Shardwalker
Medium Celestial (or Aberration, depending on campaign lo, Neutral
Armor Class: 15 (natural armor; shimmering crystalline body)
Hit Points: 97 (13d8 + 39)
Speed: 30 ft., flying 60 ft. (hover)
Challenge Rating: 7 (2,900 XP)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
Saving Throws: Strength + 5, Dexterity + 7, Constitution + 6, Wisdom + 6, Charisma + 8
Skills: Arcana + 5, Insight + 6, Perception + 6, Stealth + 7
Damage Vulnerabilities: none
Damage Resistances: Psychic; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from non-magical attacks
Damage Immunities: Radiant Damage
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, and Paralyzed
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Truesight 30 ft., Echolocation
Languages: Understands Celestial and Common, can communicate telepathically with creatures within 120 feet
Spellcasting
Spellcasting. The Shardwalker is an 8th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). The Shardwalker has the following spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): *Guidance*, *Eldritch Blast*, *Minor Illusion*
1st level (4 slots): *Shield*, *Mage Armor*
2nd level (3 slots): *Misty Step*, *Mirror Image*
3rd level (3 slots): *Counterspell*, *Fear*
4th level (2 slots): *Dimension Door*, *Greater Invisibility*
5th level (1 slot): *Teleportation Circle*
The Shardwalker is adept at utilizing its spellcasting to manipulate the battlefield in its favor. It often casts *Mage Armor* before combat to enhance its defenses and may employ *Mirror Image* or *Greater Invisibility* for tactical advantage during encounters. Additionally, it may use *Counterspell* to disrupt enemy casters, ensuring that it maintains control over the engagement. The Shardwalker relies on illusory magic to confound and mislead opponents, reflecting its cosmic nature.
Actions & Abilities
Multiattack: The Shardwalker makes two attacks: one with its Cosmic Shatter and one with its Astral Glare.
Cosmic Shatter: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d8 + 4 slashing damage. On a critical hit, the target must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or suffer disadvantage on all attack rolls until the end of its next turn.
Astral Glare: Ranged Spell Attack: +6 to hit, range 30 ft., one target. Hit: 3d6 radiant damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the end of their next turn.
Dimensional Hop (Recharge 3-6): The Shardwalker teleports up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see. This teleportation can occur as a reaction to an attack, allowing it to evade damage and reposition strategically.
Phantom Call: The Shardwalker can summon a spectral entity that mimics the effects of a Spirit Guardian (as per existing spells). The spirit remains for 1 minute or until dismissed. This spectral ally can make an attack as a bonus action, dealing 1d8 psychic damage on a hit. The Shardwalker can only maintain one summoned spirit at a time.
Astral Reflection: The Shardwalker channels cosmic energy and reflects incoming attacks. Until the start of its next turn, it gains resistance to all damage and any creature that hits it with a melee attack takes 2d6 radiant damage as shards explode from its form.
Astral Dodge: The Shardwalker can use its reaction to impose disadvantage on one attack roll made against it. If the attack misses, the Shardwalker can immediately use Dimensional Hop as a part of this reaction.
Glimmering Step: The Shardwalker moves up to half its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
Astral Fracture (Costs 2 Actions): The Shardwalker targets an area within 30 feet and creates an unstable rift in the fabric of reality. Each creature in a 15-foot radius must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 4d6 force damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one. The area becomes difficult terrain until the end of the Shardwalker’s next turn.
Celestial Veil: A shimmering barrier of starry energy appears in a location of the Shardwalker’s choice within 60 feet. This barrier provides cover and grants temporary hit points (1d10 + 3) to any ally within it until the start of the Shardwalker’s next turn.
Astral Awakening: The Shardwalker channels the raw energy of the Astral Gate, causing the ground to tremble and nearby creatures to make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be knocked prone and take 2d6 psychic damage.
Appearance
The Shardwalker rises to a striking height of 6 feet, its elongated, slender form evoking an ethereal elegance. It stands with a regal posture, exuding a quiet authority, and its graceful silhouette captures the eye against a solid white background. This celestial being’s physique smoothly tapers at the waist and shoulders, enhancing its otherworldly appeal as it glides through its surroundings with an effortless, wisp-like grace.
The Shardwalker is adorned in mesmerizing hues of deep blues and purples, reminiscent of a starry night sky. These rich colors shift dynamically, reflecting a spectrum of shimmering tones that twinkle like the cosmos. Interspersed among these cosmic shades are silvery flecks that sparkle brilliantly, lending it an almost hypnotic visual impact. As the creature experiences heightened emotions, the colors intensify, creating a vivid display that captivates and enchants all who behold it.
Its skin, semi-transparent and crystalline, resembles expertly cut glass, showcasing a unique texture that is both smooth and jagged. The facets of its surface refract light into dazzling patterns that change with its movements, creating an ethereal aura around it. Portions of its body intermittently emit soft, iridescent glows, further accentuating its celestial nature and creating a shimmering spectacle.
The face of the Shardwalker is serene and ghostly, devoid of the typical features of sentient beings. Its eyes, resembling deep voids filled with sparkling galaxies, draw the attention of onlookers, evoking both fascination and unease. Notably, the creature lacks a mouth; instead, melodic lights emerge softly from its throat, conveying emotions and thoughts through harmonious sounds that resonate in the minds of those nearby, creating a powerful connection.
Its slender limbs end in sharp, crystalline appendages that hint at both life’s intricate beauty and the potential for harm. The elongated fingers are delicate yet deadly, perfectly suited for dexterous movements and combat. Its graceful legs allow for swift, light-footed movement, further emphasizing the Shardwalker’s elegance. Without wings or tails, the creature maintains a beautifully humanoid silhouette, focusing all attention on its striking presence.
When the Shardwalker moves, it seems to glide, its posture upright yet fluid, embodying grace and authority. It moves through space as though it were a beam of starlight, creating an illusion of flickering as it phases momentarily out of visibility during quick movements or combat engagement. This unsettling ability leaves an unforgettable impression, enhancing its enigmatic presence.
A silvery mist often envelops the Shardwalker, shimmering with lingering traces of cosmic energy. This ethereal aura not only signifies its mystical origins but also serves as a protective barrier. As it traverses its surroundings, it leaves behind a trail of glimmering stardust, a reminder of its connection to the Astral Gate and its nature as a guardian of the celestial realm. Its unique combination of colors, textures, and movements creates a vivid, dynamic representation of a creature both enchanting and formidable.
Tactical Information
Tactical Information for The Shardwalkers
Behavior in Day-to-Day Life:
In their natural environment surrounding the Astral Gate, Shardwalkers are ethereal sentinels of an ancient and mystical realm. During the daylight, when the gate is dormant, they drift gracefully among the dilapidated ruins of their former civilization, glowing faintly as they meditate upon cosmic mysteries. Their motivations are twofold: a deep-seated longing to reclaim their lost wisdom and a protective instinct to guard the secrets tied to the Astral Gate.
In the absence of threats, Shardwalkers exhibit a serene demeanor, often engaging in ritualistic movements that resemble a delicate dance, reflecting their connection to the universe. If approached by mortals, these beings appear curious, yet guarded. They communicate through melodic tones that resonate in the minds of the listeners, offering enigmatic insights woven with cryptic advice. Social interactions amongst themselves are rare; they are solitary presences, each guarding their own piece of celestial knowledge.
When hunger or thirst arises, Shardwalkers absorb astral energy from surrounding materials, feeding on the residual power of the cosmos, rather than needing food in the traditional sense. However, they have been known to experience hunger for understanding, compelling them to seek out wandering adventurers brave enough to approach the Astral Gate during the eve of an eclipse.
Combat Behavior:
When combat is thrust upon them, especially during the chaotic twilight of an eclipse, Shardwalkers transform from serene guardians into fierce protectors of their domain. Should intruders arrive with malicious intent, the Shardwalkers will initiate combat by first firing off their Astral Glare, disorienting all nearby foes with a blinding flash of light. This moment of visual confusion allows the Shardwalker to create distance, unpredictable as it moves and shifts through solid objects with Dimensional Hop.
In subsequent rounds, the Shardwalker’s melee attacks become a ballet of strikes, using its Cosmic Shatter ability with precision, targeting the most threatening adversaries, perhaps a spellcaster or a heavily armored foe. With every successful strike, it gleams brighter, lending insight into its emotional state—crafting an intimidating presence that can unsettle even the bravest.
If the tide of battle seems to turn against them—with adversaries banding together or inflicting significant injury—the Shardwalker will employ cunning tactics to escape. It will teleport strategically to distance itself from overwhelming foes. When in dire straits, it may utilize Phantom Call, summoning spectral allies to sow further chaos in the enemy ranks while retreating momentarily to collect itself.
Their strengths lie in their mobility and stunning light-based abilities, although they are vulnerable to sustained fire. If injured, Shardwalkers will focus on evading rather than sustaining unnecessary damage, using their knowledge of the battlefield layout to create opportunities for escape or ambush.
Roleplay/Narrative Interactions:
Outside of fighting, Shardwalkers embody the essence of mystique and enigma. Should adventurers encounter them in a non-combat scenario, perhaps at the time of an eclipse, they will cautiously assess the intentions of the visitors. The Shardwalker may hover before the party, shimmering in a spectrum of colors that denote its mood—gentle blues for curiosity, fiery reds for aggression.
In attempts at diplomacy, the Shardwalker responds to respect and reverence with melodic tones, engaging in ethereal conversations relaying snippets of wisdom or cryptic prophecies. It will seek to gauge the adventurers’ intentions, sifting through their thoughts and emotions to determine if they come seeking knowledge or naught but conquest.
If approached with hostility, the Shardwalker’s demeanor shifts drastically; it may respond with riddles that lead the adventurers astray or attempt to bewilder them through dazzling displays of light. Should offers of bribes or information be presented, the Shardwalker, with its ancient wisdom, might weigh the consequences of the potential alliance. It understands the value of knowledge and may trade insights for assistance in restoring its home or seeking further truth beyond the Astral Gate.
Should the adventurers corner the Shardwalker, it would likely exhibit a desperate but calculated defense—possibly frantically grasping at the space between dimensions to phase away from danger, asserting its independence and the right to guard what it holds dear.
By embodying the Shardwalkers in these various facets, players encounter not just an adversary, but a multi-dimensional being that evokes narratives of cosmic wonder and profound discoveries intertwined with the threshold of risk and unfathomable knowledge.
