Ethereal Shifter
Large aberration, neutral evil
The Ethereal Shifter is an immaterial being that seamlessly moves between the Prime Material Plane and the Ethereal Plane. In its true form, it appears as a floating, prismatic sphere of lapis lazuli, emanating a faint amber glow from a single bright pinpoint deep within. Tendrils of energy drape and twist around its form, constantly in motion with each movement or attack.
This enigmatic creature is a master of stalking its prey, primarily from the Ethereal Plane. It patiently waits for the opportune moment to shift into the Prime Material Plane, launching relentless and unpredictable attacks. Its magical assaults are primarily focused on fire and poisonous vapors, inflicting damage and debilitation upon its adversaries.
The Ethereal Shifter is a creature driven by its insatiable hunger for life essence. When harmed, it swiftly retreats back to the safety of the Ethereal Plane to regroup and plan its next strike. Its long, spindly limbs allow it to swiftly traverse both realms, making it a formidable adversary that is difficult to outrun or escape.
While it prefers to strike from a distance, the Ethereal Shifter is not defenseless in close quarters. It can employ its tendrils to whip and strike at those who dare to engage it in melee combat. Its relentless nature and ability to exist between planes make it a formidable and elusive opponent, particularly for those unprepared for its ethereal tactics.
Encountering an Ethereal Shifter is a perilous and disorienting experience. Its true form and otherworldly abilities serve as a testament to the twisted amalgamation of magic that brought it into existence. Dealing with such a creature requires resourcefulness, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both the Prime Material and Ethereal Planes.
Armor Class 15
Hit Points 76 (8d10 + 32)
Speed 0 ft. (hover), ethereal stride 60 ft.
STR +5, DEX +5, CON +9, INT +2, WIS +3, CHA +2
Saving Throws Strength +5, Dexterity +5, Constitution +9
Skills Perception +5, Stealth +4
Damage Resistances Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from non-magical attacks
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Damage Immunities Fire, Poison
Condition Immunities Poisoned, Exhaustion
Languages Understands Abyssal, Primordial
Challenge Rating 5 (1,800 XP)
Ethereal Jaunt The Ethereal Shifter can use a bonus action to shift from the Prime Material Plane to the Ethereal Plane, or vice versa. It remains ethereal until it uses this ability again or until it is reduced to 0 hit points.
Ethereal Sight The Ethereal Shifter can see 60 feet into the Ethereal Plane when it is on the Prime Material Plane and vice versa.
Magic Resistance The Ethereal Shifter has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Multiattack The Ethereal Shifter makes two attacks: one with its Firebolt and one with its Poisonous Vapors. It can replace its Firebolt attack with a Tendril Whip attack.
Firebolt Ranged Spell Attack: +6 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (4d6 + 3) fire damage.
Poisonous Vapors The Ethereal Shifter releases a cloud of poisonous vapors in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Tendril Whip Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be grappled (escape DC 14). Until the grapple ends, the target is restrained, and the Ethereal Shifter can't use the same tendril to attack another target.