Hive Golem
Host and leader of its legion of insects, the Hive Golem hides swarms of bugs beneath its pale, papery skin. Underneath is a man-made metallic skeleton, but few ever get the chance to see beneath its infested husk, as both the Golem itself and the swarms it commands are formidable and highly territorial.
It acts with one goal: to spread its hive as far as it can. It typically hides out in forests, swamps, and other warm, damp areas rich in plant and animal life. However, sometimes the circumstances drive it to populated areas, whether by accident or in search of new land to claim for the hive. Either way, a Hive Golem infestation leaves nothing but death and destruction in its wake.
If you have the misfortune to create a Hive Golem, destroy it before its insect followers can infest its body. And if you hear the sound of its swarm humming in the distance... run.
Author: /u/Giglephlof
Credits: /u/wavec022, /u/Forgemanster183260, /u/Phylea
Art: "Wasp Paper Golem" by Mac-tire
Hive Golem
Large construct, neutral evil
- Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
- Hit Points 114 (12d10 + 48)
- Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 6 (-2) 14 (+2) 4 (-3)
- Saving Throws Str +7
- Skills Perception +5, Stealth +5
- Damage Vulnerabilities acid, fire (see Husk)
- Damage Resistances thunder; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
- Damage Immunities poison
- Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
- Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
- Languages understands the languages of its creator but can't speak, telepathy 30 ft.
- Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
Husk. The golem is initially covered in an insect hive that gives it vulnerability to fire damage but grants access to the ensnaring strike spell. If a hostile creature starts its turn within 5 feet of the golem while this trait is active, the creature takes 4 (1d6) piercing damage. When the golem is reduced to 50 hit points, the husk is destroyed and a swarm of wasps appears in a space within 5 feet of the golem.
Innate Spellcasting. The Hive Golem's innate spellcasting ability is Constitution (spell save DC 15). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no components:
At will: ensnaring strike (see Husk), infestation
1/day: insect plague
Swarm Lord (1/Day). As a bonus action, the Hive Golem can summon 1d6 swarms of wasps in unoccupied spaces it can see within 120 feet of it.
Actions
Multiattack. The Hive Golem makes two attacks: one with its claws and one with its staff.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.
Hive Staff. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or suffer the effects of the infestation spell.
Reactions
Hive's Retaliation. When hit by a ranged attack, the Hive Golem can send a small swarm to the attacker. The target must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 9 (2d8) piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful save.