Mantis, Giant

Large beast, unaligned

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 59 (7d8 + 28)
Speed 20 ft., climb 20 ft., fly 60 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	13 (+1)	18 (+4)	3 (-4)	14 (+2)	1 (-5)

Skills Athletics +5, Perception +4, Stealth +3
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages –
Challenge 3 (450 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Foliage Camouflage. The giant mantis has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide among plants or other greenery.
• Gnaw. If the giant mantis begins its turn with a creature grappled, as a bonus action it can make a bite attack against that creature with advantage on the attack roll.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The giant mantis can make two claw attacks.
• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) piercing damage.
• Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) slashing damage, and if the target is Medium or smaller the blood mantis can use a bonus action to make a Strength (Athletics) check to grapple the target.
• Lunge. A giant mantis’ limbs are capable of reaching much farther than normal for a creature of its size. If not using multiattack, it can make a single claw attack with advantage on the attack roll and a reach of 20 feet. It cannot grapple a creature with this Lunge unless the target is Small or smaller.
• Pounce (Recharge 5-6). The blood mantis moves up to its speed and makes a bite attack and two claw attacks with advantage on its attack rolls. It cannot use this ability while it is grappling a creature.

ABOUT

Cousin to the simple hunting insects that devour pests and sometimes are kept as pets, these green hunters’ deadly front limbs fold under its head as it lies in wait for food. Giant mantises are feared along caravan tracks that pass through dense woodlands, as despite their size they are masters of hiding in dense undergrowth, almost unnaturally patient as they lie in wait and striking with unsettling speed as unsuspecting meals wander by.