Deep One ★

As powerful, ageless psionic monsters, Deep Ones possess ancient knowledge that precedes humankind, which they pass on intact to their offspring. They also absorb the memories of those they consume. Their history involves an ancient empire that was toppled due to their hubris (perhaps their current form is the result of this downfall). They rest in watery treasure hoards, where they bury their treasures in a slime layer surrounded by a mucus cloud. Their tentacles inflict a disease that slowly transforms their victims into an amphibious creature that can only breathe water. Such “progeny” are not Deep Ones themselves, but become utterly beholden to the Deep One’s psychic mind control. The transformation can be counteracted by continually immersing the victim in a soapy alcohol solution every hour, but is permanent unless removed by restorative magic or magic that lifts curses.

Deep Ones typically fiercely guard their eggs for years until they mature, creating progeny to protect them. Young Deep Ones are born obedient to their parents, but eventually seek their own domain to lord over. They are hermaphroditic and solitary monsters.