Decempus

Description

The Decempus, also known as the "tree roper", is an invertebrate the size of a bear. It has ten tentacle-like limbs attached to a rotund body. Its large yellow eyes give it a phenomenal peripheral vision. Its large maw opens on a single row of interlocking teeth. It has a rough leathery skin which often matches the color of the trees it hangs from. Often a parasitic moss will grow on top of its head, which will make it ever harder to spot. It moves among trees by using two or more limbs to support itself. If trapped on the ground, it will use four limbs to walk, but could sit and attack with all its remaining limbs if hard pressed.

It normally attacks with a whipping limb. A successful whip attack does 1d6-1 points of damage and may also bind the victim. A bound victim has a chance to free themself each round (1+Strength bonus on 1d8). A limb might be severed with 8 points of damage, which do not count against the creature's hit points.

The decempus will typically focus on a single victim, using a successful grab to pull it to its maw on a later round, where it suffers 1d6+2 points of damage. Other bound victims may be dragged or thrown around for automatic 1d6-1 points of damage at the Referee’s discretion.

If successful in swallowing a prey, the decempus will try to retreat to the top of the trees where it will rest for up to one week.

The creature is known for accumulating undigested objects that have resisted a saving throw against magic due to the gastric acid.

Source note: This creature is converted from The Basic Fantasy Field Guide of Creatures Malevolent and Benign – Omnibus Edition, 1st Edition Release 4, © 2010–2025 Chris Gonnerman, R. Kevin Smoot, James Lemon, Matt Sluis, and Contributors. The Basic Fantasy Field Guide textual material is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International; this page adapts that creature to White Box.

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