“Out of the lightless forest, a low croaking-growl echoed through the trees, making birds scatter and insects burrow. Loud, thumping footsteps followed, the trees shaking from their weight and bending to give way to their creator. Young Hadik froze in terror, watching as the world around him gave in to the beast that lurked, unable to tear his eyes away from its silhouette as it grew larger and larger. In a flash, the beast's face crossed a break in the forest cover, starlight hitting it like a spotlight, making the whole world slow down. His eyes traced its hungry features, the Earth Speakers had told many tales of the Greater Drog, the few stories that young Hadik had wished to never see for himself.”

When the Lights Went Out

Greater Drog

Giant Beast, Neutral Evil

Armour Class: 18 (natural armour)

Hit Points: 140 (20d8+60)

Speed: 30 ft., swim 60 ft.

Damage Resistances: Non-Magical Bludgeoning, Piercing and Slashing (unless submerged).

Damage Immunities: Cold, Acid.

Condition Immunities: Frightened, Charmed.

Languages: None.

Challenge Rating: 18 (20,000 XP)

Frightening Presence. Any creatures first look at a Greater Drog is instilled with fear. Any such creature must succeed a Wisdom Save (DC 14) or be frightened for 1d4 minutes. They can attempt to roll the save again at the end of each of their turns until successful or the time ends.

Acidic Pours. Unless submerged, the Greater Drog’s armoured scales excreet a corrosive acid that damages any non-magical weapon or item that comes into contact with it.

Actions

Multiattack. The Greater Drog makes two attacks, one with its bite and two with its claws.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack. +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (4d8+5) piercing damage.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack. +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit 17 (4d6+5) slashing damage.

Pounce. The Greater Drog moves in a straight line 20 ft. Any creature occupying the space it lands in must make a Dexterity Save (DC 15) or take 12 (4d6) bludgeoning damage as they are landed on. Due to being under the creature they are then considered grappled until the creature moves out of their space or they succeed a subsiquent Strength Save (DC 12).

Tongue Grapple. Melee Weapon Attack. +7 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit 9 (2d4+5) bludgeoning damage. The creature is then grappled and pulled towards the Greater Drog to a distance of 5ft. The grappled creature can then attempt a Strength Save (DC 16) once per turn until it is free. The Greater Drog cannot make bite attacks whilst it has a creature grappled.

Swallow. When the Greater Drog has a creature grappled, it can attempt to swallow them. The grappled creature must make a Strength Save (DC 16) or be consumed and considered restrained. Whilst in the Greater Drog’s stomach the creature takes 18 (6d6) acid damage per turn and will begin to suffocate after 1d4 minutes.