Giant Toad

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Giant Toad Introduction

In the dim, mist-laden depths of the swamp, where the air hangs heavy with the scent of decaying vegetation and the distant croak of unseen creatures echoes through the murk, there lurks a creature of formidable size and ancient mystery: the Giant Toad. Its skin, a mottled tapestry of greens and browns, blends seamlessly with the surrounding muck, rendering it nearly invisible to the untrained eye. The toad's eyes, bulbous and unblinking, glisten like twin orbs of polished amber, reflecting the faint light that filters through the canopy above.

The Giant Toad is a master of patience and stealth, lying in wait for hours, even days, for the perfect moment to strike. Its behavior is as enigmatic as the swamp itself, a blend of lethargy and sudden, explosive action. When prey wanders too close, the toad's massive maw opens with a speed that belies its size, its sticky tongue darting out to ensnare the unwary. The sound of its gulp is a wet, echoing note that sends shivers down the spine of any who hear it.

Legends speak of these creatures as guardians of the swamp, ancient beings that have watched over the land for centuries. Some tales suggest that they are the remnants of a forgotten age, creatures that have survived the passage of time through sheer tenacity and cunning. Others whisper of their connection to the fey, hinting at a deeper, more mystical origin. Whatever the truth, the presence of a Giant Toad is often seen as an omen, a sign that the swamp is not to be trifled with.

The habitat of the Giant Toad is as much a part of its identity as its physical form. It thrives in the murky waters and dense foliage of the swamp, where the air is thick with humidity and the ground is a treacherous mix of mud and water. Here, it reigns supreme, a silent sentinel of the marshlands, its croak a haunting melody that echoes through the night. To encounter a Giant Toad is to step into a world where nature's raw power and beauty are on full display, a reminder of the untamed wilderness that lies just beyond the edge of civilization.

Giant Toad Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception: +2
• Stealth: +3

Senses

• Darkvision: 30 ft.
• Passive Perception: 12

Languages

• None

Abilities

• Amphibious: The giant toad can breathe air and water.

Actions

• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d10 + 2) piercing damage. The target is grappled (escape DC 13) if it is a Medium or smaller creature and the toad doesn't have another creature grappled.
• Swallow: The toad makes one bite attack against a Medium or smaller target it is grappling. If the attack hits, the target is swallowed, and the grapple ends. The swallowed target is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and other effects outside the toad, and it takes 10 (3d6) acid damage at the start of each of the toad's turns. If the toad dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse using 5 feet of movement, exiting prone.

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Battle Tips for the Giant Toad

The Giant Toad is a formidable creature that can add an exciting challenge to any encounter. With its powerful leap and ability to swallow enemies whole, it can be a surprising and dangerous opponent. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use Giant Toads in battle:

• Ambush Tactics: Use the Giant Toad's natural camouflage and stealth to set up ambushes. Position them in swampy or forested areas where they can blend in with the environment. When the party is distracted or focused on another threat, the toads can leap into action, catching the adventurers off guard.
• Swallow Whole: The Giant Toad's ability to swallow smaller creatures can be a game-changer. Target weaker or isolated party members to create panic and force the group to split their focus. This can also serve as a great narrative tool, as the party must now work to rescue their swallowed companion.
• Leap and Retreat: Utilize the toad's impressive jumping ability to engage and disengage from combat quickly. They can leap into the fray, attack, and then retreat to a safe distance, making them difficult to pin down. This hit-and-run tactic can frustrate players and force them to adapt their strategies.
• Multiple Toads Coordination: When using multiple Giant Toads, have them work together to isolate and overwhelm targets. One toad can engage a target while another waits to leap in and assist, or they can surround a single enemy to cut off escape routes.
• Environmental Hazards: Incorporate environmental hazards that the toads are immune to or can navigate easily, such as deep water or thick mud. This can give them a home-field advantage and make the encounter more challenging for the players.
• Fleeing Strategy: If the battle turns against the toads, they can use their leaping ability to escape quickly. They might retreat to a nearby body of water or dense foliage, where they can regroup or wait for another opportunity to strike.

By leveraging these tactics, Dungeon Masters can create memorable and dynamic encounters with Giant Toads that challenge players and enhance the storytelling experience.