A Stargazer is a reptilian creature from the Spelljammer campaign setting.[1]
Overview[]
Stargazers are reptilian ambush predators that live and hunt within asteroid fields.[1]
Description[]
A stargazer is a large, four-legged reptile with a rocky hide that mimics a crystalline outcropping. The creature is often mistaken for a large outcropping of precious stone amid a larger stone formation or on the ground. Its stony, gemlike carapace conceals a frog-like mouth lined with razor-sharp teeth, as well as four sharp claws which are kept folded under the stargazer's body.
A stargazer's crystalline hide absorbs sunlight, both to warm the beast's body and to power its spell-like ability to discharge lightning bolts. The creatures vary in color and crystalline formations, but generally they are reddish or violet, suggesting deposits of ruby or amethyst, while citrine (yellow), emerald (green) and sapphire (blue) varieties have also been encountered.[1]
Behavior[]
Stargazer's are voracious killers and are prone to berserker rages when faced with large opponents.[1]
Combat[]
A stargazer uses its crystalline carapace as a blind, imitating an outcropping of precious stone. Any wandering animals or prospectors entranced with their find are in for a “shocking” surprise.
When a stargazer senses prey within 25-feet, it discharges twin lightning bolts from its eyes; each bolt can be fired independently at different targets. The creature then raises itself from its shallow hiding space and lunges toward the victim, biting and rending with its claws. It can discharge up to six lightning bolts, two at a time, before having to rest and recharge.
If the stargazer is losing a battle, it curls into a ball with its stone shell on the outside, protecting its soft underside. It will then attempt to roll in a random direction to escape its tormentor. An opponent who is caught by surprise may be run over and suffer some injuries.[1]
Habitat[]
Stargazers live on the sunny sides of large asteroids, basking in the continual sunlight. They are territorial, claiming a domain of up to 3 square miles. Two stargazers may occupy opposite hemispheres of a single asteroid, establishing the opposite sides of the gravity plane as their personal ranges. As solitary hunters, they prefer to mate quickly, hiding their eggs and then abandoning them soon after.
During mating season, stargazers may fight to the death over territory, mates, and prey. If an area becomes overpopulated, a stargazer will use its powerful hind legs to leap from the asteroid. It will then roll into a ball, drifting through space while hibernating until its caught by the gravity of another asteroid or a passing ship. The advent of spelljamming humanoids has enlarged their range substantially.[1]
Uses[]
A stargazer's carapace is actually an organic form of crystal. However, unless the hide is enchanted with a permanency spell, the carapace crumbles to dust within 6 days after the stargazer's death. Jewelers can process a magically preserved shell to produce up to 6 gems ranging in value between 5,000 to 25,000 gp each.[1]
Appendix[]
External Links[]
- Stargazer article at the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition Wiki, a wiki for official Dungeons & Dragons content from 2nd edition AD&D.