Monster of the Week: Water Demon

Malevolent spirits holding their victims in bondage, even after death

Water demons are incorporeal beings possessing bodies of fresh water, ranging in size from small ponds to the largest lakes. For unknown reasons, water demons are unable (or unwilling) to possess salt water.

Individuals approaching within a half-mile of a body of water possessed by one of these spirits will begin to hear a cacophony of voices in their mind—voices of those who regret their choices, and lament their fate. The voices warn others to avoid the water at all costs. They belong to those the demon has drowned, and act like a fear spell. Anyone who fails to save vs. Spells will refuse to enter, or travel on, the water.

Those who make their save, and choose brave the water (to wade in it, swim in it, cross it, etc.) will continue to hear the tortured voices, but an even greater danger awaits. The demon will whisper words of despair into their minds, urging them to give up and join the voices. Anyone who fails to save vs. Spells a second time will attempt to drown themselves. If they are wading or swimming, they will submerge and die within three rounds, unless forcibly removed from the water and given aid. If they are in a boat of some sort, they will try to throw themselves into the water, struggling with any who seek to prevent them. Once in the water, they will seek to drown themselves, as above.

If some successfully resist both these trials, the demon will use its deluge ability to create great waves that can swamp a boat or run it ashore (see “Weather”, p. X63 in the Expert rulebook). These waves can also buffet characters in a swamped boat, in the water, or on shore (but within 20 feet of the water). The demon can use the waves to attack each character each round, doing 2d8 damage on a successful hit.

The demon itself cannot take damage. It is immune to all physical, and most magical, attacks. A dispel evil spell will banish it for one turn, after which it will return to again possess the body of water. This spell, however, will also release all the souls captive in the water. The demon will have to start its collection all over again. This will upset it greatly, and it will seek to vent its rage on whomever banished it—if they are still close enough for it to attack.

Any characters brave or foolish enough to dive to the bottom of the body of water will find it covered with the bones and treasure of the demon’s many previous victims.

Armor Class: Nil
Hit Dice: 12**
Move: Nil
Attack(s): 1 deluge or 1 spell
Damage: 2d8 per target or special
No. Appearing: 1
Save As: Fighter 12
Morale: 12
Treasure Type: H
Alignment: Chaotic
XP: 2700

N.B. Water demons are inspired by the Lake of Voices, in Michael Moorcock’s The Queen of the Swords.