Dungeons & Dragons Zombie Pirate Captain Miniature

This is a highly detailed miniature of a Zombie Pirate Captain.

This model was created by MZ4250 who makes amazingly accurate models of the Monster Manual creatures and provided by Commercial License.

A Zombie Pirate Captain in Dungeons & Dragons is a type of undead creature that combines the traits of a pirate captain with those of a zombie, often serving as a formidable and eerie adversary in nautical or coastal adventures. This creature typically embodies the restless spirit of a once-mighty pirate leader who has been raised from the dead through necromantic magic or a curse, driven by unfinished business, vengeance, or the desire to protect their ill-gotten treasures even in death.

Unlike regular zombies, which are mindless and slow, a Zombie Pirate Captain usually retains some semblance of intelligence and tactical ability, reflecting their former life as a commanding officer of a pirate crew. They might wield a cutlass or a flintlock pistol, and their combat style often mixes brutal physical attacks with cunning leadership, inspiring other undead or cursed sailors to follow their orders. The Zombie Pirate Captain’s presence on the battlefield can be intimidating, often enhanced by ghostly or necrotic energy that saps the strength of their foes or spreads fear among living opponents.

Narratively, a Zombie Pirate Captain serves as a compelling villain or plot device in campaigns involving the sea, cursed treasure, or haunted islands. They might be the guardian of a sunken shipwreck laden with gold, cursed to remain forever bound to their vessel and crew. Encounters with such a creature can range from a direct confrontation in a sunken ship’s hold to a tense negotiation or a desperate race against time to lift the curse binding the captain to undeath. The backstory of a Zombie Pirate Captain often includes themes of betrayal, lost honor, or a tragic fate, making them more than just a mindless foe—they are a lingering shadow of a once-glorious past.

Mechanically, Dungeon Masters often modify standard zombie statistics to include abilities fitting the pirate theme, such as proficiency with maritime weapons, bonuses to intimidation checks, or special attacks representing the captain’s command over other undead minions. Their undead nature grants resistance to certain damage types and immunities common to zombies, making them a durable and dangerous enemy. Overall, the Zombie Pirate Captain is a vivid and atmospheric antagonist who adds depth, tension, and a supernatural edge to pirate-themed D\&D adventures.

37.04mm tall at 32mm scale.