Library / Bestiary

Elder Thing

CR 5.00 Aberration LN Medium
This strange being has a star-shaped head and numerous writhing appendages arranged radially around its barrel-shaped body.

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.

STR
15
DEX
14
CON
19
INT
20
WIS
16
CHA
17
HP
59 (7d8+28)
AC
18, touch 12, flat-footed 16 (+2 Dex, +6 natural)
Speed
30 ft., fly 20 ft. (clumsy), swim 40 ft.
Init
+2
Melee
5 tentacles +7 (1d4+2 plus grab)
BAB
+5
CMB
+7 (+11 grapple)
CMD
19 (can't be tripped)
Fort
+8
Ref
+4
Will
+8

constrict (1d4+2)

amphibious

Hibernation — 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 — 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.

no breath

Disable Device +9, Fly +4, Heal +10, Knowledge (arcana) +12, Perception +13, Spellcraft +15, Survival +13, Swim +20, Use Magic Device +10

Details
Type
Aberration
Alignment
LN
Size
Medium
Environment
any
Organization
solitary, pair, pod (3–8), or expedition (9–16)
Treasure
standard
Senses
all-around vision, darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +13
Languages
Elder Thing
Source
Bestiary 4
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