Buy me a coffeeXiphactinus
A great fish at least as long as two tall humans. Its powerful torpedo-shaped body ends in a crescent-moon tail, while its ugly slab of a face has bulldog jaws crammed with spiky fangs.
Originally Posted by Cleon of the En World forums.
A Xiphactinus is a giant predatory fish that was a common apex predator of the shallow Cretaceous seas. They resemble an oversized fanged tarpon (Megalops), although they are not actually related to that fish. A typical adult specimen is 12-14 feet and weighs about 1200 pounds, the largest Xiphactinus can reach 20 feet long and weigh 5000 pounds or so.
| Xiphactinus | |
| Large animal (Aquatic) | |
| Hit Dice | 7d8+14 (45 hp) |
| Initiative | +1 |
| Speed | Swim 60 ft. (12 squares) |
| Armor Class | 15 (-1 Size, +1 Dexterity. +5 Natural), touch 10, flat-footed 14 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +5/+13 |
| Attack | Bite +8 melee (1d8+6) |
| Full Attack | Bite +8 melee (1d8+6) |
| Space/Reach | 10 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks | Improved grab, swallow whole |
| Special Qualities | Low-Light Vision, Scent |
| Saves | Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +3 |
| Abilities | Strength 18, Dexterity 13, Constitution 15, Intelligence 1, Wisdom 12, Charisma 2 |
| Skills | Listen +5, Spot +5, Jump +16, Swim +12 |
| Feats | Endurance, Diehard |
| Environment | Warm Aquatic |
| Organization | Solitary or school (2-20) |
| Challenge Rating | 3 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always neutral |
| Advancement | 8-11 HD (Large); 12-14 HD (Huge) |
| Level Adjustment | – |
Combat
Xiphactinus are ferocious predators, attacking anything they think they can eat. A Xiphactinus only attacks prey small enough for it to swallow, since its jaws are designed for seizing victims, not tearing them into bite-sized chunks. Unfortunately, most Xiphactinus are large enough to swallow Medium-sized creatures such as adventurers. They are so voracious they sometimes swallow victims too dangerous for them, and are killed by their prey’s struggles in their stomach.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a Xiphactinus must hit a smaller opponent with a 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 swallow whole.
Swallow Whole (Ex): A Xiphactinus can try to swallow a grabbed opponent of a smaller size than itself by making a successful grapple check. Once inside, the opponent takes 1d8+4 points of crushing damage plus 4 points of acid damage per round. A swallowed creature can cut its way out by using a light slashing or piercing weapon to deal 15 points of damage to the stomach (AC 12). Once the creature exits, muscular action closes the hole; another swallowed opponent must cut its own way out. A Xiphactinuss interior can hold 1 Medium, 4 Small, 16 Tiny, 64 Diminutive or 256 Fine opponents.
Skills
A Xiphactinus 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.