Phleg
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Size/Type | Medium Ooze |
| Hit Dice | 5d10+30 (57 hp) |
| Initiative | -5 |
| Speed | 10 ft. (2 squares), climb 10 ft. |
| Armor Class | 5 (-5 Dex), touch 5, flat-footed 5 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +3/+5 |
| Attack | Slam +5 melee (1d6+2 plus 2d4 disassemble) |
| Full Attack | Slam +5 melee (1d6+2 plus 2d4 deconstruct) |
| Space/Reach | 5 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks | Deconstruct, constrict 1d6+2 plus 2d4 deconstruct, improved grab |
| Special Qualities | Blindsight 60 ft., damage reduction 5/―, immunity to cold and acid, vulnerability to fire, ooze traits |
| Saves | Fort +7, Ref -4, Will -4 |
| Abilities | Str 14, Dex 1, Con 23, Int ―, Wis 1, Cha 1 |
| Skills | Climb +12 |
| Feats | ― |
| Environment | Deep space |
| Organization | Solitary |
| Challenge Rating | 5 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always neutral |
| Advancement | 6–8 HD (Medium); 9–10 HD (Large) |
| Level Adjustment | ― |
Description
This crystalline mound is dark in hue, but sparkles in the light emitting colorful flashes of light. Many tiny tendrils extend out from the mass and attach themselves to nearby surfaces.
Ancient almost beyond measure, this parasitic space ooze is typically found on cometary bodies throughout the galaxy. In the frozen depths of space the phleg exists as a fungus-like being with an ultraslow metabolism. They consume minerals and volatile substances within frozen comets at a painfully slow rate.
When exposed to higher levels of energy, however, the phleg transforms into a charcoal-like ooze. It sends out spores and tendrils into the surrounding space, looking for new surfaces to contact. The phleg can eat through almost any material except for and certain rare earths and compounds rich in fluorine or chlorine.
While in its ooze form a phleg is occasionally picked up by a passing ship. The phleg becomes a growth on the side of the vessel, eating its way through the hull and consuming anything it encounters. Once a ship is infected, the only certain way to expunge all phleg spores is by exposing all contaminated surfaces to intense heat for a sufficiently long period.
Combat
In its frozen state the phleg is harmless, and appears only as a curious crystalline growth. Once it is warmed to temperatures above the freezing point of water, however, it becomes a voracious consumer of raw materials. It attaches itself to almost any surface and begins to gradually dissolve the content. Sticky tendrils are then sent out in all directions, seeking new sources of materials.
Deconstruct (Ex): The surface layer of a phleg can methodically disassemble materials as a form of slashing attack. Any melee hit or contact deals deconstruct damage, and the opponent's gear are disintegrated and become useless immediately unless they succeed on DC 22 Reflex saves. Only rare materials specifically designed to stop phleg infestation will prevent this damage. The save DC is Constitution-based.
Constrict (Ex): A phleg deals automatic slam and deconstruct damage with a successful grapple check. The opponent's gear take a -4 penalty on Reflex saves against the deconstruction.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a phleg 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 can constrict.
Skills: A phleg has a +8 racial bonus on Climb checks and can always choose to take 10 on a Climb check, even if rushed or threatened.