Snow Scorpion

Large monstrosity, unaligned

Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 161 (17d10 + 68)
Speed 40 ft., burrow 30 ft., climb 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
20 (+5)	18 (+4)	18 (+4)	4 (-3)	14 (+2)	6 (-2)

Skills Perception +6, Stealth +8, Survival +10
Damage Resistances cold
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Frozen Grasp. If the snow scorpion hits a creature with both of its pincers on the same turn, it can use a bonus action to hold the target in place. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be restrained. The snow scorpion cannot make pincer attacks while it is restraining a creature. While restrained in this way, the target takes 24 (5d6 + 7) cold damage at the start of each of its turns.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The snow scorpion can make two attacks with its pincers or one sting attack.
• Pincer. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d10 + 7) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) cold damage.
• Sting. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one creature. Hit: 14 (2d6 + 7) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) cold damage, and the target must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
• Freezing Spray (Recharge 6). As an action, the snow scorpion can spray a cone of freezing mist from its pincers. Each creature in a 30-foot cone must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw, taking 36 (8d8) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

ABOUT

Formidable Characteristics. The snow scorpion is a formidable creature with unique physical characteristics. Its body is covered in a thick carapace, which helps to insulate it against the extreme cold of its arctic habitat. Its eight legs are razor-sharp, and each one is equipped with powerful claws that it uses to hunt and defend itself. Its tail is long and spiked, capable of delivering a potent venom to its prey or attackers. Its head is broad and flat, with two large compound eyes that allow it to see in low light conditions. Its mandibles are large and serrated, and it has a powerful set of jaws that can tear through bone and armor.

Deadly Hunters. The snow scorpion is a fierce predator, known for its relentless and cunning hunting strategies. It uses its speed and agility to stalk its prey, moving stealthily across the snow and ice until it is within striking distance. Once it has closed the gap, it attacks with lightning speed, using its powerful claws to grab and immobilize its prey. It then delivers a potent venom with its tail. If it is unable to get near enough to its prey, it can release its venom as a spray, which causes its victims to freeze. The snow scorpion is also known for its ability to camouflage itself against the snow, making it nearly invisible to its prey until it is too late.

Activity Cycle. The snow scorpion is a cold-blooded creature that is always active in arctic regions, and is otherwise active in cold regions during the winter months when temperatures are at their lowest. This is when it enters its hunting and breeding season, which is characterized by increased activity and aggression. During this time, the snow scorpion is known to travel long distances in search of prey, using its keen sense of smell to detect slight movement beneath the snow. Once it has caught its prey, the snow scorpion consumes it quickly to conserve energy and continue its search for more food. Breeding also takes place during this time, with males competing for the attention of females. The strongest and most dominant males are usually the ones to mate, passing on their genes and ensuring the survival of their species in the harsh arctic environment.