Merrow (ogre)

Merrow were a breed of ogre adapted to aquatic environments.

Physical description
Faster and fiercer than their land kin, the freshwater merrow were greenish and scaled with webbed hands and feet. Their necks were long and thick, their shoulders were sloping, and they had huge mouths and undershot jaws. Merrow had black teeth and nails and deep green eyes with white centers, and their hair resembled slimy seaweed. About 10% grew ivory horns, especially the more powerful males. Aquatic ogres were very fond of tattoos, and females could have their entire bodies inked with scenes of death and destruction as a sign of status. Merrow spoke their own dialect and the language of other ogres.

Combat
Using their green coloration, aquatic ogres could hide, becoming effectively invisible in oceanic terrain. They attacked from cover, using longspears, and followed up their assault with talons and teeth.

Habitat/society
Merrow dwelled in caves in shallow, fresh water (50–250 feet deep), often with scrags (aquatic trolls). They could live out of water for about two hours, so they often foraged on land. Merrow usually controlled an area with a radius of 10–15 miles, hunting and foraging throughout this territory. In times of scarcity, or when the lure of treasure became too great, a war party would attack the coastal villages of humans. Merrow preferred gold and jewels and often overlooked dull magical items in search of glittering prizes. The goals of a merrow chieftain consumed the tribe, and these power-hungry monsters sought to completely control their "kingdoms," often leading to attacks on intruding ships.

The illithid Vestress, queen of Ascarle in 1361 DR, had a standing army with a core of 100 merrow under her command.

Ecology
Merrow were ignorant and superstitious and had no skills but plundering and murder. Areas of the freshwater lakes and seas where they had influence were avoided by sailors and fishermen. These monsters were carnivores, preying on all who entered their regions, often emptying the seas of life with their voracious appetites.

Novels

 * Tangled Webs