Large Ooze

Hit Dice: 2d10+19 (30 hp)

Initiative: –3 (Dex)

Speed: 5 ft, fly 30 ft (poor), swim 40 ft

AC: 11 (–1 size, –3 Dex, +5 natural)

Attacks: Touch +6 melee

Damage: Touch 0 and paralysis

Face/Reach: 15 ft by 15 ft/5 ft

Special Attacks: Paralysis

Special Qualities: Limited flight, ooze

Saves: Fort +2, Ref –2, Will –5

Climate/Terrain: Any underground

Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 2

Treasure: None

Alignment: Always neutral

Advancement: 3–6 HD (Large)

This unique creature can only be found in remote abandoned ruins where it seeks stone areas in order to disguise itself as a marble pool. It is capable of flying short distances by expanding its rubbery body with natural helium. It expels the helium in short puffs from one of four openings on its body. These openings aid the diger in movement. When swimming, the diger simply expels the helium as with flying, but glides farther and faster. Digers have a single faceted eye that resembles a gemstone or jewel.

   Its favorite mode of travel is to enter a large river or stream, glide out to a strong current, and float along the surface.  When moving in this fashion, the diger need not rest except to sleep.

Combat

The diger has no method of attack except to paralyze whatever may happen to come in contact with the paralyzing liquid it secretes as part of its camouflage.

   Paralysis (Ex): Any creature touched by a diger must make a Fortitude save (DC 13) or be paralyzed for 1d6 rounds.

   A creature slain by the diger will be dissolved (including all items worn) and digested in 8 hours.

   Limited Flight (Ex): The diger is able to fly for a number of rounds equal to 1 plus one-half its Constitution score before it must land and rest. It must rest a number of rounds equal three times the number of rounds it flew.

   Ooze: Immune to all mind–influencing spells and effects.

The Diger first appeared in module B3 (Jean Wells, 1981).