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Mokele-Mbembe: Cryptic Guardian of the Congo Basin

Mokele-Mbembe
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Appearance: Mokele-Mbembe, a mythical marvel, is shrouded in mystery, resembling a colossal dinosaur from a bygone era. Its long neck gracefully rises above the water, crowned with a head reminiscent of a sauropod, complete with ancient, reptilian features. The creature’s scaly hide, mottled in earthy tones, seems to blend seamlessly with the dense foliage of the Congo River basin, camouflaging it in its lush habitat.

Behavior: A creature of elusive grace, Mokele-Mbembe is rumored to possess both terrestrial and aquatic traits, gracefully navigating the waters with a serpentine elegance. Local tales weave a narrative of a tranquil giant, gentle in demeanor yet fiercely protective of its secluded domain. Witnesses speak of the creature’s harmonious existence, where it peacefully coexists with the untamed wilderness, a guardian spirit of the dense Congo foliage.

Habitat: Mokele-Mbembe‘s enigmatic presence is said to be concealed within the impenetrable heart of the Congo River basin. It favors secluded swamps, hidden waterways, and remote pockets of untouched wilderness, where the dense vegetation provides a natural cloak. Its habitat is a living testament to the allure of undiscovered realms, tempting intrepid explorers to unravel the secrets concealed within the labyrinthine depths of the Congo.

Modus Operandi: Operating with an elusive grace, Mokele-Mbembe navigates both terrestrial and aquatic domains, utilizing its powerful limbs for terrestrial travel and a serpentine tail for navigating waterways. It is said to move silently, leaving only ripples in its wake, adding to the mystique that enshrouds this ancient cryptid. Witnesses describe the creature as a phantom, appearing briefly before submerging once more into the shadowy depths.

Motivation: In the tapestry of local legends, Mokele-Mbembe emerges as a guardian spirit, a symbol of the delicate balance between the mythical and the natural. Its motivation lies in preserving the untouched sanctuaries of the Congo, safeguarding them from external intrusions. The creature’s presence is intertwined with the heartbeat of the rainforest, embodying the untamed spirit of a realm where ancient mysteries and primal wonders coalesce.

Mokele-Mbembe, a living enigma, invites contemplation of the unexplored, beckoning curious minds to unravel the secrets concealed within the heart of the Congo River basin.


  • Mokele-Mbembe 5e
  • Mokele-Mbembe Pathfinder
Mokele-Mbembe
My Images (midjourney.com)

Huge Beast, Unaligned

Armor Class 17 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 168 (16d12 + 64)
Speed 40 ft., swim 40 ft.

STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
22 (+6)12 (+1)18 (+4)2 (-4)14 (+2)7 (-2)

Skills Perception +6
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 16
Languages
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)

Hold Breath. It can hold its breath for 30 minutes.

Amphibious. The mokele-mbembe can breathe both air and water.

Keen Smell. The mokele-mbembe has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Actions Multiattack. The mokele-mbembe makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its tail.

  • Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (2d10 + 6) piercing damage.
  • Tail Swipe. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Legendary Actions The mokele-mbembe 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. The mokele-mbembe regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

  • Detect. The mokele-mbembe makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
  • Tail Attack. It makes a tail swipe attack.
  • Submerge. The mokele-mbembe disappears into the water, becoming invisible until the start of its next turn.
Mokele-Mbembe
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Mokele-Mbembe CR 9

XP 6,400
N Huge animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +15

DEFENSE

AC 23, touch 9, flat-footed 22 (+1 Dex, +14 natural, –2 size)
hp 119 (14d8+56)
Fort +13, Ref +12, Will +8

OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.
Melee bite +19 (2d8+11), tail slap +14 (2d8+5)
Space 15 ft.; Reach 15 ft. (20 ft. with tail slap)
Special Attacks trample (2d8+16, DC 28), whip tail

STATISTICS

Str 32, Dex 13, Con 18, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 11
Base Atk +10; CMB +23 (+25 bull rush); CMD 34 (36 vs. bull rush)
Feats Awesome Blow, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Power Attack, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +15, Stealth +3 (+11 in water), Swim +19; Racial Modifiers +8 Stealth in water

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Whip Tail (Ex)

When not submerged, a mokele-mbembe can crack its tail like a whip as a standard action, creating a sonic boom in a 5-foot burst up to 20 feet away. Any creature in the burst’s area must succeed at a DC 21 Fortitude save or be stunned for 1 round. Mokele-mbembes are immune to this sonic effect. The save DC is Constitution-based.

ECOLOGY

Environment tropical lakes or rivers
Organization solitary, pair, or pack (3–6)
Treasure incidental

Mokele-mbembes are large, reptilian predators that inhabit the hottest jungles, always close to lakes, rivers, or other large bodies of water. A mokele-mbembe’s long, whiplike tail accounts for half its length.

Although they resemble herbivorous dinosaurs, mokelembembes are cunning and territorial predators. They make their lairs in riverside caves, close to their food sources, where they can sun themselves after eating.

Natural swimmers, mokele-mbembes have webbed feet, but their long legs enable them to move easily on land as well. They spend much of their time in the water, where they can relax and float or use their long necks to attack while submerged, favoring blind river bends to ambush prey. Mokele-mbembes require large quantities of food daily, and feed on fish, birds, and even large mammals—humanoids included. Hippopotamuses are a favorite prey, and mokele-mbembes attack them on sight. Battles between these two river giantsare legendary among local tribes, whose shamans often see portents or prophecies in the outcomes.

An adult mokele-mbembe can grow up to 40 feet in length and weighs almost 10 tons. Males are only slightly longer and heavier than females.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Bestiary 6 © 2017, Paizo Inc.; Authors: Robert Brookes, Benjamin Bruck, John Compton, Paris Crenshaw, Adam Daigle, Crystal Frasier, James Jacobs, Thurston Hillman, Tim Hitchcock, Brandon Hodge, Jason Keeley, Isabelle Lee, Jason Nelson, Tim Nightengale, F. Wesley Schneider, David Schwartz, Mark Seifter, Todd Stewart, Josh Vogt, and Linda Zayas-Palmer.

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