A short bestiary of random denizens from Pangaria and elsewhere... (part four)

OCTOBEAST (#18-19/31, #18-19/365) [OOTP IV]

                   Octobeast Octoman

SKILL:                7            10

STAMINA:          6            10

ATTACKS: 3

WEAPON: Tentacles (as per Small Claw)

ARMOUR: None

DAMAGE MODIFIER: None

HABITAT: Sea, Sea-shore

NUMBER ENCOUNTERED: 1

TYPE: 

Octobeast - Mollusc

Octoman - Mollusc/Humanoid

REACTION: Unfriendly-Hostile

INTELLIGENCE: Average

The OCTOBEAST is a horrific oceanic parasite, related to the octopus and the squid, that preys on humanoid creatures such as Merfolk, Sea Elves, Sea Trolls and even some unfortunate human fisherfolk or sailors. In their natural form, the Octobeast appears as a large black octopus with many grasping claw-tipped tentacles. It will propel itself towards its victim's head and attempt to smother them; if it wins an Attack Round, it has wrapped its tentacles around their face and they must deduct 2 STAMINA every Attack Round as they are slowly suffocated! 

If the Octobeast is not removed in time and its victim becomes unconscious, it will revive the body under its complete control as an OCTOMAN! This is the form of the humanoid victim, with the pulsating Octobeast attached to the head, completely obscuring the entire skull. Its body will crackle with elemental energy and its tentacles are wrapped around the victim's torso and arms.

During this time, typically lasting 1-6 hours, an egg will be deposited within the body of the victim, and the Octobeast will slither off, leaving the victim apparently unharmed. Unfortunately they will only have 10-60 minutes to live, before the accelerated growth of the egg causes it to hatch into another Octobeast, devour the victim from within, and then exit, like the blossoming of a terrifying black flower, in search of further prey. If an egg-bearing victim is to survive, great healing magic must be cast on them promptly to remove the Octobeast's egg before it hatches!