Blackmoor Half-Week - Gatorman Brute

Gatorman Brute

Large reptilian humanoid; chaotic

Armor Class: 15
Hit Dice: 4 (18 hp)
Attacks: 1 weapon (1d10+2) or 1 bite (1d8+1) or 2 claws (1d6+1 each)
THAC0: +4
Movement: 90’ (30’)
Swimming: 60’ (20’)
Saving Throws: D10 W11 P12 B13 S14
Morale: 9
Alignment: Chaotic
XP: 125
Number Appearing: 1d4 (2d4)
Treasure Type: D

Hold Breath: A gatorman brute can remain underwater for up to 15 minutes without surfacing.

Brutish Build: Gatorman brutes are massively muscled and unusually powerful. They gain a +2 bonus to damage with melee weapons and a +1 bonus to damage with natural attacks, already included above.

Ambush Predator: When concealed in swamp water, reeds, or similar terrain, gatorman brutes surprise opponents on 1–3 on 1d6.

Tail Slap: Instead of its normal attacks, a gatorman brute may strike one opponent within 10’ with its tail. On a successful attack, it inflicts 1d10+2 damage and the victim must save versus Paralysis or be knocked prone.

A prone creature suffers the normal consequences the referee uses for being knocked down; at minimum, I’d give attackers +2 to hit it in melee until it rises. Rising consumes the victim’s movement for the round.

Combat: Gatorman brutes favor clubs, uprooted branches, stone-headed mauls, and other oversized weapons. When unarmed, they attack with either their bite or both claws. They are aggressive but not mindless and will use water, mud, and vegetation to conceal their approach.

Notes 

• Since the death of 'The Gloomy Dragon,' which was actually an ancient and powerful alligator, the gatormen of south Gloomy and the Great Neck Reach have been in conflict with the southern towns that cling to the Gloomy Lakes, particularly South Pim. Of these gatormen, the most fiercest of their lot are the Gatormen Brutes, who are said to be nourished in the lingering blood of the 'Gloomy Dragon' that was spilled from the fight.
• Can be particularly difficult to spot in aquatic environment as their armored back scales have an ability to blend in with the murky waters. When fighting in an aquatic environment, Gatorman Brute can gain an Advantage to Stealth.
• A Gatorman Brute will often travel in groups with lesser Gatormen. In a wandering group of 2d4 Gatormen, there is a minimum 25% chance (or higher) that a Gatormen Brute is leading or acting as a heavy for the group.