With the release of the 2024 update for the 5e Monster Manual, let’s make a Tier 2, Level 5 encounter suitable for a party of 4.
As you crawl through the tumbled blocks of the mausoleum’s entrance, shadows grow and twist away from your torch as it suddenly flickers violently in a frigid draft exhaled from deep within the ruins; suffocating you with a cloying scent of death and damp earth.
XP Budget for Party of 4
The XP budget for a a party of 4 at 5th Level is 2000 XP for a low-difficulty encounter, according to the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide.
| Party’s Level | Low | Moderate | High |
| 5 | 500 | 750 | 1,100 |
| x 4 | 2000 | 3000 | 4400 |
The DMG also mentions that a “rough guideline” for single monsters:
As a rough guideline, a single monster generally presents a low-difficulty challenge for a party of four characters whose level equals the monster’s CR.
If we use that guideline, we can pick a CR 5 Creature which should present a low-difficulty challenge for our adventurers. A Wraith is a CR 5 monster in 5e, with an 1800 XP value.
Stat Block Analysis
For a CR 5 monster, the Wraith (2024 Free Rules: Wraith) has a low AC of 13, and relatively low HP at 67. (Many other CR 5 monsters have higher AC and HP.)
It has a modest +3 Initiative, but it can Fly at 60 ft per round – which is the same as a 3rd Level Fly Spell. The party has access to the Fly Spell at 5th level. Combat movement will be lopsided if the party didn’t prepare it, though.
A Wraith is primarily good at DEX and CON, but it’s CHA and WIS are high, too. This means their “big 3” saving throws are going to be pretty good.
The Resistances will present a big challenge for the party. Martial classes will be nerfed by the resistance to Bludgeoning, Piercing and Slashing – but the AC 13 should mean Martials are hitting it more often even if the damage is reduced. Cold and Fire resistance will reduce the effectiveness of common Spells and Alchemist Fire, and Acid resistances will disappoint any Rogue. Warlocks will have a field day with Eldritch Blast and Magic Missile never misses.
Immunities are extensive:
- Necrotic and Poison damage have no effect.
- Charmed, Exhaustion, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained and Unconscious conditions are immune.
It does have sunlight sensitivity. If the party has access to the 3rd Level Daylight Spell. This one spell would change the whole encounter. It’s a high level spell for a 5th level adventuring party, but a Cleric of Light Domain would decisively turn the tide.
When the Wraith attacks, it’s Life Drain Action reduces the targets maximum HP.
Hit Point Maximum is restored after a Long Rest
Long Rest: If your Hit Point maximum was reduced, it returns to normal. See Long Rest on p 370 in Appendix C: Rules Glossary of the 2024 Player’s Handbook.
Monster Strategy
The Wraith can also move through objects and creatures as if they are Difficult Terrain. Between flying and moving through objects, the Wraith should be moving to avoid attacks.
A cluttered battle-map with lots of difficult terrain (tombstones, burial vaults, columbaria) or rooms will give the Wraith separation after making an attack.
The Wraith is an evil embodiment of malice. Their entire existence is about causing suffering and torment.
However, wraiths have just enough Intelligence and Wisdom to choose their targets, and they choose on the basis of…goodness.
Keith Ammann, The Monsters Know What They’re Doing
A Wraith will make smart choices about it’s target. I like Keith Ammann’s suggestion to target the most Good member of the party. However, Keith does caution that focusing on one character can be very punishing.
Scaling the Encounter
The easiest way to scale up would be to add some Specters.
Specters are like weaker Wraiths except they are also Resistant to Lightning and Thunder damage.
I would avoid the Create Specter Action on a party member unless there is a reasonable way for them to recover that party member. The party should have access to the 3rd Level Revivify Spell; which consumes a 300 GP diamond.
Instead, I would have a few Specters nearby, which the Wraith created in the past. Placing some bodies with hints and lore of the Specters’ previous life can help to portray the Wraith as an embodiment of evil.
Adding additional Wraiths is within the XP Budget, but it will be devastating for the party to have a few bad rolls.
Conclusion
Here is a suggestion for a Tier 2, Level 5 encounter suitable for a party of 4:
| Encounter Difficulty | Encounter Details | XP Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 1 Wraith | 1800 XP |
| Moderate | 1 Wraith 2-3 Specters | 2200-2400 XP |
| High | 2 Wraiths | 3600 XP |
The battle-map should be peppered with obstacles and rooms, like crypts for the Wraith to create separation between attacks.
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