More on the Brood

Black chitin horns curl away from the humanoid’s temples and under its pointed ears in the same manner as a ram’s. Likewise, the brood’s facial structure vaguely resembles a goat with a wide-flat nose and pointed chin. The creature is covered in fine, black downy from head to chitin hoof with a head of wild hair. One might mistake the brood for a satyr if not for its straight, human-like legs and blood-red furrow running from nap to sacrum filled with twitching cilia. Despite its aberrant nature, most would describe the brood as becoming. Other humanoids find something sensual and primal about the feral creature that is all too compelling.

The typical brood dresses in flowing, risque clothing. They enjoy the freedom of movement it grants, the attention it garners, and the ease of removal provided. Most brood are proud of their bodies, no matter what ‘flaws’ it might have as every last cell is a gift of the Dark Mother. They are each an example of Her divine perfection and to hide their form is to demean Her grace. Some brood prefer bright, contrasting colors to their dark fur while others lean into an almost gothic attire depending on individual preference.

The brood composer wears the most clothing of the species, though most of that is a combination of harness and pouches bearing a variety of pouches, sacks, sheaths, and other receptacles for its strange instruments. The humanoid wears a simple sarong as well as a complicated pair of spectacles with additional lenses attached via adjustable arms. The composer is always accompanied by floating crystals which shape alien constellations as the creature casts its spells, directs its lessers, and deflects attacks.

Brood Composer

Medium humanoid (Brood), any alignment (usually chaotic)

Armor Class 17 (Harmonic defense)

Hit Points 78 (12d8 + 24)

Speed 30ft

Str 12 Dex 14 Con 15 Int 12 Wis 14 Cha 21

Saving Throws Wis +5, Cha +8

Skills Arcana +4, Performance +8

Damage Resistances psychic

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12

Languages Common, Deep Speech

Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

Anathema Bond.

The brood can use the Wisdom (Animal Handling) skill on Aberrations and Monstrosities. The brood's Animal Friendship spell can also affect Aberrations and Monstrosities with an Intelligence of 3 or less.

Harmonic Defense.

The brood composter adds its Charisma modifier to its armor class. This ability does not function if the brood is Silenced.

Innate Spellcasting.

The brood is a 4th level spellcaster with a spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 16, +8 spell attack modifier). The brood can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

At Will: Shillelagh

1/day: Animal Friendship, Hex

Spellcasting.

The brood composer is a 12th level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 16, +8 spell attack modifier). The brood composer has the following Warlock Spells prepared:

Cantrips (at will): Booming Blade, Eldritch Blast, Friends, Toll the Dead

3 (5th level spell slots): Armor of Agathys, Charm Monster, Counterspell, Dream, Hunger of Hadar, Shatter, Tongues, Witch Bolt

Actions

Multiattack.

The brood composer makes two attacks.

Club.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) bludgeoning damage.

Club (With Shillelagh).

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8+5) bludgeoning damage.

Reactions

Accordance.

Whenever another brood casts a spell within 30ft of the brood composer, the composter may use its reaction to grant that creature 2d6+the spell slot cast in temporary hit points. This reaction does not function if the brood composer is Silenced.