monster

Vampirate Captain

CR 6

Medium Undead, Lawful Evil

Reveal Stat Block

Armor Class

15 (natural armor)

Hit Points

85 (10d8 + 40)

Speed

30 ft.

str

dex

con

int

wis

cha

Traits

Explode.When the captain is reduced to 0 hit points, it explodes in a cloud of ash. Any creature within 5 feet of it must succeed on a 15 Constitution saving throw or take 16 (3d10) necrotic damage.

Spider Climb.The captain can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Unusual Nature.The captain doesn't require air or drink.

Actions

Energy Drain.ms,rs 6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 30 ft., one creature. ({@damage 4d10) necrotic damage. A Humanoid reduced to 0 hit points by this attack dies and instantly transforms into a free-willed shadow or vampirate (captain's choice) under the DM's control.

Heavy Crossbow.rw 6 to hit, range 100/400 ft., one target. ({@damage 3d10 + 3) piercing damage.

Ship Invisibility (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest).A ship upon which the captain stands, along with all creatures and objects aboard it, becomes invisible to creatures not aboard the ship. The captain must concentrate on this magical effect to maintain it (as if concentration||concentrating on a spell), and it lasts for up to 1 hour. The effect ends if the captain leaves the ship.

Reactions.Reactions the creature can take:

Uncanny Dodge.The captain halves the damage that it takes from an attack that hits it. The captain must be able to see the attacker.

Vampirate Captain

How a crew of vampirates conducts itself depends entirely on the mood and disposition of the captain. The crew of one ship might behave like a murderous mob, while another might abide by an ancient code of chivalry. One captain might allow the crew of a plundered ship to live, while another might leave only flotsam and jetsam in the pirates' wake.

The captain is often accompanied by an undying companion, such as a crawling claw or a will-o'-wisp.