Monstrous Crab

Long spindly spider-like legs. Two monstrous claws protrude from the front of its body.

Monstrous Crab (CR 2)

Medium Vermin (Aquatic)
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +1
Senses: Darkvision 60 feet; Perception +4

Speed: 30 feet, Swim 20 feet
Space: 5 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 16, touch 11, flat-footed 15 (+1 Dex, +5 natural)
Hit Points: 19 (3d8+6)
Saving Throws: Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +1
Immunity: vermin traits
Weaknesses: water dependency

Offense

Melee: 2 claws +4 (1d4+2 plus Grab)
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: Constrict (claw) 1d4+2

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
14 (+2)	12 (+1)	14 (+2)	-	10 (+0)	2 (-4)

Base Attack Bonus: +2
CMB +4 (+8 to Grapple)
CMD 15

Feats:

Skills: Perception +4, Swim +10

• Racial Modifiers: +4 Perception

Languages:

Special Abilities

Water Dependency (Ex)

Monstrous crabs can survive out of the water for 1 hour per point of Constitution. Beyond this limit, a monstrous crab runs the risk of suffocation, as if it were drowning.

Ecology

Environment: Temperate or Warm Aquatic
Organization: Solitary or swarm (2-12)
Treasure: None


Monstrous crabs are omnivores and spend most of their time combing the ocean floors for food. Many act as vegetarians and sustain themselves on a diet of algae, fungus, and water-based plants, while others act as scavengers or predators. Some have been known to actively hunt giant clams and snails (the monstrous crab pries the shell open and devours the fleshy innards).

Still others prefer to dwell in coastal waters and prey upon land-based creatures that wander too close to the shoreline. Monstrous crabs are often hunted as food by other races (particularly humans and sahuagin).

Credit The Monstrous Crab originally appeared in the First Edition Monster Manual (© TSR/Wizards of the Coast, 1977) and is used by permission.

Copyright Notice Author Scott Greene, based on original material by Gary Gygax.