When corpses gather and start to decay, they attract insects and plants. Over time, if left undisturbed, these remains can form what’s known as a shambling hive. As the hive grows, it becomes a haven for insects and plants alike. Once it’s sturdy enough, the hive, along with its inhabitants, begins to move, seeking out fresh or decaying creatures for sustenance.
Shambling hives initially consist of native plants and insects found in the area of their formation. However, as they roam in search of food, they attract a diverse array of new plants and creatures to inhabit them. Over time, exceptionally ancient shambling hives become adorned with a multitude of distinct plants and creatures, each telling a tale of the hive’s journey.
Shambling hives are most active after rain or during early morning fog, when moisture reinvigorates them and their resident swarms are well rested and ready for hunting. They can devour a medium sized corpse within two weeks, leaving little behind except for scattered bones and gear entangled in its foliage.
Shambling Hive
Large Plant, Typically Unaligned
Armor Class 11
Hit Points 147 (14d10 + 70)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 (+5) | 13 (+1) | 20 (+5) | 6 (-2) | 12 (+1) | 3 (-4) |
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages —
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +3
Wasp Aura. Wasps swirl around the hive in a 10-foot-radius aura. When a hostile creature enters or starts its turn in the area, it must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 10 (4d4) piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Actions
Multiattack. The hive makes two Claw attacks and uses Feed.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature, it has the grappled condition (escape DC 15). While the target is grappled this way, it has the restrained condition and the hive can’t use this claw on another target.
Feed. Insects crawl out from the hive’s pores. A swarm of insects (see the Monster Manual) appears in the space of each creature grappled by the hive. The swarm is an ally of the hive.
Swarm Spew (Recharge 5–6). The hive releases swarms of wasps from its mouth in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes 30 (12d4) piercing damage and a swarm of wasps (see the Monster Manual) appears in its space. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage only. The swarm is an ally of the hive.
Downloads
Further Reading
A dungeon overrun with plants might have shambling hives and carnivorous grasslings.
A shambling hive made from seaweed and reeds might be home to redfin leapers.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
