Medium undead, lawful evil
Armor Class: 19 (Runic Boneplate, Arcane Reinforcement)
Hit Points: 75 (10d8 + 30)
Speed:
30 ft
Saving Throws: Con +6
Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from nonmagical attacks Necrotic
Damage Immunities: Poison
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Exhaustion, Frightened, Poisoned
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages: Understands Common and Elvish but cannot speak
Challenge Rating: 6
( 2300 XP)
Runes of Dreadplate
The glowing necromantic runes etched into the Dreadnaught’s bones and armor grant:
- Advantage on saving throws against spells
- Resistance to force and radiant damage
Unthinking Obedience
The Dreadnaught:
- Automatically succeeds saving throws against effects that would force it to disobey commands
- Cannot be turned or controlled by creatures other than Lucius or designated lieutenants
Shield Wall Formation
While within 5 ft. of at least one other Dreadnaught:
- +2 AC
- Cannot be knocked prone
- Opportunity attacks against them are made at disadvantage
Command Synergy (Lucius Only)
While within 120 ft. of King Lucius Baxter:
- Add +6 necrotic damage to all weapon attacks
- Gain advantage on all saving throws
- May take one additional reaction per round (used only for Execution Protocol or Lockstep Advance)
Actions
Multiattack
The Dreadnaught makes two Halberd attacks.
Runic Halberd
Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft.
Hit: 14 (2d10 + 4) slashing damage
Plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage
Shield Bash (Recharge 5–6)
Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft.
Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage
Target must succeed on a Strength save (DC 15) or be Knocked Prone
Reactions
Lockstep Advance
When an allied Dreadnaught within 5 ft. is targeted by an attack:
- This Dreadnaught may move up to 10 ft. to interpose itself
- The attack targets this Dreadnaught instead
Usual Tactics
Summoning Notes (DM Only)
These are intended to:
- Be raised in groups of 2–4 per action
- Replace fallen units rapidly
- Apply pressure, not burst
They should enter combat already formed, not scattered.
Tactical Use (Quick Reference)
Best Use
- Hold choke points
- Surround downed PCs
- Screen Lucius from melee threats
Worst Use
- Chasing ranged characters
- Splitting formations
- Acting independently
Player Counterplay
- Forced movement
- Radiant AoE
- Breaking formations
- Killing command sources