Otyugh
- Size: Large
- Type: Aberration
- Alignment: Neutral
- AC: 14
- Initiative: +0 (10)
- HP: 104 (11d10+44)
- Speed: 30 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| DEX | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| CON | 19 | +4 | +7 |
| INT | 6 | -2 | -2 |
| WIS | 13 | +1 | +1 |
| CHA | 6 | -2 | -2 |
- Senses: Darkvision 120 ft.; Passive Perception 11
- Languages: Otyugh; telepathy 120 ft. (doesn't allow the receiving creature to respond telepathically)
- CR: 5 (XP 1,800; PB +3)
Actions
Multiattack. The otyugh makes one Bite attack and two Tentacle attacks.
Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. Hit: 12 (2d8+3) Piercing damage, and the target has the Poisoned condition. Whenever the Poisoned target finishes a Long Rest, it is subjected to the following effect. Constitution Saving Throw: DC 15. Failure: The target's Hit Point maximum decreases by 5 (1d10), and it repeats this save after every Long Rest until it succeeds or dies. Success: The effect ends.
Tentacle. Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 10 ft. Hit: 12 (2d8+3) Piercing damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it has the Grappled condition (escape DC 13) from one of two tentacles.
Tentacle Slam. Constitution Saving Throw: DC 14, each creature Grappled by the otyugh. Failure: 16 (3d8+3) Bludgeoning damage, and the target has the Stunned condition until the start of the otyugh's next turn. Success: Half damage only.
Lore & Background
Otyughs are aberrant creatures that serve as nature's garbage disposals, feeding on refuse, carrion, and waste in underground environments. These bulbous, three-legged creatures possess a crude intelligence and can even communicate telepathically with other creatures. Despite their revolting appearance and diet, otyughs are not inherently evil and sometimes form mutually beneficial relationships with other intelligent beings.
These creatures are often found in sewers, garbage pits, and dungeon areas where waste accumulates. Some communities even cultivate otyughs as living waste disposal systems, though such arrangements require careful negotiation and regular feeding to maintain the creature's cooperation.
Combat Tactics
Otyughs use their long tentacles to grapple enemies and pull them into range of their bite attack. They prefer to fight from defensive positions near their feeding grounds, using their disease-carrying bite to weaken opponents over time.
Encounter Ideas
Sewer Guardian: An otyugh controls a section of city sewers and demands tribute for passage. Waste Disposal: A community uses an otyugh to dispose of garbage but it's become aggressive. Dungeon Cleaner: An otyugh feeds on the remains of adventurers in an ancient complex. Symbiotic Relationship: An otyugh works with other creatures in exchange for regular feeding.
Environmental Effects
Otyugh territories are filled with refuse, organic waste, and the stench of decay. The areas they inhabit often become disease-ridden and unhealthy for other creatures.
Treasure
Otyughs don't intentionally collect treasure, but their feeding areas often contain valuable items that were discarded or lost in the refuse they consume, including coins, jewelry, and small magical items.
Plot Hooks
The Talking Trash: An otyugh offers information about what it has observed in exchange for food. Disease Outbreak: An otyugh's presence is spreading disease through a community's water supply. Underground Network: Otyughs throughout a city's sewer system are connected and share information. Waste Management: Heroes must negotiate with an otyugh to gain access to its territory.