For use with Dragonbane RPG.

Description:

The Cave Maw is a massive, predatory creature resembling a cross between a toad, a worm, and a fleshy stalagmite. It has no visible eyes, just a gaping, vertical mouth ringed with rows of jagged stone-like teeth and a muscular tongue that can lash out and pull prey into its maw. Its skin is rubbery, grayish, and lumpy, camouflaging it perfectly against cave walls or floors. Some say its mouth is large enough to swallow a mule whole.

When still, it resembles a natural rock outcropping or part of the cavern floor. It waits in ambush with uncanny patience, detecting vibrations and warmth from nearby creatures. It may line its lair with bones, minerals, or trinkets acting as bait for the curious and greedy.

Passages containing Cave Maws are a full of teeth and doom.

Size & Threat Level:

Size: Large       Ferocity: 2
Resistance: Fear
It isn’t fast, but it’s durable and devastating in close quarters. Best used in narrow cave passages, tunnels, or mine shafts where the terrain favors it.

What does it eat?

Everything that wanders close whether they be animals, adventurers, goblins, stone serpents, careless dwarves. It digests victims slowly in a stomach full of acidic mucus. Some say it can go dormant for years.

Behavior & Tactics:

Ambush Predator: Remains motionless for long periods, then strikes suddenly.
Vibration Sense: Can sense movement through stone and soil.
Intelligence: Animal cunning, but not sapient. Immune to persuasion.

Encounter Ideas:

PCs stumble into a nest of bones and shiny objects. Are they loot or bait?
Collapsing floor in a mine drops the party into its lair.
Locals speak of a “cave ghost” that eats miners is really a Cave Maw.

CAVE MAW STAT BLOCK

Description: A massive, mouth-like predator that hides as stone, striking with sudden, monstrous force.
Ferocity: 2  Size: Large
Movement: 6 (Burrow 8)  Armor: 6 (Natural)  HP: 26

MONSTER ATTACKS

D6 Attacks:
1: Tongue Lash: 1d10 damage, knocks target prone and pulls them within 2m of itself. Armor does not work against this attack. Opposed STR 16 to resist the drag.
2: Swallow Whole: If a target is prone or grappled, the Cave Maw attempts to swallow it (Opposed STR 17 or be trapped inside, taking 1d6 acid damage per round until freed).
3: Stone Slam:  Slams the ground, causing a mini cave-in. All within 4 meters must make an AGL roll or take 1d6 damage and fall prone.
4: Burrow Lunge: Retreats underground, then erupts under a target doing 2d10 damage and knocking the victim prone on their turn.
5: Echo Roar: The Maw emits a horrible vibrating moan. All characters within 16 meters must make a Fear Check.
6: Gnashing Maul: Wide bite attack. All creatures in front of the Maw AGL take 2d10 damage.

This game is not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by Fria Ligan AB.
This Supplement was created under Fria Ligan AB’s Dragonbane Third Party Supplement License.