Silent Serpent of the Enigmatic Abyssal Depths
A sleek, sleek creature that glides silently through the depths, this serpent-like being is an enigma in both form and purpose. Its body shimmers with iridescent scales that shift colors depending on the light, making it nearly invisible in the water. Glowing eyes peer out from its elongated head, revealing a blend of curiosity and cunning intelligence. Rumored to be a guardian of ancient secrets, this creature possesses the ability to manipulate sound and can cause its prey to descend into madness with echoes of their own fears. Those who dare venture too close may find themselves entranced by its hypnotic gaze, drawn in by promises of knowledge—only to be devoured by its terrible maw.
Large Magical Beast, Neutral
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 110 (13d10 + 39)
Speed 30 ft., swim 60 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 (+5) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 6 (-2) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) |
Saving Throws Dex +8, Con +7, Cha +7
Damage Resistances Psychic
Condition Immunities Charmed, Frightened
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), Passive Perception 12
Languages Aquan, understands Common but can't speak
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Amphibious. The creature can breathe both air and water.
Echolocation. While underwater, it can pinpoint the location of any creature within 60 feet that is not behind total cover, as long as the creature is not deafened.
Whispered Madness (Recharge 5-6). The creature unleashes a wave of psychic energy in a 30-foot radius sphere centered on itself. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes 33 (6d10) psychic damage and is frightened until the end of its next turn. On a successful save, the creature takes half damage and is not frightened.
Innate Spellcasting. The creature’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
- At will: Disguise Self, Silent Image
- 1/day each: Fear, Phantasmal Killer
Multiattack. The creature makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its tail.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage.
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
Strategies: The creature is adept at using its surroundings to its advantage, often hiding among rocks or beneath the waves to ambush unsuspecting intruders. It favors using Whispered Madness to instill fear before striking with its bite, shifting tactics to incapacitate any spellcasters within the party while retreating to the depths if significantly hurt.