Holocron

Fexian Skullborer

Small beast · CR 3
sizeSmallcr3
Fexian Skullborer
A small invisible ambusher that drops from above, grapples and stuns prey with poison skin, then extracts the helpless victim's brain.
Lurker
How to run itTurn invisible and lurk on a ceiling, Diving Ambush a lone PC to grapple and stun, then Extract Brain once it's incapacitated; punish anyone who grabs it.

Armor Class 14 · Hit Points 20 (8d6 - 8) · Speed 20 ft., climb 20 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
4 18 8 6 12 7

Diving Ambush (Trait). If the skullborer drops on to target from above and hits it with a bite attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 3 (1d6) kinetic damage per 10 feet fallen, up to 14 (4d6). If the skullborer misses, it takes half normal falling damage for distance fallen.

Poisonous Skin (Trait). Any creature that grapples the skullborer or otherwise comes into direct contact with the skullborer's skin must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be stunned for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

Superior Camouflage (Trait). The skullborer can turn invisible as an action or bonus action.

Bite (Action). Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) kinetic damage. If the target is Medium or smaller, it is grappled (escape DC 14) and must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until this grapple ends.

Extract Brain (Action). Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one incapacitated humanoid grappled by the skullborer. Hit: The target takes 36 (8d8) kinetic damage. If this damage reduces the target to 0 hit points, the skullborer kills the target by extracting and devouring its brain.