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General Monster Talk
Cleon Specials – SRD Redux Monsters and Related Creatures
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<blockquote data-quote="Cleon" data-source="post: 7961896" data-attributes="member: 57383"><p><strong><span style="font-size: 26px">SQUID</span></strong></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 22px"><strong>Squid Redux</strong></span></p><p>Medium Animal (Aquatic)</p><p><strong>Hit Dice:</strong> 3d8 (13 hp)</p><p><strong>Initiative:</strong> +3</p><p><strong>Speed:</strong> Swim 60 ft. (12 squares)</p><p><strong>Armor Class:</strong> 16 (+3 Dex, +3 natural), touch 13, flat-footed 13</p><p><strong>Base Attack/Grapple:</strong> +2/+10*</p><p><strong>Attack:</strong> Tentacles +5 melee (0)</p><p><strong>Full Attack:</strong> Tentacles +5 melee (0) and arms +3 melee (0) and bite +3 melee (1d6+1)</p><p><strong>Space/Reach:</strong> 5 ft./5 ft.</p><p><strong>Special Attacks:</strong> Constrict 1d4+2, improved grab, tearing beak [<em>grapple or +5 melee, 1d6+2</em>]</p><p><strong>Special Qualities:</strong> Chameleon, ink cloud, jet, low-light vision</p><p><strong>Saves:</strong> Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +2</p><p><strong>Abilities:</strong> Str 14, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2</p><p><strong>Skills:</strong> Hide +7, Listen +4, Spot +8, Swim +11</p><p><strong>Feats:</strong> Blind-Fight, Endurance, Multiattackᴮ, Weapon Finesseᴮ</p><p><strong>Environment:</strong> Any aquatic</p><p><strong>Organization:</strong> Solitary, squad (2–10), audience (10–100) or shoal (100–1,000) [<em>many species only use the smaller groups</em>]</p><p><strong>Challenge Rating:</strong> 2</p><p><strong>Advancement:</strong> 4–5 HD (Medium); 6–9 HD (Large)</p><p><strong>Level Adjustment:</strong> —</p><p></p><p>These free-swimming molluscs are fairly aggressive and are more feared than sharks in some locales.</p><p></p><p>This entry describes a particularly big squid. The jumbo squid (<em>Dosidicus gigas</em>) is the commonest species and some fishermen fear it so they call them the "Red Devil", other examples include the Dana octopus squid (<em>Taningia danae</em>) and robust clubhook squid (<em>Onykia robusta</em>). While not the size of a true giant squid like <em>Architeuthis</em> they are big enough to threaten swimmers. Most squid are smaller, usually Tiny size or less (see below for descriptions). Such squid may be adults of modest-sized species or the young of bigger squid.</p><p></p><p>This squid has a body three to five feet long and weighs 50 to 100 pounds. The length of the arms and tentacles varies greatly depending on species. Arms usually range from about one-half to two-thirds the squid's body length. Tentacles are usually longer than the arms and are typically as long as or slightly shorter than the body, but may be several times body-length or as short as the arms.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 18px">Combat</span></strong></p><p>A squid is a straightforward combatant. It seeks to seize an opponent with its tentacles and arms and then bite them with its tearing beak. If injured or outmatched they try to jet away under the cover of an ink cloud.</p><p></p><p><strong>Chameleon (Ex):</strong> A squid can change its colour and produce light, giving it a +4 racial bonus on Hide checks. The squid does not need cover or concealment to attempt a Hide check if it can match the colour and brightness of its surroundings.</p><p></p><p><strong>Constrict (Ex):</strong> A squid automatically deals 1d4+2 points of constriction damage with a successful grapple check.</p><p></p><p>If the squid is close enough to bite the opponent it is constricting it can simultaneously uses its Tearing Beak special attack on them.</p><p></p><p><strong>Improved Grab (Ex):</strong> To use this ability, a squid must hit an opponent of any size with a tentacles or arms attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can use Tearing Beak.</p><p></p><p>*A squid has a +6 racial bonus to grapple checks.</p><p></p><p><strong>Tearing Beak (Ex):</strong> A squid can bite an opponent it is grappling as a primary attack (bite +5 melee for 1d6+2 damage) or by succeeding at an opposed grapple check (for the same damage).</p><p></p><p><strong>Ink Cloud (Ex):</strong> A squid can emit a cloud of jet-black ink 15 feet high by 15 feet wide by 15 feet long once per minute as a free action. The cloud provides total concealment, which the squid normally uses to escape a losing fight. All vision within the cloud is obscured.</p><p></p><p><strong>Jet (Ex):</strong> A squid can jet backward once per round as a full-round action, at a speed of 300 feet. It must move in a straight line, but does not provoke attacks of opportunity while jetting.</p><p></p><p><strong>Skills:</strong> A squid's large eyes give it a +4 racial bonus to Spot checks and its chameleon ability gives it a +4 racial bonus to Hide checks.</p><p></p><p>A squid has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard and can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line. A squid can use either its Dexterity modifier or Strength modifier on Swim checks, whichever is better.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong>Squid Notes</strong></span></p><p>In general anatomy, a squid's body is engulfed within a muscular cape called a <em>mantle</em>, with a head protruding from one end and a pair of fins towards the tail (some squid have more elaborate mantle fringes or two pairs of fins). The squid can expand its mantle body-wall to suck in water, then contract the mantle to squirt out water and jet about, directing the flow through a nozzle-like <em>siphon</em>; the mantle also contains the gills. The main body inside the mantle holds the vital organs (including three hearts plus digestive and reproductive organs), an ink sac and a leaf-shaped chitinous support called a <em>gladius</em>. The brain lies at the back of the head which also has large round eyes, a pair of tentacles and eight arms The mouth with the squid's sharp beak and a file-like tongue (the <em>radula</em>) is hidden at the centre of its limbs. A squid's brain is a complex nerve-ring surrounding the oesophagus (the throat) and is <em>slightly</em> protected by a cartilaginous cranium, multiple nerve-ganglia branch from it to other parts of the body.</p><p></p><p>Squid can change colour using special skin organs called <em>chromatophores</em> and many species (including the jumbo squid) are bioluminescent as well, with spots on their body or limbs that can produce light in a continuous glow or bright flashes. Squid are not quite as adept at camouflage as their octopus and cuttlefish cousins squid but can still hide from predators by changing colour to match their surroundings and using bioluminescence to counter-illuminate any sunlight coming from above them. Squid also use colour changing to interact with other squid (courtship displays and other social interactions), attempt to intimidate predators or to confuse prey with bright flashes of light and colour (they also use posture and tentacle-gestures to communicate). A squid can change its hue and brightness very rapidly – maybe too fast for an ordinary humanoid's eyes to follow. The range of colour varies somewhat between species, but is usually some combination of red, white, yellow, black/brown and occasionally blue or green. Jumbo squid normally rapidly flash between white and red when hunting (hence their name of Red Devil).</p><p></p><p>Squid live fast and have voracious appetites. They have no qualms against cannibalism and will eat smaller or wounded squid of their own species. Some squid (including the jumbo squid) are gregarious enough to migrate and hunt in large groups called "shoals". Shoaling squid can cooperate to catch prey but this usually only means they'll try to eat the same animal without fighting each other for the privilege, they may still resort to cannibalism of injured fellow squid. Jumbo squid however are known to communicate with each other while hunting collaboratively. Shoals sometimes congregate for reproduction too (one of the few times the shoaling squid are not concerned about cannibalizing one another).</p><p></p><p>Most squid only have a lifespan of a year or two, with the larger species usually living longer. They mate once and die shortly afterwards. Some species reproduce in shoals and others just meet as individuals, do the deed, and then separate. At least one species, the Diamond Squid (<em>Thysanoteuthis rhombus</em>) form male & female mating pairs that stay in the same area, if one dies the other squid still likely remains in the area. In most species male squid fertilize their mates with a specialized tentacle like octopuses do, although a few species like the giant squid <em>Architeuthis</em> use a stabbing penis instead. Females lay strings or clumps of numerous relatively large eggs which they usually attach to the sea floor, although some species leave their eggs to float freely.</p><p></p><p>The chromatophores of cephalopods are elastic sacs full of pigment whose size and shape the animal controls by muscular action, ballooning out the sac to display colour and shrinking it to a microscope dot to conceal it. The organ may also have reflectors and diffraction layers to display colours the cephalopod cannot produce pigments for. Each chromatophore has individual nerve connections allowing precise changes to the organ's opacity, reflectivity and translucency.</p><p></p><p>The light of bioluminescent cephalopods is created by symbiotic bacteria cultured in specialized skin organs called <em>photophores</em>. These organs are similar to chromatophores and can be very complex, possessing lenses, reflectors or even colour filters or shutters. The animal changes the light's brightness and direction using muscles around each photophore and can alter the amount of glowing bacteria living in the organ by feeding or starving them. The same or similar glowing bacteria are responsible for the luminosity of the mucus that fire-shooting squid squirt out (see the Glow-Ink Cephalopod entry under Ink Variants).</p><p></p><p>Many squid are edible or even tasty. However, many other squid contain ammonia in their tissues which may be concentrated enough to give their flesh an unpleasant reek and nauseating flavour or render it uneatable. A squid species' ammonia content may vary with the time of year. Jumbo squid, for example, have only inconsequential traces of the chemical during the season fishing boats catch them, but out-of-season they're often too foul to eat. Numerous species belong to the gelatinous squid and glass squid types, which are particularly high in ammonia and completely inedible to normal humanoids (such animals are described in the Gelatinous Cephalopod and Glass Cephalopod entries far below under <strong>Squid Variants</strong>).</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 22px"><strong>Large Squid</strong></span></p><p>Large Animal (Aquatic)</p><p><strong>Hit Dice:</strong> 6d8+12 (33 hp)</p><p><strong>Initiative:</strong> +3</p><p><strong>Speed:</strong> Swim 60 ft. (12 squares)</p><p><strong>Armor Class:</strong> 17 (–1 size, +3 Dex, +5 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 14</p><p><strong>Base Attack/Grapple:</strong> +4/+20*</p><p><strong>Attack:</strong> Tentacles +10 melee (0)</p><p><strong>Full Attack:</strong> Tentacles +10 melee (0) and arms +7 melee (0) and bite +7 melee (1d8+3)</p><p><strong>Space/Reach:</strong> 10 ft./5 ft. (10 ft. with tentacles)</p><p><strong>Special Attacks:</strong> Constrict 1d6+6, improved grab, tearing beak [<em>grapple or +9 melee, 1d8+6</em>]</p><p><strong>Special Qualities:</strong> Chameleon, ink cloud, jet, low-light vision</p><p><strong>Saves:</strong> Fort +7, Ref +8, Will +3</p><p><strong>Abilities:</strong> Str 22, Dex 16, Con 15, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2</p><p><strong>Skills:</strong> Hide +6, Listen +4, Spot +8, Swim +14</p><p><strong>Feats:</strong> Blind-Fight, Endurance, Multiattackᴮ, Weapon Focus (tentacles)</p><p><strong>Environment:</strong> Any aquatic</p><p><strong>Organization:</strong> Solitary, squad (2–10), audience (1–3 plus 10–100 squid) or shoal (1–10 plus 100–1,000 squid)</p><p><strong>Challenge Rating:</strong> 4</p><p><strong>Advancement:</strong> 7–9 HD (Large)</p><p><strong>Level Adjustment:</strong> —</p><p></p><p>This is simply a standard squid advanced to Large size. Squid grow to this size very rarely and can be encountered alone, in squads the same size, or in a group with smaller-sized squid of the same species. Even an entire shoal of standard Medium squid is unlikely to number many such impressive specimens.</p><p></p><p>Large squid have bodies six to eight feet long with proportionally sized tentacles and arms, they typically weigh around 300 to 500 pounds. This is the upper size limit for a normal squid although giant squid (i.e. <em>Architeuthis dux</em>) may grow even larger.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 18px">Combat</span></strong></p><p>Large squid fight in an identical manner to smaller squid. The squid's tentacles have a reach equal to a tall creature of its size. Their special abilities are identical to its normal-sized kin save for the following improvements:</p><p></p><p><strong>Constrict (Ex):</strong> Damage is 1d6+6.</p><p></p><p><strong>Tearing</strong> <strong>Beak</strong> <strong>(Ex):</strong> Bite +9 melee (1d8+6) against grappled foes.</p><p></p><p><strong>Ink Cloud (Ex):</strong> A Large squid can emit a cloud of jet-black ink 20 feet high by 20 feet wide by 20 feet long.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 22px"><strong>Small Squid</strong></span></p><p>Small Animal (Aquatic)</p><p><strong>Hit Dice:</strong> 2d8 (9 hp)</p><p><strong>Initiative:</strong> +3</p><p><strong>Speed:</strong> Swim 60 ft. (12 squares)</p><p><strong>Armor Class:</strong> 16 (+1 size, +3 Dex, +2 natural), touch 14, flat-footed 13</p><p><strong>Base Attack/Grapple:</strong> +1/+8*</p><p><strong>Attack:</strong> Tentacles +5 melee (0)</p><p><strong>Full Attack:</strong> Tentacles +5 melee (0) and arms +3 melee (0) and bite +3 melee (1d4)</p><p><strong>Space/Reach:</strong> 5 ft./5 ft.</p><p><strong>Special Attacks:</strong> Constrict 1d3+1, improved grab, tearing beak [<em>grapple or +5 melee, 1d4+1</em>]</p><p><strong>Special Qualities:</strong> Chameleon, ink cloud, jet, low-light vision</p><p><strong>Saves:</strong> Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +1</p><p><strong>Abilities:</strong> Str 12, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2</p><p><strong>Skills:</strong> Hide +11, Listen +3, Spot +7, Swim +11</p><p><strong>Feats:</strong> Blind-Fight, Multiattackᴮ, Weapon Finesseᴮ</p><p><strong>Environment:</strong> Any aquatic</p><p><strong>Organization:</strong> Solitary, squad (2–10), audience (10–100) or shoal (100–1,000) [<em>many species only use the smaller groups</em>]</p><p><strong>Challenge Rating:</strong> 1</p><p><strong>Advancement:</strong> —</p><p><strong>Level Adjustment:</strong> —</p><p></p><p>These are basically just smaller versions of a Medium size squid such as the jumbo squid and may even be adults of that species. A group may contain both Small and Medium squid of the same species, but usually no Large squid (since they'd eat the Small ones). Small squid are still big enough to potentially injure or even kill a person but are too little to contemplate attacking humanoids for food, with the possible exception of small races such as gnomes and halflings.</p><p></p><p>Such squid typically have bodies roughly two to three feet long and weigh from 12 to 25 pounds, their arms and tentacles generally range from one to three feet in length.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 18px">Combat</span></strong></p><p>Small squid fight in an identical manner to standard squid. Their special abilities are identical to its normal-sized kin save for the following changes:</p><p></p><p><strong>Constrict (Ex):</strong> Damage is 1d3+1.</p><p></p><p><strong>Improved Grab (Ex):</strong> *A small squid has a +10 racial bonus to grapple checks.</p><p></p><p><strong>Tearing</strong> <strong>Beak</strong> <strong>(Ex):</strong> Bite +5 melee (1d4+1) against grappled foes.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 22px"><strong>Tiny Squid</strong></span></p><p>Tiny Animal (Aquatic)</p><p><strong>Hit Dice:</strong> 1d8 (4 hp)</p><p><strong>Initiative:</strong> +3</p><p><strong>Speed:</strong> Swim 60 ft. (12 squares)</p><p><strong>Armor Class:</strong> 16 (+2 size, +3 Dex, +1 natural), touch 15, flat-footed 13</p><p><strong>Base Attack/Grapple:</strong> +0/+6*</p><p><strong>Attack:</strong> Tentacles +5 melee (0)</p><p><strong>Full Attack:</strong> Tentacles +5 melee (0) and arms +3 melee (0) and bite +3 melee (1d3–1)</p><p><strong>Space/Reach:</strong> 2½ ft./0 ft.</p><p><strong>Special Attacks:</strong> Improved grab, tearing beak [<em>grapple or +5 melee, 1d3–1</em>]</p><p><strong>Special Qualities:</strong> Chameleon, ink cloud, jet, low-light vision</p><p><strong>Saves:</strong> Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +1</p><p><strong>Abilities:</strong> Str 8, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2</p><p><strong>Skills:</strong> Hide +15, Listen +3, Spot +7, Swim +11</p><p><strong>Feats:</strong> Blind-Fight, Multiattackᴮ, Weapon Finesseᴮ</p><p><strong>Environment:</strong> Any aquatic</p><p><strong>Organization:</strong> Solitary, squad (2–10), audience (10–100) or shoal (100–1,000) [<em>many species only use the smaller groups</em>]</p><p><strong>Challenge Rating:</strong> 1/4</p><p><strong>Advancement:</strong> —</p><p><strong>Level Adjustment:</strong> —</p><p></p><p>Tiny squid are extremely common and are often caught by fishermen and larger sea creatures for food.</p><p></p><p>Such squid typically have bodies 12 to 18 inches long and weigh 2 or 3 pounds, their arms and tentacles are usually about a foot in length.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 18px">Combat</span></strong></p><p>Tiny squid have a nasty bite but pose no real danger to creatures that aren't Diminutive or smaller. They try to flee from everything bigger than themselves.</p><p></p><p><strong>Chameleon (Ex):</strong> A squid can change its colour and produce light, giving it a +4 racial bonus on Hide checks. The squid does not need cover or concealment to attempt a Hide check if it can match the colour and brightness of its surroundings.</p><p></p><p><strong>Improved Grab (Ex):</strong> To use this ability, a squid must hit an opponent of any size with a tentacles or arms attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can use Tearing Beak.</p><p></p><p>*A Tiny squid has a +15 racial bonus to grapple checks.</p><p></p><p><strong>Tearing Beak (Ex):</strong> A Tiny squid can bite an opponent it is grappling as a primary attack (bite +5 melee for 1d3–1 damage) or by succeeding at an opposed grapple check (for the same damage).</p><p></p><p><strong>Ink Cloud (Ex):</strong> A Tiny squid can emit a cloud of jet-black ink 5 feet high by 5 feet wide by 5 feet long once per minute as a free action. The cloud provides total concealment, which the squid normally uses to escape a losing fight. All vision within the cloud is obscured.</p><p></p><p><strong>Jet (Ex):</strong> A squid can jet backward once per round as a full-round action, at a speed of 300 feet. It must move in a straight line, but does not provoke attacks of opportunity while jetting.</p><p></p><p><strong>Skills:</strong> A squid's large eyes give it a +4 racial bonus to Spot checks and its chameleon ability gives it a +4 racial bonus to Hide checks.</p><p></p><p>A squid has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard and can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line. A squid can use either its Dexterity modifier or Strength modifier on Swim checks, whichever is better.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 22px"><strong>Diminutive Squid</strong></span></p><p>Diminutive Animal (Aquatic)</p><p><strong>Hit Dice:</strong> ½d8 (2 hp)</p><p><strong>Initiative:</strong> +3</p><p><strong>Speed:</strong> Swim 60 ft. (12 squares)</p><p><strong>Armor Class:</strong> 17 (+4 size, +3 Dex), touch 17, flat-footed 14</p><p><strong>Base Attack/Grapple:</strong> +0/+0*</p><p><strong>Attack:</strong> Tentacles +7 melee (0)</p><p><strong>Full Attack:</strong> Tentacles +7 melee (0) and bite +5 melee (1)</p><p><strong>Space/Reach:</strong> 1 ft./0 ft.</p><p><strong>Special Attacks:</strong> Improved grab, tearing beak [<em>grapple or +7 melee, 1 damage</em>]</p><p><strong>Special Qualities:</strong> Chameleon, ink cloud, jet, low-light vision</p><p><strong>Saves:</strong> Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +1</p><p><strong>Abilities:</strong> Str 4, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2</p><p><strong>Skills:</strong> Hide +17, Listen +3, Spot +7, Swim +11</p><p><strong>Feats:</strong> Blind-Fight, Multiattackᴮ, Weapon Finesseᴮ</p><p><strong>Environment:</strong> Any aquatic</p><p><strong>Organization:</strong> Solitary, squad (2–10), audience (10–100) or shoal (100–1,000) [<em>many species only use the smaller groups</em>]</p><p><strong>Challenge Rating:</strong> 1/8</p><p><strong>Advancement:</strong> —</p><p><strong>Level Adjustment:</strong> —</p><p></p><p>Even more abundant than Tiny squid, these Diminutive cephalopods are an important element in many marine ecosystems. Even smaller squid of Fine size exist but are too miniscule to be of much significance to humanoids apart from their use as snack food.</p><p></p><p>Diminutive squid typically average about 9 inches in body length, or 15 to 18 inches including their arms and tentacles. They weigh half a pound or so.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 18px">Combat</span></strong></p><p>Diminutive squid can give a painful nip but are a negligible threat to anything that isn't Fine size. They try to flee from any creature that's Tiny size or larger.</p><p></p><p><strong>Chameleon (Ex):</strong> A Diminutive squid can change its colour and produce light, giving it a +2 racial bonus on Hide checks. The squid does not need cover or concealment to attempt a Hide check if it can match the colour and brightness of its surroundings.</p><p></p><p><strong>Improved Grab (Ex):</strong> To use this ability, a Diminutive squid must hit an opponent of any size with a tentacles attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can use Tearing Beak.</p><p></p><p>*A Diminutive squid has a +15 racial bonus to grapple checks.</p><p></p><p><strong>Tearing Beak (Ex):</strong> A Diminutive squid can bite an opponent it is grappling as a primary attack (bite +7 melee for 1 damage) or by succeeding at an opposed grapple check (for the same damage).</p><p></p><p><strong>Ink Cloud (Ex):</strong> A Diminutive squid can emit a cloud of jet-black ink 2 feet high by 2 feet wide by 2 feet long once per minute as a free action. The cloud provides total concealment, which the squid normally uses to escape a losing fight. All vision within the cloud is obscured.</p><p></p><p><strong>Jet (Ex):</strong> A squid can jet backward once per round as a full-round action, at a speed of 300 feet. It must move in a straight line, but does not provoke attacks of opportunity while jetting.</p><p></p><p><strong>Skills:</strong> A squid's large eyes give it a +4 racial bonus to Spot checks and its chameleon ability gives it a +2 racial bonus to Hide checks.</p><p></p><p>A squid has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard and can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line. A squid can use either its Dexterity modifier or Strength modifier on Swim checks, whichever is better.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Cleon, post: 7961896, member: 57383"] [B][SIZE=7]SQUID[/SIZE][/B] [SIZE=6][B]Squid Redux[/B][/SIZE] Medium Animal (Aquatic) [B]Hit Dice:[/B] 3d8 (13 hp) [B]Initiative:[/B] +3 [B]Speed:[/B] Swim 60 ft. (12 squares) [B]Armor Class:[/B] 16 (+3 Dex, +3 natural), touch 13, flat-footed 13 [B]Base Attack/Grapple:[/B] +2/+10* [B]Attack:[/B] Tentacles +5 melee (0) [B]Full Attack:[/B] Tentacles +5 melee (0) and arms +3 melee (0) and bite +3 melee (1d6+1) [B]Space/Reach:[/B] 5 ft./5 ft. [B]Special Attacks:[/B] Constrict 1d4+2, improved grab, tearing beak [[I]grapple or +5 melee, 1d6+2[/I]] [B]Special Qualities:[/B] Chameleon, ink cloud, jet, low-light vision [B]Saves:[/B] Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +2 [B]Abilities:[/B] Str 14, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2 [B]Skills:[/B] Hide +7, Listen +4, Spot +8, Swim +11 [B]Feats:[/B] Blind-Fight, Endurance, Multiattackᴮ, Weapon Finesseᴮ [B]Environment:[/B] Any aquatic [B]Organization:[/B] Solitary, squad (2–10), audience (10–100) or shoal (100–1,000) [[I]many species only use the smaller groups[/I]] [B]Challenge Rating:[/B] 2 [B]Advancement:[/B] 4–5 HD (Medium); 6–9 HD (Large) [B]Level Adjustment:[/B] — These free-swimming molluscs are fairly aggressive and are more feared than sharks in some locales. This entry describes a particularly big squid. The jumbo squid ([I]Dosidicus gigas[/I]) is the commonest species and some fishermen fear it so they call them the "Red Devil", other examples include the Dana octopus squid ([I]Taningia danae[/I]) and robust clubhook squid ([I]Onykia robusta[/I]). While not the size of a true giant squid like [I]Architeuthis[/I] they are big enough to threaten swimmers. Most squid are smaller, usually Tiny size or less (see below for descriptions). Such squid may be adults of modest-sized species or the young of bigger squid. This squid has a body three to five feet long and weighs 50 to 100 pounds. The length of the arms and tentacles varies greatly depending on species. Arms usually range from about one-half to two-thirds the squid's body length. Tentacles are usually longer than the arms and are typically as long as or slightly shorter than the body, but may be several times body-length or as short as the arms. [B][SIZE=5]Combat[/SIZE][/B] A squid is a straightforward combatant. It seeks to seize an opponent with its tentacles and arms and then bite them with its tearing beak. If injured or outmatched they try to jet away under the cover of an ink cloud. [B]Chameleon (Ex):[/B] A squid can change its colour and produce light, giving it a +4 racial bonus on Hide checks. The squid does not need cover or concealment to attempt a Hide check if it can match the colour and brightness of its surroundings. [B]Constrict (Ex):[/B] A squid automatically deals 1d4+2 points of constriction damage with a successful grapple check. If the squid is close enough to bite the opponent it is constricting it can simultaneously uses its Tearing Beak special attack on them. [B]Improved Grab (Ex):[/B] To use this ability, a squid must hit an opponent of any size with a tentacles or arms attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can use Tearing Beak. *A squid has a +6 racial bonus to grapple checks.[I][/I] [B]Tearing Beak (Ex):[/B] A squid can bite an opponent it is grappling as a primary attack (bite +5 melee for 1d6+2 damage) or by succeeding at an opposed grapple check (for the same damage). [B]Ink Cloud (Ex):[/B] A squid can emit a cloud of jet-black ink 15 feet high by 15 feet wide by 15 feet long once per minute as a free action. The cloud provides total concealment, which the squid normally uses to escape a losing fight. All vision within the cloud is obscured. [B]Jet (Ex):[/B] A squid can jet backward once per round as a full-round action, at a speed of 300 feet. It must move in a straight line, but does not provoke attacks of opportunity while jetting. [B]Skills:[/B] A squid's large eyes give it a +4 racial bonus to Spot checks and its chameleon ability gives it a +4 racial bonus to Hide checks. A squid has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard and can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line. A squid can use either its Dexterity modifier or Strength modifier on Swim checks, whichever is better. [SIZE=5][B]Squid Notes[/B][/SIZE] In general anatomy, a squid's body is engulfed within a muscular cape called a [I]mantle[/I], with a head protruding from one end and a pair of fins towards the tail (some squid have more elaborate mantle fringes or two pairs of fins). The squid can expand its mantle body-wall to suck in water, then contract the mantle to squirt out water and jet about, directing the flow through a nozzle-like [I]siphon[/I]; the mantle also contains the gills. The main body inside the mantle holds the vital organs (including three hearts plus digestive and reproductive organs), an ink sac and a leaf-shaped chitinous support called a [I]gladius[/I]. The brain lies at the back of the head which also has large round eyes, a pair of tentacles and eight arms The mouth with the squid's sharp beak and a file-like tongue (the [I]radula[/I]) is hidden at the centre of its limbs. A squid's brain is a complex nerve-ring surrounding the oesophagus (the throat) and is [I]slightly[/I] protected by a cartilaginous cranium, multiple nerve-ganglia branch from it to other parts of the body. Squid can change colour using special skin organs called [I]chromatophores[/I] and many species (including the jumbo squid) are bioluminescent as well, with spots on their body or limbs that can produce light in a continuous glow or bright flashes. Squid are not quite as adept at camouflage as their octopus and cuttlefish cousins squid but can still hide from predators by changing colour to match their surroundings and using bioluminescence to counter-illuminate any sunlight coming from above them. Squid also use colour changing to interact with other squid (courtship displays and other social interactions), attempt to intimidate predators or to confuse prey with bright flashes of light and colour (they also use posture and tentacle-gestures to communicate). A squid can change its hue and brightness very rapidly – maybe too fast for an ordinary humanoid's eyes to follow. The range of colour varies somewhat between species, but is usually some combination of red, white, yellow, black/brown and occasionally blue or green. Jumbo squid normally rapidly flash between white and red when hunting (hence their name of Red Devil). Squid live fast and have voracious appetites. They have no qualms against cannibalism and will eat smaller or wounded squid of their own species. Some squid (including the jumbo squid) are gregarious enough to migrate and hunt in large groups called "shoals". Shoaling squid can cooperate to catch prey but this usually only means they'll try to eat the same animal without fighting each other for the privilege, they may still resort to cannibalism of injured fellow squid. Jumbo squid however are known to communicate with each other while hunting collaboratively. Shoals sometimes congregate for reproduction too (one of the few times the shoaling squid are not concerned about cannibalizing one another). Most squid only have a lifespan of a year or two, with the larger species usually living longer. They mate once and die shortly afterwards. Some species reproduce in shoals and others just meet as individuals, do the deed, and then separate. At least one species, the Diamond Squid ([I]Thysanoteuthis rhombus[/I]) form male & female mating pairs that stay in the same area, if one dies the other squid still likely remains in the area. In most species male squid fertilize their mates with a specialized tentacle like octopuses do, although a few species like the giant squid [I]Architeuthis[/I] use a stabbing penis instead. Females lay strings or clumps of numerous relatively large eggs which they usually attach to the sea floor, although some species leave their eggs to float freely. The chromatophores of cephalopods are elastic sacs full of pigment whose size and shape the animal controls by muscular action, ballooning out the sac to display colour and shrinking it to a microscope dot to conceal it. The organ may also have reflectors and diffraction layers to display colours the cephalopod cannot produce pigments for. Each chromatophore has individual nerve connections allowing precise changes to the organ's opacity, reflectivity and translucency. The light of bioluminescent cephalopods is created by symbiotic bacteria cultured in specialized skin organs called [I]photophores[/I]. These organs are similar to chromatophores and can be very complex, possessing lenses, reflectors or even colour filters or shutters. The animal changes the light's brightness and direction using muscles around each photophore and can alter the amount of glowing bacteria living in the organ by feeding or starving them. The same or similar glowing bacteria are responsible for the luminosity of the mucus that fire-shooting squid squirt out (see the Glow-Ink Cephalopod entry under Ink Variants). Many squid are edible or even tasty. However, many other squid contain ammonia in their tissues which may be concentrated enough to give their flesh an unpleasant reek and nauseating flavour or render it uneatable. A squid species' ammonia content may vary with the time of year. Jumbo squid, for example, have only inconsequential traces of the chemical during the season fishing boats catch them, but out-of-season they're often too foul to eat. Numerous species belong to the gelatinous squid and glass squid types, which are particularly high in ammonia and completely inedible to normal humanoids (such animals are described in the Gelatinous Cephalopod and Glass Cephalopod entries far below under [B]Squid Variants[/B]). [SIZE=6][B]Large Squid[/B][/SIZE] Large Animal (Aquatic) [B]Hit Dice:[/B] 6d8+12 (33 hp) [B]Initiative:[/B] +3 [B]Speed:[/B] Swim 60 ft. (12 squares) [B]Armor Class:[/B] 17 (–1 size, +3 Dex, +5 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 14 [B]Base Attack/Grapple:[/B] +4/+20* [B]Attack:[/B] Tentacles +10 melee (0) [B]Full Attack:[/B] Tentacles +10 melee (0) and arms +7 melee (0) and bite +7 melee (1d8+3) [B]Space/Reach:[/B] 10 ft./5 ft. (10 ft. with tentacles) [B]Special Attacks:[/B] Constrict 1d6+6, improved grab, tearing beak [[I]grapple or +9 melee, 1d8+6[/I]] [B]Special Qualities:[/B] Chameleon, ink cloud, jet, low-light vision [B]Saves:[/B] Fort +7, Ref +8, Will +3 [B]Abilities:[/B] Str 22, Dex 16, Con 15, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2 [B]Skills:[/B] Hide +6, Listen +4, Spot +8, Swim +14 [B]Feats:[/B] Blind-Fight, Endurance, Multiattackᴮ, Weapon Focus (tentacles) [B]Environment:[/B] Any aquatic [B]Organization:[/B] Solitary, squad (2–10), audience (1–3 plus 10–100 squid) or shoal (1–10 plus 100–1,000 squid) [B]Challenge Rating:[/B] 4 [B]Advancement:[/B] 7–9 HD (Large) [B]Level Adjustment:[/B] — This is simply a standard squid advanced to Large size. Squid grow to this size very rarely and can be encountered alone, in squads the same size, or in a group with smaller-sized squid of the same species. Even an entire shoal of standard Medium squid is unlikely to number many such impressive specimens. Large squid have bodies six to eight feet long with proportionally sized tentacles and arms, they typically weigh around 300 to 500 pounds. This is the upper size limit for a normal squid although giant squid (i.e. [I]Architeuthis dux[/I]) may grow even larger. [B][SIZE=5]Combat[/SIZE][/B] Large squid fight in an identical manner to smaller squid. The squid's tentacles have a reach equal to a tall creature of its size. Their special abilities are identical to its normal-sized kin save for the following improvements: [B]Constrict (Ex):[/B] Damage is 1d6+6. [B]Tearing[/B] [B]Beak[/B] [B](Ex):[/B] Bite +9 melee (1d8+6) against grappled foes. [B]Ink Cloud (Ex):[/B] A Large squid can emit a cloud of jet-black ink 20 feet high by 20 feet wide by 20 feet long. [SIZE=6][B]Small Squid[/B][/SIZE] Small Animal (Aquatic) [B]Hit Dice:[/B] 2d8 (9 hp) [B]Initiative:[/B] +3 [B]Speed:[/B] Swim 60 ft. (12 squares) [B]Armor Class:[/B] 16 (+1 size, +3 Dex, +2 natural), touch 14, flat-footed 13 [B]Base Attack/Grapple:[/B] +1/+8* [B]Attack:[/B] Tentacles +5 melee (0) [B]Full Attack:[/B] Tentacles +5 melee (0) and arms +3 melee (0) and bite +3 melee (1d4) [B]Space/Reach:[/B] 5 ft./5 ft. [B]Special Attacks:[/B] Constrict 1d3+1, improved grab, tearing beak [[I]grapple or +5 melee, 1d4+1[/I]] [B]Special Qualities:[/B] Chameleon, ink cloud, jet, low-light vision [B]Saves:[/B] Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +1 [B]Abilities:[/B] Str 12, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2 [B]Skills:[/B] Hide +11, Listen +3, Spot +7, Swim +11 [B]Feats:[/B] Blind-Fight, Multiattackᴮ, Weapon Finesseᴮ [B]Environment:[/B] Any aquatic [B]Organization:[/B] Solitary, squad (2–10), audience (10–100) or shoal (100–1,000) [[I]many species only use the smaller groups[/I]] [B]Challenge Rating:[/B] 1 [B]Advancement:[/B] — [B]Level Adjustment:[/B] — These are basically just smaller versions of a Medium size squid such as the jumbo squid and may even be adults of that species. A group may contain both Small and Medium squid of the same species, but usually no Large squid (since they'd eat the Small ones). Small squid are still big enough to potentially injure or even kill a person but are too little to contemplate attacking humanoids for food, with the possible exception of small races such as gnomes and halflings. Such squid typically have bodies roughly two to three feet long and weigh from 12 to 25 pounds, their arms and tentacles generally range from one to three feet in length. [B][SIZE=5]Combat[/SIZE][/B] Small squid fight in an identical manner to standard squid. Their special abilities are identical to its normal-sized kin save for the following changes: [B]Constrict (Ex):[/B] Damage is 1d3+1. [B]Improved Grab (Ex):[/B] *A small squid has a +10 racial bonus to grapple checks.[I][/I] [B]Tearing[/B] [B]Beak[/B] [B](Ex):[/B] Bite +5 melee (1d4+1) against grappled foes. [SIZE=6][B]Tiny Squid[/B][/SIZE] Tiny Animal (Aquatic) [B]Hit Dice:[/B] 1d8 (4 hp) [B]Initiative:[/B] +3 [B]Speed:[/B] Swim 60 ft. (12 squares) [B]Armor Class:[/B] 16 (+2 size, +3 Dex, +1 natural), touch 15, flat-footed 13 [B]Base Attack/Grapple:[/B] +0/+6* [B]Attack:[/B] Tentacles +5 melee (0) [B]Full Attack:[/B] Tentacles +5 melee (0) and arms +3 melee (0) and bite +3 melee (1d3–1) [B]Space/Reach:[/B] 2½ ft./0 ft. [B]Special Attacks:[/B] Improved grab, tearing beak [[I]grapple or +5 melee, 1d3–1[/I]] [B]Special Qualities:[/B] Chameleon, ink cloud, jet, low-light vision [B]Saves:[/B] Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +1 [B]Abilities:[/B] Str 8, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2 [B]Skills:[/B] Hide +15, Listen +3, Spot +7, Swim +11 [B]Feats:[/B] Blind-Fight, Multiattackᴮ, Weapon Finesseᴮ [B]Environment:[/B] Any aquatic [B]Organization:[/B] Solitary, squad (2–10), audience (10–100) or shoal (100–1,000) [[I]many species only use the smaller groups[/I]] [B]Challenge Rating:[/B] 1/4 [B]Advancement:[/B] — [B]Level Adjustment:[/B] — Tiny squid are extremely common and are often caught by fishermen and larger sea creatures for food. Such squid typically have bodies 12 to 18 inches long and weigh 2 or 3 pounds, their arms and tentacles are usually about a foot in length. [B][SIZE=5]Combat[/SIZE][/B] Tiny squid have a nasty bite but pose no real danger to creatures that aren't Diminutive or smaller. They try to flee from everything bigger than themselves. [B]Chameleon (Ex):[/B] A squid can change its colour and produce light, giving it a +4 racial bonus on Hide checks. The squid does not need cover or concealment to attempt a Hide check if it can match the colour and brightness of its surroundings. [B]Improved Grab (Ex):[/B] To use this ability, a squid must hit an opponent of any size with a tentacles or arms attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can use Tearing Beak. *A Tiny squid has a +15 racial bonus to grapple checks.[I][/I] [B]Tearing Beak (Ex):[/B] A Tiny squid can bite an opponent it is grappling as a primary attack (bite +5 melee for 1d3–1 damage) or by succeeding at an opposed grapple check (for the same damage). [B]Ink Cloud (Ex):[/B] A Tiny squid can emit a cloud of jet-black ink 5 feet high by 5 feet wide by 5 feet long once per minute as a free action. The cloud provides total concealment, which the squid normally uses to escape a losing fight. All vision within the cloud is obscured. [B]Jet (Ex):[/B] A squid can jet backward once per round as a full-round action, at a speed of 300 feet. It must move in a straight line, but does not provoke attacks of opportunity while jetting. [B]Skills:[/B] A squid's large eyes give it a +4 racial bonus to Spot checks and its chameleon ability gives it a +4 racial bonus to Hide checks. A squid has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard and can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line. A squid can use either its Dexterity modifier or Strength modifier on Swim checks, whichever is better. [SIZE=6][B]Diminutive Squid[/B][/SIZE] Diminutive Animal (Aquatic) [B]Hit Dice:[/B] ½d8 (2 hp) [B]Initiative:[/B] +3 [B]Speed:[/B] Swim 60 ft. (12 squares) [B]Armor Class:[/B] 17 (+4 size, +3 Dex), touch 17, flat-footed 14 [B]Base Attack/Grapple:[/B] +0/+0* [B]Attack:[/B] Tentacles +7 melee (0) [B]Full Attack:[/B] Tentacles +7 melee (0) and bite +5 melee (1) [B]Space/Reach:[/B] 1 ft./0 ft. [B]Special Attacks:[/B] Improved grab, tearing beak [[I]grapple or +7 melee, 1 damage[/I]] [B]Special Qualities:[/B] Chameleon, ink cloud, jet, low-light vision [B]Saves:[/B] Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +1 [B]Abilities:[/B] Str 4, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2 [B]Skills:[/B] Hide +17, Listen +3, Spot +7, Swim +11 [B]Feats:[/B] Blind-Fight, Multiattackᴮ, Weapon Finesseᴮ [B]Environment:[/B] Any aquatic [B]Organization:[/B] Solitary, squad (2–10), audience (10–100) or shoal (100–1,000) [[I]many species only use the smaller groups[/I]] [B]Challenge Rating:[/B] 1/8 [B]Advancement:[/B] — [B]Level Adjustment:[/B] — Even more abundant than Tiny squid, these Diminutive cephalopods are an important element in many marine ecosystems. Even smaller squid of Fine size exist but are too miniscule to be of much significance to humanoids apart from their use as snack food. Diminutive squid typically average about 9 inches in body length, or 15 to 18 inches including their arms and tentacles. They weigh half a pound or so. [B][SIZE=5]Combat[/SIZE][/B] Diminutive squid can give a painful nip but are a negligible threat to anything that isn't Fine size. They try to flee from any creature that's Tiny size or larger. [B]Chameleon (Ex):[/B] A Diminutive squid can change its colour and produce light, giving it a +2 racial bonus on Hide checks. The squid does not need cover or concealment to attempt a Hide check if it can match the colour and brightness of its surroundings. [B]Improved Grab (Ex):[/B] To use this ability, a Diminutive squid must hit an opponent of any size with a tentacles attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can use Tearing Beak. *A Diminutive squid has a +15 racial bonus to grapple checks.[I][/I] [B]Tearing Beak (Ex):[/B] A Diminutive squid can bite an opponent it is grappling as a primary attack (bite +7 melee for 1 damage) or by succeeding at an opposed grapple check (for the same damage). [B]Ink Cloud (Ex):[/B] A Diminutive squid can emit a cloud of jet-black ink 2 feet high by 2 feet wide by 2 feet long once per minute as a free action. The cloud provides total concealment, which the squid normally uses to escape a losing fight. All vision within the cloud is obscured. [B]Jet (Ex):[/B] A squid can jet backward once per round as a full-round action, at a speed of 300 feet. It must move in a straight line, but does not provoke attacks of opportunity while jetting. [B]Skills:[/B] A squid's large eyes give it a +4 racial bonus to Spot checks and its chameleon ability gives it a +2 racial bonus to Hide checks. A squid has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard and can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line. A squid can use either its Dexterity modifier or Strength modifier on Swim checks, whichever is better. [/QUOTE]
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