Hiveskin

Large beast, unaligned

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
21 (+5) 12 (+1) 17 (+3) 2 (-4) 14 (+2) 5 (-3)

Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 127 (15d10 + 45)
Speed 40 ft.
Saving Throws Constitution +6
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)

Special Traits

  • Swarms. The hiveskin is home to three insect swarms. If the hiveskin is attacked the swarms fly out to defend their host.
  • Trampling Charge. If the hiveskin moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a stomp attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the hiveskin can make another stomp attack against it as a bonus action.

Actions

  • Multiattack. The hiveskin makes a stomp and a gore attack.
  • Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) piercing damage.
  • Stomp. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage.

Tactics

Hiveskins are normally peaceful herbivores and do not behave aggressively, but can be fierce combatants if provoked or if their herd or their young are threatened. In the face of common threats, they will allow their insect swarms to attack the threat and then move away until the creature decides that there are easier meals. Under determined attack, the hiveskin will charge the creature, knocking it down and pummeling it on the ground.

Description

The creature appears somewhat like a rhinoceros, heavy bodied, with numerous short horns sprouting from its head. It is surrounded by a swarm of small flying insects that dart in and out of the creature’s skin, seeking shelter in the hollows of the beast’s hide.

Swarm home. Hiveskins are large pachyderms, massively built and sporting many large horns on their heads. Their skin is extremely thick and gray-green in color. Cavities and patchy hair on the creature’s hide and the many bony protrusions on its back are home to a species of large insect known as the hive-fly. These insects can be deadly in a swarm and vigorously defend their host. The hiveskin inhabit plains and grasslands. It gets along well with all kinds of flying vermin, and is sometimes found with swarms of other types of insects than the hive-fly.

Rare mount. Hiveskins are well-tempered, vigilant and steadfast and can serve as a loyal mount once domesticated. However, their tendency to attract swarms of insects remains a challenge for any who would ride one.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Creature Collection 5e Copyright 2020 Onyx Path Publishing, Inc.