Description
Among the hierarchical living constructs of Mechanus, rogue modrons sometimes occur. The common understanding is that such modrons are somehow defective because they aren't forced to act in lockstep with every other modron, ensuring a never-changing routine of absolute discipline. However, a lesser-known interpretation is that rogue modrons routinely pop up as a sort of self-corrective function in the larger modron hive. These outliers can see unlikely solutions and potential threats that the average modron is unable to notice.
Modron deadfalls are just such a variety of rogue modron.
Modron deadfalls typically operate alone, finding their way into other planes so as to broaden their potential sources of information.
Trap and Interrogate
Modron deadfalls, which somewhat resemble large modron quadrones, have hit on an interesting method of learning new information from other creatures. They interrogate lone travelers, looking for news or other interesting knowledge, by trapping them in place with their bulk. They do so by falling from the sky like square-shaped boulders off a mountain, pinning targets into place. If the interrogation goes well, the deadfall may release its trapped victim. Other times, modron deadfalls have been found still pinning the bones of a long-dead victim beneath them.
Interrogation Procedure
Typically, a modron deadfall quizzes a trapped target for about a minute, asking general questions about the target's purpose, any interesting news they might know, and so on, inflicting damage only if the target lies or tries to escape, or if the target's companions continually attack the modron deadfall. Once it's satisfied, the modron deadfall releases the target and flies off, looking for new sources of information.
Rogue Deadfalls
Some modron deadfalls don't gather information to feed back to their less-imaginative fellows on Mechanus, but instead strike out on their own, working as guardians or assassins for pay, or taking to a life of exploration.
Traits
Deadfall Attack
The modron deadfall doesn't provoke an opportunity attack when it flies out of an enemy's reach.
Sky Camouflage
The modron deadfall has advantage on Stealth checks made to blend in and hide in the sky while flying.
Disintegration
If the modron deadfall dies, its body disintegrates into dust, leaving behind its weapons and anything else it was carrying.
Falling Robustness
The modron deadfall ignores the first 30 feet of falling damage it would otherwise sustain from making its Deadfall Slam attack.
Axiomatic Mind
The modron deadfall can't be compelled to act in a manner contrary to its nature or its instructions.
Actions
Deadfall Slam
If situated about 30 feet above a target, the modron deadfall makes a melee weapon attack (+7 to hit, range 30 ft., one target). If it hits, it deals 15 (3d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage, using its whole body as a weapon. If the target is hit, they are grappled and restrained (escape DC 17). If the modron deadfall does not move, it can maintain its position on up to two Medium.sized or smaller creatures. If the modron deadfall chooses, a target takes 9 (1d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage every time they start their turn restrained by the modron.
If the modron misses, it flies straight up (if space allows) and tries again next round, assuming it decides to press its attack.