Soul Render:
by Geoff GanderArmour Class: 1
Hit Dice: 4*** (L)
Move: 90' (30')
Flying: 180' (60')
Attacks: 1 bite or 2 tentacles
Damage: 2d6 + energy drain or ensnarement
No. Appearing: 1d4 (2d6)
Save As: F 4
Morale: 10
Treasure Type: None
Intelligence: 16
Alignment: Chaotic
XP Value: 225
Soul renders are among the more obscure servitor races of the Outer Beings; seldom are they ever seen on the Prime Plane. Adventurers are most likely to encounter them on the Ethereal Plane, instead, or on the Elemental Place of Air. These creatures greatly resemble jellyfish, except that their tentacles reach outwards in all directions, and their slightly translucent bodies are not rounded, but tubular. Odd protrusions are also present all over their main bodies - these are in fact their main sensory organs. Unlike many other servitor races, soul renders rely on telepathy to communicate amongst themselves, lacking vocal chords with which to express themselves. They are capable of communicating with non-telepathic creatures, though their mental "voices" sound harsh and grating to those of other races.
Soul renders are large creatures - their main bodies measure roughly 12 feet long and six feet wide, and their numerous tentacles can extend for up to 30 feet in length. Being strong creatures, they can pull themselves along the ground at a relatively rapid rate, but they prefer flying, which they accomplish by filling numerous internal bladders with air, and then heating it internally. They can then propel themselves by paddling with their tentacles, or by expelling air in certain directions.
As with many other servitor races of the Outer Beings, soul renders are inherently chaotic creatures; they derive great joy in furthering the aims of their evil masters. Being intelligent creatures of considerable antiquity, they tend to look down upon the "younger" races they encounter, and consider them to be little more than fodder for their own interests. Occasionally, however, soul renders will obtain the services of other races, most often worshippers of the Outer Beings.
In combat, soul renders may make two tentacle attacks per round, directed at up to two targets. If the target is hit, they must make a saving throw vs. Death Ray or be ensnared. If this happens, the victim must make a Strength check each round to break free, or remain immobilised. Soul renders may also bite an opponent, and if they hit they are able to drain one experience level from the victim, in addition to inflicting damage. For every experience level a soul render drains, it can regain 1d6+1 hit points, as per the cure light wounds spell. If a soul render chooses to bite an ensnared victim, they gain a +10 bonus to hit. Soul renders also have the innate ability to make themselves immaterial, such that they are able to pass through solid objects. They may remain in this state as long as they wish, and the transformation takes one round. While immaterial, soul renders may only be hit by weapons of +2 power or greater. Soul renders may also cast spells, two times per round, as a second-level magic user.
Due to their otherworldly
physiology, soul renders do not require oxygen to survive, nor do
they require sleep. As such, they are immune to sleep
spells, as well as charm, and hold spells. Soul
renders are not susceptible to evilbane essence.