Scorpion [Dark Sun]

Averaging 10 feet from claw to tail tip, the barbed scorpion is a dull gray to dusty tan monster bristling with large, sharp spines. Its segmented tail, as long as its body, curls overhead to carry a short-sword-sized stinger, and it clatters loudly as it moves. It dens in rocky badland caves but roams wherever food can be found anywhere on the desert world, hunting alone or in small swarms. It preys on wild beasts and worn-out travelers.

It attacks any living thing that comes close, flailing with both pincers and its tail every round. Each pincer deals 1d12 and seizes the target, who can break loose only with a Bend Bars/Lift Gates roll; if that fails, the captive is stung the following round. With nothing in its grip, it stings normally. Its chitin gives it AC 1, and anyone attacking it with a short or medium melee weapon must make a Dexterity check at -3 each round or take an extra 2d4 from its barbs.

The sting deals 1d6 and injects type C venom: a failed save vs. poison means 25 damage after 2-5 minutes, a successful one only 2d4. Its own venom affects it too. Its den usually holds indigestible remains of past meals, some still valuable, with a 60% chance of type D treasure.

These small scorpions live all over the desert world and take their name from shells that gleam gold in sunlight. Small enough to crawl into anything, they often go unnoticed until too late. Each round one strikes three times: two pincers for 1-2 damage each and a sting for 1 point that delivers type D venom, the strongest known. The victim saves vs. poison at -3; failure costs 30 damage, success only 2d6.