Mimic Virus

Family: Mimic

Medium monstrosity (shapechanger, microscopic cloud), neutral

Armor Class 15 (unarmored)

Hit Points 26 (5d8+5)

Speed 10 ft., fly 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
3 (-4)	14 (+2)	18 (+4)	4 (-3)	12 (+1)	3 (-4)

Saving Throws Dexterity +4, Constitution +6
Skills Stealth +6, Survival +5
Damage Vulnerabilities fire, cold
Condition Immunities prone
Senses tremorsense 20 ft., empathic awareness 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)

Special Traits

• Shapechange Virus. The virus can invade another creature’s space and vice versa, and can move through any opening large enough for a Tiny creature. The mimic virus can use its action to polymorph its victim from its normal form into an object corresponding in size to its normal form. Tiny creatures can become tiny objects and so forth. Its Statistics are the same in each form, but it loses the ability to engage in complex actions like spellcasting or abstract thinking. Any Equipment it is wearing or carrying is transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
• Detectable by Magic. The virus is too small to be seen with the naked eye and even most non-magical visual aids. Detect magic and other similar spells, can detect the presence of the virus both prior and after an attack.
• Life Awareness. The virus has a rudimentary awareness that allows it to sense potential victims using their life force or aura. Creatures that are not living or have magically masked their life aura or living status are not detectable in this way.

Actions

• Infect. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target in the swarm’s space. Hit: (5) 2d4 piercing damage + (5) 2d4 acid damage. Target must succeed on a Constitution saving throw DC 15 or transform into an inconspicuous object in the vicinity of the attack. Choose suitable objects in terms of size and presence in any given setting. Cure disease and similar spells allow an additional DC 15 Constitution saving throw.

Lair Actions

Mimic Viral Colony. If encountered in a viral colony the mimic can affect up to 5 victims within 20 ft. in the same manner as stated above. Roll individually for all intended victims and resolve each attack separately.

About

Sentient victims changed into a mimic react as a mimic of the same size category as their original form. Feel free to imbue their new forms with references to their original forms for added dread.