Hsing-sing

Large monstrosity, neutral evil

Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit points 45 (6d10 + 12)
Speed 30 ft., climb 15 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	15 (+2)	14 (+2)	20 (+5)	12 (+1)	7 (-2)

Skills Athletics +6, Perception +3, Stealth +4 Condition Resistances psychic
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Hsing-sing
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)

Special Traits

• Keen Smell. The hsing-sing has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
• Possession (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). The hsing-sing attempts to magically possess a humanoid or giant. The hsing-sing must touch the target throughout a short rest, or the attempt fails. At the end of the rest, the target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be possessed by the hsing-sing, which disappears with everything it is carrying and wearing. Until the possession ends, the target is incapacitated, loses control of its body, and is unaware of its surroundings. The hsing-sing now controls the body and can’t be targeted by any attack, spell, or other effect, and it retains its alignment; its Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores; and its proficiencies. It otherwise uses the target’s statistics, except the target’s knowledge, class features, feats, and proficiencies. The possession lasts until either the body drops to 0 hit points, the hsing-sing ends the possession as an action, or the hsing-sing is forced out of the body by an effect such as the dispel evil and good spell. When the possession ends, the hsing-sing reappears in an unoccupied space within 5 feet of the body and is stunned until the end of its next turn. If the host body dies while it is possessed by the hsing-sing, the hsing-sing dies as well, and its body doesn’t reappear. Snow Camouflage. The hsing-sing has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in snowy terrain

Actions

• Multiattack. The hsing-sing can use its Mind Siphon and makes two claw attacks.
• Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage.
• Mind Siphon (Recharge 5–6). The hsing-sing targets a creature it can see within 30 feet of it. The target must make a DC 15 Intelligence saving throw. On a failed save, the target takes 28 (8d6) psychic damage, and the hsing-sing discerns the target’s surface emotions and thoughts. On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage, and the hsing-sing discerns the target’s general emotional state but not its thoughts. Create Brainless Zombie. The hsing-sing targets a humanoid within 10 feet of it that has been died from its mind siphon attack. The target’s corpse rises as a brainless zombie under the hsing-sing’s control. The hsing-sing can have no more than ten brainless zombie under its control at one time.

About

Hsing-sings were once peaceful ape-like beasts that live alone in the mountains. Their peaceful existence was abruptly ended when a parasitic alien life form infected the entire species.

Hsing-sings attack other beings with their Psychic Drain ability, attempting to discover a means of escape from their terrestrial confines.