Iguana Giant

This lizard is bigger than a man. Black spots and bands are scattered over its green scales. A high, serrated crest runs from its neck down its back. A large sac descends from its chin. Its long-toed feet end in sharp claws.

Originally Posted by Shade of the En World forums.  
On this Thread

Giant iguanas are omnivorous lizards found in forests and jungles. Although solitary hunters, they occasionally gather in groups when sunning themselves or seeking a mate. They need little sustenance, only eating once every other day. They prefer the taste of insects, but will hunt any creature smaller than themselves if hungry. They supplement this meat with grasses and other vegetation.

Because their flesh is tender and flavorful, some humanoids keep small herds of giant iguanas. However, they are difficult to contain, and are far deadlier than most livestock. Although they are difficult to domesticate, and their rough skins and spines a deterrent to most riders, some reptilian races use them as steeds.

Although it is of the animal type, a giant iguana lacks Low-Light Vision.

A giant iguana is 8 to 10 feet long and weighs around 500 pounds. Its long, thin tail is 15 feet in length.

Iguana, Giant
Large animal
Hit Dice	6d8+30 (57 hp)
Initiative	+2
Speed	30 ft. (6 squares), Climb 30 ft., Swim 20 ft.
Armor Class	15 (-1 size, +2 Dexterity, +4 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 13
Base Attack/Grapple	+4/+12
Attack	Bite +7 melee (2d4+4 plus poison)
Full Attack	Bite +7 melee (2d4+4 plus poison) and 2 claws +5 melee (1d4+2) and tail slap +5 melee (1d6+2)
Space/Reach	10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks	Improved grab, poison, swallow whole, tail sweep
Special Qualities	Scent
Saves	Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +3
Abilities	Strength 19, Dexterity 15, Constitution 21, Intelligence 2, Wisdom 12, Charisma 10
Skills	Climb +12, Hide +0*, Listen +3, Move Silently +4, Spot +14, Swim +12
Feats	Alertness, Multiattack, Stealthy
Environment	Temperate and warm forests
Organization	Solitary, mated pair, or pack (2-6)
Challenge Rating	4
Treasure	None
Alignment	Always neutral
Advancement	7-12 HD (Large), 13-24 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment	–

COMBAT

Giant iguanas, like their smaller kin, usually attack only if cornered or hungry. A giant iguana often stands completely still, camouflaged by nearby foliage, waiting for prey to come near. It then lashes out with its tooth, nails, and tail.

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a giant iguana must hit an opponent of up to one size smaller with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can try to swallow the foe the following round.

Poison (Ex): Bite, Fortitude DC 18, initial damage 1 Constitution, secondary damage 1d4 Constitution. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Swallow Whole (Ex): A giant iguana can try to swallow a grabbed opponent of up to two sizes smaller by making a successful grapple check. The swallowed creature takes 2d4+4 points of bludgeoning damage and 1d4 points of acid damage per round from the iguana’s gizzard. A swallowed creature can cut its way out by using a light slashing or piercing weapon to deal 10 points of damage to the interior (AC 12). Once the creature exits, muscular action closes the hole; another swallowed opponent must cut its own way out.

A Large giant iguana’s gizzard can hold 2 Small, 8 Tiny, or 16 Diminutive or smaller opponents.

Tail Sweep (Ex): A giant iguana can sweep with its tail as a standard action. The sweep affects a half-circle with a radius of 5 feet, extending from an intersection on the edge of the giant iguana’s space in any direction. Creatures within the swept area are affected if they are one or more size categories smaller than the giant iguana. A tail sweep automatically deals tail slap damage and affected creatures must make DC 17 Reflex saves or be knocked prone. The save DC is Strength-based.

Skills: Giant iguanas have a +4 racial bonus on Spot checks and a +8 racial bonus on Climb checks. A giant iguana can always choose to take 10 on a Climb check, even if rushed or threatened. A giant iguana has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line.

• Giant iguanas gain a +8 Hide bonus in forest terrain. They also gain a +8 Hide bonus when immobile in any terrain (and thus, a +16 Hide bonus when immobile in forest terrain).

Originally appeared in Monstrous Compendium Greyhawk Appendix (1990).