[MCC RPG] Savage Menagerie: Cranium Crab (AKA Deathcrab)

Cranium crab: Init +0; Atk claws +2 melee (1d6); AC 14; HD 1d8; MV 30'; Act 1d20; SP mutation check +3 death field generation, disintegration; SV Fort +3, Ref +0, Will +0; AL N; Crit M/d4. 

Cranium crabs are large hermit crabs who, due to their size, use empty human skulls as their shells. A cranium crab is a dull, speckled grey and tan in color, although the bleached white skulls they carry with them stand out in stark contrast. Cranium crabs are found near large bodies of fresh water, though they can also be located near rivers, lakes, and even ponds. Cranium crabs are also found in regions where many deaths have occurred, such as battlegrounds, graveyards, ruins of large cities, etc. The creatures have determined that, at such places, there is an ample supply of skulls with which to make their homes. In combat, cranium crabs attack with their claws for 1d6 hit points of damage.

If a cranium crab is in need of a new skull yet cannot locate one laying about, it will make one. A cranium crab will lie in wait for a humanoid to pass by. If it sees a victim with an appropriately sized head, the cranium crab will trigger its death field generation mutation. If the target falls, the cranium crab will wander over to inspect its prey. If the target is still living, the crab will attempt to hurriedly finish off its victim while they lie unconscious. Once assured the victim is dead, the cranium crab will then activate its disintegration ability, causing the victim's flesh to flake away and turn to dust, leaving behind the victim's skeleton. (The effect is much like a fazer pistol attack, pg. 172, MCC RPG rules; however, the crab will NOT use its disintegration ability offensively!) The cranium crab will then shed its old skull and move into the new one immediately.

If a band of mutants come across several headless skeletons with empty skulls laying nearby, it's a safe bet they've entered an area craniumcrabs are frequenting. They'd better hope none of the cranium crabs are in need of a new home and lurking nearby...

(The Cranium Crab originally appeared on this blog as a Mutant Future creature!)