Difference between revisions of "Dragon Turtle"

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| special = [[Breath Weapon|breath weapon]], [[Capsizing|capsize]], [[Swallow|swallow]]
 
| special = [[Breath Weapon|breath weapon]], [[Capsizing|capsize]], [[Swallow|swallow]]
 
}}
 
}}
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'''Dragon turtles''' are extremely rare creatures that inhabit the deep ocean along the edges of continental shelves and the submerged fringes of vast river deltas. They originate from the plane of Elysium; across the entire world, only thirteen are known to exist, though their precise locations are never certain. Rumours persist of dragon turtle colonies in Polynesia, but these are likely speculative rather than factual. Most of their number reside in the waters of the East and South China Seas.
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[[File:Dragon Turtle.jpg|left|350px|thumb]]
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Possessing high intelligence, dragon turtles are rational and approachable beings, though it is wise to approach them unarmed and without hostility. Many legends depict them as sources of wisdom, as they possess knowledge of the [[Outer Planes of Existence|outer planes of existence]] and the [[Great Beyond|great beyond]]. With lifespans stretching over centuries, they have firsthand knowledge of historical figures and events, allowing them to view history with an unparalleled perspective. Numerous texts, both ancient and recent, recount relationships between dragon turtles and emperors, conquerors and great religious leaders. Dragon turtles are known to speak the [[Common Language|common language]].
  
'''Dragon turtles''' are extremely rare beasts who dwell between areas of deep ocean at the edge of continental shelves and the innundated edges of enormous river deltas. They originate on the plane of Elysium; in all the world there are only 13 known creatures, though their exact whereabouts can never be certain. There are rumours of dragon turtle colonies existing in Polynesia, but this is more likely conjecture than fact.  The majority of their number dwell near the East and South China Seas.
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According to Chinese mythology, [[Ao (beast)|Ao]] was an immense dragon turtle that resided in the South China Sea during the world's formation. It is said that Nuwa severed Ao's legs and used them as pillars to uphold the sky. Another legend claims that Ao slumbers in the Bohai Sea, supporting the islands of Penglai, Fangzhang and Yingzhou upon his back. These islands belong to a group of five, believed to be the dwelling place of the [[Eight Immortals]].
  
[[File:Dragon Turtle.jpg|left|350px|thumb]]
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== Advantages ==
Highly intelligent, these creatures are rational and approachable, though it's well to do so without arms or untoward aggression. Many tales describe dragon turtles as a source for wisdom, as they have knowledge of the [[Outer Planes of Existence|outer planes of existence]] and the [[Great Beyond|great beyond]]; they live for hundreds of years and have personal knowledge of great historical figures, enabling them to view the world's history with tremendous perspective.  Relationships between dragon turtles and emperors, conquerors and great religious figures are described in many texts, both recent and ancient.  Dragon turtles are able to speak the [[Common Language|common language]].
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Due to its immense size, a dragon turtle is capable of inflicting tremendous '''[[Incidental Damage|incidental damage]]''' in the waters surrounding its body. Its claws can effortlessly sweep aside opponents, while its powerful jaws are capable of tearing even a giant apart. If the creature lands a [[Critical Hits & Fumbles|natural 20]] on an attack roll, it will '''swallow''' any creature up to 10 feet in height. Swallowed victims are rendered helpless and suffer 3-18 [[Hit Points|hit points]] of damage per round as they are crushed by the dragon turtle's powerful throat muscles, continuing until death.
  
It's believed that [[Ao (beast)|Ao]], according to Chinese mythology, was an unfathomably-sized dragon turtle that dwelt in the South China Sea at the time when the world was formed. Nuwa is said to have chopped off Ao's legs and used them as supports for the world.  Another myth claims that Ao sleeps in the Bohai Sea, where he supports the islands of Penglai, Fangzhang and Yingzhou upon his back.  These islands are part of a group of five, where the [[Eight Immortals]] dwell.
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In addition, a dragon turtle can [[Breath Weapon|disembogue]], expelling a vast cloud of scalding steam from its mouth. This superheated vapour spreads 60 feet outward, with a width of 40 feet and a height of 20 feet. Any creatures caught within the cloud suffer 40 +[4-40] damage, though a successful saving throw reduces this damage by half.
  
== Advantages ==
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When attacking a ship at sea, a dragon turtle can inflict 1-3 points of exterior [[Damage to Hull & Rigging|hull damage]] per attack. It is capable of striking every four rounds and, during this time, can remain submerged, making it nearly impervious to counterattacks from the surface. Should a crew choose to strike their sails and allow the vessel to go dead in the water, this signals to the dragon turtle that they have surrendered and are open to negotiation.
Because of its size, a dragon turtle is able to cause tremendous '''[[Incidental Damage|incidental damage]]''' in the waters around its body. It's claws can easily smash opponents to one side while its jaws can rip even a giant apart.  If the beast strikes with a [[Critical Hits & Fumbles|natural 20]], it will '''swallow''' any creature up to 10 ft. in height.  Victims that are swallowed will be unable to do anything, and will suffer 3-18 [[Hit Points|hit points]] of damage each round, from the dragon turtle's throat muscles, until they die.
 
  
Additionally, the dragon turtle can [[Breath Weapon|disembogue]], or pour out of its mouth, a cloud of steaming, scalding vapour that flows forward and outward from its head.  This billowing mass reaches 60 ft. outwards, being 40 ft. wide and 20 ft. high.  All those caught inside it will suffer 40 +[4-40] damage, reduced by half if the victim makes his or her saving throw.
 
  
If attacking a ship upon the ocean, a dragon turtle can cause 1-3 points of exterior [[Damage to Hull & Rigging|hull damage]] per attack, which it can make every four rounds.  During this time, the beast can remain below water, making it virtually invulnerable to surface attacks.  Striking sail and letting a ship go dead in the water relays to the dragon turtle that the crew has surrendered and is willing to parley.
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See [[Bestiary]]
  
[[Category: Don't Review until 2023]]
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[[Category: Reviewed]]

Revision as of 19:05, 5 March 2025

Dragon Turtle
Species beast
No. Appearing 1
Behaviour solitary
Range coral reef, deep water, intertidal
Size 48 ft. long, 28 ft. wide
Weight 27,000 lbs.
Intelligence 16
Armour Class 0
Hit Dice 12 to 14
Action Points 4
Max. Stride 3
THAC0 14
Hp/Die 2d12
Attack Forms 3: two claws, maw
Damage claw (4-24); mandibles (8-64)
Special Attacks breath weapon, capsize, swallow

Dragon turtles are extremely rare creatures that inhabit the deep ocean along the edges of continental shelves and the submerged fringes of vast river deltas. They originate from the plane of Elysium; across the entire world, only thirteen are known to exist, though their precise locations are never certain. Rumours persist of dragon turtle colonies in Polynesia, but these are likely speculative rather than factual. Most of their number reside in the waters of the East and South China Seas.

Dragon Turtle.jpg

Contents

Possessing high intelligence, dragon turtles are rational and approachable beings, though it is wise to approach them unarmed and without hostility. Many legends depict them as sources of wisdom, as they possess knowledge of the outer planes of existence and the great beyond. With lifespans stretching over centuries, they have firsthand knowledge of historical figures and events, allowing them to view history with an unparalleled perspective. Numerous texts, both ancient and recent, recount relationships between dragon turtles and emperors, conquerors and great religious leaders. Dragon turtles are known to speak the common language.

According to Chinese mythology, Ao was an immense dragon turtle that resided in the South China Sea during the world's formation. It is said that Nuwa severed Ao's legs and used them as pillars to uphold the sky. Another legend claims that Ao slumbers in the Bohai Sea, supporting the islands of Penglai, Fangzhang and Yingzhou upon his back. These islands belong to a group of five, believed to be the dwelling place of the Eight Immortals.

Advantages

Due to its immense size, a dragon turtle is capable of inflicting tremendous incidental damage in the waters surrounding its body. Its claws can effortlessly sweep aside opponents, while its powerful jaws are capable of tearing even a giant apart. If the creature lands a natural 20 on an attack roll, it will swallow any creature up to 10 feet in height. Swallowed victims are rendered helpless and suffer 3-18 hit points of damage per round as they are crushed by the dragon turtle's powerful throat muscles, continuing until death.

In addition, a dragon turtle can disembogue, expelling a vast cloud of scalding steam from its mouth. This superheated vapour spreads 60 feet outward, with a width of 40 feet and a height of 20 feet. Any creatures caught within the cloud suffer 40 +[4-40] damage, though a successful saving throw reduces this damage by half.

When attacking a ship at sea, a dragon turtle can inflict 1-3 points of exterior hull damage per attack. It is capable of striking every four rounds and, during this time, can remain submerged, making it nearly impervious to counterattacks from the surface. Should a crew choose to strike their sails and allow the vessel to go dead in the water, this signals to the dragon turtle that they have surrendered and are open to negotiation.


See Bestiary