FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Cold Saltwater Surface], [Cold Saltwater Depths])

FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Temperate Freshwater Depths])
FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Temperate Saltwater Surface], [Temperate Saltwater Depths])

FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Tropical Saltwater Surface], [Tropical Saltwater Depths])

NO. APPEARING: 1
ARMOR CLASS: 6
MOVE: // 15"
HIT DICE: 15
% IN LAIR: Nil
TREASURE TYPE: Nil
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1 or 2
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 5-20 or 3-12/3-12
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Whirlpool (see below)
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Low
ALIGNMENT: Neutral (evil)
SIZE: L (50' long)
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: VIII | 4000 + 20

The afanc is dreaded because of its ability to swim rapidly and cause a whirlpool.
An afanc is generally found in shallow salt water,
where it will be swimming leisurely,
and it is then us. mistaken for a whale of some sort.
While able to attack by bite (5-20) or by striking with its 2 flippers (for 1d12 each),
the creature usu. attacks surface prey by swimming rapidly around it in closing circles,
starting 100 feet out and closing at 20 feet per round to 30 feet.

These creatures are fishes,
although they breathe both air && water.

Whirlpool: From its usu. 15" rate,
the circling afanc propels itself at ever-faster {SPEED},
until a rate of as much as 30" or more is attained.
This swimming creates a whirlpool of size && power
sufficient to draw down a ship of small to small-medium size (up to 60 feet in length).
Ships will be dragged to the bottom at a rate of 10 feet per round.
It will avoid larger ships.
As it takes some 5-8 rounds for the circling afanc to create the whirlpool,
and because the monster must be at the surface to do so,
concerted attacks by spells and/or heavy missile fire might drive the creature off.
Creatures dragged down are subject to attack as the afanc is 10% likely to submerge and try either some other mode of attack || seek easier prey.
Of course,
rafts,
boats,
and similar small craft (30 || less in length) are typically rushed,
knocked so as to capsize,
and the passengers consumed by the greedy beast.

Description: An afanc appears similar to a cross between a whale && a great fish.
The body is whale-like,
but the head is more fish-like,
and the tail is vertical.
Its colour is gray to blue-gray.