Tyrant StarfishCR 10 (XP 9,600)
Five massive arms made of pure muscle, lined with ridges and eyes, reach out trying to pull any and all matter towards the brute’s acidic maw.
Neutral Gargantuan animal
Init +5; Senses Perception +20
DEFENSE
AC 19, touch 7, flat-footed 18 (+1 Dex, +12 natural, -4 size)
hp 161 (15d8+90);
Fort +14, Ref +10, Will +6
OFFENSE
Speed 40 ft., climb 40 ft., starflight
Melee 5 tentacles +22 (3d6 + 10 plus grab), constrict (2d6 acid)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks deathgrip, grabbing focus
STATISTICS
Str 31, Dex 13, Con 20, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2
Base Atk +11; CMB +25 (+29 grapple); CMD 36 (46 vs. trip)
Feats Improved Critical (tentacles), Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (perception), Toughness, Weapon Focus (tentacles)
Skills Climb +22, Perception +20, Survival +5
Languages none
SQ starflight
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Grabbing Focus (Ex)
The tyrant starfish can use its grab ability to grapple a creature with a single tentacle without taking the usual -20 penalty on the grapple check. While grappling a creature with a single tentacle that tentacle cannot be used to make other attacks and the tyrant starfish does not gain the grappled condition.
Deathgrip (Ex)
If a tyrant starfish begins its turn grappling a creature, it can try to attach all its remaining tentacles as a free action with a successful combat maneuver check. For each additional tentacle attached the tyrant starfish gains a +2 bonus on grapple checks against the creature, or strength checks to break any held object.
While holding a creature with two or more tentacles, the tyrant starfish gains the grappled condition.
Starflight (Su)
A tyrant starfish can survive in the void of outer space. It flies through space at incredible speeds. Although exact travel times vary, a trip within a single solar system normally takes 3d20 months, while a trip beyond normally takes 3d20 years (or more, at the GM’s discretion)—provided the mi-go knows the way to its destination.
ECOLOGY
Environment asteroid belts and debris fields-
Organization none
Treasure standard
Tyrant starfishes are voracious predators that drift through the asteroid belts and debris fields of the galaxy, ripping open metal and rock alike in search of trace remains of semi-edible organic matter. Originally feasting on biologically rich asteroids, the tyrant starfishes have long ago adapted to feasting upon ships and escape pods.
Once they grab hold of a ship they latch on with the rest of their tentacles before using their full body to slowly pry the ship open, then extruding their stomach to dissolve and absorb anything edible inside. Naturally adapted to space, they often use the pull of the void to disable any prey inside the ships they crack open.
Though terrifying and voracious, the starfish seem to lack intelligence or nefarious origin, leading some druids and shaman knights to try and charm and tame the creatures for use in defense against pirates raiders, and others who would do the region harm. Some shaman knights have attempted to ride the tyrants into battle or through the void, but this is often a temporary arrangement at best before the starfish attempts to consume its riders.
An enduring sign of nature’s adaptability and voraciousness, the tyrant starfish are both feared and worshiped in isolated asteroid communities. Damaged or scuttled ships are filled with sacrifices (sometimes still living) and cast adrift for one of the local tyrants to crack open and devour. Tyrant starfishes who have been regularly and ritualistically fed in this manner tend to avoid attacking the community that feeds them, becoming almost protective and turning their attacks and hunger to any outsiders that they perceive as a threat.
