Otyugh

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Otyugh Introduction

In the dim, fetid corners of the world where light dares not tread, there lurks a creature of grotesque and unsettling presence—the Otyugh. As you venture deeper into the labyrinthine sewers or the forgotten caverns beneath the earth, a stench of decay and rot assaults your senses, a harbinger of the beast that calls this place home. The Otyugh is a monstrous entity, a bizarre amalgamation of tentacles, eyes, and a gaping maw that seems to defy the natural order.

Its body is a bulbous mass, covered in a thick, leathery hide that bears the scars of countless battles and the grime of its unsavory diet. Three powerful legs support its bulk, allowing it to move with surprising speed and agility through the muck and mire. From its central body extend two long, sinuous tentacles, each ending in a cluster of barbed, grasping appendages capable of seizing prey with terrifying strength. Atop this grotesque form sits a head adorned with three eyes, each swiveling independently to survey its surroundings with an unsettling intelligence.

The Otyugh is a scavenger by nature, thriving in the filth and refuse of the world. It is drawn to places where waste accumulates, be it the refuse pits of a bustling city or the stagnant pools of a forgotten swamp. Here, it lies in wait, camouflaged among the detritus, ready to ambush any creature unfortunate enough to wander too close. Despite its fearsome appearance, the Otyugh is not inherently malevolent; it is a creature of necessity, driven by hunger and survival.

Legends speak of the Otyugh as guardians of the underworld, creatures that dwell at the threshold between the living and the dead. Some tales tell of ancient cults that revered these beasts, offering them sacrifices in exchange for protection or dark knowledge. Others whisper of Otyughs as the remnants of a bygone age, creatures that have adapted to the refuse of civilization, thriving where others would perish.

As you stand on the precipice of this dark domain, the air thick with the scent of decay, you cannot shake the feeling that you are being watched. The Otyugh is near, its presence a palpable weight in the shadows. Will you dare to venture further, to face the beast in its lair, or will you turn back, leaving the secrets of this forsaken place to the darkness?

Otyugh Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +5

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 15

Languages

• Understands Common but can't speak

Abilities

• Limited Telepathy: The otyugh can magically transmit simple messages and images to any creature within 120 feet of it that can understand a language. This form of telepathy doesn’t allow the receiving creature to telepathically respond.

Actions

• Multiattack: The otyugh makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its tentacles.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw against disease or become poisoned until the disease is cured. Every 24 hours that elapse, the target must repeat the saving throw, reducing its hit point maximum by 5 (1d10) on a failure. The disease is cured on a success. The target dies if the disease reduces its hit point maximum to 0. This reduction to the target’s hit point maximum lasts until the disease is cured.
• Tentacle: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage. If the target is Medium or smaller, it is grappled (escape DC 13) and restrained until the grapple ends. The otyugh has two tentacles, each of which can grapple one target.
• Tentacle Slam: The otyugh slams creatures grappled by it into each other or a solid surface. Each creature must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or take 10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage and be stunned until the end of the otyugh’s next turn. On a successful save, the target takes half the bludgeoning damage and isn’t stunned.

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Battle Tips for Otyugh

The Otyugh is a formidable creature often found lurking in the dark, dank corners of dungeons. Known for its tentacles and insatiable appetite for refuse, it can be a surprising and challenging foe for adventurers. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use an Otyugh in battle:

Using the Otyugh in Battle

• Ambush Tactics: The Otyugh thrives in environments filled with waste and debris. Use this to your advantage by having it hide among the refuse, surprising adventurers as they pass by. Its ability to blend into its surroundings makes it an excellent ambush predator.
• Control the Battlefield: With its long tentacles, the Otyugh can control a large area. Use its reach to keep melee fighters at bay while it lashes out from a distance. This can be particularly effective in narrow dungeon corridors where movement is restricted.
• Psychological Warfare: The Otyugh's grotesque appearance and stench can be used to unsettle players. Describe the creature's horrific features in detail to create a sense of dread and unease among the party.

Coordinating Multiple Otyughs

• Pack Tactics: While Otyughs are often solitary, a group of them can work together to overwhelm adventurers. Use one Otyugh to block the party's path while others attack from the sides or rear, creating a pincer movement.
• Divide and Conquer: Multiple Otyughs can be used to split the party. Have one or two Otyughs engage the front line while others target the backline, forcing the party to divide their attention and resources.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, Otyughs can retreat into the shadows or deeper into the dungeon. Use their knowledge of the terrain to lead adventurers into traps or more dangerous areas.

By leveraging the Otyugh's natural abilities and environment, a Dungeon Master can create a memorable and challenging encounter for their players. Whether used alone or in groups, these creatures can add a unique and terrifying element to any dungeon crawl.