Gulper Eel

This strange being of the depths appears to be little more than a large mouth, flaccid body and dangling tail which glows with an unnatural red light.

Gulper Eel (CR 5)

Large Animal (Aquatic)
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +2
Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent; Perception +11

Speed: Swim 50 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 15, touch 11, flat-footed 13 (+2 Dex, +4 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 60 (8d8+24)
Saving Throws: Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +3

Offense

Melee: bite +9 (2d6+4 plus Grab)
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: Swallow Whole (1d8+3 acid damage, AC 12, 6 hp)

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
17 (+3)	15 (+2)	14 (+2)	1 (-5)	12 (+1)	2 (-4)

Base Attack Bonus: +6
CMB +10 (+14 Grapple)
CMD 22 (can't be tripped)

Feats: Blind-Fight, Swim-by Attack, Toughness, Weapon Focus (bite)

Skills: Perception +11, Swim +15

Languages:

Special Abilities

NONE

Ecology

Environment: Any Aquatic
Organization: solitary
Treasure: none


This larger version of its more common cousin makes its home in deep tropical and temperate waters well below 3,000 feet in depth. The gulper eel spends its life eating giant shrimp, and any other creatures which happen to arouse its senses. Gulper eels spend most of their lives in the deepest and darkest parts of the oceans, rarely if ever venturing near the surface waters.

Solitary creatures by nature, during mating season (colder months of the year), it is common to find a pair of these creatures dwelling together. During mating season, the female deposits her eggs (2-8) in the dirt and mass of plants on the ocean floor. Within two months the eggs hatch and the young swim free. Young are independent within 2 weeks after birth and venture out on their own shortly thereafter.

A gulper eel averages 10 feet in length but can grow to reach 30 feet or more. Its body is long, sleek, and black in color and its tail ends in a luminous organ. Its eyes are small for its body and close to its snout. Its massive mouth is lined with rows of sharpened teeth.

Gulper eels attempt to bite their prey, holding it before swallowing it whole. Because a gulper eel can unhinge its jaw and stretch its stomach, it can swallow opponents larger than itself.

Copyright Notice Author Scott Greene.