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Crimson Syndicate Bodyguard - AI-generated fantasy Monster

Crimson Syndicate Bodyguard

The Crimson Syndicate assigns vampiric bodyguards to mages, brokers, and senior members whose survival is worth more than a squad of ordinary toughs. Their armor bears a red eclipse so allies can identify them in a crowd. Though they share some traits with vampires, they are lesser undead and do not possess the full powers or vulnerabilities of true vampires.

Monsters
Medium undead · CR 1 , medium difficulty when used with restraint for a 3rd-level party · Uncommon

Crimson Syndicate Bodyguard

A disciplined undead enforcer and bodyguard for Crimson Syndicate mages and senior members, adapted from a spy into a close-protection soldier.
AC14
HP27/27
CR1 , medium difficulty when used with restraint for a 3rd-level party
Init
STR
DEX
CON
INT
WIS
CHA
ConditionsNone

Combat

AC 14 · HP 27 · CR 1 , medium difficulty when used with restraint for a 3rd-level party

Crimson Syndicate Bodyguard

Medium undead (vampiric), lawful evil
Armor Class14 (studded leather)
Hit Points27 (6d8)
Speed
Walk 30 ft.
STR
DEX
CON
INT
WIS
CHA
Saving ThrowsDexterityIntelligence
SkillsDeceptionInsightInvestigationPerceptionSleight of HandStealth
Damage Resistances
Necrotic
Immunities
Poison damage,
Exhaustion,
Poisoned condition
Weaknesses
Radiant damage temporarily suppresses Siphon the Warmth.
It has no regeneration, mist form, or resistance to ordinary weapons.
It is bound by its protective assignment and can be drawn away only if the charge is secure or a greater order compels it.
Senses
Darkvision 60 ft.,
Passive Perception 13
Languages
Common,
One other language known by its syndicate cell
Challenge1 , medium difficulty when used with restraint for a 3rd-level party
Hit Dice6d8
Proficiency Bonus+2
Passive Perception13
Keen Senses. The bodyguard has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or sight.
Urban Infiltrator. The bodyguard has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in urban crowds, alleys, or furnished interiors.
Siphon the Warmth. Once per turn, when the bodyguard deals necrotic damage with its Eclipse Blade, it gains 3 temporary hit points. If it takes radiant damage, this trait cannot grant temporary hit points until the start of its next turn.
Undead Nature. The bodyguard doesn't require air, food, drink, or sleep.

Actions

Multiattack. The bodyguard makes two melee attacks, using its eclipse blade or bloodless fist in any combination.
Eclipse Blade. Melee Weapon Attack: to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 () piercing damage. If the target is a creature, the bodyguard can choose to deal an extra 7 () necrotic damage once per turn when it hits with this attack, provided it has advantage on the attack roll or an ally of the target is within 5 feet of it and isn't incapacitated.
Bloodless Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 () bludgeoning damage. Instead of dealing damage, the bodyguard can attempt to grapple a Medium or smaller creature (escape ).
Hand Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 () piercing damage.

Reactions

Interpose. When a creature the bodyguard can see attacks its protected syndicate member while that member is within 5 feet of the bodyguard, the bodyguard imposes disadvantage on the attack roll. The bodyguard must be wielding a melee weapon to use this reaction.
Role
Soldier
Built for
3

Gear

  • Eclipse-marked leather armor (Armor, 75 gp)Black studded leather armor with the syndicate's red eclipse embossed on the chest.
  • Eclipse blade (Weapon, 10 gp)A narrow, well-balanced blade used for quiet close-quarters work.
  • Hand crossbow (Weapon, 75 gp)A compact hand crossbow with a dark finish and red thread at the grip.
  • Crossbow bolts (Ammunition, 5 sp)A pouch holding 10 bolts.

Notes for the game master

This is a custom undead reskin inspired by the D&D 5E spy statblock, not a canonical vampire or spy statblock.
Necrotic Blade is limited to once per turn and reflects restrained vampiric feeding, not a full vampire's Blood Drain feature.
Interpose is a custom bodyguard reaction.
The bodyguard has no legendary actions and no regeneration.

Tactics

  1. Opening

    It positions itself between intruders and its protected syndicate member, then attacks the most immediate threat. If it has warning, it begins with its crossbow from cover.

  2. Mid-fight

    It uses its blade against isolated threats and its crossbow against enemies who keep their distance. It exploits nearby allies to trigger its once-per-turn necrotic strike.

  3. End of the fight

    If its charge is safe, it tries to pin a fleeing enemy or finish a badly wounded opponent. It does not pursue far from its assigned protection.

  4. Retreat

    It withdraws only when ordered, when its charge escapes, or when continued fighting would expose a more valuable syndicate member. It does not flee from ordinary injury.

How it fights

Remain within 5 feet of the assigned charge when possible to use Interpose.
Use cover and corners to limit incoming attacks while keeping a clear route to the charge.
Use the blade against enemies who threaten the protected member and the crossbow against distant attackers.
Avoid pursuing distractions unless the charge is secure.

Who it attacks first

An enemy currently attacking its assigned charge
A spellcaster or ranged attacker threatening the charge
An isolated enemy it can engage without abandoning its post

Works well with

A syndicate mage can use the bodyguard as cover while repositioning or escaping.
A second bodyguard can form a screen around a protected target, but multiple bodies make the encounter significantly harder.
The bodyguard benefits from allies who can restrict movement or force enemies to remain near its protected member.

How to beat it

Bright, steady light makes hiding and ambush tactics harder, though it does not harm the bodyguard.
Its modest hit points make focused attacks effective.
Keep the protected syndicate member out of reach and break the bodyguard's line of sight to limit its ability to guard effectively.
Radiant damage suppresses its blood-drinking trait until the start of its next turn.

Ways to avoid a fight

Pass as a taciturn living guard by wearing gloves, avoiding meals, and keeping to dim rooms.
Question visitors in a calm, procedural manner while quietly assessing their weapons and exits.
Deliver a warning or escort a syndicate member through a crowd without drawing attention.
Trade information or temporary access if doing so protects its charge or serves a clear syndicate order.

Ecology

A lean figure in black leather armor, its posture neat and watchful. A red eclipse is embossed over its chest. Its skin is bloodless and taut, and its eyes catch lamplight like garnets. It carries a narrow blade and a compact crossbow with ritual-red thread wound around the grip.

Behavior

Controlled and professional, speaking little and keeping its charge within sight. It blocks approaches, watches hands and exits, and attacks without theatrics. It obeys a protected member's commands but may independently neutralize an obvious immediate threat.

How it lives

These undead are made or recruited by the Crimson Syndicate and maintained through ritual, discipline, and the occasional sip of living blood. They require no food or sleep, but imitate the habits of living guards to avoid attracting attention.

Lair

They do not maintain lairs of their own. A post may be a guarded countinghouse, private club, mage's townhouse, or back room with two unobstructed exits and a clear view of the street.

Habitat
Urban

Signs that it is near

A red eclipse embossed on black leather armor
A room that feels cold despite a lit hearth
A faint, metallic scent near a guarded doorway
A crossbow bolt with red thread wound around its shaft

Tags

undead,
vampiric,
syndicate,
bodyguard,
urban

Lore

The Crimson Syndicate assigns vampiric bodyguards to mages, brokers, and senior members whose survival is worth more than a squad of ordinary toughs. Their armor bears a red eclipse so allies can identify them in a crowd. Though they share some traits with vampires, they are lesser undead and do not possess the full powers or vulnerabilities of true vampires.

What drives it

Keep its assigned syndicate member alive, preserve syndicate secrets, and punish anyone who threatens its charge.

After the fight

When destroyed, a bodyguard's stolen warmth escapes in a breath of red mist. The embossed eclipse on its armor remains intact, a useful clue linking it to the syndicate.

“Their armor bears a red eclipse so allies can identify them in a crowd.”
From its lore

Variants

A crossbow specialist exchanges its blade for a second hand crossbow and remains behind the charge.
A veteran escort carries a shield instead of a hand crossbow, increasing its Armor Class by 2 while wielding it but losing its ranged attack.
A discreet minder wears ordinary city clothes over its eclipse-marked armor and focuses on surveillance rather than direct combat.

Hooks

Plot hooks

A captured bodyguard refuses to name its charge but carries a coded list of safehouses sewn into its armor.
A syndicate mage hires the party for protection, then assigns one of these undead guards to watch the characters as well.
A bodyguard's red eclipse insignia appears at several unrelated crime scenes, suggesting a senior syndicate member is expanding their reach.
One bodyguard has begun protecting a former target instead of its assigned superior, and the syndicate wants it retrieved intact.

How to use it

Use one bodyguard as a close-protection obstacle while a syndicate mage negotiates, casts, or escapes.
For a medium encounter for four 3rd-level characters, pair one bodyguard with a low-threat ally or environmental complication rather than a second full-strength combatant.
Show the red eclipse insignia before combat to establish the syndicate's presence and make the bodyguard recognizable.
Let the bodyguard prioritize protection over killing, creating opportunities for characters to distract it or separate it from its charge.

Treasure

Eclipse-marked studded leather and weapons
A brass token identifying the bodyguard's syndicate post
A sealed instruction naming its assigned charge or next rendezvous

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