Deep Blue-Ringed Octopus (3.5e Monster)

The smallest and most innocent things in nature are often the most deadly.

The deep blue-ringed octopus is an underground lake dwelling octopus version of the deadly blue-ringed octopus on the overworld, and is equally as potent. Living in wading pools, shallow underground lakes, and watering holes, they prove to be a threat to anyone who walks through their waters as their poison is highly toxic.

Though their poison is very deadly it is difficult to weaponize, as it degrades rapidly outside of water or when exposed to bright light. It is rumored however that the venom can be used as components of different types of underdark poisons which, while less effective and deadly, are much more stable. Deep blue-ringed octopi are 8 inches long and paler their their overworld counterparts.

Combat
Deep blue-ringed octopi are not your traditional monster. They are less of a danger and more of a living trap. Typically adventurers encounter them while wading in shallow water, stepping on or near them, and taking a bite when they least expect it. The octopus does not stick around to fight things which are not its prey (typically crabs and shrimp), and will jet away after biting. Their CR is based on their effectiveness as a trap, and not a stand-up-and-fight creature.

Light Sensitivity : Deep blue-ringed octopi are must make a DC 15 Fortitude save or be stunned for 1 round in bright sunlight or within the radius of a daylight spell. They remain dazzled for as long as they are within the bright light. Every hour they are exposed to bright light they take 1 Con damage.

Mosquito Bite : The poison delivered in the bite numbs the pain, and many never notice they've been bitten. Any creature not immune to poison are not affected by the hit point damage or resultant poisoning until 1 round afterwards.

Poison : Injury, Fortitude DC 20, initial damage 1d8 Dex, secondary damage paralysis and suffocation. The creature becomes paralyzed for 1d4 hours, and is unable to breath. Without external assistance maintaining breathing, creatures typically suffocate shortly after. Immunity to paralysis renders creatures immune to the subsequent suffocation. The save DC is Constitution based and includes a +10 racial bonus.

Jet : A deep blue-ringed octopus can jet backward once per round as a full-round action, at a speed of 180 feet. It must move in a straight line, but does not provoke attacks of opportunity while jetting.

Skills: A deep blue-ringed octopus can change colors, giving it a +4 racial bonus on Hide checks. An octopus also can squeeze and contort its body, giving it a +10 racial bonus on Escape Artist checks. A deep blue-ringed octopus has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line.

For Player Characters
Harvesting the poison for use is difficult, as the poison remains potent for only 1 hour after being milked from the creature. Deep blue-ringed octopi can be used as familiars in aquatic campaigns, with the Improved Familiar feat and at least caster level 7th.