Nithu

This creature appears to be a semi-translucent and ever-shifting mass of protoplasm floating a few feet above the ground. Four long and sinewy tentacles writhe and sway from its form. It has no other discernible features.

Nithu (CR 6)

Large Aberration
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Initiative: +5
Senses: Darkvision 60 feet; Perception +18
Aura: stench (DC 17, 1d6 rounds)

Speed: Fly 40 feet (good)
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 21, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+5 Dex, +7 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 60 (8d8+24)
Saving Throws: Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +8
Damage Reduction: 10/magic
Energy Resistance: cold 10, fire 10

Offense

Melee: 4 tentacles +10 (1d8+3 plus Grab)
Reach: 10 feet

Special Attacks: Constrict (1d6+3), disease

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
16 (+3)	21 (+5)	16 (+3)	11 (+0)	14 (+2)	12 (+1)

Base Attack Bonus: +6
CMB +10 (+14 Grapple)
CMD 25 (can't be tripped)

Feats: Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Skill Focus (Perception), Weapon Finesse

Skills: Fly +16, Intimidate +10, Perception +18, Stealth +10, Survival +11

Languages: Common (cannot speak)

Special Abilities

Disease (Ex)

A creature hit by two or more tentacles in the same round is subjected to mire blindness. Mire Blindness tentacle-injury; save DC 17 Fort; onset 1 day; frequency 1/day; effect blindness and 1d3 Constitution damage; cure 2 consecutive saves. A creature that fails two saving throws is rendered permanently blinded. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Ecology

Environment: Temperate Forests or Marshes
Organization: solitary
Treasure: incidental


Nithus are evil monsters that dwell deep within darkened swamps, bogs, mires, and marshes. These creatures sustain themselves on a diet of swamp creatures: alligators, fish, and adventurers and just about anything else that enters their domain. Slain prey is either devoured immediately or dragged back to the nithu's lair where it is slowly devoured over the course of a few days. A nithu's lair is a well-hidden and dark cave, cavern, or other such place.

Nithus occasionally make truces with nearby humanoids (particularly orcs, gnolls, and goblins) in exchange for a steady supply of food (victims). Nithus are solitary creatures and extremely territorial, even fighting their own kind for control of an area. No encounters of multiple nithus have been recorded. Sages are unsure how (and if) nithu reproduce. They appear to be sexless creatures and no young have ever been encountered. A typical nithu has a lifespan of 20 years. As a nithu ages, its color shifts from translucent light gray to a darker, but still semi-translucent gray. Its tentacles, usually the same color as the body change colors as well.

A nithu cares little to nothing for treasure; thus, any treasure found in or around its lair is typically all that remains of those who have fallen prey to the creature's insatiable hunger. The nithu is an ambush hunter, preferring to lay in wait for potential prey to pass near. A nithu picks and chooses its targets carefully. The creature's average intelligence is enough to let it to know when it is outmanned and outclassed; thus it prefers to attack the lone straggler or a party member who may have become lost in the monster's swampy lair. Unless extremely hungry, an nithu doesn't attack a large group of creatures unless it itself is threatened and attacked first or unless it is assured of victory.