Clam, Giant

A large brightly colored shell shifts in the currents. Seemingly split or divided down the middle, its interior is a dazzling golden brown.

Clam, Giant (CR 2)

Large Vermin (Aquatic)
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: -5
Senses: Blindsight 30 feet; Perception +0

Speed: 5 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 14, touch 4, flat-footed 14 (-5 Dex, +10 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 26 (4d8+8)
Saving Throws: Fort +6, Ref -4, Will +1
camouflage
Immunity: mind-affecting effects

Offense

Melee:
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: acid, Engulf

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
20 (+5)	1 (-5)	15 (+2)	-	10 (+0)	9 (-1)

Base Attack Bonus: +3
CMB +9
CMD 14

Feats:

Skills:

Languages:

Special Abilities

Acid (Ex)

A giant clam has a slow-acting acid that it uses to break down organic matter trapped in its interior. An engulfed creature takes 1d2 points of acid damage each round.

Engulf (Ex)

As a standard action, a giant clam can attempt to pull a creature up to one size smaller than itself that is within reach into its interior. An opponent can make an attack of opportunity against the clam, but if it does so it is not entitled to a saving throw. An opponent that does not attempt an attack of opportunity must succeed on a DC 17 Reflex save or be pulled into the clam's interior. An engulfed creature is subject to the clam's acid, and is considered to be grappled and trapped within its body. The save DC is Strength-based. A giant clam can be forced open by making an opposed Strength check against the clam's Strength check. Otherwise, it opens on its own in 1d4 hours.

Camouflage (Ex)

The rough shell of a giant clam is usually draped with barnacles, anemones, and bits of coral, which help it to blend in with its environment. Creatures must succeed on a DC 20 Perception check to notice a giant clam. Anyone with ranks in Survival or Knowledge (any water- or sea-related skill) can use one of those skills instead of Perception to notice the giant clam.

Ecology

Environment: Warm or Temperate Aquatic
Organization: solitary or cluster (2-10)
Treasure: incidental


Giant clams are generally found in coastal waters no deeper than 60 feet from the surface of the water. Many species of giant clams subsist strictly on a diet of sunlight, and as such are never found in deeper waters where sunlight cannot reach. Such giant clams are generally found in shallow seas or attached to coral reefs near the surface.

Some species of giant clams feed not only on sunlight but also on what they can filter from the water, usually small plants and animals, and sometimes the occasional swimmer. A giant clam moves by pushing out a small \"foot\" and sliding itself along. Giant clams simply wait until an unsuspecting opponent swims too close to its current position.

When a creature at least one size smaller than the clam swims within reach, it sucks the prey into its interior and clamps shut. It slowly digests its meal and expels any indigestible material (such as metal and stone) into the surrounding water. Air-breathers trapped by a giant clam face the danger of drowning as well.

Credit The Giant Clam originally appeared in the First Edition module EX2 Land Beyond the Magic Mirror (© TSR/Wizards of the Coast, 1983) and is used by permission. Copyright Notice Author Scott Greene, based on original material by Gary Gygax.