Crab, Heikegani

This quick moving hard-shelled crab stands gracefully on hind legs with pincers raised before it. On its back is a face with large angry features.

Heikegani Crab CR 4

XP 1,200
Skilled
LN Small vermin (aquatic)
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +10

DEFENSE

AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 15 (+4 Dex, +4 natural, +1 size)
hp 37 (5d8+15)
Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +3

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., swim 20 ft.
Melee 2 claws +8 (1d6+3 plus grab)
Special Attacks constrict (claw, 1d6+3 plus bonebreak)

STATISTICS

Str 17, Dex 19, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 10
Base Atk +3; CMB +5 (+9 grapple); CMD 19 (27 vs. trip)
Feats Feral Combat Training, Improved Unarmed Strike ^B, Power Attack, Scorpion Style ^B, Stunning Fist ^B, Weapon Focus (claw)
Skills Acrobatics +12, Knowledge (nature) +8, Perception +10, Stealth +16, Survival +10, Swim +19
Languages Aquan, Common
SQ amphibious

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Bonebreak (Ex)

The heikegani crabs can snap bones caught within their powerful claws. This deals 1d3 points of Strength and Dexterity damage in addition to the crab’s normal constrict damage. Heikegani crabs are believed to be the reincarnations of ancient martial artists defeated in battle. While they lack any memory of previous lives, they do appear to possess an instinctive understanding of meditation and martial arts. Despite the appearance of the faces on their back, they are generally a contemplative and pacifistic race. While the monastic schools of the heikegani are difficult to find and access, they ve been known to train even land dwellers in their odd methods. Heikegani pilgrims sometimes travel far abroad on the seas or land to bring back new lore, students, or techniques from alien societies.

ECOLOGY

Environment any aquatic
Organization solitary, pair, or swarm (3-8)
Treasure standard

While not truly atheistic, the heikegani see no reason for divine worship. They find such practices foolish, and vastly prefer to rely only upon themselves for spiritual enlightenment. To the heikegani, putting faith in another means you must have less in yourself.