Plague Bearer

Medium undead, neutral evil

Plague bearers are the reanimated corpses of those who died of the Grey Wasting --- a Void-born disease that liquefies internal organs while keeping the body upright and mobile. The disease preserves the corpse in a grotesque state of semi-decay: skin sloughing in wet sheets, bloated abdomen distended with necrotic fluid, orifices weeping a black ichor that carries the infection forward. Plague bearers wander aimlessly, drawn toward population centers by an instinct they no longer have the mind to understand. They do not attack with intent --- they simply approach, embrace, and share what killed them.

Armor Class:8

Hit Points:52 (8d8 + 16)

Speed:20 ft

Challenge:CR 3

STR

14 (+2)

DEX

6 (-2)

CON

15 (+2)

INT

3 (-4)

WIS

6 (-2)

CHA

3 (-4)

Damage Immunities:Necrotic, poison

Condition Immunities:Exhaustion, poisoned

Senses:Darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 8

Fear Check:DC 12 Wisdom save when first encountered.

Traits

Undead Fortitude. As the shambling corpse (CON save, DC = 5 + damage taken; radiant or critical hits bypass).

Plague Aura. Any living creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the plague bearer must succeed on a DC 13 CON save or become poisoned until the start of its next turn. A creature that fails this save by 5 or more contracts **Grey Wasting** (see below).

Burst. When the plague bearer is reduced to 0 HP, it explodes in a spray of necrotic fluid. Each creature within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 13 DEX save or take 7 (2d6) necrotic damage and must make a DC 13 CON save or contract Grey Wasting.

Actions

Slam. Melee: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage plus 4 (1d8) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 13 CON save or contract Grey Wasting.