Thorned Star Serpent
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Size/Type | Large Magical Beast |
| Hit Dice | 5d10+8 (35 hp) |
| Initiative | -1 |
| Speed | 20 ft. (4 squares), climb 20 ft. |
| Armor Class | 16 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +8 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 16 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +5/+11 |
| Attack | Arms +7 melee (0) |
| Full Attack | Arms +6 melee (0) and bite +1 melee (1d8+2) |
| Space/Reach | 10 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks | Improved grab |
| Special Qualities | Amphibious, tremorsense 60 ft., immunities |
| Saves | Fort +5, Ref +3, Will +2 |
| Abilities | Str 14, Dex 9, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 1 |
| Skills | Balance +3*, Climb +4*, Listen +7, Survival +2 |
| Feats | Alertness, Toughness |
| Environment | Temperate aquatic |
| Organization | Solitary or company (2–5) |
| Challenge Rating | 3 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always neutral |
| Advancement | 6–9 HD (Large) |
| Level Adjustment | ― |
Description
This odd creature has the appearance of a giant, orange-hued starfish. It has five slender limbs radiating from a central body, with each limb being covered in many hard spines on the top and multitudes of flexible tendrils underneath.
This odd creature was actually created through magical experiments performed with starfishes. It has five long, tapered limbs that are connected to a central hub. The limbs are hard but quite flexible, and possess rows of tendrils on the underside that can hold fast to just about any surface. The top is as hard as bone and covered in short spines that provide protection from attack.
Thorn star serpents can function equally well underwater or in the open air. They are unable to swim, however, and immediately sink to the bottom. They are completely blind and rely on their sensitive clinging tendrils to sense movements through the ground or in the nearby water.
Combat
Thorn star serpents are accomplished hunters in the caverns and passages of the underground realm. They sweep along passages with their limbs contacting all sides, then envelop any creatures they encounter. The victims are struck by two of the limbs while the remainder are attached to a surface. The prey is then drawn toward the circular, fanged orifice in the center of their underside, where they are gnawed upon until consumed.
If a thorn star serpent loses an arm, it will grow back after 3–6 weeks. The body has a decentralized organization, so they can not be stunned and do not take critical hits.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, the thorn star serpent must hit with its slam attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and automatically deals bite damage.
Tremorsense (Ex): A thorn star serpent can detect and pinpoint any creature or object within 60 feet in contact with the ground, or in the same body of water.
Immunities: Thorn star serpents are immune to gaze attacks, visual effects, illusions, and other attack forms that rely on sight. They are immune to stunning and are not subject to critical hits.
Skills: While underwater a thorn star serpent can use its climb speed to move across the bottom. *It gains a +12 racial bonus on Balance and Climb checks while moving across solid surfaces.