The initial gloom crawler was fashioned by a lich to safeguard its phylactery. Crafted from humanoid remains and infused with necromantic energy, it prowled the corridors of its master’s sanctuary, lurking in darkness to ambush intruders and drain their life force to spawn more protectors for the lich’s prized possession.
Over time, the lone gloom crawler gave rise to many others, born from the unfortunate souls who stumbled into its lair—treasure seekers, adventurers, and wanderers alike. As their numbers grew, gloom crawlers dispersed into neighboring dungeons, crypts, ruins, and caverns in search of fresh prey. Often serving as guardians of valuable artifacts, they either act at the command of their creator or enter agreements in exchange for fresh prey. Encounters with gloom crawlers beyond their domain is rare, particularly in daylight.
Patchwork Origins
The composition of a gloom crawler’s body parts can infer additional traits depending on the creature they originated from. Those crafted from gnome remains, for instance, might have advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. Similarly, constructs fashioned from elven components may have advantage on saving throws against being charmed. The amalgamation of parts also results in a macabre appearance, with limbs of varying sizes, shapes, and skin tones. While four arms are common, some gloom crawlers may boast additional appendages of varying functionality.
Gloom Crawler
Small Undead, Typically Neutral Evil
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 136 (21d6 + 63)
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 16 (+3) | 11 (+0) | 10 (+0) | 11 (+0) |
Saving Throws Str +7, Dex +6, Con +6
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +6
Damage Resistances necrotic
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, frightened, poisoned, unconscious
Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Perception 13
Languages the languages it knew in life
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +3
Gloom Aura. An aura of gloom and shadow surrounds the crawler in a 60-foot-radius sphere. Areas of bright light become dim light, areas of dim light become darkness, and areas of darkness become magical darkness while within the aura. Sources of light created by a spell of 3rd-level or higher, or equivalent effect, are unaffected by the aura.
Spider Climb. The crawler can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
Unusual Nature. The crawler doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.
Actions
Multiattack. The crawler makes three Slam or Life Drain attacks.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature, it has the grappled condition (escape DC 15).
Life Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., a creature that is grappled by the crawler, incapacitated, or restrained. Hit: 20 (3d10 + 4) necrotic damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, or its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if its hit point maximum is reduced to 0.
A Humanoid slain by this attack rises as a gloom crawler in 1d4 days.
Reactions
Painful Scream (3/Day). When the crawler is dealt damage, it lets out a terrifying scream. Each creature within 15 feet of the crawler that can hear it must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or take 10 (3d6) psychic damage and have the frightened condition until the end of its next turn.
Downloads
Further Reading
Here are some undead curses that could be found in the same dungeon or crypt as a gloom crawler.
Similar to the patchwork nature of gloom crawlers, reflavor some regular creatures to undead variants.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
