Elder Thing
This strange being has a star-shaped head and numerous writhing appendages arranged radially around its barrel-shaped body.
Elder Thing (CR 5)
Medium Aberration (Aquatic)Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Initiative: +2
Senses: All-Around Vision, Darkvision 60 feet; Perception +13
Speed: 30 feet, Fly 20 feet (clumsy), Swim 40 feet
Space: 5 feet
Defense
Armor Class: 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16 (+2 Dex, +6 natural)Hit Points: 59 (7d8+28)
Saving Throws: Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +8
Immunity: cold
Energy Resistance: fire 10
Offense
Melee: 5 tentacles +7 (1d4+2 plus Grab)Reach: 5 feet
Special Attacks: Constrict (1d4+2)
Statistics
| Str | Dex | Con | Int | Wis | Cha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 (+2) | 14 (+2) | 19 (+4) | 20 (+5) | 16 (+3) | 17 (+3) |
CMB +7 (+11 Grapple)
CMD 19 (can't be tripped)
Feats: Combat Reflexes, Endurance, Great Fortitude
Skills: Disable Device +9, Fly +4, Heal +10, Knowledge (arcana) +12, Perception +13, Spellcraft +15, Survival +13, Swim +20, Use Magic Device +10
Languages: Elder Thing
Special Qualities: Amphibious, hibernation, limited starflight, No Breath
Special Abilities
Hibernation (Ex)
An elder thing can enter a state of hibernation at will; doing so takes 1 minute. While in this state, it can take no actions and is effectively helpless, as if it were in a deep sleep. An elder thing can remain in hibernation for as long as it wishes- while in this state, it does not need to eat or drink, nor does it age. Time effectively stands still for a hibernating elder thing. If it is jostled or damaged while hibernating, an elder thing can attempt a DC 20 Will save. If it succeeds, it awakens in 2d4 rounds. Otherwise, it takes 1d4 days to awaken from hibernation. An elder thing can set the length of its hibernation when it first enters this state, so that it can awaken after a set amount of time has passed. When awakening at a set time in this manner, an elder thing needs only 1d3 rounds to rouse itself, with no Will saving throw necessary.Limited Starflight (Ex)
An elder thing can survive in the void of outer space, and its wings allow it to use its fly speed in that environment despite the lack of air. Unlike creatures with full starflight, an elder thing's ability to fly in outer space does not allow it to reach unusually high speeds-an elder thing that wishes to travel from one planet to another typically calculates the distance and then hibernates for the majority of the journey, relying on its momentum and inertia to carry it to its destination while it slumbers along the way.Ecology
Environment: AnyOrganization: solitary, pair, pod (3-8), or expedition (9-16)
Treasure: standard
Known by various names on various worlds, but most often as "elder things" or "old ones," these alien creatures are interested in creating lasting works of art, architecture, and even life (such as the dreaded shoggoths). They possess a boundless capacity for war and egotism.
A typical elder thing is 6 feet tall from head to foot, with a 7-foot wingspan. Surprisingly heavy for its size, an elder thing generally weighs about 450 pounds.