Difference between revisions of "Mordenkainen's Tortoise"

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[[File:Tortoise_(Mordenkainen's)_image.jpg|left]][[File:Tortoise_(Mordenkainen's)_image.jpg|right]]
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{{Bestiarychart
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| name = Mordenkainen's Tortoise
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| species = reptile
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| noapp = 1
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| behaviour = scattered
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| range = [[Intertidal (range)|intertidal]], [[Savanna (range)|savanna]]
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| size = 5 ft. long, 4½ ft. wide
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| weight = 1,075 lbs.
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| int = 17
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| AC = -2
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| HD = 8+1
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| AP = 1
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| stride = 2
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| THAC0 = 16
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| hpdie = d6+d4
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| attack = snap
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| dmg = 4-16
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| special = [[Initiative|initiative]], [[Protection from Malevolence (spell)|protection from<br>malevolence]], [[Reach|reach]]
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}}
  
Profoundly gentle and of genius [[intelligence]], these rare and highly prized reptiles are descendants from an egg that was crafted and hatched by the ancient wizard Mordenkainen in the 10th century. It is less accurate to say that the animal can be counted as domesticated than that the animal is willing to give its allegiance to those who earn its respect. This is commonly given to those who are able to hatch the animal from an egg.
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[[File:Tortoise_(Mord)_image.jpg|440px|left]]
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Profoundly gentle and of genius intelligence, these rare and highly prized reptiles are descendants from an egg that was crafted and hatched by the ancient wizard Mordenkainen in the 10th century. It is less accurate to say that the [[Animal|animal]] can be counted as domesticated than that the animal is willing to give its allegiance to those who earn its respect. This is commonly given to those who are able to hatch the animal from an egg.
  
In addition to being highly defensive and able to cause effective damage in its attack, the tortoise possesses a like [[dweomer]] to that of a paladin, in that it provides a continuous [[Protection from Malevolence (spell)|protection from malevolence]], which surrounds the animal, extending outwards for two combat hexes, that any friend of the tortoise may enjoy if within that radius. Naturally, this moves with the tortoise, which in any given round is able to advance one hex forward, or employ its single attack.
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== Advantages ==
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In addition to being highly defensive and able to cause effective [[Damage (hit points)|damage]] in its attack, the tortoise possesses a like dweomer to that of a [[Paladin (class)|paladin]], in that it provides a continuous '''protection from malevolence''', which surrounds the animal, extending outwards two [[Combat Hex|combat hexes]] — any friend of the tortoise may enjoy this protection if within that radius. Naturally, the dweomer moves with the tortoise, who may choose to advance or retreat, or employ its single attack.
  
The tortoise's jaws are able to snap so quickly that it always gains [[initiative]] against its enemies. Additionally, the tortoise's neck is able to stretch, so that it is able to attack creatures up to two hexes away, provided they are directly in front of the tortoise (within a 60-degree arc). Because the snap is so quick, there is no chance for enemies to attack the tortoise's momentarily exposed neck.
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The tortoise's jaws are able to snap so quickly that it always gains '''initiative''' against its enemies. Additionally, the tortoise's neck is able to stretch, so that it's '''reach''' allows it to [[Attacking in Combat|attack]] creatures up to two hexes away, provided they are directly in front of the tortoise (within a 60-degree arc). Because the snap is so quick, there is no chance for enemies to attack the tortoise's momentarily exposed neck.
  
If raised from an egg, the tortoise must be communicated with, and taught how to generate its magical dweomer, or else this will have to emerge naturally. A spellcaster with the spell, or a paladin, possessing the ability to [[Speak with Animals (spell)|speak with animals]], can teach the tortoise within 3–12 days. Both speak with animals and protection from malevolence spells must be cast (the paladin need not cast the latter) each day of instruction. If not taught, the tortoise will acquire this skill within a year.
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== Behaviour ==
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If raised from an egg, the tortoise must be communicated with, and taught how to generate its magical dweomer, or else this will have to emerge naturally. A [[Spellcasting|spellcaster]] with the spell, or a [[Paladin (class)|paladin]], possessing the ability to [[Speak with Animals (spell)|speak with animals]], can teach the tortoise within 3–12 days. Both speak with animals and protection from malevolence spells must be cast (the paladin need not cast the latter) each day of instruction. If not taught, the tortoise will acquire this skill within a year.
  
Typically, it requires four months before the tortoise can snap with its full power (add 1d4 per month of growth). The ability to reach a further target will take 5–8 months to acquire.
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Typically, after hatching, it requires four months before the tortoise can snap with its full power (add 1d4 per month of growth). The ability to reach a further target will take 5–8 months to acquire.
  
[[Category:Bestiary]]
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See [[Bestiary]]

Latest revision as of 17:52, 3 May 2021

Mordenkainen's Tortoise
Species reptile
No. Appearing 1
Behaviour scattered
Range intertidal, savanna
Size 5 ft. long, 4½ ft. wide
Weight 1,075 lbs.
Intelligence 17
Armour Class -2
Hit Dice 8+1
Action Points 1
Max. Stride 2
THAC0 16
Hp/Die d6+d4
Attack Forms snap
Damage 4-16
Special Attacks initiative, protection from
malevolence
, reach
Tortoise (Mord) image.jpg

Profoundly gentle and of genius intelligence, these rare and highly prized reptiles are descendants from an egg that was crafted and hatched by the ancient wizard Mordenkainen in the 10th century. It is less accurate to say that the animal can be counted as domesticated than that the animal is willing to give its allegiance to those who earn its respect. This is commonly given to those who are able to hatch the animal from an egg.

Advantages

In addition to being highly defensive and able to cause effective damage in its attack, the tortoise possesses a like dweomer to that of a paladin, in that it provides a continuous protection from malevolence, which surrounds the animal, extending outwards two combat hexes — any friend of the tortoise may enjoy this protection if within that radius. Naturally, the dweomer moves with the tortoise, who may choose to advance or retreat, or employ its single attack.

The tortoise's jaws are able to snap so quickly that it always gains initiative against its enemies. Additionally, the tortoise's neck is able to stretch, so that it's reach allows it to attack creatures up to two hexes away, provided they are directly in front of the tortoise (within a 60-degree arc). Because the snap is so quick, there is no chance for enemies to attack the tortoise's momentarily exposed neck.

Behaviour

If raised from an egg, the tortoise must be communicated with, and taught how to generate its magical dweomer, or else this will have to emerge naturally. A spellcaster with the spell, or a paladin, possessing the ability to speak with animals, can teach the tortoise within 3–12 days. Both speak with animals and protection from malevolence spells must be cast (the paladin need not cast the latter) each day of instruction. If not taught, the tortoise will acquire this skill within a year.

Typically, after hatching, it requires four months before the tortoise can snap with its full power (add 1d4 per month of growth). The ability to reach a further target will take 5–8 months to acquire.


See Bestiary