Cleon
Legend
Gila Monster Original Stats
Lizard, poisonous
Gila Monster (heloderma suspectum)
One of the few poisonous lizards, the gila monster is a slow, sluggish creature with a terrible, painful bite. Though small in stature, the gila monster is incredibly strong for its size.
This lizard has a massive head, tiny legs, and a short, stout tail. It has brightly colored, bead-like scales that form gaudy patterns across its body. The gila’s scales do not overlap like those of a snake, and are rough in texture.
Combat: The jaws of the gila monster are extremely strong, and it can hold its tight grip for up to 15 minutes. An Open Doors roll is needed to remove the creature — or its death. The gila monster has 35 poisonous teeth that it uses to introduce lethal doses of venom. The teeth are not hollow, but grooved. Venom flows from sacks in the mouth, down the grooves, and into the victim.
The longer the gila monster is attached, the more chance there is for a victim to become poisoned. Following an initial saving throw vs. poison a penalty of -1 is applied for every round the gila monster remains attached, saving each round as more venom is introduced. The poison of the gila monster is hemotoxic, elevating the victim’s blood pressure.
Failing a saving throw means the venom has entered the bloodstream, causing extreme pain followed by sweating, vomiting swelling, and an unbearable ringing in the ears. Symptoms become gradually worse until death in 1-2 turns.
Habitat: The gila monster is found in temperate zones ranging from savannahs to light jungle regions. This creature is shy by nature, and does not attack humanoid creatures unless provoked. They seek shelter under rocks or in small burrows, which it often takes over from other animals.
Ecology: Gila monsters are nocturnal and very sluggish during the day. They feed on birds, eggs, and small mammals. The gila monster can go for months without food, living on fat stored in its tail.
Originally from Dragon #237 (1997).
Note that it should have "Heloderma suspectum" for the taxonomic name, not "heloderma suspectum".
Lizard, poisonous
| Gila Monster | |
| Climate/Terrain: | Temperate Forest/Savannahs |
| Frequency: | Uncommon |
| Organization: | Solitary |
| Activity Cycle: | Nocturnal |
| Diet: | Carnivorous |
| Intelligence: | Animal (1) |
| Treasure Type: | N |
| Alignment: | Neutral |
| No. Appearing: | 1 |
| Armor Class: | 8 day/4 night |
| Movement: | 6 day/9 night |
| Hit Dice: | 2+3 |
| THAC0: | 19 |
| No. of Attacks: | 1 |
| Damage/Attack: | 2-7 (1d6+1) |
| Special Attacks: | Poison, latching bite |
| Special Defenses: | Nil |
| Magic Resistance: | Nil |
| Size: | S (2-3’ long) |
| Morale: | Average (9) |
| XP Value: | 270 |
Gila Monster (heloderma suspectum)
One of the few poisonous lizards, the gila monster is a slow, sluggish creature with a terrible, painful bite. Though small in stature, the gila monster is incredibly strong for its size.
This lizard has a massive head, tiny legs, and a short, stout tail. It has brightly colored, bead-like scales that form gaudy patterns across its body. The gila’s scales do not overlap like those of a snake, and are rough in texture.
Combat: The jaws of the gila monster are extremely strong, and it can hold its tight grip for up to 15 minutes. An Open Doors roll is needed to remove the creature — or its death. The gila monster has 35 poisonous teeth that it uses to introduce lethal doses of venom. The teeth are not hollow, but grooved. Venom flows from sacks in the mouth, down the grooves, and into the victim.
The longer the gila monster is attached, the more chance there is for a victim to become poisoned. Following an initial saving throw vs. poison a penalty of -1 is applied for every round the gila monster remains attached, saving each round as more venom is introduced. The poison of the gila monster is hemotoxic, elevating the victim’s blood pressure.
Failing a saving throw means the venom has entered the bloodstream, causing extreme pain followed by sweating, vomiting swelling, and an unbearable ringing in the ears. Symptoms become gradually worse until death in 1-2 turns.
Habitat: The gila monster is found in temperate zones ranging from savannahs to light jungle regions. This creature is shy by nature, and does not attack humanoid creatures unless provoked. They seek shelter under rocks or in small burrows, which it often takes over from other animals.
Ecology: Gila monsters are nocturnal and very sluggish during the day. They feed on birds, eggs, and small mammals. The gila monster can go for months without food, living on fat stored in its tail.
Originally from Dragon #237 (1997).
Note that it should have "Heloderma suspectum" for the taxonomic name, not "heloderma suspectum".
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