Risen Knight

Medium undead, lawful evil

The risen knight is the remains of a warrior who died with a duty unfulfilled --- an oath unsworn, a battle unlost, a lord unserved. The Sundering's broken death traps these martial souls in their armored corpses, and they rise again to fulfill a purpose they can no longer fully remember. They are not mindless --- they follow a dim, flickering intelligence that resembles military discipline. They patrol the ruins of their former posts, challenge intruders with archaic battle cries, and fight with a swordsman's skill uncorroded by death. Their armor is ancient and pitted but still functional, and their weapons carry the chill of the grave.

Armor Class:18 (plate armor)

Hit Points:65 (10d8 + 20)

Speed:25 ft

Challenge:CR 4

STR

17 (+3)

DEX

10 (+0)

CON

14 (+2)

INT

8 (-1)

WIS

10 (+0)

CHA

12 (+1)

Saving Throws:STR +5, CON +4

Skills:Athletics +5, Perception +2

Damage Resistances:Necrotic

Damage Immunities:Poison

Condition Immunities:Exhaustion, poisoned

Senses:Darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 12

Traits

Undead Fortitude. As the shambling corpse.

Martial Memory. The risen knight retains proficiency with all weapons and armor. It cannot be disarmed.

Challenge. When the risen knight detects an intruder, it issues a challenge (in a dead language, often incomprehensible). A creature that responds to the challenge with a show of respect (a bow, a weapon salute, etc.) and succeeds on a DC 12 CHA (Persuasion) check may pass without combat. The knight is not obligated to stand down --- the GM determines its disposition.

Actions

Multiattack. The risen knight makes two longsword attacks.

Longsword. Melee: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage, or 8 (1d10 + 3) slashing damage if used two-handed, plus 3 (1d6) necrotic damage.

Shield Bash. Melee: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) bludgeoning damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 STR save or be knocked prone.

Parry. The risen knight adds 2 to its AC against one melee attack that would hit it. It must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.