Myrmex, the Colossal Ant Tyrant
Huge Monstrosity, Neutral (Guardians of Nature)
Armor Class: 18 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points: 250 (20d12 + 120)
Speed: 40 ft., burrow 20 ft.
Challenge Rating: 12 (8,400 XP)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 12 | 22 | 4 | 14 | 6 |
Saving Throws: Strength +13, Constitution +11, Wisdom +8
Skills: Perception +8, Nature +5, Intimidation +7
Damage Vulnerabilities: Fire
Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Weapons
Damage Immunities: Poison, Psychic
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Paralyzed, Poisoned
Senses: Blindsight 60 ft., Darkvision 120 ft., Tremorsense 60 ft.
Languages: Understands Common and Sylvan but cannot speak; communicates telepathically with Myrmex creatures within 1 mile.
Spellcasting
Spellcasting. The Myrmex is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). The Myrmex has the following spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): *Infestation*, *Shillelagh*
1st level (4 slots): *Entangle*, *Thunderwave*
2nd level (3 slots): *Misty Step*, *Web*
3rd level (3 slots): *Plant Growth*, *Stinking Cloud*
4th level (3 slots): *Blight*, *Greater Invisibility*
5th level (2 slots): *Conjure Celestial*, *Cloudkill*
The Myrmex often uses its higher-level spells before combat begins, utilizing *Greater Invisibility* to approach its prey undetected and then casting *Entangle* during the first round of combat to control the battlefield. It relies on maintaining advantage through stealth and terrain manipulation to maximize its impact in encounters.
Actions & Abilities
Multiattack: Myrmex makes three attacks: one with its Mandible Strike and two with its Claw Attack.
– **Mandible Strike:** Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 3d10 + 6 slashing damage. If the target is reduced to 0 hit points, Myrmex can drag it into its lair as nourishment for lesser Myrmex.
– **Claw Attack**: Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 3d8 + 5 slashing damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it is grappled (escape DC 17). Myrmex can grapple up to two Medium or smaller creatures at once.
Poisonous Bite: Myrmex bites at a target in its vicinity, inflicting poison damage.
– **Bite:** Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4d10 + 5 piercing damage. The target must make a DC 18 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target takes 2d6 poison damage and becomes poisoned for 1 minute (repeat the save at the end of each of its turns).
Dread Command (Recharge 5-6): Myrmex issues a call to its lesser Myrmex minions, summoning them to swarm and attack.
– Myrmex summons 2d10 Giant Ants from the ground within a 20-foot radius. The summoned ants immediately take their turns, attacking creatures of Myrmex’s choice. The swarm remains for 1 minute, until destroyed, or until Myrmex dismisses them.
Earthquake Stomp: Myrmex slams the ground with its massive legs, creating tremors that disrupt foes.
– All creatures within 30 feet of Myrmex must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw or take 4d8 bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. On a successful save, they take half damage and are not knocked prone. The ground remains difficult terrain until the end of Myrmex’s next turn.
Luminous Pulse (Recharge 5-6): Myrmex releases a burst of bioluminescent spores that disorient and impair attackers.
– Each creature of Myrmex’s choice within a 30-foot radius must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or be blinded until the end of their next turn and take 3d6 radiant damage.
Shielding Antennae: When a ranged attack targets Myrmex, it can use its reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll. If the attack misses, Myrmex regains hit points equal to 1d12.
Swarm Tactics: Myrmex instantly commands one of its summoned Giant Ants to take one attack against a target of its choice.
Intimidating Display: Myrmex releases an intimidating roar. Each creature of Myrmex’s choice within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.
Ambush Retreat: Myrmex can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see. If it does, it gains advantage on its next attack roll.
Vibrant Growth: Myrmex causes entangled vines and bioluminescence to burst from the ground. Each creature of Myrmex’s choice within 30 feet must make a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be restrained until the end of their next turn.
Bioluminescent Fog: Myrmex summons a thick mist within a 50-foot radius centered on itself. The area is heavily obscured until the end of Myrmex’s next turn. Any creature within the mist must make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or take 2d6 poison damage and gain disadvantage on the next attack roll (successful save halves damage).
Summon Lesser Myrmex: Myrmex can call upon 1d4 Giant Ants from nearby to join the battle immediately.
Appearance
In the heart of a shadowy forest, the Myrmex stands as a formidable titan, towering at an imposing height of 20 feet. Its robust, muscular build mirrors that of a colossal ant, yet its presence exudes an otherworldly aura, casting an intimidating silhouette against the dim light. The creature’s broad thorax and tapered abdomen create an impressive outline, suggesting both primal strength and an unsettling intelligence.
The Myrmex’s exoskeleton is a striking deep obsidian-black, absorbing the ambient light while reflecting eerie hues of muted greens and blues. Bioluminescent fungi envelop its surroundings, and their glow is echoed in the creature’s design, casting an ethereal shimmer along its body. The striking sight is hypnotic yet foreboding, amplifying the sense of dread it inspires.
Distinctively segmented, the surface of the Myrmex’s chitin is smooth with rugged undertones, displaying fine iridescent ridges that catch light and communicate with the swarm it commands. Each segment is textured for functionality; some are polished, while others bear a coarse finish, a testament to its adaptability within the wilds.
Its face is a chilling mix of elegance and menace, dominated by numerous compound eyes that shimmer in shades of dark green and amber. These eyes, arranged for near-complete visibility, are expressive, imbuing the creature with a disconcerting sense of awareness. The Myrmex’s massive mandibles, lined with jagged teeth, snap with thunderous precision, instantly capable of rending flesh and bone. Above, slender antennae twitch and sway, constantly gauging the air for shifts in its environment, enhancing its menacing allure.
The Myrmex moves on six thick, segmented legs, engineered for stability and immense strength. Each appendage ends in sharp, claw-like tips, perfect for digging into earth or seizing prey. Despite its size, the Myrmex possesses an uncanny agility, its limbs capable of fluid movements that echo with the weight of thunderous steps, striking a balance between raw power and tactical precision. When at rest, it holds a commanding posture, the thorax raised, mandibles poised, as if ready to unleash its wrath upon any who dare approach.
Illuminating its presence further, the Myrmex showcases luminescent patterns along its exoskeleton that pulse softly, akin to the glow of the fungi around it. These lingering lights captivate intruders while communicating silently with its swarm. Alongside this, a low-frequency hum resonates from its body, a natural intimidation tactic that reverberates through the ground, marking its territory.
This creature is further adorned with intricate patterns resembling ancient runes, hinting at elemental forces coursing through its very being. When threatened, these runes ignite with a fierce luminosity, casting long, fearsome shadows and distorting the surrounding air. The totality of the Myrmex—a masterful fusion of beauty, terror, and nature’s raw power—creates a vivid image, a lasting impression of a creature that commands reverence and fear.
Tactical Information
Myrmex, the Colossal Ant Tyrant: Tactical Information
Behavior in Day-to-Day Life:
In its natural habitat deep within ancient forests and sun-dappled caverns, Myrmex enjoys an air of both dominance and eeriness over its territory. It spends its days patrolling the vast underground tunnels and sprawling roots of the forest, always alert to vibrations that indicate intruders. It harbors a maternal sense of protectiveness towards its smaller brethren, the lesser Myrmex, often seen rallying them for foraging expeditions or collective display behaviors.
Myrmex commands tremendous respect within its colony. Smaller Myrmex rush to obey its silent commands, providing reconnaissance to inform their Tyrant of encroaching threats. The ant tyrant’s feeding habits revolve around the nourishment derived from the spoils of intruders and suboptimal, decaying flora or fauna, which it brings back to its lair. The lush bioluminescent fungi that sprout abundantly around its lair not only illuminate its darkened world but also provide nourishment to its insect minions, ensuring that they stay strong and ever-vigilant.
The creature’s temperament can be described as solitary yet paranoid, shaped by centuries of aggression against those who sought to wield its kind as weapons. Myrmex remains quietly relentless in its guardianship, providing a sense of foreboding to those who inadvertently tread too close to its domain.
Combat Behavior:
When threatened, Myrmex responds with a mixture of primal instinct and strategic cunning. It senses the impending threat through the vibrations in the earth, initiating combat with an intimidating display of power—spreading its mandibles wide and emitting a resonant roar that reverberates through the forest floor, shaking the very ground beneath intruders.
Utilizing its tactical mind, Myrmex prefers to fight in environments that favor monstrous size and swarming tactics. By employing its Dread Command, Myrmex summons a swarm of its lesser kin, enveloping opponents in chaos. It uses the swarming tactics to distract and overwhelm its foes, often favoring spellcasters and ranged attackers as targets of opportunity. Combining ruses with brute force, Myrmex directs its minions to harass and disrupt enemy lines while it attempts to single out the most dangerous threats with its Mandible Strike.
In situations where it finds itself outnumbered or facing a skilled opponent, Myrmex exhibits instinctual intelligence, often retreating to areas with dense foliage or possible choke points where its size may not be as great a disadvantage. Depending on the situation, Myrmex might attempt to create an ambush, using its environment to shield itself and forcing adventurers into unfavorable positions. If severely injured, Myrmex will resort to a desperate defense line, rallying every continuous wave of lesser Myrmex to swarm and protect itself.
Roleplay/Narrative Interactions:
In non-combat encounters, the colossal ant tyrant is shrouded in a thick veil of suspicion and distrust. Myrmex communicates primarily through its Hive Mind, giving an aura of near-invulnerability and omnipotence as it instills fear in would-be intruders. It may respond to encroaching adventurers with an intimidating, silent assessment, observing their movements for signs of threat. Should intruders approach with weapons drawn, Myrmex might let out a low, rumbling growl—an eerie reminder of its immense power.
Attempting diplomacy with Myrmex is fraught with peril. It is inherently wary of surface dwellers, viewing them as potential threats to its home and kin. However, should adventurers approach cautiously, it might respond through vibrations and gestures, allowing for a subtext of communication. Should the party offer gifts that appeal to its instincts—witnessed materials from invasive creatures or bribes of rare fungi—Myrmex may briefly consider a form of negotiation. It might perform rituals to signify approval or disinterest, such as slow gestures with its antennae or altering the biome around them.
If cornered or threatened with overwhelming force, Myrmex would not shy away from displaying its full power, raising the stakes of any encounter. It is more likely to retaliate viciously against those it perceives as a direct threat, while attempting to command its swarms to protect its own territory rather than negotiate ceasefires. Ultimately, Myrmex plays the role of both guardian and executor—its presence alone becoming both a challenge and a lesson in humility for any invader brave enough to cross into its domain.
In sum, whether in combat or diplomacy, Myrmex serves as an unforgettable encounter; an embodiment of primal fear and the unyielding power of nature, defeating adventurers not merely through brute force, but through an intrinsic intelligence that keeps them perpetually guessing.
