Gogiteth
The Ceiling Devil
Unique Large Aberration Creature 6
The goblins know it only as the Ceiling Devil. No goblin willingly enters the Black Cavern below Level 3, believing the ancient predator to be an immortal spirit of the deep earth. In truth, it is a solitary Darklands hunter that has survived for decades by hibernating between meals and feeding upon the occasional explorer foolish enough to descend into its domain.
Perception +16; darkvision, tremorsense 30 ft.
Skills Acrobatics +15, Athletics +17, Stealth +16 (+20 while clinging to ceilings), Survival +14
Str +5, Dex +4, Con +5, Int –3, Wis +3, Cha –2
AC 24; Fort +17; Ref +15; Will +13
HP 145
Spider Climb The Ceiling Devil ignores difficult terrain while climbing and can move freely across walls and ceilings. It falls only if knocked unconscious or otherwise unable to cling to the stone.
Starved Patience The Ceiling Devil can survive for years without food or water. It enters a deathlike torpor until it senses vibrations, warm blood, or movement within its cavern.
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
Melee ◆ Jaws +18 (reach 10 ft.) Damage 2d10+8 piercing plus Grab
Melee ◆ Leg +18 (agile, reach 10 ft.) Damage 2d8+8 slashing
Abilities
Ceiling Ambush ◆◆
(move)
The Ceiling Devil Strides, Climbs, or deliberately drops up to 30 feet before making a Jaws Strike. If the Strike hits, the target is knocked prone. On a critical hit the target is also Grabbed.
Dragged Screaming ◆
(attack)
Requirements: The Ceiling Devil has a creature Grabbed.
The Ceiling Devil Climbs or Strides up to half its Speed while dragging the creature. The victim moves with it and takes 1d6 bludgeoning damage from scraping across jagged stone.
Skittering Frenzy ◆◆
(move)
The Ceiling Devil Climbs up to its Speed and makes two Leg Strikes against different creatures at any point during its movement. Both Strikes count toward its multiple attack penalty.
Rend ◆
Requirements: The Ceiling Devil hit the same creature with two Leg Strikes this turn.
Effect: The target takes an additional 2d8+8 slashing damage.
Reaction
Reactive Strike ↺
Trigger: A creature within reach uses a Manipulate action, makes a ranged attack, or leaves a square during a move action.
Effect: The Ceiling Devil makes one Leg Strike against the triggering creature.
Encounter Notes
The Ceiling Devil begins the encounter hidden on the cavern ceiling. It waits until the party spreads out before attacking isolated or lightly armored characters. Rather than standing and fighting, it repeatedly climbs onto walls and ceilings, attempting to drag victims into side alcoves before returning to the darkness.
Scaling the Encounter
| Party | Version | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 5 PCs or inexperienced players | Weak | AC 22, HP 110, all checks and attacks –2, remove Reactive Strike. |
| 6 PCs | Standard | Use the statistics above. |
| 7 PCs | Elite | AC 26, HP 170, all checks, attacks, and DCs +2. |
| 7 PCs + Monitor Lizard Companion | Elite + Lair Actions | Use the Elite version and one Lair Action at the end of each round. |
Lair Actions (Elite Only)
At the end of each round, choose or roll one effect. Do not repeat the same effect twice in succession.
- Falling Stone. Loose rocks fall in a 15-foot burst. Creatures in the area attempt a DC 24 Reflex save or take 2d6 bludgeoning damage.
- Dust Cloud. A 20-foot burst becomes concealed until the start of the next round.
- Wall Skitter. The Ceiling Devil immediately Climbs up to half its Speed without triggering reactions.
- Hidden Crevice. One creature standing on uneven ground must succeed at a DC 23 Reflex save or fall prone.
Treasure
The scattered remains of previous explorers contain:
- +1 striking weapon
- +1 armor potency rune
- 2 Moderate Healing Potions
- Darkvision Elixir
- Climber's Kit
- 250 gp in mixed coinage
- The missing bridge survey map leading to Level 3
- The key to Grath One-Eye's treasure cache