Page 212 - Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes Deluxe

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KRUTHIKS
Kruthiks are chitin-covered reptiles that hunt in packs
and nest in sprawling subterranean warrens. They
are attracted to sources of heat, such as dwarven
forges and pools of molten lava, and carve out lairs
as close to such locations as possible. As they
burrow through the earth, they leave behind
tunnels- evidence that is often the first clue to
the nearby presence of a kruthik hive. Kruthiks
also make use of preexisting underground
chambers, incorporating them into their lairs
when they can.
Kruthiks communicate with one another
through a series of hisses and chittering '
noises. These sounds can often be heard
in advance of a kruthik attack. Whenever
their lair is invaded, kruthik guards send
out an alarm by rapidly tapping the stone floor with their
sharp legs.
Sharp Senses. In addition to having an acute sense YOUNG KRUTHIK
Small monstrosity, unaligned
of smell, kruthiks can see in the dark and can detect
vibrations in the earth around them. They take the scent
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
of their own dead as a warning and avoid areas where
Hit Points 9 (2d6 + 2)
many other kruthiks have died. Slaying a sufficient num- Speed 30 ft., burrow 10 ft., climb 30 ft.
ber of kruthiks in one area might cause the remaining
hive members to move elsewhere. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Sharper Weapons. Although they can feed on car- 13 (+l) 16 (+3) 13 (+l) 4 (-3) 10 (+O) 6 (- 2)
rion, kruthiks prefer live prey. They kill enemies by
impaling them on their spiked limbs, then grind up the Senses darkvision 30 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.,
flesh and bones with mandibles strong enough to chew passive Perception 10
rock. When several kruthiks gang up on a single foe, Languages Kruthik
they become frenzied and even more lethal. Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
Shared Lair. Kruthiks abide the presence of con-
structs, elementals, oozes, and undead, and use such Keen Smell. The kruthik has advantage on Wisdom (Perception)
creatures to help guard their hive. Kruthiks are smart checks that rely on smell.
enough to barricade some tunnels and dig new ones Pack Tactics. The kruthik has advantage on an attack roll
that keep their neighbors away from their eggs. against a creature if at least one of the kruthik's allies is within
5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.
Tunneler. The kruthik can burrow through solid rock at half
Kruthiks hatch from eggs laid by female adults. Each its burrowing speed and leaves a 21/2-foot-diameter tunnel
egg is about the size of an adult human's head and in its wake. ' ... .
hatches within a month. Tiny kruthik hatchlings are , ... .
harmless, rarely stray far from the nest, and feed pri- ACTIONS
marily on offal and one another. Within a month, the Stab. Melee Weapon Attack: +S to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
survivors become young kruthiks large enough to hunt Hit: 5 (ld4 + 3) piercing damage.
and defend themselves.

CHAPTER 6 I BESTIARY