Large Aberration

Hit Dice: 5d8+15 (37 hp)

Initiative: –2 (Dex)

Speed: 5 ft

AC: 15 (–1 size, –2 Dex, +8 natural)

Attacks: 9 tentacle slaps +6 melee; or bite +6 melee

Damage: Tentacle slap 1d6+4; or bite 2d8+4

Face/Reach: 10 ft by 10 ft/0 ft (10 ft with tentacle)

Special Attacks: Improved grab, constrict 1d6+4, rend 2d6+6

Special Qualities: Illusion, ventriloquism

Saves: Fort +4, Ref –1, Will +4

Abilities: Str 18, Dex 6, Con 17, Int 14, Wis 11, Cha 14

Skills: Climb +18, Listen+10, Move Silently +4, Spot +8

Climate/Terrain: Any underground

Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 4

Treasure: Standard

Alignment: Always chaotic evil

Advancement: 6–10HD (Large), 11–15HD (Huge)

This clever monster has the innate ability to use both ventriloquism and illusions to lure victims into its den. In its true form it has ten long tentacles extending from various parts of its body. These tentacles have many 3–inch diameter suction cups that it uses to grab its victims as well as to climb walls and ceilings.

   The most common color of a decapus is green, although some purple or yellow ones may be found. A decapus has patches of hair growing about its body. The hair is usually brown, but sometimes it is black. They have no iris in their eyes, only dark pupils. The mouth of a decapus is a horrible thing to behold. It is very wide and has long yellow teeth and a terribly foul breath.

   The decapus is incapable of human speech, but is an expert at mimicking a high–pitched scream. It can also make guttural noises, which are under stood by others of its kind. The sounds are extremely unpleasant for humans to hear.

Combat

A decapus only uses nine of its tentacles to fight with and can use no more than three on a single opponent. The tenth tentacle is used to suspend itself from the ceiling. On the floor the decapus is practically helpless, being able to move short distances in a slow and uncoordinated fashion.

   Illusions (Su): At will, a decapus can make use of the 2nd-level arcane spell minor image as cast by a 5th-level sorcerer (Will save DC 14).  It can disguise itself as other creatures, or as part of a wall, or anything else it feels will attract the victims to it. Some decapus’ choose to appear as a helpless, beautiful woman, usually hanging from the ceiling and being taunted by nine ugly men.

   Ventriloquism (Ex): A decapus is an expert at mimicking sounds, although it is incapable of duplicating actual conversation. Any creature hearing sounds generated by a decapus must make a Will save (DC 14) to detect the ruse. Decapus’ understand that simple words and phrases such as “help me” and “come here” tend to attract bigger and better prey.

   Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, the decapus must hit an opponent of up to Medium-size with a tentacle attack. If it gets a hold, it can constrict.

   Constrict (Ex): A decapus can constrict any grappled opponent, automatically dealing tentacle damage each round.

   Rend (Ex): A decapus that hits a single opponent with three of its tentacle attacks tear the flesh, dealing 2d6+6 points of damage.

   Skills: A decapus receives a +4 racial bonus to Listen checks and a +8 racial bonus to Climb checks.

Decapus Society

Decapuses usually live alone, preferring to hunt by themselves. The only time they gather is during the mating season. At this time many of them can be seen hanging from ceilings, all making strange ugly sounds. A female decapus will give birth to only one offspring, and if she is hungry or confused she may eat it. If she does not she will leave it alone, and it then claims its own territory. Decapus young do not need the care of their mothers, as do the young of some animals.

   The Decapuses’ favorite food is human beings, but they enjoy elves and halflings too. They will not eat dwarves unless forced by starvation to do so. Other creatures commonly eaten by a decapus are kobolds, orcs and ogres. A delicacy to a decapus is mule meat. They love it, and have been known to follow the scent of a mule for weeks until they catch it, or grow weary of the chase.

The Decapus first appeared in module B3 (Jean Wells, 1982)