The waning drone’s skin is torn from navel to collar in a v-pattern, the ragged flesh along the edges hanging like a feathered hem. This vile, but non-lethal, rupture exposes a think latticework of direfly honeycomb, withered but living organs, and sigil-scared bones. A glassy stupor commands the drone’s gaze for it feels no pain. Its teeth are stained red and lips puckered by sting scars. Most of the time it wears a great coat laced closed to hide its abused form and a floppy hat. It’s hard to tell it apart from other cultists until the blood and honey starts flying.  

Fodder. While the waning cult is dedicated to their dark fey masters, sometimes they lack the courage to wade into a fight against well-armed opponents. That is where the waning drones come in. Failed cultists are restrained and fed direfly larva until their body bungles with the burrowing insects. Their mind is wiped clean by the buzzing and the pain leaving a dutiful, dull-witted creature somewhere between person and walking-hive. Armed with a reinforced sickle, they wade into battle as directed and think nothing of gorging out direflies on their foes, even at the cost of their own lives.

Waning Drone

Medium monstrosity, lawful evil

Armor Class 15 (studded leather, shield)

32 (5d8 + 10)

Speed 30 ft

Str 14 Dex 13 Con 14 Int 5 Wis 8 Cha 9

Damage Vulnerabilities bludgeoning

Damage Resistances piercing, slashing

Condition Immunities exhaustion, frightened

Sensesdarkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 9

Languages understands Common but cannot speak

Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Hollow.

If the cultist takes more than 5 damage from a single melee attack, part of its body splits open in a gush of blood honey and direfly larvae. The disgusting sight and foul smell disturb most creatures. Creatures within 10ft must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom save or only able to take an action or a bonus action on their next turn, but not both.

Limited Telepathy.

The cultist can magically communicate simple ideas, emotions, and images telepathically with any creature within 60 ft. of it.

Actions

Hafted Sickle.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage

Javelin.

Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage

Insides Out.

The waning drone vomits out a stream of blood honey and writhing direfly larva that is 5ft wide and 15 ft long and takes 10(3d6) necrotic damage that cannot be prevented or reduced in any way. All creatures in the area of effect must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity save or take 10(3d6) necrotic damage and be Poisoned until the end of their turn. If Insides Out brings the waning drone to 0 hit points, it dies and the DC of this action increases to 14.