Turtle, Snapping

A thick shell encases this reptile's body, from which only its tail, its feet, and a head fitted with powerful jaws emerge.

Snapping Turtle CR 1/3

XP 135

N Tiny animal

Init –1; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +5

Defense

AC 12, touch 11, flat-footed 12 (–1 Dex, +1 natural, +2 size)

hp 5 (1d8+1)

Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +1

Offense

Speed 10 ft., swim 20 ft.

Melee bite +1 (1d3–3)

Space 2-1/2 ft.; Reach 0 ft.

Statistics

Str 4, Dex 8, Con 13, Int 1, Wis 13, Cha 6

Base Atk +0; CMB –3; CMD 4 (8 vs. trip)

Feats Weapon Finesse

Skills Perception +5, Swim +5

SQ hold breath, shell

Ecology

Environment temperate or warm water or shore

Organization solitary or band (2–5)

Treasure none

Special Abilities

Shell (Ex) As a move action, a snapping turtle can pull its extremities and head into its shell. It cannot move or attack as long as it remains in this state, but its armor bonus from natural armor increases by +4 as long as it does.

Snapping turtles are water-dwelling reptiles known for their propensity to bite anyone they deem threatening. Adult snapping turtles are usually about 1-1/2 feet in diameter. A spellcaster who can acquire a familiar can choose a snapping turtle as a familiar. A snapping turtle familiar grants its master a +2 bonus on all Fortitude saves.

Giant Snapping Turtle Companions

Starting Statistics: Size Medium; Speed 20 ft., swim 20 ft.; AC +10 natural; Attack bite (1d6); Ability Scores Str 8, Dex 10, Con 9, Int 1, Wis 13, Cha 6; Special Qualities low-light vision, hold breath, scent.

7th-Level Advancement: Size Large; AC +2 natural; Attack bite (1d8), Ability Scores Str +8, Dex –2, Con +4; Special Attack grab.