Soulshriek
The origins of the Soulshriek are shrouded in mystery, its presence in the shadowy depths of Taenarius the subject of countless grim tales. Some whisper that Soulshrieks are what become of those who wander too far into the labyrinthine caves and lose themselves—mind, body, and soul. They succumb to madness and transform into these spectral horrors, bound forever to the cursed shadows.
Others claim the Soulshrieks are guardians of a relic tied to Isarr, God of Undeath, their haunting cries a warning to any who would disturb his domain. According to these legends, the creatures were created to protect something lost to time, buried deep within the forbidden depths.
Still darker rumors speak of an ancient necromancer, whose power rivals that of Isarr himself. These tales suggest the Soulshrieks are not accidents of fate but deliberate creations—soldiers of an undead army poised to rise once more. Whether protectors, pawns, or cursed souls, one thing is certain: encountering a Soulshriek is a harrowing experience few live to recount.
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Traits
Ethereal Sight. The Soulshriek can see 60 feet into the Ethereal Plane when it is on the Material Plane, and vice versa.
Incorporeal Movement. The Soulshriek can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.
Haunting Aura. Creatures within 30 feet of the Soulshriek have disadvantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Creature of Darkness. Effects that create bright, magical light suppress the Soulshriek’s Haunting Aura trait.
Actions
Multiattack. The Soulshriek makes two attacks with its Draining Claw.
Draining Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 18 (4d6 + 4) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or lose 1d6 maximum hit points until they finish a long rest.
Phantom Screech (Recharge 5–6). The Soulshriek emits a terrifying screech. Each creature within 60 feet that can hear it must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or take 27 (6d8) psychic damage and be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
Lurker in the Mist. The Soulshriek creates a 20-foot-radius sphere of ghostly fog centered on itself. The area is heavily obscured, and creatures inside have disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks relying on sight. The fog lasts for 1 minute or until dispersed by a strong wind.
Legendary Actions
The Soulshriek can take 2 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The Soulshriek regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Shadow Glide. The Soulshriek moves up to half its flying speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
Ethereal Shift. The Soulshriek flickers into the Ethereal Plane until the start of its next turn, becoming immune to all nonmagical damage.
Haunting Whisper (Costs 2 Actions). The Soulshriek whispers malevolently to a creature within 60 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or take 14 (4d6) psychic damage and be paralyzed until the end of its next turn.
Lair Actions
If the Soulshriek is encountered in its lair, it can take lair actions on initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties):
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Eerie Echoes. Ghostly whispers fill the lair. All creatures except the Soulshriek must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on all attack rolls until the start of their next turn.
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Phantom Veil. The Soulshriek becomes invisible until it attacks or uses Phantom Screech.