| Hydrodaemon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Naming | |||
| Binomen | N/A | ||
| Morphology | |||
| Body type | Froglike | ||
| Average height | 10' | ||
| Intelligence | |||
| Sapience | Semi-sapient | ||
| Aggressivity | Very high | ||
| Ecology | |||
| Place of origin | Lower Planes | ||
| Habitat | River Styx | ||
| Diet | Carnivore | ||
| Locomotion | Bipedal Gliding | ||
| Status | Vulnerable (listed as "uncommon" in-game) | ||
| Behind the Scenes | |||
| Universe | Dungeons & Dragons | ||
| Created by | Gary Gygax | ||
Hydrodaemons are frog-like lesser daemons that inhabit the waters of the River Styx. For unknown reasons, they are the only beings able to swim within this river without losing their memory. Like other daemons of the Lower Planes, they are of neutral evil alignment.
Monster Manual descriptions[]
2nd Edition[]
These grotesque amphibians are the only creatures known to swim in the Styx without losing their memories. As a result they may be found in numbers (10-30) wherever the Styx and its branches appear in the Lower Planes.
The hydrodaemons can launch themselves into the air and glide like flying fish at high speeds for up to 1 turn. When airborne they may make 5 attacks: scratching with their feet for 1-4, clawing with their hands for 1-8, and biting for 1-10; otherwise, on the ground, they will make 3 attacks. The bite of a hydrodaemon does 1-10 points and drains 1 life energy level from its victim.
The hydrodaemons may teleport without error at will, and will sometimes use a dimension door to gain altitude for its glide. These creatures may also, at will, produce darkness within 10 feet, create water, and use water walking (as ring). They may attempt to gate in another hydrodaemon with a 50% chance of success. If encountered on the Prime Material Plane, the hydrodaemon may summon a water elemental of 12 hit dice who will fight for the hydrodaemon without being controlled. In addition to normal daemon resistances, hydrodaemons take half damage from water-based attack forms, and no damage if they make their saving throw.
Hydrodaemons are often sent to serve evil on the Prime Material Plane. They prefer water, fire, or lava for their surroundings but can be found almost anywhere.