View source for Opalogene (3.5e Monster)

__NOTOC__
{{author
|author_name=Rithaniel
|date_created=December 19, 2008
|status=Finished
}}

{{3.5e Monster Classic
|style=width: 800px; margin-left: 1em;
|summary=Opalogenes are incalculably ancient, primordial oozes who are often older than most gods.

|monster=Opalogene (''Nerve'') |monster2= Opalogene (''Brain'')
|size=[[SRD:Tiny|Tiny]] |type=Ooze |size2=[[SRD:Colossal|Colossal]] |type2=Ooze |subtypes=Psionic, Swarm |subtypes2=Psionic
|hd=10d10+40 |hp=95 |hd2=50d10+650 |hp2=925
|init=-5 |init2=-5
|speed=5 ft. (1 square) |speed2= 0 ft. (0 squares)
|ac=19 (+2 size, +5 deflection, &minus;5 [[SRD:Dexterity|Dex]], +5 natural) |touch=12 |flat=19 |ac2=57 (&minus;8 size, +30 deflection, &minus;5 [[SRD:Dexterity|Dex]], +30 natural) |touch2=27 |flat2=57
|bab=+7 |grapple=&minus; |bab2=+38 |grapple2=+59
|at=Swarm (3d6 plus 2d8 [[#Acid|acid]]) |at2=Slam +43 melee (8d6+5 plus 2d8 [[#Acid|acid]])
|full_at=Swarm (3d6 plus 2d8 [[#Acid|acid]]) |full_at2=Slam +43 melee (8d6+5 plus 2d8 [[#Acid|acid]])
|space=10 ft. |reach=0 ft. |space2=30 ft. |reach2=20 ft.
|sa=[[SRD:Acid|Acid]], [[#Distraction|distraction]], [[SRD:Psi-Like Ability|psi-like abilities]] |sa2=[[SRD:Acid|Acid]], [[#Powers|powers]]
|sq=[[SRD:Blindsight and Blindsense|Blindsight]] 60 ft., [[#Collective Mind|collective mind]], [[SRD:Ooze Type|ooze]] traits, [[SRD:Psionic Subtype|psionic traits]], [[SRD:Spider Climb|spider climb]], [[SRD:Swarm Subtype|swarm traits]] |sq2=[[SRD:Blindsight and Blindsense|Blindsight]] 250 ft., [[#Collective Mind|collective mind]], [[SRD:Fast Healing|fast healing]] 35, [[SRD:Ooze Type|ooze]] traits, [[SRD:Psionic Subtype|psionic traits]], [[SRD:Telepathy|Telepathy]] 250 ft.
|fort=+7 |ref=&minus;2 |will=+9 |fort2=+29 |ref2=+11 |will2=+65
|str=11 |dex=1 |con=18 |int= |wis=23 |cha=14 |str2=20 |dex2=1 |con2=36 |int2=10 |wis2=108 |cha2=24
|skills2=[[SRD:Bluff Skill|Bluff]] +36, [[SRD:Concentration Skill|Concentration]] +40, [[SRD:Listen Skill|Listen]] +75, [[SRD:Sense Motive Skill|Sense Motive]] +75
|feats2=[[SRD:Chain Power|Chain Power]], [[SRD:Combat Manifestation|Combat Manifestation]], [[SRD:Empower Power|Empower Power]], [[SRD:Enlarge Power|Enlarge Power]], [[SRD:Extend Power|Extend Power]], [[SRD:Ghost Attack|Ghost Attack]], [[SRD:Maximize Power|Maximize Power]], [[SRD:Narrow Mind|Narrow Mind]], [[SRD:Overchannel|Overchannel]], [[SRD:Psionic Meditation|Psionic Meditation]], [[SRD:Skill Focus|Skill Focus]] ([[SRD:Listen Skill|Listen]]), [[SRD:Talented|Talented]], [[SRD:Twin Power|Twin Power]]
|env=Underground |env2=Underground
|org=Solitary, creep (2-6 swarms), or terror (7-20 swarms) |org2=Solitary only
|cr=8 |cr2=32
|treas=None |treas2=Standard
|align=[[SRD:Neutral|Usually neutral]] |align2=[[SRD:Neutral|Usually neutral]]
|adv=None |adv2=51-100 [[SRD:Hit Dice|HD]] (Colossal), 101-200 [[SRD:Hit Dice|HD]] (Colossal+)
}}

[[Image:Ooze.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The ''brain'' of an opalogene.]]

''The air was still and cold, and the group of people who had ventured so far into this network of caves had slowed their pace, growing wary of the world around them. It felt, as they ventured through the snaking tunnels, that they weren't welcome there, that they were trespassing somewhere forbidden. As they stared forward into the pitch black darkness of the tunnels before them, they did not notice the crumbling of the stones beneath them. Then they were falling, and as they fell they saw before them a vast, glowing, pulsating orb of ooze, and questions flooded their minds. They stopped falling in midair before the green orb, as its thoughts seemed to look them over, as a child would an odd toy.''

Opalogenes are incalculably ancient, primordial oozes who are often older than most gods. Unlike most oozes, opalogenes are actually capable of active thought, but only on a much larger scale than most creatures, seeing as they are made up of 2 distinct parts, a single, vast, perfect orb of ooze which operates similarly to a gargantuan brain cell, otherwise known as the opalogene's ''brain'', and a swarm of billions upon billions of tiny amoeba like oozes which travel in swarms throughout the tunnels of the world, which are referred to as the ''nerves'' of an opalogene. The ''brain'' of an opalogene actually creates these ''nerves'' through a process similar to meiosis, sending them out throughout the world. These amoeba always leave a thick layer of psionic slime behind them wherever they go. This slime always leads back to the ''brain'' of the opalogene, and acts as a sort of "body" for the ooze, seeing as the opalogene can send its thoughts down through this slime, and feel it and everything thing it touches as though it were part of itself. Due to this manner in which they "grow", opalogenes never stop getting bigger, and have even been known to span continent-sized networks of tunnels in the past. Opalogenes are often referred to as the single wisest beings in existence by those who have actually experienced the privilege of being in direct mental contact with one of them, but due to the fact of their unique mind and ways of thinking, they are incapable of imparting their wisdom to another, non-psionic being. The death of an opalogene is most often actually the death of its ''brain'', seeing as its ''nerves'' can die indefinitely and not harm the overall consciousness of the entity. When a oplaogene does in fact die and its mind ceases to exist, it seems to heave a final, great psychic sigh, which quickly blossoms out throughout the cosmos, brushing through the minds of all conscious entities within existence. If this is ever to happen, everything that can think at the time of the opalogene's death seem to feel as though the world has been diminished somehow, though they are not sure how. 

=== Combat ===

Opalogenes do not actively seek combat, but considering the way their comprehension of the world differs from other beings, they may inadvertently attack something as their ''nerves'' continue to grow and spread throughout the world. The opalogene does not have total control of its ''nerves'', and they may begin to become a problem for cave dwelling societies. While this is true, if a being comes into contact with the ''brain'' of an opalogene, and appeals to it to stop its growth, the opalogene may attempt to do so, if it can understand the problem its visitor has. The ''brain'' of an opalogene will never consciously attack something that it can sense does not mean it harm.

The ''brain'' of an opalogene's [[SRD:Natural Weapons|slam attacks]] are treated as epic and psionic for the purpose of overcoming [[SRD:Damage Reduction|damage reduction]].

'''{{Anchor|Acid}}:'''  An opalogene secretes a powerful acid that quickly dissolves organic material, but not metal or stone. Any melee hit or successful swarm attack deals acid damage. Armor made of organic materials or clothing dissolves and becomes useless immediately unless it succeeds on a [[SRD:DC|DC]] 19 [[SRD:Saving Throw|Reflex save]] if the attack originated from the ''nerve'' of an opalogene, or a [[SRD:DC|DC]] 48 [[SRD:Saving Throw|Reflex save]] if the attack originated from the ''brain'' of an opalogene. A wooden weapon that strikes an opalogene's ''nerve'' dissolves immediately unless it succeeds on a [[SRD:DC|DC]] 19 [[SRD:Saving Throw|Reflex save]]. A wooden weapon that strikes an opalogene's ''brain'' also dissolves immediately unless it succeeds on a [[SRD:DC|DC]] 48 [[SRD:Saving Throw|Reflex save]]. The save [[SRD:DC|DCs]] are [[SRD:Constitution|Constitution]]-based.

The ''nerve'' of an opalogene's acidic touch deals 19 points of damage per [[SRD:Round|round]] to wooden objects, but the ''nerve'' must remain in contact with the object for 1 full [[SRD:Round|round]] to deal this damage. The ''brain'' of an opalogene's acidic touch deals 48 points of damage per [[SRD:Round|round]] to wooden objects, but the ''brain'' must remain in contact with the object for 1 full [[SRD:Round|round]] to deal this damage.

{|cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="d20" align="right"
|+ Table: Opalogene ''Brain'' Regrowth Time
|-
! Number of ''Nerves''
! Time for ''Brain'' to Regrow
|- 
|10-50 ||10,000,000 years 
|- 
|51-120 ||5,000,000 years 
|- 
|121-260 ||2,000,000 years 
|- 
|261-400 ||1,000,000 years
|- 
|401-650 ||500,000 years 
|- 
|651-1,020 ||100,000 years 
|- 
|1,021-2,050 ||50,000 years 
|- 
|2,051-5,900 ||10,000 years 
|-
|5,901-10,500 ||5,000 years 
|- 
|10,501-22,500 ||2,500 years 
|-
|22,501-50,000 ||1,000 years 
|- 
|50,001+ ||100 years 
|-
|}

'''{{Anchor|Collective Mind}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' The ''nerves'' of an opalogene trail a layer of thick, transparent ooze behind them wherever they go. All parts of the opalogene that are in contact with this ooze are in constant communication. If the ''brain'' of the opalogene is aware of a particular danger, all parts of the opalogene are. If one of the ''nerves'' of a opalogene is killed, the ''brain'' is aware of it, though other ''nerves'' may not be. If a being capable of [[SRD:Manifesting Powers|manifesting]] [[SRD:Powers|psionic powers]] touches this ooze with its bare flesh, it can "feel" through it as though it was a part of the opalogene itself, but only out through a distance of 20 feet per [[SRD:Manifester Level|Manifester level]] along the ooze. The ''brain'' of the opalogene is also immediately aware of the being touching the ooze and can feel it as though it could any other piece of its body, the ''brain'' may attempt to make mental contact with any psionic being that is in contact with the ooze if it so wishes, as an extension of its [[SRD:Telepathy|telepathy]] (see below). If the ''brain'' of the opalogene dies then the collective mind changes, yet still exists as long as 10 or more of the opalogene's ''nerves'' still exist. If this event is to ever happen, then the overall mind of the opalogene becomes more instinctual, and the ''nerves'' begin travelling enmasse to the cavern or general area that the ''brain'' once occupied. If a being capable of [[SRD:Manifesting Powers|manifesting]] [[SRD:Powers|psionic powers]] touches the ooze that connects all parts of the opalogene together with its bare skin while the opalogene is in this state, the distance it can "feel" through the ooze increases to 50 feet per [[SRD:Manifester Level|Manifester level]]. Additionally, no part of the opalogene may attempt to contact that being. Once 10 or more of the opalogene's ''nerves'' have entered the area that the ''brain'' died in, they climb over each other to form an orb 20 ft. in diameter, and begin to digest each other, beginning to create a new ''brain''. Refer to [[#Table: Opalogene Brain Regrowth Time|Table: Opalogene ''Brain'' Regrowth Time]] to determine how long it takes them to form a new ''brain''. This embryonic ''brain'' is treated as being catatonic and is incapable of taking any actions, conversing with anything, or creating more ''nerves'' until the duration shown in [[#Table: Opalogene Brain Regrowth Time|Table: Opalogene ''Brain'' Regrowth Time]] is up, at which point the ''brain'' regains any memories the original ''brain'' had, and is treated as never having died.

'''{{Anchor|Distraction}} ([[SRD:Ex|Ex]]):''' Any living creature vulnerable to a swarm’s damage that begins its turn with a swarm in its square is [[SRD:Nauseated|nauseated]] for 1 [[SRD:Round|round]]; a [[SRD:DC|DC]] 19 [[SRD:Saving Throw|fortitude save]] negates the effect. Even with a successful save, spellcasting or concentrating on [[SRD:Creature Spells and Powers#Spells|spells]] within the area of a swarm requires a [[SRD:Concentration Skill|Concentration]] check ([[SRD:DC|DC]] 20 + [[SRD:Spell Level|spell level]]). Using skills requiring patience and concentration requires a [[SRD:Concentration Skill|Concentration]] check ([[SRD:DC|DC]] 20). The save [[SRD:DC|DC]] is [[SRD:Constitution|Constitution]]-based.

'''[[SRD:Ooze Type|Ooze]] Traits:''' An [[SRD:Ooze Type|ooze]] is an amorphous or mutable creature. [[SRD:Ooze Type|Oozes]] are immune to [[SRD:Poison|poison]], ''[[SRD:Sleep|sleep]],'' [[SRD:Paralysis|paralysis]], [[SRD:Stunned|stunning]], and [[SRD:Polymorph (Spell)|polymorphing]]. They have no clear front or back and are therefore not subject to [[SRD:Critical Hit|critical hits]] or flanking. [[SRD:Ooze Type|Oozes]] are [[SRD:Blinded|blind]] but have the [[SRD:Blindsight and Blindsense#Blindsight (Ex)|Blindsight]] special quality. If an Ooze has no [[SRD:Intelligence|Intelligence]] score they are immune to all [[SRD:Mind-Affecting Effect|mind-affecting]] effects ([[SRD:Charm Subschool|charms]], [[SRD:Compulsion Subschool|compulsions]], [[SRD:Phantasm Subschool|phantasms]], [[SRD:Pattern Subschool|patterns]], and morale effects).

'''{{Anchor|Powers}}:''' The ''brain'' of an Opalogene can manifest [[SRD:Psionics|psionic]] powers as a 24<sup>th</sup> level [[SRD:Psion|psion]] of any discipline, except that the ''brain'' uses its [[SRD:Wisdom|Wisdom]] modifier instead of its [[SRD:Intelligence|Intelligence]] modifier for the purpose of determining [[SRD:Saving Throw|saving throw]] DCs and [[SRD:Ability Scores#Ability Modifiers and Bonus Power Points|bonus power points]].

'''[[SRD:Psi-Like Ability|Psi-Like Abilities]]:''' (''Nerves'' only) At will—''[[SRD:Deja Vu|deja vu]]'', ''[[SRD:Disable|disable]]'', ''[[SRD:Distract|distract]]'', ''[[SRD:Mind Thrust|mind thrust]]''; 3/day—''[[SRD:Inflict Pain|inflict pain]]'', ''[[SRD:Recall Agony|recall agony]]''; 2/day—''[[SRD:Eradicate Invisibility|eradicate invisibility]]'', ''[[SRD:Psionic Blast|psionic blast]]''; 1/day—''[[SRD:Mindwipe|mindwipe]]''. [[SRD:Manifester Level|Manifester level]] 10th. The save [[SRD:DC|DCs]] are [[SRD:Wisdom|wisdom]]-based.

'''Spider Climb ([[SRD:Ex|Ex]]):''' The ''nerve'' of an opalogene can climb on any solid surface as though under the effects of ''[[SRD:Spider Climb|spider climb]]'' spell

'''Swarm Traits:''' A swarm has no clear front or back and no discernable anatomy, so it is not subject to [[SRD:Critical Hit|critical hits]] or flanking. A swarm made up of Tiny creatures takes half damage from slashing and piercing weapons.

Reducing a swarm to 0 [[SRD:Hit Points|hit points]] or fewer usually causes the swarm to break up, though damage taken until that point does not degrade its ability to attack or resist attack. Swarms are never [[SRD:Staggered|staggered]] or reduced to a [[SRD:Dying|dying]] state by damage. Also, they cannot be tripped, [[SRD:Grapple|grappled]], or bull rushed, and they cannot [[SRD:Grapple|grapple]] another.

A swarm is immune to any spell or effect that targets a specific number of creatures (including single-target [[SRD:Creature Spells and Powers#Spells|spells]] such as ''[[SRD:Disintegrate|disintegrate]]''), with the exception of [[SRD:Mind-Affecting Effect|mind-affecting]] effects if the swarm has an intelligence score and a hive mind. A swarm takes a –10 penalty on [[SRD:Saving Throw|saving throws]] against [[SRD:Creature Spells and Powers#Spells|spells]] or effects that affect an area, such as many evocation [[SRD:Creature Spells and Powers#Spells|spells]] or grenadelike weapons. If the area effect attack does not allow a [[SRD:Saving Throw|saving throw]], the swarm takes double damage instead.

Usually a swarm rendered [[SRD:Unconscious|unconscious]] by means of [[SRD:Nonlethal Damage|nonlethal damage]] becomes disorganized and dispersed, and does not re-form until its [[SRD:Hit Points|hit points]] exceed its [[SRD:Nonlethal Damage|nonlethal damage]].

'''Telepathy:''' The ''brain'' of a opalogene can communicate telepathically with any other creature within a 250 feet. This is not affected by the possession of a language, seeing as the ''brain'' has no comprehension of language and therefore communicates in the form of emotions and concepts. It is possible for the ''brain'' to address multiple creatures at once telepathically, seeing as the ''brain'' doesn't have to focus on forming words.


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{{3.5e Monsters Breadcrumb}}
[[Category:3.5e]]
[[Category:User]]
[[Category:Monster]]

{{Navboxes}}
Alignment	Usually neutral +
Author	Rithaniel +
Challenge Rating	8 + and 32 +
Environment	Underground +
Identifier	3.5e Monster +
Level Adjustment	— +
Rating	Undiscussed +
Size	Tiny + and Colossal +
Subtype	Psionic + and Swarm +
Title	Opalogene +
Type	Ooze +