? Have a look at our Monster Flavor post.
The shroud of the fallen is a great item to give a player so they can sneak around undead.
Downloads
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