darkling-mpmm

Darkling

Source: Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse p. 84, Volo’s Guide to Monsters p. 134

The Summer Queen’s curse causes a darkling’s body to absorb light, which wizens the creature, much like the effect of rapid aging. For this reason, darklings cover their entire bodies with clothing when exposure to light is a risk. The light darklings absorb over the course of their lives explodes outward when they die, incinerating the creatures and much of their possessions.

Darklings

Ancient legends speak of a seelie fey who betrayed the Summer Queen. In the Summer Queens’ wrath, she cursed every member of his house. The seelie fey’s true name has been stricken from history, but the stories call him Dubh Catha (“Dark Crow” in Common), and other Fey refer to the house’s descendants as dubh sith—“darklings.” Darklings dwell in secluded caverns and chambers beneath the towns of other species. From such enclaves, they quietly ply their trade as thieves and assassins.

Statblock

title: Darkling
![](Mechanics/CLI/bestiary/fey/token/darkling-mpmm.webp#token)
*Small fey, Typically  Chaotic Neutral*
 
- **Armor Class** 14 ([leather armor](Mechanics/CLI/items/leather-armor-xphb.md))
- **Hit Points** 13 (`3d6 + 3`) 
- **Speed** 30 ft.
 
|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA|
|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|
| 9 (-1)|16 (+3)|12 (+1)|10 (+0)|12 (+1)|10 (+0)|
 
- **Proficiency Bonus** +2
- **Saving Throws** ⏤
- **Skills** [Acrobatics](Mechanics/CLI/rules/skills.md#Acrobatics) +5, [Deception](Mechanics/CLI/rules/skills.md#Deception) +2, [Perception](Mechanics/CLI/rules/skills.md#Perception) +5, [Stealth](Mechanics/CLI/rules/skills.md#Stealth) +7
- **Senses** [blindsight](Mechanics/CLI/rules/senses.md#Blindsight) 30 ft., [darkvision](Mechanics/CLI/rules/senses.md#Darkvision) 120 ft., passive Perception 15
- **Gear** [dagger](Mechanics/CLI/items/dagger-xphb.md)
- **Languages** Elvish, Sylvan
- **Challenge** 1/2
 
## Traits
 
***Death Flash.*** When the darkling dies, nonmagical light flashes out from it in a 10-foot radius as its body and possessions, other than metal or magic objects, burn to ash. Any creature in that area must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or be [blinded](Mechanics/CLI/rules/conditions.md#Blinded) until the end of its next turn.
 
***Light Sensitivity.*** While in bright light, the darkling has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom ([Perception](Mechanics/CLI/rules/skills.md#Perception)) checks that rely on sight.
 
## Actions
 
***Dagger.*** *Melee  or Ranged Weapon Attack:* `+5` to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. *Hit:* 5 (`1d4 + 3`) piercing damage plus 7 (`2d6`) necrotic damage.

Environment

forest, swamp, underdark, urban