FREQUENCY: Rare
NO. APPEARING: 1-3
ARMOR CLASS: 7
MOVE: //9"
HIT DICE: 2 + 4
% IN LAIR: Nil
TREASURE TYPE: Nil
NO. OF ATTACKS: Nil
DAMAGE/ATTACK: Nil
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Electric shock,
surprise on 1-5
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Camouflage (treat as
invisible if buried)
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Non-
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
SIZE: M (6' long)
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil
    Attack/Defense Modes: Nil
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: III / 120 + 3/hp

Also known as the crampfish and as the
torpedo ray on some planes of the multiverse,
this member of the family of skates
and rays is generally found at depths of
200' in warmer ocean waters, though the
creature has been encountered at wading
distance from shore. The slow swimming
speed for a marine animal of its size is due
to the muscles at the base of the pectoral
fins ? fins which have evolved to form
organic plates with a negatively charged
underside and a positively charged upperside.
The ray generally makes use of protective
camouflage and burrows into the
sediment on the ocean floor to avoid its
enemies, becoming effectively invisible.

The ray uses its electrical shock to stun
or kill the smaller fish upon which it feeds.
However, when threatened by larger 
predators, the ray releases all its stored 
electrical energy in 1 massive jolt (approximately 
200 volts) which stun sany 
creature within a 15' radius.  Failure to 
make a SAVE vs. paralyzation results in a 
stun which lasts from 2-8 rounds.  Regardless 
of saves, the following damage 
is taken on a shock: those creatures 
within 5' of the electric ray take 2-12 hp 
damage, those within 10' take 1-6 points, 
and those within 15' take 1-3 points.  Any 
creature outside the 15' radius feels a 
slight tingle, but is otherwise unaffected.  
The ray itself needs 5-20 rounds to recharge 
itself, and flees until it can do so.  
An ELECTRIC ray can USE its shock 5 times 
a day.

by Gregg Chamberlain
 
 

Ocean monsters

Monsters

Dragon #116

Dragon magazine

1st Edition AD&D