On a lark, I converted the Aspis to D&D 5e

Well, I converted the drone, anyway. These guys first appeared way back in 1981 in module A1, Slave Pits of the Undercity. They've been around here and there since.

This picture is from Slave Pits of the Undercity.

Aspis Drone

Medium humanoid (aspis), neutral

Armor Class 18 (natural armor, shield)

Hit Points 33 (6d8+6)

Speed 30 ft.

Str        Dex      Con      Int        Wis      Cha

12 (+1) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 11 (+0) 12 (+1) 7 (-2)

Skills Perception +3, Survival +3

Damage Resistances acid, fire

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13

Languages Aspis

Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Keen Smell. The aspis drone has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Actions

Multiattack. The aspis drone makes two attacks with its claws or two attacks with its weapons.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4+1) slashing damage.

Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4+1) piercing damage.

Handaxe. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) slashing damage.

Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) piercing damage.

Aspis are a species of insect creatures that dwell in underground nests not very far below the surface. These nests are a complex series of tunnels connecting a number of chambers. Most people will only ever encounter aspis drones, as they handle all of the foraging and other duties necessary for the survival of the nest.

Aspis drones look like giant weevils, with tough, chitinous bodies that are typically grey or off-white in color. They have two multifaceted eyes, a pair of short, blunt antennae, and a long proboscis. They have six legs, each of which ends in claws capable of fine manipulation.

Insular Hive Mind

Aspis colonies tend to keep to themselves and rarely have much interest in interacting with other species. During lean times, aspis drones may raid nearby communities.

An aspis drone lacks any sort of individuality; no names, no personality to speak of. They live to serve the aspis cow that dwells at the center of their tunnel network. A drone rarely takes action without first being instructed by the cow.

Defenders of the Nest

Aspis drones are tasked with defending the nest from all threats. When they enter combat, they rear up onto their hind-most legs and use their other four limbs for fighting. An aspis drone will usually use a pair of handaxes or shortswords, and they also commonly use a shield. Their bodies are not suitable for using a bow, but they will use darts for ranged combat.

An aspis drone defending its nest is fearless and will fight to the death without hesitation. Despite the drone’s usual lack of initiative, it will fight intelligently. If it is forced to withdraw, it will attempt to stymie pursuit by setting simple traps. Aspis nests always have traps protecting the most important areas, such as the central chamber or the larvae chambers.

The Nose Knows

Aspis do not have a verbal language. They communicate entirely through body language and scents. Most humanoids are incapable of detecting the subtle variations in the scents used in aspis conversation. Rarely, an aspis drone might learn a very rough form of another species’ language.

Aspis are able to influence other sorts of insects with their scents. They most commonly use giant ants are guardians for their nests. An aspis nest will usually have a handful of giant ants present, though on occasion they will have a full giant ant nest mixing its tunnels with that of the aspis nest.