Monster Geographica - Marsh & Aquatic.pdf - The Secrets of the ...

Lightning Ray
Huge Magical Beast (Aquatic)
Hit Dice: 8d10+32 (76 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: Swim 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 14 (-2 size, +6 natural), touch 8,
flat tooted 14
Base Attack/Grapple: +8/+23
Attack: Slam +13 melee (1d8+7) or sting +8
melee (1d4+3 plus poison)
Full Attack: Slam +13 melee (1d8+7) and
sting +8 melee (1d4+3 plus poison)
Space/Reach: 15 ft./10 ft
Special Attacks: Lightning blast, poison
This creature resembles a large manta ray,
easily fifteen feet across from tip to tip. Its skin is
mostly gray with black splotches and lines along its
back. Electricity sparks between its two mandiblelike
protrusions at its front, and it has a large stinger
located beneath its tail.
The lightning ray is found near the surface in the
open sea, only occasionally going to the ocean floor to
feed. When a ray approaches the surface, storm clouds
begin to gather. If it does not return to the depths
within a few minutes, a storm develops quickly. These
storms always have a great deal of lightning in them,
making them more dangerous than the norm. Most
ship captains try to kill or avoid any lightning rays
they see in the hopes of avoiding a storm.
The ray is a favorite meal of both giant squid
and kraken, two of the few predators that hunt the
ray. A relative of the shark, this creature is very
clever and able to learn basic tricks. This, combined
with its natural abilities, makes it a popular war
mount with aquatic elves, locathah, and sahuagin.
Touching the black spots on the ray’s back grant its
rider immunity to electricity.
This ray has a symbiotic relationship with a
small fish called the black toe that affixes itself to
the spots on the back of the ray. The black toe feeds
on blood in exchange for injecting enzymes through
its tongue that speed the ray’s healing processes.
Lightning rays are one of the main sources of black
toes for sale in aquatic markets.
The bones of a lightning ray are useful in the
creation of wands of lightning bolt, reducing the cost
by 1,000 gp. They are also used in the creation of
lightning charms (see below). Rays are often hunted
to procure black toes, both for use by humanoids and
as a source of food.
Combat
When attacked, this creature usually reacts
with a lightning blast and then flees the area.
If pursued, it stings the target and uses another
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Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., immunity
to electricity, low-light vision, summon storm
Saves: Fort +12, Ref +6, Will +3
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 10, Con 18, Int 2, Wis
12, Cha 3
Skills: Listen +7, Spot +7, Swim +16
Feats: Alertness, Endurance, Great Fortitude
Environment: Any aquatic
Organization: Solitary, pair, or group (3-5)
Challenge Rating: 7
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 9-16 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: –
lightning blast before continuing its flight. If unable
to get away, the ray uses lightning blasts until it
has run out, falling back then on its sting and slam
attacks. A lightning ray always flees combat unless
it is defending its young.
Lightning Blast (Su): A ray may release a
jolt of electricity into the surrounding water three
times per day as a standard action. This blast inflicts
8d6 points of electricity damage to everything
within 30 feet of the ray (Reflex DC 18 half). Any
creature touching the back of the lightning ray gains
immunity to electricity, negating the effects of the
blast. The save DC is Constitution-based.
Poison (Ex): Injury, Fortitude DC 18, initial
damage 1d6 Con, secondary damage 2d6 Dex. The
save DC is Constitution-based.
Summon Storm (Su): If a lightning ray is
within 50 feet of the surface of the ocean, a storm
begins to form overhead. After 10 rounds it begins
raining and after 10 minutes a thunderstorm forms.
If five or more lightning rays are near the surface
for one hour, a hurricane forms. Any storm created
dissipates naturally over time once the lightning rays
leave the area.
Skills: Lightning rays have a +8 racial
bonus on any Swim checks. Lightning rays can
always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even
if distracted or endangered. They can use the run
action while swimming, provided they move in a
straight line.
Lightning Charms: Lightning charms are
usually crafted as small copper brooches in the
form of lightning bolts. A ship or person carrying a
lightning charm is never struck by natural lightning
and gains electricity resistance 20. Captains who
sail particularly rough seas or sails in regions where
lightning rays are common seek these items.
Caster Level: 11th, Prerequisite: Craft
Wondrous Item, protection from energy; Market
Price: 40,000 gp; Weight: –.
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