Lost Company Press
This behemoth of the deep sea glides silently through dark waters with its long, undulating tentacles trailing behind. The squid's eyes, large as dinner plates, search tirelessly for its next meal. Its body pulses with bioluminescence, a haunting light show deep beneath the waves. Each of its eight arms and two tentacles are lined with powerful suction cups and sharp hooks, ready to ensnare any creature unfortunate enough to cross its path.
Motive: Driven by hunger and territory defense
Environment: Deep ocean waters, occasionally surfacing near coastlines during feeding times (Ocean)
Health: 12
Damage: 4 points
Armor: 2
Movement: Long when swimming
Modifications: Stealth as level 6 due to its silent movement; Attacks as level 6 when using tentacles
Combat: The squid strikes with a tentacle, on a successful hit, the target is grabbed and must succeed on a Might defense roll each round to escape. On a failure, the squid reels the grabbed creature in, automatically dealing 6 points of damage and possibly drowning if underwater. Above water, the squid can sweep many opponents with its tentacles, inflicting damage to all within immediate range. Ink Cloud: Once per battle, the squid can emit a cloud of ink, making it difficult for the prey to see and escape. All physical tasks within an immediate area are hindered for 1 round. Crushing Coils: With a powerful constriction of its tentacles, the squid can crush the life out of its prey. Once grappled, the creature deals an additional minor wound (2 points) each round to a held opponent. Deep Dive: If engaged in combat in water, the squid can attempt to pull an ensnared opponent into the depths, automatically moving one range step farther away from the surface each round, increasing the difficulty of escape and the risk of drowning.
Interactions: The squid is not intelligent by human standards, but it has an uncanny knack for anticipating prey movements. It normally avoids ships and human divers, but if provoked, it can be quite relentless.
Uses: The mysterious and rarely seen beast could be the source of sailor's tales, or a new frightening discovery for researchers working on a deep-sea station.
Loot: Potentially valuable squid ink, parts for alchemical components, or bioluminescent cells for study.
GM Intrusion: The squid releases a cloud of dark ink, creating an area of obscured vision. All actions related to sight within immediate range are hindered by two steps, and the squid uses this opportunity to prepare a devastating attack or to escape unnoticed.