Home/Monsters/Monsters & Creatures/Skeleton 5e Basic

Skeleton 5e Basic

Medium Undead, Lawful Evil

At a Glance

CR
1/4
Type
Undead
Size
Medium
Alignment
Lawful Evil
AC
13 (armor scraps)
HP
13 (2d8 + 4)
Speed30 ft.

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Ability ScoresKey AbilitiesTacticsEncounter TipsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

Ability Scores

str
10
+0
dex
14
+2
con
15
+2
int
6
-2
wis
8
-1
cha
5
-3

Key Abilities

AbilityDescription
Damage VulnerabilitiesVulnerable to bludgeoning damage.
Damage ImmunitiesImmune to poison damage, exhaustion, poisoned condition.
Shortsword+4 to hit, 5 (1d6+2) piercing damage.
Shortbow+4 to hit, range 80/320 ft., 5 (1d6+2) piercing damage.

How to Run This Monster

Mindless obedience to creator. Attack in groups. Ranged attackers provide support while melee skeletons advance.

Encounter Ideas

Use in groups of 4-12. Mix melee and ranged. Place in crypts, tombs, or under necromancer control.

Loot
Rusty weapons, old armor pieces (worthless), occasionally old coins (2d10 gp).

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Not using their vulnerability to bludgeoning damage
Common Mistake
Making them too tactical—they're mindless undead

DM Tips

DM Tip
Describe bones clattering as they approach
DM Tip
Great cannon fodder to drain party resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading