Nyrrian boatcrusher
| Nyrrian boatcrusher | |
|---|---|
 Nyrrian boatcrusher from Living Greyhawk Journal #4, Enchiridion of the Fiend Sage, art by Sam Wood (May 2001). | |
| General information | |
| Alignment: | Usually Neutral |
| Type: | Beast |
| Subtype: | Aquatic |
| First appearance: | "Enchiridion of the Fiend Sage", LGJ #4. |
The Nyrrian boatcrusher is an enormous "sea monster" found primarily in the Nyr Dyv.
Description
A Nyrrian boatcrusher is an elephantine predator, with the demeanor of a crocodile. Boatcrushers vaguely resemble an immense walrus with hardened skin as thick as a rhino. [1] They have several large bony spur-like growths on their lower jaw and neck, jutting out like four or more rhino's horns pointing outward. They make something of both a weapon and a shield for the creature's face. They also have four blowholes, just behind their skulls at the nape or apex of their necks.[2]
They are quick swimmers but are somewhat slow and ungainly on land. They are known for snatching creatures off vessels in their mouths and swiftly diving deep into the water to drown their victims.[3]
Though the typical boatcrusher is the size of an elephant or giant, the largest adult boatcrushers may grow as large as a purple worm.[2]
Nyrrian boatcrushers do not collect or keep treasure of any kind.[2]
Personality
Nyrrian boatcrushers are notoriously ill-tempered. It is usually the young males encountered by people or ships which are responsible for this impression and are referred to as "bulls" for good reason.
Abilities
Str 27. Dex 12. Con 20. Int 2. Wis 13. Cha 11.[2]
Boastcrushers are amphibious and can survive out of water breathing air for as much as several hours. They breathe water and air equally well.[1]
In addition to using its devastating bite with its enormously powerful jaw worse than a shark and using facial spurs to gore victims worse than a boar, boatcrushers also use their massive, heavy tails to wallop opponents with a crushing blow.[2]
They do not have the ability to speak but they can "communicate with each over long distances with deep resonant tones, similar to whalesong."[1]
The senses of boatcrushers are impeccable, having the ability to see both in the dark and in low light, and have some of the most acute vision and hearing in the animal kingdom (+16).[2]
Activities
Though they are not as swift on land, Nyrrian boatcrushers are both willing and able "to chase land animals they have injured or attack sleeping creatures on the shore"[1] much like an orca or crocodile.
The mating season is in spring. During this period, young bulls act much like other animals and challenge the dominant male and other bulls. "Weaker and irrepressible members are driven out to seek other herds, and it is these loners that are responsible for most encounters with sailors."[1]
Relationships
The basic social unit of Nyrrian boatcrushers is a "herd" much like a pod of whales (4d4).[3] A single male and single female lead the heard. All other females and calves remain in proximity to the lead pair. Young bulls are the scouts of the herd, patrolling in the vicinity for food and threats to the herd.
Rumors & Legends
The Fiend Sage of Rel Astra speculated they may be able to be trained and asserted that boatcrushers' bodies "contained as many useful substances as whales and dolphins". [2]
References
Citations
Bibliography
- Reynolds, Sean. "Enchiridion of the Fiend Sage". Living Greyhawk Journal #4. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, May 2001.
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nyrrian Boatcrusher | Monster | Living Greyhawk Journal #4 | 25, 27 |