=== Major Planetary Zones | (Twin) Sections of the Habitual Belt | Regions | Wildlife ===

====== SHELLMIRE CRAB ======

{{ :shellmire_crab_gg_scenic_2d.png?200|}}
===== Overview =====

The Shellmire Crab, known as "Taka-Dun" among the [[the_orlanda|Orlanda Tribe]], is an armored forest-floor crustacean native to the dense [[Tropical Forest]] in the [[asari|Asari Region]] of the [[habitual_belt|Habitual Belt]] on [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]]. Unlike its marsh-dwelling cousin, the [[skyshell_crabs|Skyshell Crab]], the Shellmire prefers shaded undergrowth, where it scuttles beneath dense leaf litter and fallen tree limbs.

This resilient scavenger is known for its bark-covered carapace, a unique camouflage adaptation that allows it to blend seamlessly with the forest floor. It feeds on organic debris, contributing to forest decomposition cycles and nutrient recycling.

===== Physique and Appearance =====

  * **Size:** 12–16 cm across
  * **Weight:** 1.2–1.5 kg
  * **Carapace:** Thick, bark-patched shell with ridged edges for debris retention
  * **Limbs:** 8 stout legs, 2 broad flat pincers for prying and defense
  * **Speed:** 0.9 km/h (land), rarely swims

==== Special Features: ====

  * **Bark Cloak:** Naturally collects and adheres bark flakes and moss to its shell, providing excellent visual cover
  * **Reinforced Shell:** Hardened carapace resists moderate crushing force
  * **Climber Toes:** Micro-hooks on legs allow for scaling roots and tree bases

===== Game Mechanics =====

  * **Armor Class (AC):** 14
  * **Hit Points (HP):** 10
  * **Speed:** 15 ft. (land), 5 ft. (climbing)

==== Attacks ====

  * **Pincer Bash:** 1d6 bludgeoning damage
  * **Debris Toss (Defensive):** Flicks bark and soil in a 10-ft. line (DC 11 Dexterity save or target is Disoriented, -1 to hit until end of next turn)

==== Special Abilities ====

  * **Forest Camouflage:** Gains +2 to Stealth while stationary on woodland or bark-covered terrain
  *** Scavenger's Nose:** Advantage on checks to locate decomposing matter or scent trails
  * **Hard-Shelled Resolve:** Once per encounter, can reduce incoming damage by 3 (reaction)

===== Behavior =====

  * **Diet:** Scavenger (rotting leaves, fungi, carrion, decayed wood)
  * **Social Structure:** Solitary or in slow-moving loose foraging groups
  * **Activity Pattern:** Most active after rainfall or in fog

==== Survival Strategies: ====

  * **Camouflage Shell:** Perfectly blends with forest mulch and fallen timber
  * **Freeze Defense:** Freezes in place when predators approach, relying on shell and cover
  * **Burrow Hide:** Digs shallow retreats under bark or logs during rest hours

===== Reproduction and Lifecycle =====

  * **Breeding Season:** Initiated by high humidity spikes and bioluminescent fungal bloom events
  * **Egg Clutch Size:** 40–70 eggs
  * **Nesting Sites:** Hollow logs or sheltered burrows beneath root arches
  * **Hatching Time:** 12–15 days
  * **Lifespan:** 8–11 years (Estimation)

===== Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters =====

Shellmire Crabs can introduce atmosphere and tactical opportunities in forest scenarios:

  * **Stealth Threat:** Adventurers may overlook these creatures until triggered by proximity
  * **Environmental Hazard:** A startled crab can cause distraction or alert other predators
  * **Harvestable Resource:** Their thick armor plates are prized by local hunters for crafting stealth gear or reinforced padding

===== Related Pages and Further Information =====

  * [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]]
  * [[habitual_belt|Habitual Belt]]
  * [[asari|Asari Region]]
  * [[tropical_forest|Tropical Forest]]
  * [[wildlife_of_asari|Known Wildlife of Asari]]

**Known Predators:**

  * [[naka_tula|Naka Tula]]