Flaming Skeleton

Monster Manual (2025) p. 283

Size
Medium
Type
undead
Alignment
lawful evil
AC
15
Initiative
2
Hit Points
65 (10d8+20)
Speed
walk 30 ft.
Immunities
fire, poison
Condition Immunities
exhaustion, poisoned
Senses
darkvision 60 ft.
Passive Perception
12
Languages
understands Common plus one other language but can't speak
Challenge
3
Lineage
Skeleton
Environment
planar (shadowfell), underdark, urban
STR
10
+0
DEX
14
+2
CON
15
+2
INT
10
+0
WIS
15
+2
CHA
8
−1

Traits

Proficiency Bonus

+2

Death Burst

The skeleton explodes when it dies. Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 12, each creature in a 10-foot Emanation originating from the skeleton. Failure: 14 (4d6) Fire damage. Success: Half damage.

Illumination

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

Actions

Multiattack

The skeleton makes two attacks, using Flame Scepter or Hurl Flame in any combination.

Flame Scepter

Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) Bludgeoning damage plus 3 (1d6) Fire damage.

Hurl Flame

Ranged Attack Roll: +4, range 60 ft. Hit: 7 (1d10 + 2) Fire damage.

Other data

description

Skeletons rise at the summons of necromancers and foul spirits. Whether they're the remains of the ancient dead or fresh bones bound to morbid ambitions, they commit deathless work for whatever forces reanimated them, often serving as guardians, soldiers, or laborers. In rare cases, skeletons are reanimated but given no particular direction. Roll on or choose a result from the Skeleton Pantomimes table to inspire how undirected skeletons behave.

Skeleton Pantomimes:

1d6Left to Its Own Devices, the Skeleton...
1Delivers meal salvers or ages-old correspondence to the crypt of its dead master.
2Endlessly trains in battle with other skeletons, despite being hacked to animate splinters.
3Mimics ways it entertained itself in life, such as acting, dancing, or reading.
4Performs a familiar task, such as cleaning, cooking, mining, or praying.
5Repeats its final moments of life.
6Stands guard at the post it protected in life.

Flaming Skeleton: Flaming skeletons burn with unbridled necromantic energy. This magic grants them blazing attacks and greater awareness, which they use to command lesser Undead.