Colossal crayfish are only distantly related to crayfish and lobsters, and have highly divergent anatomy. Notably, they are much larger, almost ten feet in length. Their circulatory and respiratory systems are significantly more complex than those of other crustaceans, and their nervous system and eyes are also more developed. In many ways they are an example of convergent evolution with eurypterids (‘sea scorpions’).
They have four pairs of walking legs, one pair of pincers, and a cluster of claw-like mouthparts under their pointed heads. Their tails are powerful and end in a fan of plates which can propel them rapidly underwater. Two protruding compound eyes and four antennae give them the ability to navigate through murky environments.
Their preferred habitats are muddy freshwater ones. Although they are mostly scavengers, colossal crayfish are more inclined to take live prey than most crustaceans and will even try to snatch it from the shore. Once a food item has been seized in their pincers, they typically drag it back to their underwater burrows before tearing it apart.
Colossal Crayfish
ST 20;
DX 9;
IQ 1;
HT 11.
HP 20;
Will 10;
Per 10;
FP 10;
Speed 5.00;
Dodge 8;
Move 5.
SM +1 (3 hexes), 1,000 lbs.
Bite (11): 2d cutting. Reach C.
Claw (11): 2d+2 crushing. Reach C-1.
Grapple (11): Effective ST 22. Reach C-1.
Wrench Limb (18): 3d+8 crushing. Requires grapple with both claws, followed by quick contest vs. better of ST or HT. Ignores flexible DR. See GURPS Martial Arts, p. 82.
Traits: Amphibious; Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Doesn’t Breathe (Gills only); DR 4; Extra Legs (Eight Legs); Injury Tolerance (No Brain, No Neck); Good Grip 1; Ham-Fisted 2; Night Vision 3; Numb (Not on Antennae); Peripheral Vision; Reduced Consumption 3 (Cast-Iron Stomach); Vibration Sense (Water); Wild Animal.
Skills: Brawling-11; Survival (Fresh-Water Lake)-11; Wrestling-11.