Starcursed mass

Version 0.16: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.

starcursed mass X
HP	124-174
HD	12
XP	1334
Speed	10
AC	10
EV	0
Will	100
Attack1	16 (engulf: plain)
Resistances	rPois+++, rN+++, rTorm, rRot+++, rDrown, rWater
Vulnerabilities	None
Habitat	Land
Intelligence	Animal
Uses	Uses nothing
Holiness	Non-living
Size	Giant
Type	starcursed mass, starcursed mass
Flags	Regenerates See invisible

A mass of stellar detritus that glows with the sickly putrescence of a dying star, forever shrieking soundlessly in a voice beyond mortal grasp. Its form quivers and undulates constantly, dividing spontaneously and then withdrawing when threatened. While the voice of even a single one is unsettling, in chorus, their screams can overwhelm the minds of even the bravest warriors, leaving them stunned and helpless. “Did you see that star go out? I seen it burn. That little star went out, your little eyes went out. Our burnt little dreams are hid up where the stars get lit.” -Thee Silver Mt. Zion, “I Built Myself a Metal Bird”. 2010.

Useful Info

Starcursed masses are the Lovecraftian equivalents of slime creatures; they divide and combine randomly, though with a tendency toward dividing and displaying no sign of how many individuals have combined into any one mass. Striking them causes them to regroup.

Although their HP rises when they combine, their melee attack damage remains the same. This makes them much less dangerous when united, especially because they have an irresistible shriek attack that deals more damage for every individual mass within your line of sight. When there are 5 or more shrieking together, you may be briefly paralysed each time they do so.

They can be found in the Abyss.

Tips & Tricks

When facing large groups of them, use whatever bolt or area of effect damage abilities you have to force them back together. The individuals have a mere fraction of the HP shown in their stats, so you'll likely kill some of them and drive the rest to regroup into a nearly harmless lump.

History

Starcursed masses were added in 0.12