Blackguard

Medium humanoid (any race), Any Non-Good Alignment

Armor Class

18 (plate armor)

Hit Points

153 (18d8+72)

Speed

walk 30 ft.

Saves

Wis +5, Cha +5

Skills

Athletics +7, Deception +5, Intimidation +5

Languages

any one language (usually Common)

Challenge

8

Spellcasting

The blackguard is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). It has the following paladin spells prepared: • 1st level (4 slots): command, protection from evil and good, thunderous smite • 2nd level (3 slots): branding smite, find steed • 3rd level (2 slots): blinding smite, dispel magic

Actions

Multiattack

The blackguard makes three attacks with its glaive or its shortbow.

Glaive

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage.

Shortbow

Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

Dreadful Aspect (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest)

The blackguard exudes magical menace. Each enemy within 30 feet of the blackguard must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. If a frightened target ends its turn more than 30 feet away from the blackguard, the target can repeat the saving throw, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Blackguard

Medium humanoid (paladin), typically neutral evil

Armor Class

18 (plate armor)

Hit Points

119 (14d8 + 56)

Speed

walk 30 ft.

Saves

Wis +5, Cha +5

Skills

Athletics +7, Deception +5, Intimidation +5

Languages

any one language (usually Common)

Challenge

8

Proficiency Bonus

+3

Actions

Multiattack

The blackguard makes three attacks, using Glaive, Shortbow, or both.

Glaive

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) necrotic damage.

Shortbow

Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

Dreadful Aspect (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest)

Each enemy within 30 feet of the blackguard must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened of the blackguard for 1 minute. If a frightened target ends its turn more than 30 feet away from the blackguard, the target can repeat the saving throw, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Spellcasting

The blackguard casts one of the following spells, using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 13): • 2/Day each: command, dispel magic, find steed

Smite (Bonus Action)

Immediately after the blackguard hits a target with an attack roll, the blackguard can force that target to make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target suffers one of the following effects of the blackguard's choice: Blind: The target is blinded for 1 minute. The blinded target can repeat the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. Shove: The target is pushed up to 10 feet away and knocked prone.