Pike, Giant

This fish is long and slender with light spots along its body and a toothfilled maw.

Pike, Giant (CR 4)

Large Animal (Aquatic)
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +8
Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent; Perception +14

Speed: Swim 60 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 16, touch 13, flat-footed 12 (+4 Dex, +3 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 39 (6d8+12)
Saving Throws: Fort +7, Ref +9, Will +3
All-Around Vision
Immunity: flanks

Offense

Melee: bite +7 (1d8+3 plus Grab)
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: ambush, Swallow Whole (1d4 acid damage, AC 11, 3 hp)

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
15 (+2)	18 (+4)	15 (+2)	1 (-5)	12 (+1)	2 (-4)

Base Attack Bonus: +4
CMB +7 (+11 Grapple)
CMD 21 (can't be tripped)

Feats: Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Perception), Weapon Finesse

Skills: Perception +14, Swim +18

• Racial Modifiers: +4 Perception. Giant pikes use their Dexterity modifier for Swim checks.

Languages:

Special Abilities

Ambush (Ex)

If a giant pike surprises an opponent, it gains a +4 circumstance bonus to its attack roll in that round of combat.

Ecology

Environment: Any Aquatic
Organization: solitary or school (2-4)
Treasure: none


Giant pikes are highly aggressive predators swimming the waters of freshwater lakes and rivers, attacking any living, moving creatures that come nearby. Giant pikes are highly adaptable and can be found in the coldest to the warmest waters. A saltwater variety exists and can be found in inland seas and saltwater lakes and rivers.

Giant pikes, like their smaller counterparts, are voracious and often attack prey much larger than themselves. Their diet consists mainly of soft-finned fish, trout, perch, frogs, mice, ducks, birds, and small humanoids. Larger prey includes humanoids, other giant fish, deer, and sheep or goats. Giant pikes have no qualms about eating those of their own kind, especially when food is scarce.

The giant pike averages about nine feet long and can grow to a length of 20 feet. Its coloration varies from dark green to brown and its body is covered in lighter colored spots. It has a single dorsal fin and a white or cream-colored underbelly.

The giant pike hides in weeds, behind rocks, or some other such cover, waiting for potential prey to wander nearby. It coils its body into an \"S\" position, and when prey passes by, strikes with blinding speed, biting with its sharp teeth. If the pike gets a hold on prey smaller than itself, it swallows it.

Copyright Notice Author Scott Greene.