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Graveshell

Creature 1 (uncommon) — beast

Pre-Remaster content. May include legacy alignment.

ShadeAnvilLANDAQUATICbeast

The graveshell is a dangerous predator that draws scavengers and explorers into its grasp using a morbid lure: the corpse of a former victim impaled upon the spikes that protrude from its large, turtle-like shell. Aside from its shell, the monster resembles no known animal. Small but bright yellow eyes watch from the sagging flesh of its head, the most prominent feature of which is a curiously shaped, toothy maw twisted into a perpetual grin. Its stubby arms and legs are impractical for both wal

Source: age-of-ashes-bestiary (Pre-Remaster)

Perception +4; darkvision, wavesense (imprecise) 30 feet
Languages common, sakvroth
Skills athletics +6, stealth +4
Str
+3
Dex
-1
Con
+3
Int
-3
Wis
+1
Cha
+0
Items Shell
AC 17 ((19 while withdrawn into its shell)) Fort +8 Ref +2 Will +4
HP 20
Speed 20 feet, swim 20 feet

Offense

Melee Jaws (unarmed) +8, Damage 1d6+3 piercing
Melee Claw (agile, unarmed) +8, Damage 1d4+3 slashing
Melee Shell Spikes +8, Damage 1d4+3 piercing

Abilities

Corpse Disguise (exploration) — The graveshell conceals its true nature over the course of a few minutes by impaling a corpse (typically humanoid) on its spiky shell before partially submerging itself in water. It has an automatic result of 22 on Deception checks and DCs to pass as a corpse floating in the water.
Wavesense (Imprecise) 30 feet — This sense allows a monster to feel vibrations caused by movement through a liquid. It's an imprecise sense with a limited range (listed in the ability). Wavesense functions only if monster and the subject are in the same body of liquid, and only if the subject is moving through the liquid.
Shell Block
Deep Breath — The graveshell can hold its breath for 200 rounds (20 minutes).
Shell Game — The graveshell withdraws into its shell, gaining a +2 circumstance bonus to AC and allowing it to use Shell Block. This lasts until the graveshell moves or attacks with any attack other than its shell spikes. The graveshell can't take this action or get any benefit from it if its shell is Broken.

WORKS WELL WITH

SnareAQUATICA controller that pins whoever investigates the disguised lure prevents them from disengaging once the ambush is revealed.
FlankerLAND / AQUATICA mobile striker can capitalize on the Off-Guard moment created once the disguise breaks and the ambush lands.
CrasherAQUATICAn aggressive attacker following the ambush keeps pressure on a target before it can retreat to open water.

PUNISHES

✖ low Perception✖ isolated targets✖ standing near water
The disguise-and-submerge ambush needs a body of water to work; avoid pairing it into scenes without a water feature.
Works well with · Punishes · Pairing advice Unlock with Tactics

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Stat block data sourced from the Foundry VTT PF2E system under the Apache License 2.0. Source book: Pathfinder #145: Hellknight Hill.

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