Flameskull

Monster Manual (2025) p. 120

Size
Tiny
Type
undead
Alignment
neutral evil
AC
13
Initiative
3
Hit Points
40 (9d4+18)
Speed
walk 5 ft., fly 40 ft. (hover)
Skills
Arcana +5, Perception +2
Immunities
fire, necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities
charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned, prone
Senses
darkvision 60 ft.
Passive Perception
12
Languages
Common plus two other languages
Challenge
4
Environment
underdark
STR
1
−5
DEX
17
+3
CON
14
+2
INT
16
+3
WIS
10
+0
CHA
11
+0

Traits

Proficiency Bonus

+2

Treasure

Arcana: The monster's treasure hoard features magic items with the noted theme. The Dungeon Master's Guide details treasure hoards appropriate for each theme.

Illumination

The flameskull sheds Bright Light in a 15-foot radius and Dim Light for an additional 15 feet.

Magic Resistance

The flameskull has Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Undead Restoration

If the flameskull is destroyed, it regains all its Hit Points in 1 hour unless Holy Water is sprinkled on its remains or the Dispel Evil and Good spell is cast on them.

Actions

Multiattack

The flameskull makes two Fire Ray attacks.

Fire Ray

Melee or Ranged Attack Roll: +5, reach 5 ft. or range 60 ft. Hit: 13 (3d6 + 3) Fire damage.

Spellcasting

The flameskull casts one of the following spells, requiring no Somatic or Material components and using Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 13):

  • At will: Mage Hand
  • 2/day: Magic Missile (level 2 version)
  • 1/day: Fireball

Spells

Mage Hand [5.5e], Fireball [5.5e], Magic Missile [5.5e]

Other data

description

Flameskulls are flying skulls that blaze with magical fire and the half-remembered arcana of dead spellcasters. They rise from the remains of dead magic-users who were reanimated by sinister necromancers or whose magical pursuits drive them beyond death. Flameskulls might serve as guardians for their creators or pursue ambitions left unfulfilled in life. They lash out at foes with destructive spells and bursts of fire, wielding magic without the need for most components. Flameskulls take various forms, from skulls with humanlike features to ones with fearsome or bestial alterations. Their flames vary in color and grow more intense when they're angry. Roll on or choose a result from the Flameskull Details table to inspire what makes a flameskull distinctive.

Flameskull Details:

1d6The Flameskull Features...
1Arcane diagrams etched into it.
2Flames like dramatic features, horns, or hair.
3Fractured pieces that fly in unison.
4An iron plate bolted over its mouth.
5Lethal head trauma.
6Mismatched animal teeth.