The Giant Alligator of False Welcome
It’s been quite a while since I featured any of Fernando Salvaterra’s wonderful art (which, of course, is used with permission, and all rights related to the art remain his). So, here’s a creature for Matthew Tapp’s exquisite Barrows & Borderlands, which I’ve not played in too long.
L’alligator Géant du Faux Accueil: AC 0 | HD 14 | #E 1 | MV 30′ (Swim 60′) | THAC0 6 | #AT 1 (Bite 3d12) and 1 (Tail Smash 3d8) | SV 10 | ML 11 | AL Chaotic | XP 3250 | T (III)
Description: This enormous reptile, and it is widely believed there is only one in existence, resembles an alligator in all but size and cunning. Measuring nearly 75 feet from tail tip to snout end, it has no natural enemies; indeed, most natural creatures avoid it. In combat, it attacks enemies near its head with a savage bite while thrashing enemies near its other end with a crushing tail smash.
Its fangs and tail are not its most potent weapons, for it has a curious but terrible magical power. This monster can project a powerful illusion that disguises its head as a hillock topped by a sturdy cabin with a nearby garden. Intelligent creatures who see this illusion must succeed at a Sorcery Saving Throw with a -2 penalty.
Failure means the victim views the illusion as a welcome safe haven in a desolate, swampy environment. Once its charmed victims are comfortably within the illusion, the monster swims to deeper water before attacking. Few creatures not adapted to water survive the monster’s attacks after this.
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