Blighted Giant Cactus (Hive Lord)

Hive Mind. The Blighted Giant Cactus Hive Lord shares a hive mentality with other Blighted creatures, allowing them to coordinate attacks. If one Blighted creature is aware of a hostile creature, all others in the hive mind are also aware.

Blighted Scourge. Natural weapon attacks by the Blighted Giant Cactus 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.

Thorn Burst. When the Blighted Giant Cactus Hive Lord takes damage, it releases a burst of blighted thorns. Each creature within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 13 (3d8) piercing damage.

Spreading Spores Aura. The Hive Lord exudes a 10-foot radius aura of blighted spores. Any creature that starts its turn within the aura must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 7 (2d6) blighted energy damage and advance one stage in the Blighted Scourge infection. Blighted creatures are immune to this effect.

Multiattack. The Blighted Giant Cactus Hive Lord makes two Spine Volley attacks.

Spine Volley. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 30 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be infected with the Blighted Scourge.

Blighted Spore Cloud (Recharge 5-6). The Hive Lord releases a cloud of blighted spores in a 20-foot radius. Each creature in the area must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 14 (4d6) blighted energy damage and be infected with the Blighted Scourge. The cloud heavily obscures the area until the end of the Hive Lord’s next turn.

The Blighted Giant Cactus 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 only be used at the end of another creature’s turn. The Hive Lord regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

• Spine Volley. The Hive Lord makes a Spine Volley attack.
• Blighted Siphon (Costs 2 Actions). The Hive Lord targets a creature within 30 feet, attempting to drain its vitality. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 10 (3d6) necrotic damage, with the Hive Lord regaining hit points equal to the damage dealt. If the target fails, it also advances one stage in the Blighted Scourge infection.
• Corruptive Spores (Costs 3 Actions). The Hive Lord releases a concentrated burst of spores in a 10-foot radius centered on itself. Each creature in the area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 13 (3d8) blighted energy damage and be infected with the Blighted Scourge.