Annulids (5e Creature)
Annulids[edit]
Annulids, also known as leech mages for their leech-like bodies and magical abilities, are aberrant creatures from the Far Realm who are respectful, civil, polite and no less evil for it. An annulid's body resembles that of an overgrown leech with two bulbous black eyes and four tentacles like a parody of a human's arms and legs. Annulids always cover their bodies with dark robes, raised hoods and plain masks which cover their mouths, lined with teeth and able to grab tightly to their prey. In battle, annulids remove their masks and lower their hoods, that they might drain blood from their victims more easily, though they also frequently make use of another weapon; the staff, also used as a symbol of status among their kind.
All annulids are also innately capable of teleportation, which they will instinctively use to avoid danger and reach advantageous positions.
Servants to the Mother. Annulids worship an otherworldly entity known as Isuga the Leech Mother, who they believe to be their progenitress and also responsible for the creation of all manner of squirming creatures. Annulid worship of Isuga mainly takes the form of blood sacrifice, as they believe that this is necessary to feed her and that otherwise she would slowly wither and die. Annulids rarely give their own blood, of course, preferring to give the blood of others, usually animals, though they aren't picky and will readily sacrifice mad cultists and prying sorts who delve too deep into their affairs, or those unlucky individuals who do the same. When annulids make a sacrifice, they swarm over their offering and drain it completely of all its blood, as annulid belief states that all blood consumed by annulids goes to Isuga.
When annulids gather, one of their primary objectives is always to gather and then maintain a secret cult of mortals sold on promises of great wealth and good fortune. The annulids always deliver on their promises, though the price in blood grows ever higher with every promise made.
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