**Monster Name:** The Shadow Strategist

Description:

  • A cunning and elusive entity, the Shadow Strategist thrives in political intrigue and manipulation. It uses its ability to sow discord and exploit divisions among foes, making it a formidable adversary in any conflict.
  • With an affinity for deception, this creature can alter perceptions, leading allies astray or turning them against each other. Its presence is marked by whispers of dissent and the unsettling feeling that trust has been betrayed.

Stats Block:

  • Armor Class: 15

  • Hit Points: 90 (18d8 + 36)

  • Speed: 30 ft.

  • STR 14 (+2) | DEX 20 (+5) | CON 16 (+3) | INT 18 (+4) | WIS 12 (+1) | CHA 17 (+3)

  • Skills: Deception +9, Insight +6, Persuasion +8

  • Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11

  • Languages: Common, Draconic, Sylvan

  • Challenge: 10 (5,900 XP)

  • Actions:

    • Manipulative Whisper (Recharge 5–6): The Shadow Strategist targets one creature within 30 feet. Roll a d20; if the result is less than or equal to the target's Charisma score, they become confused for 1 minute. While affected, the target has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.

    • Dissension Aura (Recharge 6): Within a 60-foot radius, creatures must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by the Shadow Strategist for 10 minutes. Affected creatures have advantage on attack rolls against others in the aura but disadvantage on their own.

  • Legendary Actions:

    • The Shadow Strategist can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. Additional legendary actions can be taken on the Shadow Strategist’s turn.
      • Sow Discord: Make a Charisma (Deception) check against a target within 30 feet. On a success, the target becomes frightened for 1 minute or until they take damage.
      • Shadow Step: Teleport up to 60 feet to an unoccupied space that you can see.
      • Whisper of Doubt: Target one creature within 30 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be confused for 1 minute.

  • Weaknesses:

    • Vulnerable to light-based attacks and has disadvantage on saving throws against effects that reveal truth, such as the spell Detect Magic or similar abilities.