Hermit crabs lack shells of their own and instead choose suitable objects, such as shells or bottles for protection. The rarest members of their species grow so large that they must seek out the shells of giant clams, the hulls of sunken ships, or even the bones of dragons.
Given the multiple reports of dragonskull hermit crabs over the years, sages theorize that feeding upon magical detritus that has sunk to the ocean floor (such as the body of a dragon) may cause ordinary hermit crabs to quickly grow to unusual size.
These special hermit crabs tend to take on the characteristics of the specific abode they choose, becoming more aggressive or protective than they would otherwise. Sailors and other explorers that have crossed paths with dragonskull hermit crabs swear that the dragon bone shells are all but impervious to attack.
Recall Knowledge - Animal (Nature): DC 14
Unspecific Lore: DC 12
Specific Lore: DC 9
Dragonskull Hermit Crab Crab 4
Source Star Tide
Perception +10; Darkvision,
Skills Athletics +12, Stealth +9 (+14 when submerged in water)
Shell Camouflage While the crab remains motionless with its eyestalks and pincers tucked close to its body, it resembles a natural formation or a pile of detritus. A creature within 30 feet of it can discern its true nature with a successful DC 21 Nature check.
Str +4, Dex +2, Con +4, Int -4, Wis +2, Cha -3
AC 19; Fort +12 Ref +8 Will +7
HP 65 Resistance: Cold 5 Weaknesses: Fire 5
Speed Speed 20 ft., Swim 30ft.
Melee [one-action] claw +11 (reach 10 feet), Damage 1d10+5 bludgeoning plus Grab
Constrict [one-action] 1d6+5 bludgeoning, DC 20 Escape
Dragon’s Echo [two-actions] [arcane, cold, evocation] The Dragonskill Hermit Crab has inhabited the dragon’s skull long enough to absorb its innate magic. The crab expels a cloud of frost that deals 4d6 cold damage in a 30-foot cone (DC 18 basic Reflex save). It must wait 1d6 rounds before it can use Dragon’s Echo again.
Running Dragonskull Crabs
Biologically these are Hermit crabs that have outgrown their typical shells; this template can be used for a giant crab in a ship’s hull if you remove their weakness, resistance, and the Dragon’s Echo action. Due to their access to the skulls they house themselves in dragonskull crabs are typically solitary creatures, although you may present a pack of these creatures in an aquatic dragon’s graveyard.
Take advantage of that dragon’s skull on the crab’s back. I loved hearing my 1st level party freak out when the head of a white dragon emerged from the pool in the temple. Use other varieties of dragon skulls by changing up their weakness, resistance, and the Dragon’s Echo action.
One last note use the Dragon’s echo early and only once during the encounter, I was able to catch the whole party trying to enter the room and put two of them rolling death saves with one hit.
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