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  1. Objects

Spikeback Crab

Creature in a Bottle

Spikeback Crab

Wondrous item, rare

 

Spikeback crabs are about the size of a Goliath's fist and usually come in beige, orange and white colors, although individuals with blue or purple marks have been seen as well. They live coastal areas where they can often be found in rock pools. Contrary to what it may look like, the Spikebacks spiral rear end is not tucked inside of a seashell, but rather is the shell a part of it's body, similar to the bone structure of the marine Nautilus. This structure is covered in dozens of small spikes which the crab is able to extend when it needs to defend itself against predators.

A trained individual can use certain intestines and ground up shell parts of the Spikeback Crab alongside a variety of other al chemical ingredients to concoct a paste of arcane quality. Eating this thick paste takes at least one minute, after which the consumer begins to develop crustacean-like features that last for 24 hours.

  • You gain the ability to stay underwater for up to 10 minutes at a time.

  • You gain a natural Armor of 15. (Note that different sources of calculating armor do not stack. You can however use a shield and gain it's normal benefits).

  • You gain the ability to extend long shell spikes from your body to rebuke attackers. Whenever a creature hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction to deal 1d12 piercing damage to that creature.

 

"The paste you make from this tastes quite strong. Like old seafood, but with a bitter note. I once stayed at an Inn in Saltmarsh where they used to serve a crab whine. I could imagine it actually going quite well with that." - Jette