Wight
Medium Undead, neutral evil
700 XP
Special Abilities
Sunlight Sensitivity
While in sunlight, the wight has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Actions
Multiattack
The wight makes two longsword attacks or two longbow attacks. It can use its Life Drain in place of one longsword attack.
Life Drain
Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
A humanoid slain by this attack rises 24 hours later as a zombie under the wight's control, unless the humanoid is restored to life or its body is destroyed. The wight can have no more than twelve zombies under its control at one time.
Longsword
Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) slashing damage, or 7 (1d10 + 2) slashing damage if used with two hands.
Longbow
Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
Wights are intelligent undead that lead lesser undead minions and claim territory in cursed lands. They should use cover and ranged attacks (longbow) while commanding 2-4 zombies or skeletons to engage melee fighters. Use their Life Drain ability as a primary threat, as it permanently reduces hit point maximums and creates tension. Have them retreat to defensible positions if reduced below 20 HP, potentially triggering reinforcements.
Combat Tactics
Wights prioritize using Life Drain on lightly armored targets or spellcasters to weaken the party's sustainability. They coordinate with undead minions to focus fire on one target at a time, using the Multiattack action to apply pressure. If isolated, they attempt to disengage and reposition rather than trade blows directly.
Environment & Setting
Wights naturally inhabit ancient barrow mounds, haunted castles, cursed graveyards, and dungeon crypts where undead congregate. These locations should provide pillars, tombs, or terrain features for tactical positioning and undead minion ambushes.