REMORHAZ

The statistics above represent a typical adult. Remorhaz are 21-ft. to 42-ft. long. The smallest is 7 HD and each 3-ft. in length adds 1 HD up to the largest, at 14 HD.

Armor Class. The creature's standard armor class is AC 0. However, it uses fins on either side of it's torso to rear back before a strike. This exposes it's underbelly which is AC 4 (no AD). If opponents win initiative in any round where the remorhaz is going to bite, they can attack the underside of the creature. Likewise, a creature can delay their melee attack and, if the creature strikes on low initiative, the opponent can strike at the creature's head, which has an AC 2 (AD 3).

Heat. When in combat (or as desired), the remorhaz can heat it's back using special chemicals in its organs. The back of the creature glows red and the air wavers due to the extreme heat. This heat will vaporize ice or liquid, cause combustibles to ignite and metal to melt (no save). Any creature not immune to fire that contacts the back of a remorhaz will take 10d10 fire damage (no save). It is not uncommon for a remorhaz resting under the snow or ice to detect prey above, then use it's heat to vaporize the ice (requiring saving throws to avoid falling onto the creature's back). The creature can also move during melee (it's body is so long it stays in melee) presenting only it's back to opponents. In this case, the creature is delayed during the next round should it wish to attack. These activities are instinctual and are performed based on the size and number of opponents.

Swallow Whole. If a remorhaz scores a natural 20 on a bite attack against a Man-sized or smaller creature, it will swallow the creature and all of it's gear. If the creature is not immune to fire, the creature will be incinerated along with all of its gear (no save). If the creature is immune to fire, use the procedure as per being swallowed by a purple worm.

A remorhaz is an immense centipede-like beast with rows of chitinous plates on its back glowing red-hot. Remorhazes dwell in extensive warrens carved into the hearts of glaciers. The beasts use their heat to melt tunnels through ice, tunnels whose smooth glassy sides swiftly refreeze in their wake to create uncommonly stable and numerous mazes. A typical remorhaz is 30 feet long and weighs 12,000 pounds. These creatures are sometimes lured into an area by frost giants who keep them fed so as to have a local guardian.

Environment. Arctic.