Catoblepas
| Species | beast |
| No. Appearing | 1–3 |
| Behaviour | solitary |
| Range | woodland (swamp) |
| Size | 6 ft. at shoulder, 18 ft. long |
| Weight | 3,250 lbs. |
| Intelligence | 2 |
| Armour Class | 5 |
| Hit Dice | 6+2 |
| Action Points | 4 |
| Max. Stride | 5 |
| THAC0 | 17 |
| Hp/Die | 3d4 |
| Attack Forms | 2: fangs; tail |
| Damage | fangs (3–18); tail (7–12) |
| Special Attacks | death gaze, profound stun |
Catoblepases are creatures of such grotesque and unsettling appearance that to meet their gaze is to risk death itself. This dreadful fate awaits any hapless soul unlucky enough to encounter one. Its bloated, hulking body resembles that of an enormous, swollen buffalo, its skin coarse and dark, sagging over powerful limbs. The creature's head is a nightmare of twisted features, with sharp horns jutting from either side of its snout and a maw lined with large, snapping jaws capable of rending flesh with ease.
The catoblepas is not a mindless beast. With an intelligence akin to that of canines or felines, it exhibits a disturbing awareness of its own malevolence. It has been observed to act with calculated malice, luring prey into its range or toying with those who wander into its territory. This sinister cunning, combined with its lethal gaze and imposing physical presence, makes the catoblepas a menace feared by all who tread the untamed wilderness.
The very existence of the catoblepas, along with its ability to reproduce and perpetuate its kind, has been a matter of heated debate among scholars, sages and theologians. Many argue that such a grotesque and unnatural creature could not have originated through any natural means. One prevailing theory suggests that the catoblepas was the result of a beast-making experiment that veered horribly off course — an alchemical or magical endeavor that brought forth this twisted abomination instead of the intended creation.
Others, however, claim the origins of the catoblepas are far darker, arguing that it hails from the lower planes of existence. According to these accounts, the creature is not a mere beast but a demon in fleshly guise, embodying malice and death as part of its very essence. Its malevolent intelligence and seemingly deliberate cruelty support this view, as does its penchant for thriving in desolate and cursed lands. Whether an accident of mortal hubris or a true infernal being, the catoblepas remains a creature of terror and mystery, defying easy explanation and ensuring its legacy as a subject of enduring fear and speculation.
Advantages
The catoblepas' death gaze is a power of terrifying potency. Any creature coming within four hexes of the beast risks meeting its horrifying gaze. When this occurs, the victim must make a saving throw to resist the effects of the creature's eyes. Failure results in immediate and overwhelming horror, causing the victim’s chest to seize tight and their life to end in an instant. The death is sudden and leaves little room for intervention.
However, there is hope for those struck by the gaze. If the party has the support of a moderately experienced cleric, recovery is possible. The victim is reduced to -11 hit points, placing them within the range where a death's door spell can bring them back to life. This restoration must be performed quickly, as the victim’s state is critical. Even with this possibility, the deadly nature of the catoblepas’ gaze demands extreme caution, as a single moment of vulnerability can result in tragedy.
The catoblepas' tail is tipped with a bony club, ridged and formidable in design. This natural weapon is structured to snap like a whip when swung, delivering an impact of tremendous force. If a successful hit results in a stun, the effect is particularly devastating, rendering the victim profoundly stunned for two rounds instead of one. This extended incapacitation makes the creature even more dangerous in close combat.
The presence of catoblepas in a region is a source of great consternation for those living nearby, as the discovery of one often suggests the likelihood of others. Despite the threat they pose, locals rarely summon the courage or resources to destroy the beast, knowing the risks of confronting its death gaze. Instead, they turn to outsiders, calling on adventurers brave enough and sufficiently prepared to face the dangers posed by this terrifying creature.
See Bestiary
