Monster Mondays: Rockbiter

by Andrew Hoskins

In case you cannot tell, this week we are taking on a favorite from my childhood, the Never Ending Story. They look like some big string hands don't they? Anyhow, enjoy...

 

 

 

 

 

Rockbiter

This massive mound of earth and stone moves slowly and deliberately.  Its vaguely humanoid features are at odds with its exaggerated jaw and large squared off shoulders.

Rockbiter                                                           CR 5

XP 1,600

N Huge outsider (earth, elemental, native)

Init -2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +7

DEFENSE

AC 18, touch 6, flat-footed 18 (-2 Dex, +8 natural, -2 size)

hp 52 (5d10+25)

Fort +9, Ref -1, Will +3

Defensive Abilities rock catching; DR 5/-; Immune elemental traits

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft.

Melee 1 bite +12 (2d8+9) and 2 slams +12 (1d8+9)

Ranged rock +2 (1d8+13)

Space 15 ft.; Reach 15 ft.

Special Attacks consume stone, rock throwing (200 ft.)

STATISTICS

Str 28 Dex 6, Con 20, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 11

Base Atk +5; CMB +16 (+18 bullrush); CMD 24 (26 vs. bullrush)

Feats Awesome Blow, Improved Bullrush, Power Attack

Skills Climb +13, Craft (stonework) +12, Diplomacy +8, Intimidate +7, Knowledge (geography) +8, Perception +7, Survival +7; Racial modifiers +4 Craft (stonework)

Languages Common, Giant, Terran

ECOLOGY

Environment mountains, rocky hills

Organization solitary, pair, band (3-6)

Treasure standard (stone tools and equipment, other treasure)

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Consume Stone (Ex) When a rock biter uses its bite attack against an object made primarily of stone, or against a creature with the earth subtype, it ignores all hardness and DR except for DR/epic.  If it destroys the object or brings the creature to 0 hit points or less, then it regains hit points equal to the rockbiter’s hit dice.  It can regain hit points in this manner no more than once per hour.

 

Originally thought to be from the Plane of Earth, they are rarely found there.  Most other earthen creatures see them as cannibals and predators, though some understand their gentle nature.  These gigantic humanoids are most often found in the rockiest areas of mountains and hills, and tend to make alliances with giants and other creatures that live there.  They are quick to trust and tender lifelong friendships.

 

Rockbiters can make almost anything out of stone, from tools and vehicles to weapons and armor.  Often these objects are relatively crude and hastily made, though they will usually double as a food source in the future.  The type of mineral diet preferred varies from rockbiter to rockbiter, but limestone and obsidian tend to draw the interest of more gourmet rockbiters.

 

When faced with conflict, rockbiters tend to try and resolve issues with diplomacy first.  When that fails, they’ll use their massive strength to pummel and bite opponents.  Some rockbiter champions will craft weapons and armor from particularly hardy stone, but most use their natural toughness and powerful jaws to defend themselves.  Against enemies that it cannot reach, a rockbiter will use any heavy object around as a thrown weapon.