Flying Octopus. Yes! [Archive] - Wizards Community

Flying Octopus. Yes! [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Lukerz
03-18-05, 05:09 PM Hello! My first post is also my first monster, I've seen many posted and have been rather impressed, so I thought "I'll join, add my own dash of spice, and a few creations too! That way I can join in the fun and give something back." I'm a relatively new DM, running my first campaign, so please forgive stupidities I sometimes add (that are rulebased at least :p).

Anyway, the monster awaits! I encourage criticism and will be greatful for any help i receive about the monster
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Aerial Octopus
Small Aberration

Hit Dice: 3d8+3 (15hp)
Init: +3 (dex)
Speed: 10ft (land), fly 30ft (average), swim 30ft
AC: 15 (+1 size, +4 natural)
Attacks: 8 tentacles +4 (+1 size, +3 dex), bite
Damage: tentacle 1d3+1, bite 1d6+1
Face/Reach: 2.5ft by 2.5ft/5ft
Special Attacks: Inksquirt, Spin Attack, Rake, Improved Grab, Shriek
Special Qualities: Colour Change, Propulsion, Buoyancy, Squish, Telepathy
Saves: Fort+3, Ref+5, Will+3
Abilities: Str:13, Dex:16, Con:12, Int:14, Wis:11, Chr:9
Skills: Hide +4, Escape Artist +4, climb +18, intimidate +5
Feats: Improved Evasion, Multiattack(B), Weapon Finesse(tentacle)
Climate/Terrain: Any
Organization: Solitary, pair, pack (3-9), binding (30-80)
Challenge Rating: 4 (?)
Alignment: Usually Neutral
Languages: Aerial Octopi speak Aquan and/or Auran
Treasure: 1/2 gold, standard art

Inqsuirt(Ex): Every 1d4 rounds as a standard action, an aerial octopus may squirt ink at an opponent within 5ft. The victim must make a reflex save (DC16) or be blinded for 1d4 rounds. The aerial octopus can also use propulsion in the same round as an inksquirt, but the octopus must travel the direction opposite to that of the inksquirt.
Spin Attack(Ex): An aerial octopus can 3/day fling itself at an opponent in a spinning motion from 10ft away, not allowing the opponent an AoO, this grants a +2 to the octpuses attack and allows the octopus to travel 10ft after the attack. Initiating spin attack within 5ft of an opponent grants the opponent an AoO.
Rend(Ex): When an aerial octopus successfully attaches all eight tentacles and makes a successful grapple, the aerial octopus automatically deals 1d4+4 physical damage.
Improved grab(Ex): An aerial octopus can upon making a successful tentacle start an improved grapple as a free action. It gains a +2 circumstance bonus for each successful tentacle attached. A grappled opponent cannot avoid being bitten.
Colour Change(Su): As a free action an aerial octopus can change its colour. It might do so to show emotion, or to hide. To hide properly using colour change however, requires a standard action, but grants the octopus a +15 to hide checks.
Propulsion(Ex): As a move action every 1d4 rounds, an aerial octopus can propel itself through the air four times faster and further than it can normally fly, though in a straight line. Propulsion does not allow AoOs when moving through a threatened area.
Buoyancy(Su): An aerial octopus can float in midair via the gases inside it. As a free action it can raise or lower itself 20ft.
Squish(Su): An aerial octopus is very flexible, and as a result of this it can compact itself two fit through spaces two sizes smaller than itself instead of the usual one. When using this to escape from restraints, the aerial octopus gains a +8 on escape artist checks.
Telepathy(Su): An aerial octopus can telepathically communicate to any creature of intelligence within 5ft.

Often lurking silently in caves, it waits for bats to go to sleep before floating up and silently snatching them from the cave ceiling for food. Aggressive and intelligent hunters, they are not afraid to tackle bigger opponents, especially when working as a pack, scheming an ambush perhaps taking many days. Packs will hunt creatures such as ogres, blinding them then swarming over their victim together quickly. Aerial octopi also revere art, especially art of octopi and themselves, they will gather wealth to buy it, or they will simply intimidate an artist into making it for them, the they shall horde it. For an octopus to intimidate, or if it is threatened, an aerial octopus will usually change to a variety of colours, flail its tentacles about and screech loudly, all the while sending telepathic images if it is near enough.

Looking like a normal octopus, they can swim like one too. Though they are much more intelligent and its obvious to tell it isn't a normal one when its out of water.
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Wasn't sure on skill points and feats, or saves. But I had what thought was a sensible guess!
I'm thinking of using them in a campaign, what do you guys and gals think?

Thanks for comments in advance!
Entropic Aardvark
03-18-05, 05:16 PM nice. I'm new as well, though i've read stuff hereabouts for quite a few years
Lukerz
03-18-05, 05:22 PM Not quite that long for me, yet. If this creature is okay, I might have an NPC have one as an improved familiar, or just have a small town of them. Or have them raid a naval art gallery. lol, look at MM all you like, they just aren't there! Muaha. Muahaha!

Thanks for the greeting, and it too is returned to you Entropic Aardvark!
the_poison_elf
03-18-05, 05:22 PM there's actually an example like this given in one of the Planar books (can't remember which one). casically, it's has elemental templates to add to beings, and the example for the Air template was an octopus that could now fly. :D
Lukerz
03-18-05, 05:33 PM there's actually an example like this given in one of the Planar books (can't remember which one). casically, it's has elemental templates to add to beings, and the example for the Air template was an octopus that could now fly. :D

Really? I'll have to skip on down to that, interesting. Thank you! Also, I'll check out your creations too :D
Lukerz
03-18-05, 05:39 PM I'm also unsure as to whether the abilities are supernatural, or extraordinary, *weakpoint*
oracleofbargth
03-18-05, 06:04 PM I'm also unsure as to whether the abilities are supernatural, or extraordinary, *weakpoint*

Stuff like telepathy, which can only be done by a magical or magic-like effect, would be either Supernatural, or a Spell-like Ability.
Things that are done by normal physical effects only, like flying by being filled with helium/hydrogen/hot air/etc, would be extraordinary. Best to make up a pseudo-scientific explanation for how they do it though.

If it could be any, you get to pick your favorite. Just remember that Supernatural abilities can be supressed by an antimagic field. Spell resistance can be a worry for Spell-like Abilities, but is bypassed by a Supernatural ability. And Extraordinary abilities don't have to worry about either. (But can be subject to those pesky laws of physics.)

In the next class period of Monster Cheesing 101, we'll cover how to conveniently ignore the rules when applying multiple templates....
Lukerz
03-19-05, 06:01 AM Stuff like telepathy, which can only be done by a magical or magic-like effect, would be either Supernatural, or a Spell-like Ability.

In that case I better change buoyancy to extraordinary, I don't it to drop out of the sky when something like a beholder looks at it! Its already explained as being full of gas, and I suppose Colour Change and Squish should be extraordinary too, because its just pigmentation and natural body compression. Keep Telepathy as Supernatural though. Thanks for your help! Muaha, thats useful!

Someone I showed it to before thought it may have been a tad overpowered with 8d3+8 as a total damage, with damage ranging from 16-32 o.o Perhaps 4 tentacles normally, except for Spin Attack?
oracleofbargth
03-19-05, 11:57 AM Someone I showed it to before thought it may have been a tad overpowered with 8d3+8 as a total damage, with damage ranging from 16-32 o.o Perhaps 4 tentacles normally, except for Spin Attack?

Maybe make it 8d3+8 subdual (They can use a single tentacle kindof like a whip, or to attempt to grapple), and 4d3 lethal (They have to use more tentacles at a time to do some real damage.)
thinkhard
03-19-05, 02:54 PM I'd make bouyancy a swift action (from Complete Adventurer). That means it doesnt cost an action to do it, but the octopus could only to it once a round. If it were only a free action, then the octopus could float down, hit someone, then float up at will.
Lukerz
03-21-05, 07:11 AM Maybe make it 8d3+8 subdual (They can use a single tentacle kindof like a whip, or to attempt to grapple), and 4d3 lethal (They have to use more tentacles at a time to do some real damage.)

Yeah, sounds ok. 4d3+4 lethal (The +4 is +1 per two tentacles). So, at the beginning of a round it makes a choice like anything else, but suffers no drawback to unarmed attack..? 8d3+8 thats enough to KO almost any artist XD

I'd make bouyancy a swift action (from Complete Adventurer). That means it doesnt cost an action to do it, but the octopus could only to it once a round. If it were only a free action, then the octopus could float down, hit someone, then float up at will.

Hmm, you sound right, though the actions are similar to that of the Beholder in that he can perform the 'raise or lower 20ft' action once per round, thank you for reminding me to be clearer. Makes me wonder if one could descend upon someone from above though!
Wyrd Bearer
03-21-05, 09:59 AM Hmm, glad to know other people think like I do. About a year ago, my group was making jokes about things they didn't want to see. I suggested a half-fiend, half-illithid, vampiric kraken.

A large mess of tentacles comes winging akwardly over the horizon, shooting eyebeams in all directions. After desintegrating the troop of ogre pole-dancers and the squad of night hag cheerleaders, the monstosity lands and bites the neck of the fair orc princess with it's fanged beak.

As for your super cephalopod, I like it. I might use it sometime myself, if you don't mind.
Lukerz
03-21-05, 10:37 AM A large mess of tentacles comes winging akwardly over the horizon, shooting eyebeams in all directions. After desintegrating the troop of ogre pole-dancers and the squad of night hag cheerleaders, the monstosity lands and bites the neck of the fair orc princess with it's fanged beak.

Ooh, that'd look great with a Xill riding it! Give each tentacle a 'Rod of Wonder' ..that'd be ..interesting...

As for your super cephalopod, I like it. I might use it sometime myself, if you don't mind.

Sure! Could you say how the encounter goes down? I initially designed it to be used either as a sentient beings trying to gain wealth, and as an improved familiar for wizards.

I don't know if people wouldn't want to see it, but going to your local art gallery only to see about 6 octopi floating about admiring a painting or two... That'd be odd o.o Not as scary as the Kraken though! :p

Hag cheerleaders o.o *shudder* ..at least they can make themselves look pretty..? Lich Illithid cheerleaders. Thats just wrong. :/
Wyrd Bearer
03-21-05, 12:23 PM Hmm, as an improved familiar, eh? That would go perfect for the anthropomorphic goldfish wizard who travels around in a levitating bowl. In fact, the octopus could carry the bowl for it.

Don't know if I'll have a chance to play around with it soon though, I'm in the middle of a more serious, low magic campain. But I'll let you know if one of your little babies shows up.
JakeQuistis
03-21-05, 12:35 PM Hmm... This is pretty awesome.
Lukerz
03-22-05, 09:34 AM Don't know if I'll have a chance to play around with it soon though, I'm in the middle of a more serious, low magic campain. But I'll let you know if one of your little babies shows up.
Flattered you like it, use it how you like.

Hmm... This is pretty awesome.
Thanks ^^ Glad you like it.

Does anyone think with an intelligence of 14 and living on the material plane they should be able to speak common..?

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Lukerz 03-18-05, 05:09 PM	Hello! My first post is also my first monster, I've seen many posted and have been rather impressed, so I thought "I'll join, add my own dash of spice, and a few creations too! That way I can join in the fun and give something back." I'm a relatively new DM, running my first campaign, so please forgive stupidities I sometimes add (that are rulebased at least :p). Anyway, the monster awaits! I encourage criticism and will be greatful for any help i receive about the monster ----------------------- Aerial Octopus Small Aberration Hit Dice: 3d8+3 (15hp) Init: +3 (dex) Speed: 10ft (land), fly 30ft (average), swim 30ft AC: 15 (+1 size, +4 natural) Attacks: 8 tentacles +4 (+1 size, +3 dex), bite Damage: tentacle 1d3+1, bite 1d6+1 Face/Reach: 2.5ft by 2.5ft/5ft Special Attacks: Inksquirt, Spin Attack, Rake, Improved Grab, Shriek Special Qualities: Colour Change, Propulsion, Buoyancy, Squish, Telepathy Saves: Fort+3, Ref+5, Will+3 Abilities: Str:13, Dex:16, Con:12, Int:14, Wis:11, Chr:9 Skills: Hide +4, Escape Artist +4, climb +18, intimidate +5 Feats: Improved Evasion, Multiattack(B), Weapon Finesse(tentacle) Climate/Terrain: Any Organization: Solitary, pair, pack (3-9), binding (30-80) Challenge Rating: 4 (?) Alignment: Usually Neutral Languages: Aerial Octopi speak Aquan and/or Auran Treasure: 1/2 gold, standard art Inqsuirt(Ex): Every 1d4 rounds as a standard action, an aerial octopus may squirt ink at an opponent within 5ft. The victim must make a reflex save (DC16) or be blinded for 1d4 rounds. The aerial octopus can also use propulsion in the same round as an inksquirt, but the octopus must travel the direction opposite to that of the inksquirt. Spin Attack(Ex): An aerial octopus can 3/day fling itself at an opponent in a spinning motion from 10ft away, not allowing the opponent an AoO, this grants a +2 to the octpuses attack and allows the octopus to travel 10ft after the attack. Initiating spin attack within 5ft of an opponent grants the opponent an AoO. Rend(Ex): When an aerial octopus successfully attaches all eight tentacles and makes a successful grapple, the aerial octopus automatically deals 1d4+4 physical damage. Improved grab(Ex): An aerial octopus can upon making a successful tentacle start an improved grapple as a free action. It gains a +2 circumstance bonus for each successful tentacle attached. A grappled opponent cannot avoid being bitten. Colour Change(Su): As a free action an aerial octopus can change its colour. It might do so to show emotion, or to hide. To hide properly using colour change however, requires a standard action, but grants the octopus a +15 to hide checks. Propulsion(Ex): As a move action every 1d4 rounds, an aerial octopus can propel itself through the air four times faster and further than it can normally fly, though in a straight line. Propulsion does not allow AoOs when moving through a threatened area. Buoyancy(Su): An aerial octopus can float in midair via the gases inside it. As a free action it can raise or lower itself 20ft. Squish(Su): An aerial octopus is very flexible, and as a result of this it can compact itself two fit through spaces two sizes smaller than itself instead of the usual one. When using this to escape from restraints, the aerial octopus gains a +8 on escape artist checks. Telepathy(Su): An aerial octopus can telepathically communicate to any creature of intelligence within 5ft. Often lurking silently in caves, it waits for bats to go to sleep before floating up and silently snatching them from the cave ceiling for food. Aggressive and intelligent hunters, they are not afraid to tackle bigger opponents, especially when working as a pack, scheming an ambush perhaps taking many days. Packs will hunt creatures such as ogres, blinding them then swarming over their victim together quickly. Aerial octopi also revere art, especially art of octopi and themselves, they will gather wealth to buy it, or they will simply intimidate an artist into making it for them, the they shall horde it. For an octopus to intimidate, or if it is threatened, an aerial octopus will usually change to a variety of colours, flail its tentacles about and screech loudly, all the while sending telepathic images if it is near enough. Looking like a normal octopus, they can swim like one too. Though they are much more intelligent and its obvious to tell it isn't a normal one when its out of water. ----------- Wasn't sure on skill points and feats, or saves. But I had what thought was a sensible guess! I'm thinking of using them in a campaign, what do you guys and gals think? Thanks for comments in advance!
Entropic Aardvark 03-18-05, 05:16 PM	nice. I'm new as well, though i've read stuff hereabouts for quite a few years
Lukerz 03-18-05, 05:22 PM	Not quite that long for me, yet. If this creature is okay, I might have an NPC have one as an improved familiar, or just have a small town of them. Or have them raid a naval art gallery. lol, look at MM all you like, they just aren't there! Muaha. Muahaha! Thanks for the greeting, and it too is returned to you Entropic Aardvark!
the_poison_elf 03-18-05, 05:22 PM	there's actually an example like this given in one of the Planar books (can't remember which one). casically, it's has elemental templates to add to beings, and the example for the Air template was an octopus that could now fly. :D
Lukerz 03-18-05, 05:33 PM	there's actually an example like this given in one of the Planar books (can't remember which one). casically, it's has elemental templates to add to beings, and the example for the Air template was an octopus that could now fly. :D Really? I'll have to skip on down to that, interesting. Thank you! Also, I'll check out your creations too :D
Lukerz 03-18-05, 05:39 PM	I'm also unsure as to whether the abilities are supernatural, or extraordinary, weakpoint
oracleofbargth 03-18-05, 06:04 PM	I'm also unsure as to whether the abilities are supernatural, or extraordinary, weakpoint Stuff like telepathy, which can only be done by a magical or magic-like effect, would be either Supernatural, or a Spell-like Ability. Things that are done by normal physical effects only, like flying by being filled with helium/hydrogen/hot air/etc, would be extraordinary. Best to make up a pseudo-scientific explanation for how they do it though. If it could be any, you get to pick your favorite. Just remember that Supernatural abilities can be supressed by an antimagic field. Spell resistance can be a worry for Spell-like Abilities, but is bypassed by a Supernatural ability. And Extraordinary abilities don't have to worry about either. (But can be subject to those pesky laws of physics.) In the next class period of Monster Cheesing 101, we'll cover how to conveniently ignore the rules when applying multiple templates....
Lukerz 03-19-05, 06:01 AM	Stuff like telepathy, which can only be done by a magical or magic-like effect, would be either Supernatural, or a Spell-like Ability. In that case I better change buoyancy to extraordinary, I don't it to drop out of the sky when something like a beholder looks at it! Its already explained as being full of gas, and I suppose Colour Change and Squish should be extraordinary too, because its just pigmentation and natural body compression. Keep Telepathy as Supernatural though. Thanks for your help! Muaha, thats useful! Someone I showed it to before thought it may have been a tad overpowered with 8d3+8 as a total damage, with damage ranging from 16-32 o.o Perhaps 4 tentacles normally, except for Spin Attack?
oracleofbargth 03-19-05, 11:57 AM	Someone I showed it to before thought it may have been a tad overpowered with 8d3+8 as a total damage, with damage ranging from 16-32 o.o Perhaps 4 tentacles normally, except for Spin Attack? Maybe make it 8d3+8 subdual (They can use a single tentacle kindof like a whip, or to attempt to grapple), and 4d3 lethal (They have to use more tentacles at a time to do some real damage.)
thinkhard 03-19-05, 02:54 PM	I'd make bouyancy a swift action (from Complete Adventurer). That means it doesnt cost an action to do it, but the octopus could only to it once a round. If it were only a free action, then the octopus could float down, hit someone, then float up at will.
Lukerz 03-21-05, 07:11 AM	Maybe make it 8d3+8 subdual (They can use a single tentacle kindof like a whip, or to attempt to grapple), and 4d3 lethal (They have to use more tentacles at a time to do some real damage.) Yeah, sounds ok. 4d3+4 lethal (The +4 is +1 per two tentacles). So, at the beginning of a round it makes a choice like anything else, but suffers no drawback to unarmed attack..? 8d3+8 thats enough to KO almost any artist XD I'd make bouyancy a swift action (from Complete Adventurer). That means it doesnt cost an action to do it, but the octopus could only to it once a round. If it were only a free action, then the octopus could float down, hit someone, then float up at will. Hmm, you sound right, though the actions are similar to that of the Beholder in that he can perform the 'raise or lower 20ft' action once per round, thank you for reminding me to be clearer. Makes me wonder if one could descend upon someone from above though!
Wyrd Bearer 03-21-05, 09:59 AM	Hmm, glad to know other people think like I do. About a year ago, my group was making jokes about things they didn't want to see. I suggested a half-fiend, half-illithid, vampiric kraken. A large mess of tentacles comes winging akwardly over the horizon, shooting eyebeams in all directions. After desintegrating the troop of ogre pole-dancers and the squad of night hag cheerleaders, the monstosity lands and bites the neck of the fair orc princess with it's fanged beak. As for your super cephalopod, I like it. I might use it sometime myself, if you don't mind.
Lukerz 03-21-05, 10:37 AM	A large mess of tentacles comes winging akwardly over the horizon, shooting eyebeams in all directions. After desintegrating the troop of ogre pole-dancers and the squad of night hag cheerleaders, the monstosity lands and bites the neck of the fair orc princess with it's fanged beak. Ooh, that'd look great with a Xill riding it! Give each tentacle a 'Rod of Wonder' ..that'd be ..interesting... As for your super cephalopod, I like it. I might use it sometime myself, if you don't mind. Sure! Could you say how the encounter goes down? I initially designed it to be used either as a sentient beings trying to gain wealth, and as an improved familiar for wizards. I don't know if people wouldn't want to see it, but going to your local art gallery only to see about 6 octopi floating about admiring a painting or two... That'd be odd o.o Not as scary as the Kraken though! :p Hag cheerleaders o.o shudder ..at least they can make themselves look pretty..? Lich Illithid cheerleaders. Thats just wrong. :/
Wyrd Bearer 03-21-05, 12:23 PM	Hmm, as an improved familiar, eh? That would go perfect for the anthropomorphic goldfish wizard who travels around in a levitating bowl. In fact, the octopus could carry the bowl for it. Don't know if I'll have a chance to play around with it soon though, I'm in the middle of a more serious, low magic campain. But I'll let you know if one of your little babies shows up.
JakeQuistis 03-21-05, 12:35 PM	Hmm... This is pretty awesome.
Lukerz 03-22-05, 09:34 AM	Don't know if I'll have a chance to play around with it soon though, I'm in the middle of a more serious, low magic campain. But I'll let you know if one of your little babies shows up. Flattered you like it, use it how you like. Hmm... This is pretty awesome. Thanks ^^ Glad you like it. Does anyone think with an intelligence of 14 and living on the material plane they should be able to speak common..?