A spined salientian is an amphibious, toad-like creature that inhabits murky swamps tainted by arcane chemical runoff. These once harmless native toads underwent a nightmarish transformation due to exposure to toxic pollutants. The incident wiped out many of the swamp’s inhabitants, but the surviving toads adapted to the pollution, becoming frightful and gruesome monstrosities.
Spined salientians have long, poisonous spines that protrude from their backs and a maw filled with curved teeth. Encountering one of these creatures in a swamp or after a heavy rain can be perilous due to their aggressive nature and ability to use pools of water as magical portals, allowing them to swiftly move between separate bodies of water.
In some cultures, the spined salientians are highly prized for their eggs, which they carry in a honeycomb-like structure on their stomachs, made from their skin. These eggs are considered a delicacy and are often presented to guests in a grand manner, akin to serving a turkey or chicken during a feast. Consuming the eggs is believed to induce vivid dreams to otherworldly aquatic realms.
Spined Salientian
Medium Monstrosity, Unaligned
Armor Class 14
Hit Points 78 (12d8 + 24)
Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 3 (-4) | 14 (+2) | 6 (-2) |
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +5
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages —
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2
Amphibious. The salientian can breathe air and water.
Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (4d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Bonus Actions
Puddleport (Recharge 3–6). The salientian enters a body of water and exits out of another body of water that it can see within 60 feet of it. Each body of water must have a diameter of at least 3 feet but can have any depth. This movement does not provoke opportunity attacks.
Reactions
Venomous Spine. When the salientian is hit by a melee attack from a creature within 5 feet of it, the salientian injects poison into the creature. The creature must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes 9 (2d8) poison damage and is poisoned for 1 minute. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage only.
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Further Reading
Have a campaign taking place in an aquatic environment? Take a look at these aquatic hazards.
Players may encounter a boghemoth in similar environments to that of a spined salientian.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
