Bombardier Ankheg

Bombardier Ankhegs are a subspecies of ankheg, a large insect-like creature, that live in desert and tropical areas. They are burrowing, ambush predators.

Description

Appearance

These large, insectoid creatures have segmented bodies that are nearly ten feet long. Unlike other ankhegs, whose head is their larges segment, bombardier ankhegs are larger in the abdomen. As opposed to their cousin species brownish color, these are a yellow in the head and thorax, with their abdomen covered in a hard, black carapace. The softer underside and segments between plates of chitin seem to glow from the inside before they release a spray of acid and their prey.

Statistics

Ankheg
Large Monstrosity

Armor Class 17 (natural armor), 14 while prone
Hit Points 72
Speed 30 ft., burrow 10 ft.

STR 17 (+3)
DEX 11 (+0)
CON 16 (+3)
INT 1 (-5)
WIS 14 (+2)
CHA 6 (-2)

Darkvision 60 ft.
Tremorsense 60 ft.

Actions
Bite Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) acid damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature, it is grappled (escape DC 13). Until this grapple ends, the ankheg can bite only the grappled creature and has advantage on attack rolls to do so.

Acid Spray (Recharge 6). The ankheg spits acid in a line that is 30 feet long and 5 feet wide, provided that it has no creature grappled. Each creature in that line must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking (3d6) acid damage and (3d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

History

Ankhegs were first discovered in the plains of Malgrave but as their numbers grew, they began to migrate, following prey across the world. In areas of the world that are frequently at a higher temperature, some of the vegetation seemed to be absorbing energes from the Elemental Plane of Fire. As ankhegs began inhabiting these areas, they would eat the vegetation and eventually adapt over the millennia, the ones in these areas developed hotter, burning acids and would eventually be recognized as their own subspecies.

Uses

The chemicals inside a bombardier ankheg are incredibly useful, being used to make potions, alcohol and even used to soak items to imbue them with new properties. The meat is very nutricious and naturally spicy, so it is easy to eat unseasoned. The carapace has been used often for crafting armor and weapons by the races that make their homes in the jungles and deserts of Malgrave.