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This sounds so much like Dark Sun it isn't true!<BR> <BR>> Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 17:05:37 +0200<BR>> From: postmaster@runequest.za.org<BR>> To: runequest@rpgreview.net<BR>> Subject: [Runequest] [RQIII]Razor Shells<BR>> <BR>> I read a write up about a D&D sourcebook regarding wastelands, deserts,<BR>> dried up seabeds etc in a magazine the other day. Well my sometimes<BR>> overactive imagination kept me awaye that night. What kind of wierd little<BR>> creature could I spring on my group in a dried up sea bed. Apart from<BR>> petrified forests of coral, perhaps dangling tentacles of mutated<BR>> symbiotic irikanjis (SP). Then it came to me, the razor shell, one that<BR>> does not just look like a razor:<BR>> <BR>> The nicely formatted article is on my site at<BR>> http://www.runequest.za.org/article/articleview/189/1/0<BR>> but below is the description. I made most of it up, checked out what<BR>> wikipedia said about normal razor shells and reference the ammonite in<BR>> mythworld for some tips:<BR>> <BR>> Razor Shell (Ensis arcuatus incognitus)<BR>> <BR>> Not your regular razor shells that are often fished for in the sea bed and<BR>> make a tasty shellfish treat, but a rather more sinister variety.<BR>> <BR>> In the desolate wastes of a dried up sea bed lurk the razor shells. These<BR>> are close descendants of the more mundane razor shells found under the<BR>> seas sands, but have been forced to evolve as their habitat dried up.<BR>> <BR>> The shells still eke out an existence beneath the harsh wastelands of the<BR>> dry seabed and have managed to do so via some remarkable adaptations.<BR>> Their original cylindrical, cut throat razor, shaped bodies have grown<BR>> longer. The bottom most section which is deepest in the sand sports long<BR>> barbs, which help anchor it in place, but still allow it to burrow forward<BR>> (downwards). A denser and harder shell protects the organism from heat and<BR>> water loss, allowing it to go for long periods without water, while also<BR>> providing internal pockets wherein moisture can be stored in times of<BR>> rain.<BR>> <BR>> Its most remarkable and devious adaptation however is the means whereby<BR>> the shell is able to sustain itself. Where its ancestor filtered the water<BR>> for tiny organisms, no such contemporary nourishment now exists. Instead<BR>> the shell has had to become a devious ambush predator. The upward facing<BR>> portion of its body has developed a barbed harpoon tongue of razor sharp<BR>> hard mother of pearl. This harpoon is held inside the shell waiting for<BR>> pressure from above, the Razor Shell having positioned its top end just<BR>> below the ground level. When sufficient pressure is applied, coiled<BR>> muscles shoot the harpoon upward. This action is similar to that employed<BR>> in the nematocyst of the hydra polyp or jellyfishes stingers.<BR>> <BR>> The razor is not as subtle in subduing its prey as a jellyfish however as<BR>> it has no poison. Instead it relies on the devastating damage its harpoon<BR>> does as it pierces its preys flesh. This is where the Razors length and<BR>> anchoring barbs, as well as its extremely strong muscles, play their role.<BR>> The part of the shells body that is attached to the harpoon can stretch to<BR>> double its normal length. With the harpoon anchored in place, its prey is<BR>> unable to escape and eventually succumbs to exhaustion, blood loss and<BR>> shock. This does not mean that the Razor Shell waits for its prey to die;<BR>> indeed thin feeding tubes extend through a small hollow at the tip of the<BR>> harpoon and start to dissolve and devour the preys living flesh moments<BR>> after the harpoon strikes.<BR>> <BR>> While Razor Shells can grow up to a meter long and project harpoons that<BR>> could be lethal to larger animals, their primary prey is smaller animals.<BR>> However they do not appear to be able to distinguish potential preys SIZ<BR>> and often cause a nuisance as they lacerate feet or damage horses inner<BR>> hooves and cause lameness. Most shells encountered are a more manageable<BR>> size of roughly thirty centimetres, although there are always travellers’<BR>> tales of monstrously sized shells that have skewered horses from beneath<BR>> the ground.<BR>> <BR>> Razor Shell<BR>> Characteristics Average<BR>> STR 2D6 (6D6)* 7-10 (25-30)* Move 1<BR>> CON 2D6 7-10 Hit Points 10<BR>> SIZ 1D6 + 2 5-6 Fatigue 19<BR>> INT 2 3<BR>> POW 1D6 + 4 8-9<BR>> DEX 1D6 4<BR>> <BR>> Hit Location Melee (D20) Missile (D20) Points<BR>> Lower Shell 01-05 01-02 6/3<BR>> Upper Shell 06-18 03-19 6/3<BR>> Harpoon Tongue 19-20 20 6/5<BR>> <BR>> Weapon SR Attack % Damage<BR>> Harpoon 1 75+10 1D4 + 2 (1D4)#<BR>> <BR>> Note: The shell lies in wait just below ground level and will shoot its<BR>> harpoon directly upwards as soon as it perceives pressure from above. As<BR>> such it has a very high probability to hit. Due to its position in the<BR>> ground it will only be able to strike the lower limbs of large prey,<BR>> whereas small prey can be struck in most logical hit locations.<BR>> # Damage is always impale damage. Treat as a regular impale but also note<BR>> an additional 1D4 damage per round that the harpoon remains in the wound<BR>> where the Razor Shell still lives and starts digesting its prey.<BR>> * The higher STR score is to represent the shell anchoring itself in the<BR>> ground should its victim try to match STR on the resistance table in order<BR>> to pull the shell from its burrow.<BR>> Skills: Hide 100%<BR>> Armour: 6 point shell armour.<BR>> <BR>> <BR>> <BR>> _______________________________________________<BR>> Runequest mailing list<BR>> Runequest@rpgreview.net<BR>> http://rpgreview.net/mailman/listinfo/runequest_rpgreview.net<BR><br /><hr />"
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