The monster known as the Lurker Above is a subterranean creature which appears to be related to aquatic creatures such as the manta ray, though this is hardly likely. A lurker above “swims” through the air due to buoyant gas bladders in its “wings,” and if unable to fly for some reason one can creep no more than 1 foot per round.

A lurker above hunts by lying flat against the ceiling of a subterranean room, camouflaged by its stony-textured dark gray underbelly (thus surprising on 1-4 on 1d6) and then falling on and wrapping itself around its prey. The prey is held immobile, rendered unable to breathe, and constricted in this way until it dies. Living creatures of man-size or smaller will suffer 1d6 points of damage per round and will typically remain conscious at most for 1d4+1 rounds. A victim may only fight if they have a short cutting or stabbing weapon already in hand before being attacked.