Chuul
The ocean-dwelling Chuul are large creatures found all over Varda, and are fearsome aquatic predators. Many seafarer and explorer knows to avoid these aggressive creatures, who fiercely defend their territory.
Chuul live in small groups of two to five, called a pod. The purposes for why they live in these groups is unknown, although they are not strictly adhered to. An individual Chuul may decide to move on at any time to find a new pod, with varying factors including available food and mating being the cause. They will also often wander some distance from their pod for hunting, but always return to their companions.
The origins of the Chuul is hotly debated amongst scholars, with the argument of their being an evolved species or one created by some form of sorcery being the hot topic. Indeed, their appearance and being does present arguments of magical experimentation, or perhaps some throwaway servant caste of greater, underwater creatures or civilizations. However, their continued existence, adaptability and clear reproduction cycles hold arguments for natural evolution. Whichever the case, studying such creatures is a dangerous task - both in dealing with the ocean depths and the hostile nature of the creatures themselves.
Chuul live in small groups of two to five, called a pod. The purposes for why they live in these groups is unknown, although they are not strictly adhered to. An individual Chuul may decide to move on at any time to find a new pod, with varying factors including available food and mating being the cause. They will also often wander some distance from their pod for hunting, but always return to their companions.
The origins of the Chuul is hotly debated amongst scholars, with the argument of their being an evolved species or one created by some form of sorcery being the hot topic. Indeed, their appearance and being does present arguments of magical experimentation, or perhaps some throwaway servant caste of greater, underwater creatures or civilizations. However, their continued existence, adaptability and clear reproduction cycles hold arguments for natural evolution. Whichever the case, studying such creatures is a dangerous task - both in dealing with the ocean depths and the hostile nature of the creatures themselves.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Resembling a giant form of lobster, Chuul are around 8 feet in height and are an intimidating sight. Covered in an durable exoskeleton, they have four long legs and two further limbs ending in giant pincers. At the rear of the creature is a fan-like tail, which the Chuul can use to swim quite swiftly. A mass of tentacles surround the central mouth of the Chuul, which secrete a poison capable of paralysis. Many Chuul have an array of eyes, ranging from only a couple to nearly a dozen. These eyes are evolved for seeing in the darkness of the ocean depths. Male Chuul will often have a horn or spikey protrusions coming from their heads.
Genetics and Reproduction
A female Chuul will typically mate after moulting, when their shell is softer than usual. They will carry approximately 8,000 eggs, with 9 to 12 of these months being carried within the Chuul, and a further 9 to 12 with the eggs attached under the tail be a glue-like substance, produced by the Chuul's facial-tentacles. A single Chuul egg is roughly the size of a marble. When the Chuul younglings hatch, the mother will fan her tail to release them into the ocean. Typically, this is done in shallows, away from the larger predators of the ocean
Growth Rate & Stages
Chuul' grow by moulting their outer shell, which occurs regularly in the infant stages. This slows to once or twice a year as the Chuul reaches maturity, which takes around 5-8 years. After they have shed their shell, they will typically eat it, restoring the much needed calcium. They will also be highly aggressive at this time, with a ravishing hunger to fill their new bodies. A typical moult will lead to the Chuul growing around 15% in size, and around 40% in weight. It is not known if Chuul eventually stop moulting, and it is possible that they will grow forever. Myths surround the oceans of gargantuan Chuul living in the depths of the oceans, their giant forms now unable to leave the depths in which they live.
Ecology and Habitats
Being aquatic creatures, Chuul are found in the oceans and seas of Varda. Salt-water habitats are where they make their homes, typically in warmer climates. It has been known for some Chuul to survive in temperate climates, but their greatest number is in sub-tropical and tropical locations, where bio-diversity is higher and food is in ample supply.
With their distribution all over the world, certain locations will find Chuul that have unique patterns and colouring. Mostly, Chuul are a dark brownish-red colour, akin to lobsters. But it has been known for variations of sandy and grey colours, as well as various greens and blues. Each colour has a different region it is associated with, although sometimes fluke genetics can have a Chuul of a different colour show up where it is not expected to.
With their distribution all over the world, certain locations will find Chuul that have unique patterns and colouring. Mostly, Chuul are a dark brownish-red colour, akin to lobsters. But it has been known for variations of sandy and grey colours, as well as various greens and blues. Each colour has a different region it is associated with, although sometimes fluke genetics can have a Chuul of a different colour show up where it is not expected to.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Being larger ocean-dwelling carnivores, Chuul enjoy a vast diet that stretches from small crabs and crustaceans up to sharks, whales and dolphins. Ambush predators, a Chuul will lay in wait for potential food to swim by, then strike quickly. However, it is not the pincers it uses first, but the many tentacles around its central mouth. These tentacles are coated in a poison that paralyses instantly. After the prey is stunned, the Chuul will use its massive pincers to grip tightly to its food, and start consuming before the poison wears off.
Despite being great predators, Chuul will not shy away from scavenging, and any meal is a good meal. Able to out-weigh most other aquatic species, Chuul will often be drawn to corpses of other animals, and will bully their way to the front of the line for a bite.
Despite being great predators, Chuul will not shy away from scavenging, and any meal is a good meal. Able to out-weigh most other aquatic species, Chuul will often be drawn to corpses of other animals, and will bully their way to the front of the line for a bite.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Chuul rely predominantly on their eyesight to hunt prey. With their increased perception within darkness, they are easily able to navigate the coastal caves and ocean depths where they are found.
It is also theorised that the tentacles sprouting from their facial region are sensitive to vibrations in water, although none who have tried to determine if this is factual have lived to tell the tale.
It is also theorised that the tentacles sprouting from their facial region are sensitive to vibrations in water, although none who have tried to determine if this is factual have lived to tell the tale.
Average Height
8 feet (2.4 metres)
Average Weight
650 pounds (290 kilograms)
Large Beast (disputed. Aberration)
Location
Coastal and Ocean regions of Varda
Three Chuul were encountered by the party in the Tales of Arden D&D 5E Campaign in Session 41. While exploring the Caverns under Silver Bay, the group stumbled upon some tide pools with the creatures in. The Goliath, Brenlazar, was grappled and nearly dragged away, but Gildar Baldurk, the Dwarf, cast a spell to frighten the creatures and the group ran past them.
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