This huge winged creature is surrounded by a dark purple aura like a slick, greasy fog. The flesh and feathers of the bird fall away in oozing lumps, as if it is in a perpetual state of decay.
The Antithesis of Rebirth. The phoenix is a fiery symbol of hope, rebirth, renewal, and the inspiring resilience of life. The undead phoenix is the antithesis of that: a symbol of death, decay, rot, and the relentless crush of death. The creature appears as a large bird surrounded by a swirling aura of purple-black vapors. Within the vile fog, the undead phoenix’s physical form is in a constant state of decay: molting feathers, oozing flesh, dripping blood, and exposed bones.
Corrupted Creation. The undead phoenix is “born” when a typical phoenix dies at the hands of an undead creature that creates new undead: vampires, wraiths, wights, and the like. Liches sometimes arrange the creation of an undead phoenix to use them as mounts. Phoenixes succumbing to undeath rot away to nothing in a matter of seconds, leaving only a pile of foul, rotting goo. Moments later, the putrid ooze explodes as the undead phoenix slithers out of the substance in its new form.
Spreader of Decay. The undead phoenix is often a harbinger of death through disease, plague, or famine. Its aura invites sickness and rot in anyone unfortunate enough to get close. Its malignant beak spreads its decay, making natural or magical recuperation impossible.
Undead Nature. The undead phoenix doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.
Undead Phoenix
Huge undead, chaotic evilArmor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 142 (15d12 + 45)
Speed 30 ft., fly 90 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 (+6) | 14 (+2) | 17 (+3) | 8 (-1) | 17 (+3) | 9 (-1) |
Saving Throws Str +10, Con +7, Wis +7
Skills Perception +7
Damage Immunities necrotic, fire, poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages —
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)
Bilious Aura. A living creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the undead phoenix can’t regain hp and has disadvantage on Constitution saving throws until the start of its next turn.
Eternal Unlife. If it dies, the undead phoenix reverts into a pile of necrotic-tainted ooze and is reborn in 24 hours with all of its hp. Only killing it with radiant damage prevents this trait from functioning.
Actions
Multiattack. The undead phoenix makes three attacks: two with its claws and one with its decaying bite.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (4d6 + 6) slashing damage.
Decaying Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with perpetual decay. The cursed target can’t regain hp until the curse is lifted by the remove curse spell or similar magic.