Crocodile, Dire

Dire Crocodile CR 9 (Combatant)

XP 6,400
N Gargantuan animal
Init +0; Senses low-light vision; Perception +17

DEFENSE

HP 145
EAC 22; KAC 24
Fort +13; Ref +13; Will +8

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., swim 30 ft., sprint
Melee bite +21 (2d10+15P plus swallow whole), or tail slap +21 (2d10+15B, critical knockdown)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Offensive Abilities death roll (2d10+15P plus trip), swallow whole (2d10+15A, KAC 22, EAC 20, 36 HP)

STATISTICS

Str +6; Dex +0; Con +4; Int -4; Wis +3; Cha -4
Skills Athletics +22, Stealth +17, Survival +17
Other Abilities hold breath

ECOLOGY

Environment warm rivers and marshes
Organization solitary, pair, or colony (3-12)

Crocodiles are large aquatic reptilian animals that tend to dwell in tropical regions they live next to freshwater lakes, rivers, and swamps, where they can easily ambush and feed upon fish, reptiles, and mammals.

These creatures are ancient beings and include a number of different animals, including true crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials. All of these creatures are extremely aggressive and territorial, attacking anything that enters their territory with lethal force.

Crocodiles have a streamlined body that aids in swimming. They can tuck their feet against their body and paddle with their massive tails to attain fast swimming speeds. Their webbed feet allow them to make fast turns and sudden movements within the water. When within water, a crocodile can lift its head above the water level, where only its eyes and nostrils become visible. In this manner, the crocodile is almost completely concealed against being seen by its prey.

The favored tactic of a crocodile is to lurk underwater near a clearing to a waterline. Whenever an animal comes to drink water at the clearing, the crocodile suddenly erupts from under the water and bites the surprised creature with its powerful jaws.

It then drags the creature below the water and spins its body in what is known as a “death roll.” This rolling will disorient the prey and eventually cause it to drown, which is when the crocodile can begin feeding.

These giant crocodiles are also known as sarcosuchus.