Following is a writeup for Thanecros, an advanced form of Dust Mephit Corpseraiser, one the monsters featured in Skirmisher Publishing’s recently-released “At the Shrine of Othrys” adventure for D&D 5E! This creature can be used in the context of that adventure or any other encounter that suits a storyteller’s needs.

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Thanecros (Unique Paragon Dust Mephit)

Thanecros is a unique Paragon Dust Mephit who, like lesser creatures of his kind, is composed of elemental Earth and Negative Energy and who looks like a four-foot-tall Gargoyle. His stony skin appears to be etched with a number of occult symbols, and anyone observing him for any length of time may realize that these slowly but continuously disappear from some parts of his body and are replaced by new ones in other spots. He can speak Terran, Common, and Nihilistan, the language of the Negative Energy Plane.

Like other Dust Mephits, Thanecros is most comfortable in places that are cool, dark, dry, and, of course, dusty, and is especially drawn to sepulchers, subterranean crypts, and ruined temples. One of the things that distinguishes him from regular creatures of his kind is that he is composed of more volatile elemental material, which allows him to gradually — and largely unconsciously — morph his appearance to match that of whatever Gargolyes (whether living or statuary) might be in the area he occupies. He considers that he is, in fact, a Gargoyle, and strives to consort with and lead creatures of this sort to the greatest extent possible.

When in whatever place he has established as a lair, Thanecros may have other creatures with him, and these might include Dust Mephits, Dust Mephit Corpseraisers, Skeletons, or Zombies — and, while he can only control two such lesser Undead monsters, to the greatest extent possible he will create and leave them within enclosed areas that intruders will have to pass through. If he needs reinforcements he will use his Summon Mephits ability as soon as possible to reduce threats to himself to the greatest extent.

If encountered “At the Shrine of Othrys,” Thanecros will likely be occupying the Crypt, possibly as a replacement for any regular Dust Mephits or Dust Mephit Corpseraisers that were there previously.

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Thanecros (Unique Paragon Dust Mephit)

Small Elemental, Neutral Evil

Armor Class 13

Hit Points 40 (9d6+9)

Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft.

STR       DEX        CON        INT         WIS       CHA

7 (-2)     16 (+3)     12 (+1)   11 (+0)    13 (+1)  10 (+0)

Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +5

Damage Vulnerabilities: Fire, Radiant

Damage Immunities: Necrotic, Poison

Condition Immunities: Poisoned

Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13

Languages: Common, Nihilistan, Terran

Challenge: 3 (200 XP)

Death Burst. If Thanecros dies, it will explode in a burst of dust. Each creature within 5 feet of it must then succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or be blinded for one minute and take 5 (1d10) points of necrotic damage (half if the save is successful). A blinded creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself with a success.

Ray of Corruption (1/Day). Thanecros can innately cast a Ray of Corruption, making a ranged spell attack at +5 against a target within 60’. A hit target takes 18 (4d8) necrotic damage and must make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw; if it fails, the target is also poisoned until the end of the Mephit’s next turn (suffering disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks). Thanecros’s innate spellcasting ability is Wisdom.

Animate Dead (2/Day). Thanecros can innately cast Animate Dead, requiring no material components and using Wisdom as its spellcasting ability. It is able to see through the eyes of its Undead creations.

Summon Mephits (1/Day). Thanecros can summon (1d4) normal Dust Mephits or a single Dust Mephit Corpseraiser. Each summoned Mephit appears in an unoccupied space within 60 feet of its summoner, acts as an ally of its summoner, and cannot summon other Mephits. It remains for one minute, until it or its summoner dies, or until its summoner dismisses it as an action.

Actions

Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) slashing damage plus 4 (1d8) necrotic damage.

Blinding Breath (Recharge 6). Thanecros can exhale a 25-foot cone of thick, blinding dust. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or be blinded for one minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.