Gargantis
Image © John Sibbick
[Yes, that John Sibbick, most familiar to a generation of dinosaur nerds as the illustrator of David Norman’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs, and one of the most ripped off paleoartists of all time. That distinctively wrinkled skin texture of Sibbick’s dinosaurs is present here in the gargantis, which has something of a kaiju vibe (specifically, it looks like Yongary). In Crypt of the Sorcerer, the original Fighting Fantasy book a gargantis appears in, a gargantis horn is the McGuffin you need in order to stake the titular sorcerer and kill him once and for all.]
Gargantis CR 19 CN Magical Beast This creature resembles an oversized dinosaur, with thick scaly skin and a long tail. It walks on two legs, its forelimbs being muscular and ending with clawed hands. It has multiple rows of teeth in its jaws, and a spiraling horn growing from between its eyes.
A gargantis is a powerful kaiju-like entity found deep within the lost worlds of the Darklands. They are not unique, as much as those that cross their paths would wish, but only under extreme circumstances are more than one found per continent. They feed primarily on flesh, but supplement this diet by feeding on magic, absorbed through their horn. Gargantises can see magical auras, and seek out powerful magic items to drain. This is likely to bring them into conflict with adventurers delving into their habitat.
Although the horn of a gargantis is its most feared weapon, its other weapons are still shatteringly powerful. Prey is grabbed in its jaws and swallowed, and smaller enemies are merely trampled. A gargantis can withstand large amounts of physical punishment, and is completely immune to mind influencing effects. When a gargantis is injured, it sends out a telepathic wave that makes creatures mindlessly violent, shattering the ability for a coordinated defense against their attacks.
Because of the antimagic properties of their horns, gargantises are sought out by the powerful and the desperate. A gargantis may be negotiated with, provided the negotiator can communicate in concepts simple enough (and offers a unique meal of magic and meat). If the gargantis cannot be convinced to cooperate in disjoining an artifact or slaying a powerful enemy, the horn can be claimed after the creature is slain. A gargantis’ horn can be used as an improvised Huge lance that overcomes all damage reduction; it is brittle and breaks on a natural roll of 1. It can use its magic negating properties by touch 1d4 times before crumbling into dust. The market value of a gargantis horn differs, but it is worth at least incidental treasure value for a CR 19 creature if sold on the open market.
