Scuttling serpentmaws are aberrations native to the Netherdeep that appear like black-shelled crabs, each with a snake-like appendage that extends from its back during an attack.
Description[]
Scuttling serpentmaws are bottom-feeders, generally living underwater but with no swimming ability. They move along the sea floor in small groups, hiding in deep cracks and gorges, stealthily searching for prey. At first glance, they appear to be unusually large (halfling-sized[2]) crabs with glossy black shells. But when they are spotted, they rush in and open the armored plate on their back to reveal the long, serpent-like appendage that gives them their name; it has an unusually long reach and its toothy jaws are particularly dangerous in cooperation with other serpentmaws. Working together, they can rip apart creatures much larger than themselves.[1]
Abilities[]
The following is all taken from Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep, p. 208:
- Skill expertise: Stealth
- Amphibious: Can breathe water and air
- Pack Tactics: Advantage on attacks if a non-incapacitated ally is within 5 ft. of the target
- Bite: Has a 15-foot-reach, deals much more piercing damage if the serpentmaw had advantage on the attack
- Claw: Deals slashing damage
- Multiattack: One bite and one claw attack
History[]
Groups of scuttling serpentmaws can be encountered at various places in Cael Morrow,[3] but they are native to the Netherdeep, where one group takes advantage of statues and long ruidium spikes to conceal themselves.[4] When they have somewhere to hide, they can collectively strike suddenly enough to surprise creatures who aren't especially vigilant.[5]
Trivia[]
Makenzie De Armas, who contributed to the creation of monsters of the Netherdeep, said the scuttling serpentmaw was her favorite. She cited the real-life "sneak attack" behavior of the coconut crab as inspiration, and said she loved monsters that don't look terribly threatening at first, so they catch adventurers off guard.[6]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 See Call of the Netherdeep, p. 208.
- ↑ This is how James Haeck described the size of the creature in "Dangers of the Netherdeep | Critical Role | D&D Beyond" at 7:58.
- ↑ See Call of the Netherdeep, p. 124. See also p. 134.
- ↑ See Call of the Netherdeep, p. 158.
- ↑ See Call of the Netherdeep, p. 134. See also p. 158.
- ↑ See "Dangers of the Netherdeep | Critical Role | D&D Beyond" at 5:32.
Art:
- ↑ Depiction of a scuttling serpentmaw, by Crystal Sully from Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep, p. 208. This page contains unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Wizards of the Coast Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.