Swordwraith

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Greyhawk creature
Swordwraith
A swordwraith, as depicted in the Monstrous Compendium Appendix: Greyhawk (1990). Art by Mark Nelson.
Alignment: Usually lawful evil
Type: Undead
First appearance: Greyhawk Adventures (1988)

Swordwraiths are the undead remains of mercenaries so devoted to their professions that they continue to battle endlessly in undeath.

Description[edit | edit source]

"[Swordwraiths] exist wherever large battles have been fought. Most of [the Fiend-Sage's] information comes from swordwraiths in a company found in the Bone March, which were willing to talk in exchange for several dozen magical crossbow bolts. [The Fiend Sage found] it interesting to note that some of the swordwraiths in the Stark Mounds have chosen to make attacks against the giants controlling Geoff, either out of ancient loyalties or in search of plunder." [1]

"Swordwraiths are the spirits of warriors cut down during battle. They are seen only at night or underground where the sun never shines." [2]

Typical physical characteristics[edit | edit source]

Swordwraiths appear as they did in life, except their equipment is more battered and their flesh is insubstantial. In dim light or darkness, their eyes emit a dim glow.[1][3] In dim light or darkness, their eyes glow dimly.

"Swordwraiths are consumed with the desire to do battle. They fight with all the skill they had in life. Swordwraiths congregate in legions just like they did in life. They plan raids and assaults on any nearby settlement, just to satisfy their urge for war. Each engagement has an objective, but only to give focus and direction to the attack. Looting and pillaging is never the way of the swordwraiths. They glory in the battle, not the plunder. They will attack merchant caravans as readily as they will well-armed adventurers." [4]

Ecology[edit | edit source]

As undead, swordwraiths contribute nothing to the ecosystem except for the death they deal. Unlike ghouls, wights, and similar creatures, they do not seem to hunger for life energy or flesh. They simply kill as the warriors they once were.

Environment[edit | edit source]

These undead are most common in the Stark Mounds, most likely due to the curse of the archmage Vargalian during the Battle of Gorna in 450 CY. In the Stark Mounds, many of them attack the giants controlling the realm.[1] They are also found in the Bone March and beneath Castle Greyhawk.

Alignment[edit | edit source]

Swordwraiths are usually lawful evil.[1][3]

Society[edit | edit source]

Swordwraiths usually remain with others of the same mercenary company in which they served in life, so they usually bear the same insignia.[1]

Language[edit | edit source]

Swordwraiths speak the same languages they spoke when they were alive. They may be willing to parlay with their opponents if convinced they have met their military equals (or superiors).[1][3]

Abilities[edit | edit source]

They retain their knowledge of strategy and tactics and the speak common. Damage caused by swordwraith is 1d10 regardless of weapon. Each hit drains 1 point of Strength from the victim; a victim whose Strength reaches 0 dies."[2]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Disclaimer:Any lore presented through the following links does not necessarily adhere to established officially published content, and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki.

References[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Despite their depiction in fifth edition art suggesting that they are incorporeal, 5e sword wraiths do not have the "Incorporeal movement" or "Etherealness" abilities, or the "incorporeal" type like similar undead in other editions.

Citations[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ a b c d e f "Enchiridion of the Fiend-Sage".  Living Greyhawk Journal #3 (Feb 2001), p.25.  
  2. ↑ a b 1991 Trading Cardds, p.301.
  3. ↑ a b c Fiend Folio (2003), p.173.
  4. ↑ Spellfire Reference Guide, p.153.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

  • 1991 Trading Cards, #301
  • Breault, Mike, ed, et al. Greyhawk Monstrous Compendium Appendix. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990.
  • Cagle, Eric, et al. Fiend Folio. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2003.
  • Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford. Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes. Edited by Kim Mohan, Michele Carter. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 241. (May 29, 2018) ISBN 978-0786966240.
  • Reynolds, Sean K. "Enchiridion of the Fiend-Sage." Living Greyhawk Journal #3. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2001.
  • Nesmith, Bruce and Tim Beach, Spellfire Reference Guide, p156. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1995.
  • Ward, James. Greyhawk Adventures. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1988.

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Index is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, and his work as continued and updated by Eric Johnson, Richard DiIoia, Jason "PupickDad" Jacobson, a French fan group, and numerous other fans over the years. The wiki page for the EGI has a list of sources, full product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic Type Description Product Page/Card/Image

Swordwraith Monster Fiend Folio, D&D 3.0 173-174
Swordwraith Monster Living Greyhawk Journal #3 25
Swordwraith Monster MC5 Monstrous Compendium Greyhawk Adventures Appendix Insert (Wraith), Encounter Tables
Swordwraith Monster Oerth Journal #25 20
Swordwraith Monster 1991 TSR Trading Cards - Factory Set 301
Swordwraith (Stark Mounds Undead Spirit) Monster Native of: Prime Material, Greyhawk Adventures 31, 32
Wraith, Swordwraith Monster Reference SEE Swordwraith
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