D&D 5E How do you simulate headcrabs from half-life 2 in 5e?

[Shades of Eternity]

I'm trying to figure out the best way mechanically to simulate a creature that jumps on your head and takes over until removed.

Is there any critters that already simulate this?

 

[Mirtek]

Basically a less lethal variant of the intellect devourer

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

Yeah, just give it some sort of jump attack, change the claws to a bite, and you're good. Maybe use the zombie statistics for the resulting gestalt creature.

Basically a less lethal variant of the intellect devourer

 

[TheAlkaizer]

I would look into giving it an ability where it attaches to the player. There's already a monster that has a similar behavior.

Takes out his Monster Manual

Look into the Darkmantle creature at page 46 of the Monster Manual. I also believe that creature is SRD and might be found online, but I could be wrong.

 

[pukunui]

Nice! I once used head crabs, fast zombies and stormtrooper zombines with thermal detonators in a Halloween Star Wars Saga Edition game. Lots of fun!

 

[MarkB]

I would look into giving it an ability where it attaches to the player. There's already a monster that has a similar behavior.

Takes out his Monster Manual

Look into the Darkmantle creature at page 46 of the Monster Manual. I also believe that creature is SRD and might be found online, but I could be wrong.

Stirges might also be worth a look.

 

[R_J_K75]

There was a creature I believe in the 1E MM2 called the exectioners hood, it was really cool. Not quite what youre looking for but with a little tinkering might suit your needs.

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Steve and Zack return to complete their epic study of TSR's Monster Manual II. Includes reader-requests and other insanities inflicted on D&D players.

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