Giant Scarab

Large monstrosity, unaligned

Armor Class 16 (natural armor)

16 (natural armor) Hit Points 144 (17d10 + 51)

144 (17d10 + 51) Speed 40 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 20 (+5) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 2 (-4) 12 (+1) 5 (-3)

Senses passive Perception 11, tremorsense 20 ft.

passive Perception 11, tremorsense 20 ft. Damage Immunities poison

poison Condition Immunities poisoned

poisoned Languages -

- Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)

Mobile Brood Nest. Giant scarabs build massive orbs of sticky, poisonous resin called a brood ball where they lay their eggs and with which they capture prey (see the Roll Brood Ball action below). A randomly-encountered giant scarab has a 40% chance of possessing a brood ball. A brood ball contains the partially eaten remains of previous victims, and may include their equipment or other treasure.

Actions

Multiattack. The giant scarab makes two attacks with its claws.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit 9 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) poison damage.

Roll Brood Ball. If the giant scarab is gripping a brood ball, it can roll the ball along a 30 ft. long, 5 ft. wide line. Any creature in the line must make make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 16). On a successful save, the creature dodges the ball and there is no further effect. On a failed save, the creature takes 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage, becomes caught in the viscous resin, is restrained, and travels along with the brood ball.

While restrained by the brood ball, the creature takes 2 (1d4) poison damage at the start of each of its turns. A trapped creature can use an action to make a Strength saving throw (DC 18) to escape, or an allied creature can use an action to make a Strength check (DC 18) to pull the creature free. If a creature that was restrained by a brood ball does not thoroughly clean itself and its clothing (either by washing with at least 2 gallons of water or via magical means such as prestidigitation) within 12 hours of being trapped, it contracts the scarabiasis disease, as larvae hatch from stray bits of resin and bore into the creature's flesh.