Moray Eel (giant)

Moray Eel (giant)

Species	ray-finned fish
No. Appearing	1–4
Behaviour	solitary
Range	benthic, coral reef, deep water, intertidal, ocean banks, profundal
Size	25 ft. long
Weight	550 lbs.
Intelligence	0
Armour Class	6
Hit Dice	5
Action Points	4
Max. Stride	12
THAC0	18
Hp/Die	d10
Attack Forms	1: jaws
Damage	jaws (3–12)
Special Attacks	lock jaws, surprise on a 1–3

Giant moray eels are long, sinuous predators that lurk in underwater crevices, ambushing prey with a sudden, darting strike. Their slick bodies are covered with mottled patterns of green, brown or black, allowing even huge specimens to blend seamlessly into rocky seabeds and coral reefs. Its small, lidless eyes give it poor eyesight, but it compensates with an extraordinary sense of smell, detecting prey through the shifting currents of the deep.

Though often mistaken for serpents or sea monsters by frightened sailors, moray eels are not inherently aggressive. They are territorial and will defend their lairs with terrifying speed and force, but they prefer ambush hunting over prolonged combat. Their natural instincts favour surprise over endurance, and once their prey is secured in their crushing jaws, they rely on their overwhelming grip rather than an extended struggle.

Within their chosen hunting grounds, morays become masters of shadow and stillness. They wedge themselves into narrow rock formations, sunken shipwrecks, or the dense roots of mangrove swamps, coiling silently until the perfect moment to strike. They are patient hunters, able to remain motionless for extended periods, allowing the currents to mask their scent and movements.

Unlike more aggressive predators that stalk and chase, morays wait for their prey to come to them. The first sign of their presence is often the sudden flash of teeth and the snapping lunge of their muscular bodies.

Locking Jaws

Morays possess a uniquely powerful bite. Their jaws are lined with curved, needle-like teeth that trap struggling creatures, and unlike most other fish, they have a second set of jaws hidden in their throat that lunge forward to drag prey deeper into their gullet. If a character is struck with enough force to cause a wound, this double-set of jaws have locked onto the victim, who won't be let go unless the moray is killed. Because the beast outweighs most player characters, it possesses the mass and strength to pull them away — though with difficulty.

Once a victim is seized, they will be dragged beneath the surface immediately. The eel's violent thrashing prevents any chance of controlled movement, ensuring the victim drowns in 3–8 rounds, unless freed. Allies who can swim have three full rounds to attack the eel before it escapes into the depths, plus one additional round for every 20 points of swimming knowledge they possess. If the moray is killed before it can retreat, the victim will be released, though the damage inflicted by the eel's bite and the time spent underwater may still present a life-threatening situation.

Guardians

Because they are territorial in nature, giant morays have sometimes become natural guardians of submerged ruins, sunken ships or lost treasure hoards, whether by natural instinct or because some aquatic master has cultivated its presence. Sahuagin priests, deep-dwelling wizards, or ancient sea liches have been known to keep such creatures as living sentinels, their immense bulk ensuring that intruders never leave the depths alive. Some morays even develop symbiotic relationships with more intelligent sea-dwellers, accepting offerings of food in exchange for patrolling an area.

See also,
Bestiary
Electric Eel