Saturday, April 9, 2011

"M" is for "Mortoise"

Mortoise

No. Enc.:  1 (1)
Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  105' (35')
Armor Class:  2
Hit Dice:  18
Attacks:  1 (volley or trample)
Damage:  3d8 or 6d12
Save:  L9
Morale:  11
Hoard Class:  XIX, XII
XP:  9,250

Mortoises are massive, ill-tempered reptiles that reach heights over 30' tall, lengths over 55' long, and weights of 25 tons or more.  Long spikes cover their thick shells, and three glowing frills line their skulls.

The carnivorous beasts are engines of destruction.  Mortoises tend to simply Trample over any foes in their path, but can also launch their spines up to 100' away, or discharge bolts of electricity from their fins at double the usual effect (8d6 damage).  Furthermore, all within their 40' of their presence have to endure their Vampiric Field mutations.

And as if those abilities weren't formidable enough, mortoises radiate such intense hostility that others are prone to attacking them on sight...usually leading to the mass slaughter of said others.

Rumors suggest that some belligerent tribes have tamed mortoises as mounts, and ride into battle upon the beasts in protective howdahs.  How such a feat could even be accomplished is unknown.

Mutations:  Energy Ray (Electricity) (x2), Negative Empathy [D], Spiny Growth (x3), Vampiric Field