HOLLOWBACK SCUTTLER

Known as Khos'haru in the language of the Orlanda Tribe, the Hollowback Scuttler is a cave-dwelling freshwater crab found only in the deep cliffside pools of Lake Orlanda in the Asari Region of the Habitual Belt on VOI 700 D. This elusive species thrives in isolated, submerged caverns that extend from the lake’s southern cliffs into complex tunnel networks. For the Orlanda Tribe, the Hollowback Scuttler holds both symbolic and practical value, revered as a creature of secrecy and often depicted in ceremonial art.

• Size: 30–35 cm across
• Shoulder Height: 7–8 cm
• Weight: 5–6 kg
• Carapace: Thick, matte-black with a concave dorsal cavity
• Legs: 10 Long, jointed limbs for navigating slick cave walls
• Eyes: Softly Bioluminescent and capable of rotating independently via flexible stalk muscles

• Dorsal Reservoir: The shallow depression passively stores oxygen-rich water and aids thermal buffering; edges are rough and mineral-like
• Hollow Carapace Reservoir: Used for thermal regulation and storing oxygen-rich water
• Peri-ocular Photophores: Faint, pulsing glow around the eyes (not from the pupils) for signaling in darkness
• Cliff Claws: Hooked claws adapted for gripping onto vertical rock surfaces

• Armor Class (AC): 15 (reinforced shell)
• Hit Points (HP): 38
• Speed: 20 ft. (climbing), 30 ft. (swimming)

• Cliff Snap: 1d10 slashing damage, target must succeed DC 13 Strength save or be grappled
• Shell Slam: 1d6 bludgeoning damage + knockback (5 ft) if used from a wall or ceiling perch

• Cave Camouflage: Gains +4 to Stealth while in rocky or dark aquatic terrain
• Echo Perception: Can sense movement within 60 ft. by detecting pressure and vibration
• Oxygen Reserve: Can survive outside water for up to 3 hours by storing aerated water in its hollow shell

• Diet: Omnivorous (algae, cave insects, carrion)
• Social Structure: Solitary
• Activity Pattern: Nocturnal (or active in dim-light twilight conditions)

• Ambush Predator: Lies motionless in tight rock crevices, striking when prey approaches
• Shell-Soaking: Submerges in cold water to maintain internal water temperature

• Mating Season: Late storm season (when oxygen levels are highest)
• Egg Laying: Females bury up to 200 eggs in silty cave floors
• Incubation Period: ~20 days
• Juvenile Development: Young crabs cling to cave ceilings to avoid predators until their shells harden
• Lifespan: 12–15 years (Estimation)

The Hollowback Scuttler can be used in cave-dive sequences, lake-based dungeon crawls, or tribal ritual missions:

Environmental Hazard: As a territorial creature, it defends its cavern fiercely. Use it to create tight-combat tension in underwater caves. Mystic Ingredient: Its hollow shell is rumored to amplify Orlanda chants when used as a ceremonial bowl. Guardian Encounter: The Orlanda Tribe may view it as a sacred sentinel, and disturbing one may have diplomatic consequences.

• Habitual Belt
• VOI 700 D
• Asari Region
• Lake Orlanda
• Known Wildlife of Asari

Known Predators:

• Cavern Perch