Lost Company Press
Giant Barracudas are monstrous versions of their smaller counterparts, with rows of needle-like teeth and a reflective silver body that makes them near invisible against the light while underwater. They strike with lightning speed, savaging their prey before it can react. These solitary predators often lurk near shipwrecks or coral reefs, waiting for the opportune moment to ambush.
Motive: Driven by hunger and territorial aggression
Environment: Tropical and subtropical oceans, usually around reefs, shipwrecks, and underwater caves (Forest)
Health: 9
Damage: 3 points
Armor: 1
Movement: Immediate
Modifications: Attacks as level 4 due to rapid strikes
Combat: The Giant Barracuda uses its Camouflage to blend with the water, making it difficult to detect (tasks to see it are increased by two difficulty levels). When attacking, it rushes forward to bite with its powerful jaws. If the attack roll is a natural 18 or higher, the Giant Barracuda's Bite-and-Tear attack deal an additional minor wound (3 points) and the target bleeds, taking 2 points of damage each round until the bleeding is stopped with a difficulty 4 Might-based task.
Interactions: Giant Barracuda are not open to negotiation or deception, reacting only to threats or potential meals. However, they may display short bursts of curiosity towards unusual phenomena in their territory before attacking or retreating.
Uses: These formidable predators can be a harrowing obstacle for characters traversing underwater regions or searching for submerged treasure. Alternatively, an eccentric collector may seek one for a dangerous private aquarium.
GM Intrusion: As a character braces for the barracuda's assault, another previously unseen Giant Barracuda joins the fray from a blind spot, or the creature's swift attack knocks a character's weapon from their grasp.