From the Stars Without Number Compatible – Alien Database
Poison. The poison of a whipsting is a paralyzing toxin that blocks electric impulses coming from the motor cortex. The target must make a successful Physical/Constitution saving throw to resist the poison. If the saving throw fails, the target loses 1d6 points of dexterity per round. Once dexterity drops to zero, the
target is paralyzed but still conscious.
Reach. In the first round of combat, the whipsting can stretch its tentacles beyond its normal length. Roll 1d6 to determine how many meters a tentacle overstretches. The whipsting can use this ability once per scene.
COMBAT & TACTICS
Whipstings are stealthy predators that hunt by ambushing their prey. They spring toward the target after having wounded it with their poisonous stinger. They employ their crawling speed to approach the target unnoticed. Once the target is within reach, they strike with one of their tentacles. If the poison works, they
spring on the prey to finish it.
DESCRIPTION
Whipstings are weird creatures made of a central spherical body with two long and elastic tentacles that play the role of “limbs” and natural weapons. The central body measures from 0.5 meters to 1 meter, and the tentacles may measure up to three times the diameter of the body. Each tentacle has a retractile bony stinger capable of injecting poison into the target. Proportions between the diameter of the body and
the length of the tentacles may vary according to the species, with some sub-species developing more tentacles beyond the standard two; even if most of the time they are nothing more than vestigial limbs. The central spherical body hosts the main sensory organs, except for the smell organs. The mouth is hidden below the spherical body and, as the stinger, it is a retractile organ. Whipsting’s color encompasses all shades of grey to blend with its natural environment.
HABITAT
Whipstings usually evolve on rocky planets with low gravity, low biomass, and hot temperatures. They dwell in rocky crags, hills, and mountains where they can exploit their abilities. They favor hot or very hot climates, and they avoid large masses of liquids like rivers, lakes, and oceans. These creatures may also
migrate underground if the planet undergoes sudden climate changes that trigger ice ages. If the planet core is still active and warm enough, whipstings can easily adapt and thrive.
BIOLOGY
Whipsting’s biology is very rare and exotic. Their muscular mass is very dense and compact, providing the creature a good strength compared to its size. Instead of a skeletal system, they have a sort of cartilage composed of very complex polymers that provide high elasticity and resistance. Once their body starts rotting, it becomes highly flammable and behaves like napalm. Their poison degrades rapidly after death, usually within 1d4 hours, but it has interesting, and yet unexplored, medical properties.