Cortex Crawler

Detect Sentience. The cortex crawler can sense the presence and location of any creature within 300 feet of it that has an Intelligence of 3 or higher, regardless of interposing barriers, unless the creature is protected by a mind blank spell.

Spider Climb. The cortex crawler can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Devour Intellect. The cortex crawler targets one creature it can see within 10 feet of it that has a brain. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Intelligence saving throw against this magic or take 18 (6d6) psychic damage. Also on a failure, roll 3d6: If the total equals or exceeds the target’s Intelligence score, that score is reduced to 0. The target is stunned until it regains at least one point of Intelligence.

Defensive Block. The cortex crawler brings up its arms and defends itself, making all damage do half as much as intended.

Crushing Blow. Melee Weapon Attack: +19 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (3d10 + 8) bludgeon damage.

Sharpened Jab. Melee Weapon Attack: +19 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (3d10 + 8) piercing damage.

Pincer Crush. Melee Weapon Attack: +26 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 26 (4d10 + 12) bludgeon damage.

Mind Blast (Recharge 5–6). The cortex crawler magically emits psychic energy in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 15 Intelligence saving throw or take 22 (4d8 + 4) psychic damage and be stunned for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.