Odontogriphus

Dragon204
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Odontogriphus
Climate/Terrain: Shallow sea floor
Frequency: Uncommon
Organization: Solitary
Activity Cycle: Day
Diet: Carnivore/Scavenger
Intelligence: Animal(1)
Treasure: Nil
Alignment: Neutral
No. Appearing: 1-8
Armor Class: 10
Movement: 6, SW 12
Hit Dice: 4
THAC0: 17
No. of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: 1d6
Special Attacks: Blood drain, constriction
Special Defenses: Nil
Magic Resistance: Nil
Size: H (18' long)
Morale: Average (8)
XP Value: 270

Odontogriphus is seems like a cross between a flatworm (like the planaria you mess with in biology class) and a leech, with a swimming style somewhat like that of a manta ray. It has a mouth with a curious ring of teeth on its underside, so its attack method is obvious: drop down on the prey from above, bite in, and start sucking. The bite does 1d6 points of damage initially, with another 1d4 points per round (or BUGHUNTERS turn) due to blood drain. A stricken AD&D character must roll a successful Strength check (as above) to escape; a BUGHUNTERS PC must make a Fitness check at -10 to break free.

Because of its flexibility, Odontogriphus also has the capability for a constriction attack, dropping itself down on man-sized or smaller prey and wrapping itself around it like an aquatic version of the AD&D game's lurker above. Constriction, whether conducted during AD&D rounds or BUGHUNTERS turns, adds 1d6 damage per attack, and suffocates the victim within 1d4 + 1 rounds (or turns) at most. Even if the character is underwater and has her own air supply, she still suffocates, as this attack prevents her from drawing air into her lungs. All attacks made on the constricting monster will do half damage (rounding down) on the constricting victim.


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