Ankheg
- Size: Large
- Type: Monstrosity
- Alignment: Unaligned
- AC: 14
- Initiative: +0(10)
- HP: 45(6d10+12)
- Speed: 30 ft, Burrow 10 ft .
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 17 | +3 | +3 |
| Dex | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| Con | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| INT | 1 | -5 | -5 |
| Wis | 13 | +1 | +1 |
| CHA | 6 | -2 | -2 |
- Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Tremorsense 60 ft.; Passive Perception 11
- Languages: None
- CR: 2 (XP 450; PB +2 )
Traits
Tunneler. The ankheg can burrow through solid rock at half its Burrow Speed and leaves a 10 -foot-diameter tunnel in its wake.
Actions
Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +5 (with Advantage if the target is Grappled by the ankheg), reach 5 ft . Hit: 10(2d6+3) Slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) Acid damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature, it has the Grappled condition (escape DC 13).
Acid Spray (Recharge 6). Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 12, each creature in a 30 -foot-long, 5 -foot-wide Line. Failure: 14 (4d6) Acid damage. Success: Half damage.
Lore & Background
Ankhegs are massive burrowing insects that dwell in underground tunnel networks, emerging to hunt for prey on the surface. These ambush predators are equally at home above or below ground, using their powerful mandibles and acidic secretions to overwhelm victims. They resemble enormous beetles with chitinous armor and can grow to tremendous sizes.
These creatures are solitary hunters that establish territories spanning several square miles. They create complex burrow systems with multiple entrances and escape routes, often honeycombimg the ground beneath forests or grasslands. Ankhegs are patient predators, sometimes waiting motionless for days until suitable prey passes overhead.
Despite their fearsome appearance, ankhegs are not inherently evil - they are simply following their predatory instincts. They play an important ecological role as both predator and prey, and their burrowing activities help aerate soil and create underground waterways.
Combat Tactics
Ankhegs are ambush predators that rely on surprise and overwhelming force. They typically burrow just beneath the surface, detecting prey through ground vibrations. When a target approaches, they burst from the earth with explosive force, attempting to grapple victims with their powerful mandibles.
If initial attacks fail, ankhegs use their acid spray to weaken multiple opponents or create escape opportunities. They prefer to drag single victims into their burrows where they have the advantage, using the confined space to prevent escape and gang up with other ankhegs if necessary.
When seriously threatened, ankhegs retreat underground, using their superior burrowing speed to escape. They are intelligent enough to remember dangerous foes and may relocate their territories if consistently threatened.
Encounter Ideas
The Failing Farm: Livestock and farmers have been disappearing near a rural community. Investigation reveals ankheg tunnels beneath the fields, with the creatures drawn to the area by regular feeding patterns.
The Unstable Ground: A trade route becomes treacherous as ankheg tunnels undermine the road surface. Travelers face both cave-ins and surprise attacks from below.
The Treasure Hunter's Dilemma: An ankheg's lair contains the remains of previous victims, including valuable equipment and possibly important documents or maps.
The Ecological Survey: Scholars studying the local ecosystem discover that ankhegs are essential to the area's health, creating a moral conflict when settlers want them eliminated.
Environmental Effects
Ankheg territories feature distinctive environmental characteristics:
- Unstable Ground: Areas honeycombed with tunnels may collapse under weight, creating difficult terrain or trap-like situations
- Acid Pools: Accumulated acid secretions create dangerous puddles and corroded vegetation
- Unusual Plant Growth: Ankheg waste creates nutrient-rich soil that supports particularly lush vegetation
- Wildlife Patterns: Local animals avoid ankheg territories, creating 'dead zones' in animal migration routes
Treasure
Ankheg Shells: The chitinous armor of dead ankhegs can be harvested and crafted into natural armor by skilled artisans.
Victim Remains: Ankheg lairs often contain the belongings of previous victims, potentially including valuable items or important information.
Acid Glands: The acid-producing organs can be carefully harvested for alchemical purposes or weapon enhancement.
Tunnel Systems: The extensive burrow networks themselves can be valuable as hideouts, storage areas, or defensive positions.
Plot Hooks
The Missing Expedition: A research team studying underground ecosystems has disappeared in ankheg territory. Their research notes could be vital to preventing an ecological disaster.
The Ancient Tunnels: Ankheg burrows have uncovered ruins of an ancient civilization, but the creatures guard their territory fiercely against archaeological expeditions.
The Farmer's Pact: A desperate farmer has made a deal with local ankhegs, feeding them in exchange for protection from bandits. The arrangement is becoming unsustainable as the creatures multiply.