Cetus
The Cetus is one of the most common dangers encountered along silk road trade routes. With documented attacks ranging from China to Rome, almost every sailor in ports across the globe has a tale to share about the ferocity of this aquatic predator.
Ambush Hunters. The Cetus is known to be an ambush predator, usually operating alone, but occasionally seen in small groups called “pods.” A Cetus will usually follow a ship for several hours before attacking, observing the patterns of the crew on board and waiting for a moment of weakness to strike. Although the Cetus will attack the hull of a ship as a distraction, its real target is the crew or cargo inside the ship. A Cetus will usually attempt to launch itself onto the deck of a ship to attack unsuspecting crew members, or else ram against a ship in an effort to dislodge loose cargo.
Cetus
Huge monstrosity, unaligned
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 110 (13d10 + 39)
Speed: 20 ft., swim 60 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 (+4) | 10 (+0) | 16 (+3) | 5 (-3) | 12 (+1) | 6 (-2) |
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive perception 11
Challenge: 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency: +2
Features
Amphibious: The Cetus can breathe air and water.
Actions
Multiattack: The Cetus makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its tail
Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Tail: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage and if the target is a vehicle, all creatures inside the vehicle must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Source attribution and license
Silk Road's Guide to Seafaring, printed pages 194.