Vodyanoi

A vodyanoi was a close relative of an umber hulk that dwelt in deep bodies of fresh water.

Description
These strong creatures looked similar to umber hulks, but had slimy green skin and webbed claws at the end of both their legs and long arms. Their mandibles were so powerful they could bite through clam shells and the hides of sharks. Vodyanoi typically stood slightly taller than the standard umber hulk, in some cases growing as tall as.

Personality
Vodyanoi were a reasonably intelligent species, though they were not profound thinkers and often bloodthirsty marauders. Complex situations were typically viewed by them in simple terms. And they typically valued physical prowess over culture or intelligence.

Combat
They attacked with their large and powerful claws, as well as their mandibles. Vodyanoi could summon up to a score of electric eels to assist them in combat.

Ecology
Vodyanoi were largely solitary creatures, but would gather periodically with others of their kind. They were very territorial, attacking both creatures, as well as vessels, that crossed through their lands.

More peaceful vodyanoi were typically hermits that lived in deeper waters or adventurers.

Habitats
Vodyanoi were most common in deep, freshwater lakes, but were occasionally found in saltwater as well. In such waters they usually inhabited caves near the edge of a deep trench or continental shelf.

They were known to inhabit the fresh-water lakes in Chessenta,. In the Sea of Fallen Stars they were known to inhabit the abyssal plains of Serôs as well as the town of Lyrathil.

Languages
Vodyanoi primarily spoke a dialect of the umber hulk language, which they could speak with others of their kind over tremendous distances. Vodyanoi were also capable of learning how to speak Common and the unique languages of many undersea races, such as locathah, merfolk, tritons, and sahuagins.

Religions
Some vodyanoi worshiped Panzuriel and served him as shamans.

Relationships
Some vodyanoi acted as servants of the marid Kalbari al-Durrat al-Amwaj ibn Jari in her Citadel of Ten Thousand Pearls.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Dungeon #79, "The Akriloth"
 * Video Games
 * Icewind Dale: Heart of Winter