Zar'tesh, Alpha of the Desert Scorpions

Blighted Resilience. Zar'tesh is resistant to blighted energy and immune to the Blighted Scourge. He cannot be infected by the Blighted Scourge.

Master Sand Manipulation. Zar'tesh can shape a 30-foot cube of sand into solid structures such as barriers, walls, or objects. These structures last as long as Zar'tesh remains in the area, or for 1 hour if he leaves.

Domain of Whispering Sands. Zar'tesh creates a massive sandstorm in a 240-foot radius around his nest. While Zar'tesh and his kin remain in the area, the domain remains active. Effects include:

• Blighted Energy Suppression. The domain gradually purifies blighted energy within it.
• Enhanced Awareness. Zar'tesh and his allies sense all creatures within the sandstorm.
• Disadvantage for Enemies. Enemies within the storm have disadvantage on attack rolls, and blighted creatures take 6d6 bludgeoning damage per turn within the domain.

Humanoid Shapeshift (At Will). Zar'tesh can shapeshift into a humanoid form at will. In this form:

• He retains his Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma but loses his natural weapons.
• His AC is 20.
• He automatically reverts to his original form if he drops to 0 hit points or as a bonus action.

Multiattack. Zar'tesh makes two attacks: one with his Sting and one with his Pincer.

Sting. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (3d8 + 8) piercing damage plus 28 (8d6) poison damage. The target must succeed on a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute.

Pincer. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 26 (4d8 + 8) bludgeoning damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 20). Zar'tesh can grapple two creatures at a time.

Sandstorm Barrage (Recharge 5-6). Zar'tesh unleashes a storm of sand and stone in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, taking 32 (8d8) bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Summon Sand Elementals (2/Day). As a bonus action, Zar'tesh can summon a Sand Elemental to fight alongside him, composed of animated sand from his surroundings. The elemental acts on Zar'tesh’s initiative and fights until dismissed, destroyed, or after 10 minutes.

Sand Shield (3/Day). When Zar'tesh or an ally within 60 feet is targeted by an attack, Zar'tesh can react by creating a protective sand shield, granting a +2 bonus to AC against the triggering attack.

Zar'tesh can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time, only at the end of another creature's turn. Zar'tesh regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Poisonous Sting. Zar'tesh makes a Sting attack against a creature within 10 feet.

Sand Burst (Costs 2 Actions). Zar'tesh targets an area within 30 feet, causing sand to erupt in a 20-foot radius. Each creature in the area must make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) bludgeoning damage and being knocked prone on a failure.

Toxic Sand Cloud (Costs 3 Actions). Zar'tesh releases a poisonous sand cloud in a 30-foot radius. Each creature must make a DC 20 Constitution saving throw, taking 15 (5d6) poison damage and being poisoned for 1 minute on a failure.