Blighted Giant Ape (Hive Lord)

Hive Mind. The Blighted Giant Ape Hive Lord shares a telepathic connection with other Blighted creatures. If one Blighted creature detects a threat, all in the hive are alerted.

Blighted Scourge. The Blighted Giant Ape Hive Lord’s attacks carry the Blighted Scourge. Any creature hit by the ape's Fist or Rock must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or advance one stage in the Blighted Scourge infection.

Blight Discharge (3/Day). Ranged Attack: The Blighted Giant Ape Hive Lord releases a concentrated blight energy blast towards a target within 60 feet. The target must make a DC 16 Wisdom or Constitution saving throw, taking 22 (5d8) blight damage and advancing one stage in the Blighted Scourge on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success.

Multiattack. The ape makes two Fist attacks.

Fist: Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 24 (3d10 + 7) bludgeoning damage.

Rock: Ranged Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, range 50/100 ft., one target. Hit: 33 (7d6 + 7) bludgeoning damage.

Scourged Ground (Recharge 5–6). The Blighted Giant Ape Hive Lord corrupts a 10-foot radius within 60 feet for 1 minute. This area becomes difficult terrain for enemies. Any creature taking damage within this area suffers an additional 1d6 blighted energy damage. Infected creatures must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or advance in the Blighted Scourge infection.

Blighted Call (2/Day). When a creature within the Scourged Ground takes damage, the Blighted Giant Ape Hive Lord may summon a Blighted creature (typically CR 2 or lower) within 5 feet of the target.

The Blighted Giant Ape Hive Lord can take up to 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one option can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The Blighted Giant Ape Hive Lord regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

• Fist (Costs 1 Action): The Blighted Giant Ape Hive Lord makes a Fist attack.
• Blighted Siphon (Costs 2 Actions): The Blighted Giant Ape Hive Lord targets one creature within 30 feet, attempting to drain its vitality. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 18 (4d8) necrotic damage, with the Hive Lord regaining hit points equal to half the damage dealt. A failed save also advances the Blighted Scourge infection.
• Corruptive Slam (Costs 3 Actions): The Blighted Giant Ape Hive Lord slams the ground, releasing a wave of corrupted energy in a 20-foot radius. Each creature in the area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 22 (5d8) blighted energy damage and be infected with the Blighted Scourge.