Eternal Torment. If an Abyssal Leech is lurking unseen nearby, adventurers might be warned by the tortured animal moaning of its paralyzed host. The Abyssal Leech must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw each turn or the party will become aware of its presence.
Cosmic Horror. The Abyssal Leech has three mesmerizing eyes, one in each hand and one on a shoulder. It is said that if an adventurer looks within these eyes, they become gripped with immeasurable terror and dread. If an adventurer is engaged in combat with it and is the focus of its attention, then for each turn it is the adventurer must succeed on a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw. If they fail, they become paralyzed for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw once paralyzed, nullifying the effect upon a success.
Grab. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) slashing damage. If the target is a creature other than an elf or undead, it must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
Swallow. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Spread Spores
The ducts on its back shoot out spores that infect other potential hosts. The spores mutate inside the host into this parasitic worm that slowly overtakes the host and cocoons it inside its flesh. The host loses all power of speech etc but remains conscious as long as the Leech lives.
Description
Known to wail and moan, Abyssal Leeches wander forever, seeking to satisfy their unending hunger. Little is certain about the creation of an Abyssal Leech, though as their name suggests it is theorized they originally hail from the Abyss.
All flesh and muscle, these horrifying creatures begin life as a fungal spore. Once inhaled by a person or animal, the fungal spore multiplies and spreads throughout the host body. Eventually, it gathers enough energy from the host body to evolve into a parasitic worm, which continues to spread through the host body until it overpowers its host. At this point, the host becomes paralyzed, as the Leech takes over and mutates the host, cocooning it inside, conscious yet powerless.
If you're ever infected by an Abyssal Leech, seek out a cleric immediately, lest you become trapped in torment, forever a prisoner within what was once your own body. Also, don't look into its eyes, be they hands or shoulder, as they are known to easily mesmerize their prey through sheer horror.
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