Husk
Husk Warden
CR 9
Large Husk — Directed (semi-aware)
In the World
Something the Directive doesn't make often. A Husk Warden is not a risen soldier — it is something older, something that was already dead when the Directive found it and chose to invest more. Essa crystallizes visibly across the surface, fracture-white and warm to the touch. The Warden moves with slow deliberation. It has been in the Wastes long enough to develop preference: it remembers particular ruins, particular patrol routes, particular prey. It is not conscious. But it is not mindless. The difference matters when it is looking at you.
Traits
Essa Crystallization
At the start of each of its turns, the Husk Warden regains 10 HP unless it has taken radiant damage since its last turn.
Directive Pulse
Any Husk creature within 60 ft of the Warden that drops to 0 HP instead drops to 1 HP and regains the ability to act at the end of the Warden's next turn. This effect occurs once per Husk per combat.
Suppress the Grid
Essa used within 60 ft of the Husk Warden requires the user to succeed on a DC 15 CON saving throw or the Technique fires at half effect (minimum base effect). The Warden radiates interference passively.
Actions
Multiattack
The Husk Warden makes two Crystalline Fist attacks and one Directive Wave if available.
Crystalline Fist
Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft, one target. Hit: 19 (3d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage plus 9 (2d8) necrotic damage.
Directive Wave (Recharge 5–6)
The Warden releases a pulse of Deep Directive energy in a 30 ft cone. All living creatures in the area must succeed on a DC 16 WIS saving throw or be Frightened of the Husk Warden for 1 minute. A frightened creature may repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns. Husks in the area instead gain advantage on their next attack roll.
Legendary Actions
Directive Step
The Husk Warden moves up to 15 ft without provoking opportunity attacks.
Crystalline Strike
The Warden makes one Crystalline Fist attack.
Pulse the Dead (Costs 2)
All Husks within 60 ft immediately take their turn out of order, making one attack each against the nearest living creature.