Nightmare
Large Fiend · · CR 3
- Fiend
- Large
- Tier 1
Nightmare is a large fiend of neutral evil alignment, CR 3. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 3
- Type
- Fiend
- Size
- Large
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- —
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Nightmares dwell in the Lower Planes, particularly the Abyss and shadow-realms, serving as mounts for fiends and dark riders. They feed on fear, drawing sustenance from the terror of those they trample. They reproduce rarely, with rare matings producing volatile foals. They live for centuries, growing more intelligent with age. On the Material Plane, they accompany summoners or wander after their riders die. They despise sunlight and natural meadows, retreating to ash-fields or cursed plains. Their hoofprints leave scorch marks for years.
Behaviour
Nightmares are vicious, intelligent, and contemptuous of riders. They tolerate only the strongest masters, throwing weak riders. They communicate via Abyssal whinnies and shared-thought when bonded. They take pleasure in trampling living things, especially children and innocents. They flee to the Ethereal Plane when wounded, returning later with grudges. They never form herds, preferring solitary existence between summons. They despise pegasi and unicorns, attacking them on sight when paths cross.
Origin
Nightmares were created when fiends bred captured pegasi with shadow-stallions in infernal stables, producing foals that retained equine grace but absorbed corruption. Some sages claim they were originally created by the demon lord of beasts. Others argue they are spontaneous emanations from the Plane of Shadow, taking equine form because of mortal myth. They are summoned by spells like Find Greater Steed in dark variants, binding nightmare-souls to mortal riders. Their flame-hooves are signature elements.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Nightmare
- What is the challenge rating of Nightmare?
- Nightmare has a challenge rating of 3. It fits parties at the start of their adventuring careers.
- What type of creature is Nightmare?
- The bestiary type for Nightmare is fiend, large size.