Amphibious. The crab can breathe air and water.
Adventurer's Armor: The crab has corpses of dead adventurers attached to its shell, each with its own 10 HP. Attacks against the top of the crab must first deplete the HP of these corpses. The crab has a total of 50 HP worth of corpses (5 corpses).
Multiattack. The crab can make two attacks.
Pincer. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a medium or smaller creature, it has the grappled condition (escape DC 14). The crab has two claws, each of which can grapple one target.
New Decorations: If one of the corpses on the crab's back has been destroyed the crab can use one of its attacks to take any target that has the grappled condition and implant them onto its back dealing 10 (2d10) piercing damage. While affixed to the crab, the target will suffer their level in slashing damage whenever the crab moves.
Any player that is affected by this action can either spend their turn making a strength check to try and get off the crab, or a constitution save to try and slow the bleeding.
Duck and Cover: As a reaction, the crab can duck down so only its back is exposed. This grants it +2 to its ac for the attack it is reacting to, but then -1 to its ac for any additional attacks while until the beginning of its next turn.
Description
Appearance: The Corpse Decorator Crab is a large crustacean, easily dwarfing the size of an adult human. Its shell is a kaleidoscope of colors, ranging from deep sea blues to vibrant coral hues. The most striking feature is its armor, which is a patchwork of various fallen adventurer corpses, meticulously attached to its shell. As these adventurers can have a wide variety of gear it is possible for even magical gear to be integrated into the shell, creating a hauntingly beautiful mosaic of warfare relics.
Behavior: Despite its intimidating size and appearance, the crab is not inherently aggressive. It prefers to avoid conflict unless provoked or defending its territory. It exhibits a peculiar behavior of collecting and attaching items to its shell alongside the corpses, which serves both as a defense mechanism and a display of dominance. The crab is particularly drawn to items with a history of battle, leading to its unique appearance.
Habitat: This crab dwells in underwater caves, shipwrecks, and coastal regions often in regions where battles have taken place. These locations are chosen for both the abundance of materials for its shell and the strategic defensive advantages they provide.
Abilities: The Corpse Decorator Crab possesses immense strength in its pincers, capable of crushing armor and bone with ease. Its shell, adorned with the corpses of fallen warriors, provides substantial protection. However, the crab’s unique armor has a vulnerability to fire, which can damage and eventually burn away the attached corpses, weakening its defenses.
Interactions with Adventurers: The crab is typically indifferent to adventurers unless they pose a threat, intrude upon its lair, or there is an empty slot on its shell for a new adventurer. Those who choose to engage with it should be wary of its powerful pincers and the durability provided by its unique armor.
Ecology: The Corpse Decorator Crab plays a unique role in its ecosystem, often impacting the underwater environment by collecting debris and artifacts. It also serves as a form of natural cleanup, scavenging remains from the ocean floor, which in turn becomes part of its ever-evolving armor.
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