Couloir Lingua

Known by the dwarves as "the tongues of the deep", these formations grow within the reaches of Kukiri Chasm. Proliferating anywhere stalagtites and stalagmites may be found within the deeps of that unsettling subsidence canyon, Couloir Lingua are long, prehensile mineral concretions that will lick passersby to detect any minerals they may be toting around in their bodies. Salt is what they crave, and they will excrete calcium to encase any creature that has a trace of it in their body, and absorb it. All of it, killing the hapless victim over time.

The number of dwarves that have gone missing, assumed calcified, is astronomical.

Once the formations detect the presence of salt, they will release a chemical en masse that paralyzes its victims, who eventually suffocate when their autonomic nervous system shuts down. The couloir lingua then slowly encase the body in a calcium cocoon, drawing out all of the moisture, taking their time in reducing the leftover organic material to its base elements. The mineral haul is shared between all of the Couloir Lingua in the cavern; particularly the salt.

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Tellus' Standard Reference

Couloir Lingua

Large aberration, neutral evil

Armor Class: 14

Hit Points: 135

Speed: 5ft Climb: 30ft

STR

18 +4

DEX

6 -2

CON

18 +4

INT

4 -3

WIS

4 -3

CHA

9 -1

Saving Throws: Str +4, Con +4

Damage Vulnerabilities: cold, bludgeoning

Damage Resistances: fire

Damage Immunities: necrotic, poison

Condition Immunities: exhausted, prone

Senses: sense salt, 20', passive perception: 14

Languages: -

Challenge Rating: 6

Paralytic Fog: The couloir lingua can release a chemical into the air that will force all creatures within the cavern to make a DC16 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed. A paralyzed victim can reroll that save on each of the next three turns, after which (if they fail all four saves) the victim begins to suffocate. A suffocating creature can survive for a number of rounds equal to one plus their constitution modifier.

Actions

The Couloir Lingua will either make two Batter attacks, or release the paralytic fog. They will not do both.

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Batter: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 20', one target. Hit: 1d8+8 bludgeoning damage.
Paralytic Fog: The mass of Couloir Lingua release a chemical cloud. Make a DC16 Constitution save, or become paralyzed.

Any of the caverns, tunnels, and tail ends within Kukiri Chasm have the potential to shelter a pod of Couloir Lingua. The caverns are treacherous, in Kukiri Chasm.

Resembling stalactites at first glance, these prehensile mineral formations hunt salt relentlessly. They will lick passersby, trying to detect salt, and if even the slightest trace is discovered, they will release a powerful paralytic poison that will eventually suffocate its victims. Hanging from the ceilings of many caverns in Kukiri Chasm, they can put the final nail in the coffin of many an adventurer trying to rest after a battle. Attacking them with cold damage allows them to crystallize and take extra damage, and they are also vulnerable to bludgeoning attacks.

Suggested Environments

They only grow in Kukiri Chasm.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Silica based life forms, the Couloir Lingua are a result of twisted magics and a corrupted environment. They grow like any stalagtite or stalagmite, slowly gaining in rudimentary consciousness, and palpable hunger for salt.

Genetics and Reproduction

As new ones grow, they are just added to the main consciousness of the Couloir Lingua, which operates on more of a hive mind level.

Growth Rate & Stages

Up to one eighth of an inch per year, depending on local conditions.

Ecology and Habitats

These tongues of mineral deposits can be found anywhere water drips, or used to drip, throughout Kukiri Chasm.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Couloir Lingua can sense the presence of salt like a shark can sense blood, and are just as tenacious about hunting it.