Bulette

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Bulette Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the untamed wilderness, where the earth itself seems to breathe with an ancient and restless energy, there lurks a creature of primal terror and relentless hunger—the Bulette. Known to many as the landshark, this fearsome beast is a living nightmare, a force of nature that embodies the raw, untamed power of the world beneath our feet.

The Bulette is a hulking monstrosity, its massive form covered in thick, armored plates that glisten like polished stone. Its body is a grotesque fusion of reptilian and mammalian features, with a broad, flat head that tapers into a powerful, muscular body. Its maw is a cavernous pit lined with rows of razor-sharp teeth, capable of crushing bone and rending flesh with terrifying ease. The creature's eyes are small and beady, glinting with a malevolent intelligence as it surveys its surroundings, ever watchful for its next meal.

These formidable predators are most commonly found in rolling hills and dense forests, where the soil is soft and the prey is plentiful. They are creatures of the earth, burrowing through the ground with astonishing speed and agility, leaving behind a trail of upheaved soil and shattered rock. The ground trembles with their approach, a subtle warning to those who are wise enough to heed it. Yet, for many, the warning comes too late, as the Bulette erupts from the earth in a frenzy of claws and teeth, a living avalanche of death and destruction.

Legends speak of the Bulette as a creature born of the earth's fury, a remnant of a time when the world was young and wild. Some say they are the spawn of ancient, forgotten gods, unleashed upon the world to remind mortals of their insignificance in the grand tapestry of creation. Others claim they are the guardians of hidden treasures, lurking in the depths of the earth to protect the secrets of the past from those who would seek to exploit them.

Whatever the truth may be, one thing is certain: the Bulette is a force to be reckoned with, a creature of unparalleled ferocity and strength. To encounter one is to face the wrath of the earth itself, a test of courage and cunning that few survive. As you venture into the wilds, remember the tales of the landshark, and tread carefully, for the ground beneath your feet may not be as solid as it seems.

Bulette Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +6

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Tremorsense 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 16

Languages

• None

Abilities

• Standing Leap: The bulette's long jump is up to 30 feet and its high jump is up to 15 feet, with or without a running start.

Actions

• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 30 (4d12 + 4) piercing damage.
• Deadly Leap: If the bulette jumps at least 15 feet as part of its movement, it can then use this action to land on its feet in a space that contains one or more other creatures. Each of those creatures must succeed on a DC 16 Strength or Dexterity saving throw (target's choice) or be knocked prone and take 14 (3d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage plus 14 (3d6 + 4) slashing damage. On a successful save, the creature takes only half the damage, isn't knocked prone, and is pushed 5 feet out of the bulette's space into an unoccupied space of the creature's choice. If no unoccupied space is within range, the creature instead falls prone in the bulette's space.

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Battle Tips for the Bulette

The Bulette, often referred to as the land shark, is a formidable creature known for its burrowing abilities and powerful attacks. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing a Bulette in your campaign can create thrilling and challenging encounters for your players. Here are some tips on how to effectively use a Bulette in battle:

Using a Bulette in Battle

• Surprise Attacks: The Bulette's ability to burrow underground makes it perfect for ambushes. Have it emerge suddenly from the ground to surprise the party, targeting the most vulnerable characters first.
• Terrain Advantage: Use the Bulette in environments where its burrowing can be most effective, such as rocky or sandy terrains. This can limit the movement of the party and give the Bulette a strategic advantage.
• Target Priority: Direct the Bulette to focus on spellcasters or ranged attackers first, as they are often less armored and can be taken out quickly, reducing the party's overall effectiveness.

Coordinating Multiple Bulettes

• Flanking Maneuvers: Use multiple Bulettes to flank the party, attacking from different directions. This can create chaos and make it difficult for the party to defend against all threats simultaneously.
• Divide and Conquer: Have one Bulette focus on separating the party by creating obstacles or collapsing tunnels, while others pick off isolated members.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, Bulettes can use their burrowing ability to retreat underground, regroup, and launch another surprise attack when the party is least expecting it.

Fleeing Strategies

• Burrow Escape: If the Bulette is heavily injured, it can quickly burrow underground to escape, using its speed and the terrain to its advantage.
• Distraction Tactics: Use environmental features or other creatures to distract the party, allowing the Bulette to make a clean getaway.
• Regroup with Allies: If part of a larger group, the Bulette can retreat to join other creatures, creating a more formidable force for a future encounter.

By leveraging the Bulette's unique abilities and strategic positioning, you can create memorable and challenging encounters that will test your players' tactical skills and adaptability.