Buy me a coffeeDinosaur, Clidastes, “The Shallow Sea Phantom”
“Sleek and deadly, this lightning-fast sea serpent rules the shallow reefs—meet Clidastes, the ocean’s silent assassin lurking just beneath the waves.”
Medium Beast, Unaligned
Clidastes is a streamlined marine predator, measuring up to 4 meters long, with a slender body built for speed and agility. Its sleek, hydrodynamic form tapers into a powerful, paddle-like tail used for rapid bursts of swimming. Its jaws are armed with sharp, recurved teeth perfect for gripping slippery prey. Smooth, scale-like skin shimmers in hues of deep ocean blue and gray, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the shifting shadows of coral reefs and sunlit shallows.
Behaviour
A solitary hunter, Clidastes relies on stealth and swift strikes. It often lurks just beneath the surface or among reef outcrops, patiently stalking schools of fish or unwary sea creatures. When threatened, it uses quick turns and bursts of speed to evade or outmaneuver foes. It is a cautious but relentless predator, preferring ambush over direct confrontation.
Habitat
Clidastes dwells primarily in warm, shallow seas—reefs, lagoons, and coastal waters rich in marine life. It favors areas with complex underwater terrain such as coral labyrinths, sunken ruins, and rocky outcrops that provide ample cover for hunting. Its range is typically limited to continental shelf zones or island archipelagos.
Modus Operandi
Clidastes employs hit-and-run tactics, striking with precision at vulnerable fins or soft underbellies before quickly retreating into cover. It can hold its breath for extended periods, allowing it to chase prey into underwater caves or wrecks. Clidastes’ hunting strategy revolves around patience, patience, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing prey behavior or environmental conditions.
Motivation
Driven primarily by survival and hunger, Clidastes is an apex predator in its niche, constantly maintaining its territory and hunting grounds. It avoids unnecessary risks, preferring to conserve energy and wait for the optimal moment to strike. In rare instances, it may display curiosity towards unfamiliar objects or creatures intruding in its domain, but it is primarily focused on feeding and self-preservation.
Clidastes 5e
Clidastes 3.5
Clidastes
Large Beast, Unaligned
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 85 (10d10 + 30)
Speed 0 ft., swim 60 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (+5) | 16 (+3) | 17 (+3) | 2 (−4) | 14 (+2) | 7 (−2) |
Saving Throws Dex +6, Wis +5
Skills Perception +5, Stealth +6
Senses Blindsight 30 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages —
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +3
Traits
Amphibious.
Clidastes can breathe air and hold its breath for up to 30 minutes.
Keen Smell.
Clidastes has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Aquatic Ambusher.
Clidastes has advantage on attack rolls against surprised or unaware creatures while underwater.
Actions
Multiattack.
Clidastes makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its tail.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 21 (3d8 + 5) piercing damage.
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 15 (2d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage; target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Legendary Actions
Clidastes can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Clidastes regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
- Detect. Clidastes makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
- Swim. Clidastes moves up to its swim speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
- Tail Swipe (Costs 2 Actions). Clidastes makes a tail attack.
Tactics
- Ambush Predator. Clidastes uses its keen senses and stealth to ambush prey, striking swiftly and retreating into the depths.
- Hit-and-Run. It employs hit-and-run tactics, using its swim speed to close distances rapidly and then retreating before retaliation.
- Use of Legendary Actions. Clidastes uses its legendary actions to maintain control of the battlefield, repositioning as needed and keeping enemies off balance.
Clidastes
Clidastes is a sea lizard in the mosasaur family.
Clidastes was the smallest of the mosasaurs, averaging 2-4 meters (7-12 feet) in length, with the largest specimens reaching 6.2 meters (20 feet) long.
Clidastes is an agile and fast swimmer that cruised the surface or shallow waters hunting for fish, flying reptiles and anything that got too close. It possessed a delicate and slim form with an expansion of the neural spines and chevrons near the tip of the tail and this enabled it to chase down the fastest of prey.
Originally Posted by Bhu of the Wizards Community forums.
| Clidastes | |
| Large animal (Aquatic) | |
| Hit Dice | 7d8+14 (45 hp) |
| Initiative | +6 |
| Speed | 50 ft. (10 squares) |
| Armor Class | 16 (-1 Size, +2 Dexterity, +5 Natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +5/+12 |
| Attack | Bite +8 melee (1d10+5) |
| Full Attack | Bite +8 melee (1d10+5) |
| Space/Reach | 10 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks | Improved Grab, Swallow Whole |
| Special Qualities | none |
| Saves | Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +3 |
| Abilities | Strength 17, Dexterity 15, Constitution 13, Intelligence 2, Wisdom 12, Charisma 2 |
| Skills | Listen + 5, Spot +7, Swim +10 |
| Feats | Dodge, Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative |
| Environment | Warm Aquatic |
| Organization | Solitary |
| Challenge Rating | 3 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always Neutral |
| Advancement | 8-10 HD (Large), 11-12 HD (Huge) |
| Level Adjustment | — |
Improved Grab (Ex) If the Clidastes hits an opponent up t oone size smaller with its Bite attack it may initiate a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it is successful it may use its Swallow Whole ability.
Swallow Whole (Ex) The swallowed creature takes 1d6+5 points of bludgeoning damage and 5 points of acid damage per round from the Clidastes stomach. A swallowed creature can cut its way out by using a light slashing or peircing weapon to deal 10 points of damage to the stomach (AC 13). Once the creature exits muscular action closes the hole, other swallowed creatures must cut their own way out.
Skills The Clidastes has a +8 Racial Bonus on Swim checks