Ankheg

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Ankheg Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the forest, where the sunlight barely pierces through the dense canopy, a creature of ancient terror stirs beneath the earth. Known to the wary villagers as the Ankheg, this monstrous insectoid lurks just beneath the surface, its presence betrayed only by the occasional tremor or the sudden collapse of the ground. As you venture deeper into its territory, the air grows thick with the scent of damp soil and decay, a foreboding reminder of the creature's subterranean domain.

The Ankheg is a fearsome sight to behold, should you be unfortunate enough to encounter it above ground. Its chitinous body, armored with plates of a sickly, mottled brown, blends seamlessly with the earth, making it a master of ambush. Towering over a man, its segmented form is supported by six powerful legs, each ending in razor-sharp claws capable of rending flesh and stone alike. Its head, crowned with a pair of long, serrated mandibles, is both its primary weapon and a tool for burrowing through the soil with terrifying speed.

Legends speak of the Ankheg as a creature born from the nightmares of the earth itself, a guardian of the deep places where light dares not tread. Farmers tell tales of fields left barren overnight, the crops devoured by the insatiable hunger of the beast. It is said that the Ankheg can sense the vibrations of footsteps from miles away, drawn to the surface by the promise of an easy meal. Those who wander too close to its lair may find themselves ensnared in its deadly embrace, dragged beneath the ground to meet a grisly fate.

In the wild, the Ankheg prefers the solitude of dense forests and remote farmlands, where it can hunt undisturbed. Its tunnels, a labyrinthine network of passages, serve as both its hunting grounds and its refuge from the world above. Here, in the darkness, the Ankheg waits with patient malice, a silent predator in a realm of shadows. Beware, for in these lands, the earth itself may rise up to claim the unwary.

Ankheg Skills & Traits

Skills

• Strength: 17 (+3)
• Dexterity: 11 (+0)
• Constitution: 13 (+1)
• Intelligence: 1 (-5)
• Wisdom: 13 (+1)
• Charisma: 6 (-2)

Senses

• Darkvision: 60 ft.
• Passive Perception: 11

Languages

• Understands Common but can't speak

Abilities

• Acid Spray (Recharge 6): The ankheg can spray acid in a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 10 (3d6) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
• Burrow: The ankheg can burrow through the ground, leaving a tunnel behind.

Actions

• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) acid damage.

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Battle Tips for Facing an Ankheg

The Ankheg is a formidable creature often encountered in subterranean environments or rural farmlands. Known for its burrowing abilities and acidic bite, it poses a significant threat to adventurers. Here are some strategic tips for Dungeon Masters and players when dealing with this creature:

For Dungeon Masters

• Ambush Tactics: Utilize the Ankheg's burrowing ability to set up ambushes. Have it emerge from the ground unexpectedly to surprise the party, potentially targeting the backline or spellcasters first.
• Environmental Hazards: Incorporate environmental elements such as collapsing tunnels or unstable ground to add complexity to the encounter. This can make the battle more dynamic and challenging.
• Acidic Terrain: After an Ankheg uses its acid spray, consider leaving patches of acidic terrain that can damage players who end their turn in those areas, forcing them to reposition strategically.

For Players

• Stay Mobile: Avoid clustering together to minimize the impact of the Ankheg's acid spray. Spread out to reduce the number of targets it can hit at once.
• Target Weaknesses: Focus on dealing damage quickly to prevent the Ankheg from retreating underground. Use abilities that can restrain or slow it down to keep it from burrowing away.
• Watch the Ground: Pay attention to any signs of movement or disturbed earth, which may indicate the Ankheg's position. This can help you anticipate its emergence and prepare a counterattack.

Coordinated Attacks with Multiple Ankhegs

• Flanking Maneuvers: Use multiple Ankhegs to flank the party, attacking from different directions to divide their attention and resources.
• Burrow and Retreat: If the battle turns against them, Ankhegs can use their burrowing ability to retreat and regroup, potentially setting up another ambush later.
• Divide and Conquer: Have Ankhegs target isolated or vulnerable party members, using their numbers to overwhelm individual targets before the group can rally.

By leveraging these strategies, both Dungeon Masters and players can create memorable and challenging encounters with Ankhegs, enhancing the overall experience of the adventure.