Tribute Gatherer

It passes for a big gray octopus until you notice two 6-foot clawed arms beside its two 12-foot tentacles. Broad manta-like flaps beneath the body propel it and can prop it up on land. A hidden pouch on its underside holds the treasure it carries.

Each taloned hand deals 1d8, and if both hit, the victim is pulled into the maw for 5d6 more. Tentacles strike for 1d12; an attack roll of 17 or higher means the target is wrapped and crushed for 1d12 each later round until it makes a bend bars roll. Every other round it can telekinetically throw a person or object of up to 500 pounds 30 feet. Once in three rounds, when threatened, it sprays black caustic ink for 2d12 acid damage, halved by a successful save vs. breath weapon. It has 20% magic resistance and is harmed only by +2 or better weapons.

Most dwell in the Abyss, on the layer of a wrathful sea goddess, who sends a few to mortal oceans to collect her temples' tribute, funding new shrines and rewarding schemes she favors. No sea creature approaches one, save a fish summoned by her priest: he speaks into its open mouth, it swims to the closest gatherer and opens wide to deliver the words, typically a call for help or for treasure. The gatherer then eats it.