At level 1, this Knight starts as a human necropolitan guardian. Equipped with Power Attack and Darkstalker, they excel in melee combat and remain undetected even by skilled observers. Defensive capabilities are enhanced by Fighting Challenge and Knight’s Code.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed Knight: male, human Knight 1; CR 1; Medium undead (augmented human); HD 1d12; hp 12; Init +1; Spd 20 ft.; AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +1; Grp +4; Atk Morningstar +4 melee (1d8+3); Full Atk Morningstar +4 melee (1d8+3); SA Fighting Challenge +1; SQ Knight’s Code, undead traits; AL LN; SV Fort +2, Ref +1, Will +2; Str 17, Dex 13, Con -, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Hide +5, Move Silently +5, Knowledge (Religion) +2; Power Attack, Darkstalker. Special Attacks and Qualities: Fighting Challenge +1, Knight’s Challenge, Knight’s Code (restricts dishonorable actions). Possessions: Morningstar, Shield, Unholy Symbol, best armor available.
Level 5 Brief:
A tough, undead guardian who excels at defending tombs and challenging foes head-on. Not easily turned and strong in melee combat.
Stat Block Level 5:
Death Guardian[1]: male, Human Necropolitan Knight 5; CR 5; Medium Undead; HD 5d12; hp 38; Init +1; Spd 20 ft.; AC 19, touch 11, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +5; Grp +8; Atk Morningstar +10 melee (1d8+5); Full Atk Morningstar +10 melee (1d8+5); SA Fighting Challenge; SQ Turn Immunity, Knight’s Challenge, Knight’s Code; AL Lawful Evil; SV Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +4; Str 18, Dex 12, Con -, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Hide +8, Move Silently +8, Knowledge (Religion) +2; Power Attack, Darkstalker, Mounted Combat, Toughness, Iron Will. Special Attacks and Qualities: Fighting Challenge, Knight’s Challenge, Knight’s Code, Mounted Combat, Turn Immunity. Possessions: Morningstar, Shield, Unholy Symbol, best armor available.
Level 10 Brief:
The Death Guardian[1] is an undead knight with abilities to remain unseen and is equipped to guard a tomb. It is a menace to clerics and paladins and has several defenses and offensive capabilities.
Stat Block Level 10:
Death Guardian[1]: male, human necropolitan knight 10; CR 10; Medium undead; HD 10d12; hp 68; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +10; Grp +13; Atk +14 melee (1d8+6, morningstar) or +10 ranged (throwing stone); Full Atk +14/+9 melee (1d8+6, morningstar) or +10/+5 ranged (throwing stone); SA Fighting Challenge +1; SQ Turn Immunity, Lifesense, Tomb Sense, Unholy Might; AL LE; SV Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +8; Str 18, Dex 13, Con -, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Hide 8, Move Silently 8, Knowledge(Religion) 2; Power Attack, Darkstalker, Mounted Combat, Toughness, Iron Will.
Special Abilities:
Fighting Challenge, Knight’s Code, Shield Block +1, Bulwark of Defense, Armor Mastery(Medium), Test of Mettle, Vigilant Defender, Shield Ally, Turn Immunity, Tomb Sense, Deathly Power. Possessions: Morningstar, Shield, Unholy Symbol, Best Armor Available.
Level 15 Brief:
This Necropolitan Knight excels at stealth and defense. It is adept at remaining unnoticed and unstoppable in combat.
Stat Block Level 15:
Death Guardian[1]: male, human necropolitan knight 10/tomb warden 3/lurking terror 2/blackguard 4; CR 15; Medium undead; HD 15d12; hp 108; Init +1; Spd 20 ft.; AC 24, touch 9, flat-footed 24; Base Atk +15; Grp +19; Atk morningstar +19 melee (1d8+4); Full Atk morningstar +19/+14/+9 melee (1d8+4); SA Smite Good 1/day, Sneak Attack +1d6; SQ Dark Blessing, Turn Immunity, Tomb Sense, Lifesense, Armor Mastery (Medium), Power of the Dead, Aura of Evil. AL LE; SV Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +14; Str 19, Dex 13, Con -, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Hide +8, Move Silently +8, Knowledge(Religion) +2; Power Attack, Darkstalker, Mounted Combat, Toughness, Iron Will, Lifesense, Improved Sunder, Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Robilar’s Gambit, Great Fortitude. Possessions: Morningstar, shield, unholy symbol, best armor available.
Level 20 Brief:
A resilient, undying guardian with exceptional stealth, greatly augmented by his undead nature.
Stat Block Level 20:
Death Guardian[1]: male, human Necropolitan Knight 10/Tomb Warden 3/Lurking Terror 3/Blackguard 4; CR 20; Medium undead; HD 10d12; hp 110; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 11, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +18; Grp +21; Atk Morningstar +25 melee (1d8+7); Full Atk Morningstar +25/+20/+15/+10 melee (1d8+7); SA Smite Good, Sneak Attack +1d6; SQ Undead traits, Turn Immunity, Tomb Sense, Power of the Dead, Deathly Power, Hide in Plain Sight, Aura of Evil, Dark Vision, Lifesense; AL LE; SV Fort +15, Ref +8, Will +12; Str 19, Dex 13, Con – , Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Hide 8, Move Silently 8, Knowledge(Religion) 2; Power Attack, Darkstalker, Mounted Combat, Toughness, Iron Will, Lifesense, Improved Sunder, Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Robilar’s Gambit, Great Fortitude. Special Attacks and Qualities: Fighting Challenge +2, Knight’s Challenge, Shield Block +1, Bulwark of Defense, Test of Mettle, Armor Mastery(Medium), Armor Mastery(Heavy), Shield Ally, Call to Battle, Aura of Despair. Possessions: Morningstar, Shield, Unholy Symbol, best armor available.
Critical Milestones of Level Distribution
Level 1-10: Begin as a Knight, focusing on foundational combat abilities and the Knight’s Code.
Level 11-13: Transition to Tomb Warden, enhancing your undead traits and gaining Turn Immunity.
Level 14-15: Embrace the Lurking Terror’s Deathly Power, becoming a stealthy predator.
Level 16-20: Culminate with Blackguard, acquiring dark abilities like Command Undead and Aura of Despair.
– Masterwork Morningstar – +1 Heavy Steel Shield – +1 Full Plate Armor – Cloak of Resistance +1
– Masterwork Morningstar: +1 to attack rolls. – +1 Heavy Steel Shield: +3 AC. – +1 Full Plate Armor: AC +9, Max Dex +1, Check Penalty -5. – Cloak of Resistance +1: +1 to all saving throws.
Levels 11-15
– +2 Morningstar – +2 Heavy Steel Shield – +2 Full Plate Armor – Amulet of Undead Turning Resistance
– +2 Morningstar: 1d8+2 damage, enhanced attack bonus. – +2 Heavy Steel Shield: +4 AC. – +2 Full Plate Armor: AC +10, Max Dex +1, Check Penalty -5. – Amulet of Undead Turning Resistance: Reduces vulnerability to turn undead effects.
Levels 16-20
– +3 Unholy Morningstar – +3 Heavy Steel Shield – +3 Full Plate Armor – Unholy Symbol
– +3 Unholy Morningstar: 1d8+3 damage, +2d6 against good creatures. – +3 Heavy Steel Shield: +5 AC. – +3 Full Plate Armor: AC +11, Max Dex +1, Check Penalty -4. – Unholy Symbol: Empowers command over the undead.
Dungeon Crawls: Utilize Bulwark of Defense to block narrow passages, preventing enemies from advancing and protecting allies by forcing enemies to engage you directly.
Open Field: Use Knight’s Challenge to draw enemies towards you, then employ your mobility enhancing items like Boots of Striding and Springing to position yourself effectively and control the battlefield.
Ambushes: Quickly activate Test of Mettle to draw enemy attention, using Shield Block to protect against initial attacks and providing time for your allies to regroup and counterattack.
Defensive Stands: Position yourself at key defensive points, such as doorways or narrow corridors, and use Shield Ally and Improved Shield Ally to protect your teammates, ensuring that no enemy can bypass your defense.
Urban Encounters: Use alleyways and narrow streets to create choke points, funneling enemies into single file lines where you can use Fighting Challenge to engage them one by one, minimizing risk to your party and maintaining control over the battlefield.
Teamwork Tactics and Buff Sharing
Effective party synergy with a Death Guardian[1] involves more than just battle tactics; it’s about creating a unified front where each member’s strengths cover the others’ weaknesses. Communication is key, as is a deep understanding of each other’s capabilities.
Coordinate with your party’s rogue to exploit ‘Aura of Despair,’ allowing them to capitalize on demoralized foes.
Work with spellcasters to identify which spells you can extend through ‘Shield Ally,’ offering protection and enhancing their reach.
Utilize your Command Undead ability in conjunction with your party’s necromancer to create an undead phalanx that can serve as both a shield and a weapon.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Weakness
Counters
Slower Movement
– Enchanted Boots: Equip Boots of Striding and Springing to increase base speed by 10 feet. – Expeditious Retreat Spell: Utilize spells like Expeditious Retreat to temporarily boost movement speed.
Vulnerability to Holy Damage
– Amulets or Potions: Use items like the Amulet of Health for increased resilience and specific potions that provide resistance to holy damage. – Protection from Evil Spell: This spell provides some resistance to holy attacks.
Limited Ranged Options
– Throwing Weapons: Carry weapons like Throwing Axes or Darts for ranged combat. – Crossbows: Equip a Light Crossbow +1 for a reliable ranged option.
Dependency on Equipment
– Regular Upgrades: Consistently upgrade to masterwork and enchanted items like +2 Morningstar and +2 Full Plate Armor to enhance combat effectiveness. – Magic Weapon Spell: Use this spell to temporarily enhance your weapon’s effectiveness.
Weakness Against Turn Undead
– Turn Immunity: Levels in Tomb Warden grant immunity to turn undead effects, neutralizing this weakness. – Protection from Turning: Use Amulet of Undead Turning Resistance to mitigate the effects of turn undead.
Roleplaying Themes
As a Death Guardian[1], your existence is a constant balance between life and death. Your oath binds you to protect, yet your undead nature often inspires fear. Embrace this duality in your roleplaying. Show the solemnity of your eternal vigil, the weight of the unliving curse you bear, and the unwavering commitment to your cause.
Undying Loyalty: Even in death, your pledge to protect remains unbroken.
Honorable Dread: Your fearsome presence is a force for good, striking terror into the hearts of evildoers.
Unliving Protector: You guard those who fear you, a silent sentinel against the darkness.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
Your character may hail from a culture that reveres the undead, seeing them as guardians and wise ancestors. Alternatively, you might be an outcast, a knight who has become something other, striving to uphold chivalric ideals in a form that society shuns. These cultural elements add layers to your character, informing your interactions and decisions within the game world.
The Death Guardian is a unique blend of durability, martial prowess, and necromantic abilities. Unlike typical fighters, this build can command undead, harness dark energies, and shrug off attacks that would fell lesser warriors. It’s a character that thrives on the front lines, drawing enemy fire and protecting allies with its formidable presence.
In combat, the Death Guardian[1] excels as a tank and controller. Use your ‘Test of Mettle’ to taunt enemies into attacking you, sparing your allies from harm. With ‘Shield Ally’, step in to take hits for your comrades, and employ ‘Aura of Despair’ to weaken the resolve of your foes. Your combat strategy should revolve around dictating the flow of battle and making yourself the center of attention.
Roleplaying a Death Guardian[1] presents a fascinating challenge. You must navigate the dichotomy of being both a knight and an undead creature. Your character may grapple with their undead status, facing prejudice and fear from those they protect. Embodying this tension and finding a place in the world for your character can lead to deep and rewarding storytelling.
The Death Guardian[1] can be integrated into any campaign setting with ease. Whether your campaign is high fantasy, gothic horror, or even a more traditional medieval setting, the Death Guardian[1]’s themes of honor, protection, and undeath are universal. Their versatility allows them to adapt to various storylines and group dynamics.
How to Adapt the Death Guardian[1] Build for Different Party Compositions?
To adapt the Death Guardian build for different party compositions, consider which aspects of your character can best complement the group. If the party lacks a tank, emphasize your Knight abilities to protect and control. If there’s a need for more offensive power, leverage your Blackguard skills to deal damage and command undead forces. Communication with your party is key to finding the right balance.
Join the Community
You can boost your gameplay by gaining access to a plethora of information, advice, and tricks by joining a community. Along with these opportunities, you’ll get to talk about character development, tell stories, and make new friends who share your enthusiasm for D&D.
Discover More Strategies and Connect with Fellow Knights
In the community, you’ll find fellow knights and guardians of all kinds, each with their own tales and tactics. Engage in discussions about the best uses of the Death Guardian’s abilities, share your most memorable combat scenarios, and get advice on how to handle challenging roleplaying situations.
Become Part of the Stellar Dragons Discord Community
You should think about joining the Stellar Dragons Discord community for an even more engaging experience. It’s a bustling hub where you can find groups to go on your next adventure with, engage in live discussions, and have real time conversations with other players.
Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
As the dead knight silently pondered, he watched over this ancestral graveyard. The village outside the forest where his domain lay considered him a local legend. The type of spirit that watches over the graves and will spook you if you are disrespectful of the sepulcher.
They weren’t wrong. At first he kept the Tomb safe from greedy adventurers. He was good at it, too good.
Now, the villagers came to bury their dead and pay him respect. This, despite the fact that he no longer needed to show himself. The most excitement he would have, of course, might be watching the children who would dare each other to venture into the graveyard. Most of the time he’d simply watch, ready to make himself known if they went too far – but he was first and foremost a knight. He never would hurt these innocents.
As he sat there, a mist rolled in from the woods. A smell of roses permeated the air, an old woman who was garbed in somber armor emerged from the mist. Under her arm was a basket of bread, and he walked straight to him.
She was not unknown to him, “”Go away Knight of the Black Rose, I do not require your help to protect my Ward.”
She smiled softly, “Of course you don’t. But your heart still screamed for help. Sometimes, help isn’t a sword or a shield, but the ear of an old friend who is simply there to listen.”
Race
Human
Class
Necropolitan Knight 10/Tomb Warden 3/Lurking Terror 3/Blackguard 4
Ability Scores
Str 17/Dex 13/Con -/Int 14/Wis 10/Cha 14
Skills
Hide 8, Move Silently 8, Knowledge(Religion) 2
Equipment
A Morningstar, a Shield, an Unholy Symbol, the best armor you can afford.
Goal
You are an absolute menace to society. You can remain unseen even to of the best observers. And even if they hide masterfully, they cannot hide from you. Since see their life force as light emanations.
You are an eternal undead guardian, ready to lay down your unlife to protect a Tomb from trespassers. As you cannot be turned, even clerics and paladins will heavily struggle dealing with you.
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