Tarrasque

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Tarrasque Introduction

In the shadowed recesses of the world, where the earth itself trembles with ancient power, there lies a creature of unimaginable terror and might—the Tarrasque. This colossal beast, a living cataclysm, is the stuff of nightmares and legends, whispered about in hushed tones by those who dare to speak its name. Its very presence is a harbinger of destruction, a force of nature that defies comprehension and challenges the bravest of souls.

The Tarrasque's appearance is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Towering over the tallest of trees, its massive form is covered in thick, impenetrable scales that shimmer with a dull, earthen hue. Its eyes, like molten pools of fury, burn with an insatiable hunger, while its maw, lined with rows of razor-sharp teeth, promises a swift and brutal end to any who dare cross its path. Its limbs, each as thick as ancient oaks, end in claws that can rend stone and steel with terrifying ease.

Behaviorally, the Tarrasque is a creature of pure instinct and destruction. It knows no fear, no mercy, and no reason. When it awakens from its long slumber, it embarks on a rampage that leaves nothing but ruin in its wake. Entire cities have been reduced to rubble, and landscapes reshaped by its passing. Yet, despite its fearsome nature, the Tarrasque is not a mindless beast. It possesses a cunning intelligence, a primal awareness that makes it a formidable adversary.

The Tarrasque is said to dwell in the deepest, most remote parts of the world, where the land is wild and untamed. Legends speak of it slumbering beneath the earth, in caverns of unimaginable depth, waiting for the stars to align or the call of some ancient power to rouse it from its rest. Some say it is a guardian of the world's balance, a creature born from the very essence of the planet itself, while others believe it to be a punishment, a scourge unleashed upon the world for its hubris.

Throughout history, tales of the Tarrasque have been passed down through generations, each more terrifying than the last. Bards sing of heroes who have faced the beast and lived to tell the tale, though such stories are few and far between. The Tarrasque is a challenge that tests the mettle of even the most seasoned adventurers, a living legend that embodies the raw, untamed power of the world itself.

Tarrasque Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +19

Senses

• Blindsight 120 ft.
• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 29

Languages

• Understands all languages but can't speak

Abilities

• Legendary Resistance (3/Day): If the tarrasque fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
• Magic Resistance: The tarrasque has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Reflective Carapace: Any time the tarrasque is targeted by a magic missile spell, a line spell, or a spell that requires a ranged attack roll, roll a d6. On a 1 to 5, the tarrasque is unaffected. On a 6, the tarrasque is unaffected, and the effect is reflected back at the caster as though it originated from the tarrasque, turning the caster into the target.

Actions

• Multiattack: The tarrasque can use its Frightful Presence. It then makes five attacks: one with its bite, two with its claws, one with its horns, and one with its tail.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +19 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 36 (4d12 + 10) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it is grappled (escape DC 20). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, and the tarrasque can't bite another target.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +19 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 28 (4d8 + 10) slashing damage.
• Horns: Melee Weapon Attack: +19 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 32 (4d10 + 10) piercing damage.
• Tail: Melee Weapon Attack: +19 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 24 (4d6 + 10) bludgeoning damage.
• Frightful Presence: Each creature of the tarrasque's choice within 120 feet of it and aware of it must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, with disadvantage if the tarrasque is within line of sight, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the tarrasque's Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.
• Swallow: The tarrasque makes one bite attack against a Large or smaller creature 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 tarrasque, and it takes 56 (16d6) acid damage at the start of each of the tarrasque's turns. If the tarrasque takes 60 damage or more on a single turn from a creature inside it, the tarrasque must succeed on a DC 20 Constitution saving throw at the end of that turn or regurgitate the swallowed creature, which falls prone in a space within 10 feet of the tarrasque. If the tarrasque dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse using 30 feet of movement, exiting prone.

Legendary Actions

• The tarrasque can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The tarrasque regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
• Attack: The tarrasque makes one claw attack or tail attack.
• Move: The tarrasque moves up to half its speed.
• Chomp (Costs 2 Actions): The tarrasque makes one bite attack or uses its Swallow.

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Battle Tips for the Tarrasque

The Tarrasque is one of the most formidable creatures in any campaign, known for its immense size, strength, and near-invulnerability. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing the Tarrasque effectively can create a memorable and challenging encounter for your players. Here are some tips to make the most out of this legendary beast:

Using the Tarrasque in Battle

• Environmental Advantage: Position the Tarrasque in an environment that complements its abilities. Open fields or large caverns allow it to use its full movement and size advantage, while urban settings can add a layer of destruction as it rampages through buildings.
• Psychological Warfare: The mere presence of the Tarrasque should instill fear. Use its roar and massive footsteps to create tension and urgency, even before the battle begins.
• Regeneration and Immunities: Remind players of its regenerative abilities and resistances. This can encourage creative problem-solving and strategic planning, as brute force alone is unlikely to succeed.

Coordinating with Other Creatures

• Minions and Distractions: Use smaller creatures or minions to distract the party, allowing the Tarrasque to focus on its primary targets. Goblins or kobolds can swarm the players, creating chaos and dividing their attention.
• Allied Spellcasters: Pair the Tarrasque with spellcasters who can enhance its abilities or hinder the players. Spells like Haste or Slow can significantly alter the dynamics of the battle.

Strategic Retreats

• Controlled Withdrawal: If the Tarrasque is overwhelmed, consider a strategic retreat. Use its burrowing ability to escape and regroup, potentially setting up a future encounter.
• Environmental Hazards: As it retreats, the Tarrasque can cause environmental hazards, such as collapsing tunnels or triggering landslides, to cover its escape and create additional challenges for the players.

By leveraging these strategies, you can ensure that an encounter with the Tarrasque is not only challenging but also an unforgettable experience for your players.