Blighted Ash Wraith (Hive Lord)

Hive Mind. The Blighted Ash Wraith Hive Lord shares a hive mentality with other Blighted creatures, allowing them to act in unison. If one Blighted creature is aware of a hostile creature, all others in the hive mind are also aware.

Death Burst. When the Blighted Ash Wraith Hive Lord reaches 0 HP, it explodes in a burst of ash and necrotic energy. Each creature within 15 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 17 (5d6) blighted energy damage and be infected with the Blighted Scourge.

Blighted Scourge. Natural weapon attacks by the Ash Wraith Hive Lord can infect creatures with the Blighted Scourge. A creature hit by the Hive Lord’s attack must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or contract the Blighted Scourge.

Aura of Ash. The Blighted Ash Wraith Hive Lord radiates a 10-foot aura of drifting ash. Any creature that starts its turn within the aura must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 7 (2d6) necrotic damage and advance one stage in the Blighted Scourge infection. Blighted creatures are immune to this effect.

Withering Touch. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have their hit point maximum reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. The reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest.

Ash Veil (Recharge 5-6). The Ash Wraith Hive Lord releases a thick cloud of ash in a 20-foot radius around itself. Each creature in the area must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or be blinded until the end of the Ash Wraith Hive Lord’s next turn. The area becomes heavily obscured until the start of the Hive Lord’s next turn.

Summon Blighted Minions (1/Day). The Hive Lord summons 1d4 Blighted Spore creatures within 10 feet of it.

The Blighted Ash Wraith Hive Lord can take 1 legendary action, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time, and it can be used only at the end of another creature’s turn. The Hive Lord regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

• Withering Touch. The Hive Lord makes a Withering Touch attack.
• Blighted Grasp (Costs 2 Actions). The Hive Lord targets one creature within 15 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 10 (3d6) necrotic damage and be restrained until the end of its next turn.
• Ash Burst (Costs 3 Actions). The Hive Lord expels a burst of blighted ash in a 10-foot radius centered on itself. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 14 (4d6) blighted energy damage and be infected with the Blighted Scourge.