Black Spot - (Lesser)
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Any - (preferably dark areas and caves)
FREQUENCY: Uncommon
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any
DIET: Any - (preferably life essence alive or undead)
INTELLIGENCE: Exceptional (15-16)
TREASURE: None
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
NO. APPEARING: See below
ARMOR CLASS: -5
MOVEMENT: The speed of whatever host it is attached to
HIT DICE: 7
THACO: 20
NO. ATTACKS: 1 (in a fortnight)
DAMAGE/ATTACK: Acid/Death
SPECIAL ATTACKS: None
SPECIAL DEFENSES: +1 or better to hit (see below)
MAGIC RESISTANCE: 40%
SIZE: Varies from 1/8th" to 1" diameter at will
MORALE: Steady - (11-12)
XP VALUE: 9,000
Lesser black spots have been in the realm for some time. They are somewhat similar to their larger brothers, the greater spots, but more is known about them. Not as rare, they live in small groups or clusters, adapting well to any situation or environment. Preferring dark areas, they are able to conceal themselves 100%. In daylight, this is reduced to only 90% due to their smaller size. Unlike the greats, they cannot sprout arms and legs, or use any items. They are pitch black in color and their eyes can see extremely well in the darkest areas, even in magical darkness. Their main diet is the life essence of creatures who are weak, sick, or dying. When they sense they are in danger, they will attach themselves to their prey and use their ability (see combat). They look just like a "SPOT," so they are either left alone or seen as a speck of dirt to be washed off. They speak the language of the great spots, but little is known about it, and they have no treasure. They can also be used for other purposes, (see habitat/society). These creatures are very deadly if treated or used incorrectly. Extreme caution must be used with them.
COMBAT: Lesser spots tend not to fight, since most creatures do not know they are even alive. They are never surprised, and are virtually undetectable as they can hide by flattening themselves extremely thin and attaching themselves to any surface. They have no outright attack ability, but they do have two things that are extremely helpful. First, when they know they are in danger of being hurt, they will jump upon their opponent, hide and attach themselves so as to remain unseen. Once attached, they will then begin their life essence draining without waiting for the victim to be in their last 2 rounds of life as the greater spots. Nor do they have to wait until a fortnight to complete the cycle. On a natural roll of 19 or 20, the lesser spot can speed up its metabolism so it will take 1d4 days less time then it normally takes, up to a fortnight to kill its victim. All of this applies to any size creature or humanoid unless magical in nature. Magical creatures are allowed a saving throw vs. death, even if they are undead. If the save is made, the infected creature will suffer 8d6 points of damage to whatever life force is keeping them alive. This could still kill some creatures. The drain is permanent unless a wish, limited wish or heal spell is cast. Free willed undead are also affected in the same way. The spots do not distinguish between living or dead life force, and any kind will feed them. Like the greats, the lessers will not let go of their victim. Only a wish, limited wish, heal or slay living spell will get it free. It will then be inactive for 1 turn, enabling the victim to get away. These spells will not destroy the spot, but a slow or cold spell of any kind will work normally. Daylight will not weaken its abilities, but it does make it harder for them to see. When a spot is destroyed, it is gone forever.
DEFENSES: Lesser spots have several special defenses. First, they can blend in, especially in dark areas. Second, they have the ability to lie extremely flat so they can never be squashed. Third, they can change size at will from a 1/8th" to a 1" diameter disk. This small size accounts for their very low AC. Fourth, it takes a weapon of +1 or better to harm them, since their hide is like a rubbery substance. Last, if destroyed, they will explode in a shower of acid doing 2d12 points of damage to anything within a 10ft. radius. A save for half damage along with all items carried is allowed. Their bodies are somehow made from this acid. This, along with its high magic resistance, makes them a creature to be extremely careful with.
HABITAT/SOCIETY: Lesser black spots live in lairs in small groups in caves or underground. How they breed is unknown, but when a spot has obtained a certain amount of life essence during its life, it then merges with other spots of the same and they become a greater spot. Sometimes they are captured and used by wizards, thieves, or other intelligent creatures, in order to get back at others through vendettas, or to ensure that a contract is met. In return, they are given the reward of the life force for their trouble. They will shrink down as small as they can and attach themselves to whatever object the client wants, normally a piece of paper. The object is then given to the recipient. No matter what the recipient does, the spot will stay with them. At such time they are doomed to die in a fortnight with no saving throw allowed. The spot will then finish off their life force and find its way back to its lair.
ECOLOGY: Lesser black spots will eat any living thing as it starts to die for its life essence, therefore ridding the realm of waste. Undead essence is just as good, but in a normal realm of the living, there is more than enough living essence for them.
© 1995 by John Brunette