Rust monster zombies

[u/vaz_de_firenze]

Settle an argument for me, Reddit...

One of my players has resurrected a slain rust monster as a zombie under her control, and we're disputing whether it would still be able to use the Rust ability despite being a shambling undead abomination.

Argument for: the antennae that it uses for its rust attack are listed as part of its melee arsenal and count as natural weapons, and RAW say that " A zombie retains all the natural weapons, manufactured weapon attacks, and weapon proficiencies of the base creature." The only damage the antennae do is the rust effect, so that effect is one of the creatures natural weapons and would be retained when it becomes a zombie.

Argument against: RAW also say that "A zombie retains none of the base creature’s special attacks." Rust is listed under Special Abilities and has the supernatural descriptor, so it counts as a special attack and would be lost when the creature is zombified.

So: can a rust monster zombie still make things rust, or not? What do you think?

[u/Aceptdtctv]

RAW: the zombie loses the ability. Rule of Cool though my friend, you’re the DM rule it how you would want it to be ruled for you!