The Cetus resembles the prehistoric Earth Ichthyosaur, an ancient precursor to the modern Dolphin (although not directly related). However the Cetus is a monstrous predator from another world that has made its home here on Rifts Earth. The Cetus first began appearing in the deep south pacific ocean a few years ago and since that time the creature has become the bane of many oceans going species. Any object that crosses paths with a Cetus is considered either prey or an enemy, both attacked on sight and without mercy.
Cetus are born hungry and are never truly sated, instead they are driven by an insatiable need to feed. They are active predators who will prey on anything it can capture and kill. Unfortunately their diet is not restricted to other sea life, the Cetus is a man eater. Since the Cetus arrived on Rifts Earth they have taken to attacking and sinking any vessel that crosses their path. When the survivors of a Cetus attack hit the water, it picks them off one by one.
Ocean going races such as the Horune and Lemurians have unofficially declared war on the Cetus. Even Captain Nemo-2 and the New Navy will attack a Cetus on sight. On at least one occasion Captain Nemo-2 came to the aid of a Horune flotilla as it was being attacked by a Cetus. Unfortunately all they were able to accomplish was to force the Cetus to retreat. At present the only single threat the Cetus fears is the Lord of the Deep and its minions.
The Cetus is an animal predator that has climbed to the top of the food chain. There is little the Cetus fears, but even with only limited animal intelligence it is not stupid enough to fight a losing battle. If the Cetus feels it is outmatched it will attempt to retreat. However the Cetus is not one to forgive and forget, they are able to recognize creatures and vessels by their unique chemical signature. If a Cetus happens upon a creature or vessel that has managed to best it, it will definitely seek revenge.
Cetus - NPC Creature
Also Known As: Cetus, Ketos
Alignment: Animal predator generally considered anarchist or evil.
Attributes: Animal attributes are very consistent and offer a smaller range of variation. I.Q.: 1D6 considered a low animal intellect, M.E.: 1D6, M.A.: 1D6, P.S.: 1D6 +60, P.P.: 1D6 + 12, P.E.: 1D6 +20, P.B.: 1D4 +2, Spd.: 1D6 +50 (approximately 35 knots / 40 mph / 64 km).
Size: 30 to 50 feet (9.1 to 15.2 m) long from the snout to the tail.
Weight: 4,800 to 8,000 lbs (2,177 to 3,628 kg)
M.D.C.: P.E. x500
Horror Factor: 10 when attacking.
Disposition: The Cetus is a blood thirsty predator with a mean streak as long as its body. The Cetus will attack any ship it comes across, even if the Cetus has just eaten its fill. Everything in or on the ocean is either food or a threat, for Cetus live is that black and white.
Average Lifespan: 300 to 500 years, although no known specimens have survived that long. Many are killed off in combat or hunted. The average adult Cetus is 100 to 200 years old.
Natural Abilities: Swim 98%, impervious to all forms of cold (natural or magical) and impervious to depth pressure. The Cetus regenerates 1D4 x10 M.D. per melee and can completely replace a lost fin, tail or flipper in 3D6 days. The Cetus has an unerring sense of direction, equal to Navigation 98%. Although less developed then a modern Sharks ability to track scents in the water the Cetus can smell chemicals and blood in the water. They are able to track the source of the smell equal to Track: Animal 60%.
Attacks per Melee: The Cetus starts with 4 attack action per melee round.
Damage:
Bite 1D6 x10 M.D.
Tail Strike 1D4 x10 M.D.
Body Slam 1D4 x10 M.D.
Power Ram 2D6 x10 M.D.
Counts as 2 melee actions.
Leaping Crush 2D6 x10 M.D.
Counts as 2 melee actions.
The Cetus jumps out of the water, landing on the target, crushing it under its own weight. Able to leap 20 feet (6.1 m) out of the water.
Bonuses: +1 on initiative, +2 to strike and +2 to parry and dodge. +3 to roll with punch/fall/impact. These stats are in addition to attribute bonuses.
Vulnerabilities: The Cetus is a water breather, if beached or trapped outside of water it will suffocate within 1D6 +20 minutes. Fire, magical fire or plasma attacks inflict double damage/duration.
R.C.C. Skills: Swim (98%), Navigation (98%), Track: Animal (in the water only) (60%).
P.P.E.: 4D6.
Magic Knowledge: No natural magical capabilities.
I.S.P.: 2D6.
Psionic Powers: No natural psychic abilities.
Physical Description: The Cetus looks like a Bottle Nose Dolphin without the dorsal fin. It is smooth and streamlined, exceptionally well suited to hunting in its watery environment. The Cetus has a long snout filled with row upon row of serrated teeth that is used to sever large chunks of flesh from its prey. When attacking ships or surface creatures the Cetus will dive down into the ocean depth then swim at its maximum speed straight up. With all its speed and strength the Cetus will ram the spine of a ship, attempting to break the vessel back. Sea life caught unaware are often swallowed whole or bitten in half with the first strike.
Habitat: Oceans and seas around the world, able to survive in both fresh and salt water equally well.
Natural Allies: None.
Natural Enemies: None per se, however many sea fairing races will hunt and kill the Cetus on sight.
Cetus are born hungry and are never truly sated, instead they are driven by an insatiable need to feed. They are active predators who will prey on anything it can capture and kill. Unfortunately their diet is not restricted to other sea life, the Cetus is a man eater. Since the Cetus arrived on Rifts Earth they have taken to attacking and sinking any vessel that crosses their path. When the survivors of a Cetus attack hit the water, it picks them off one by one.
Ocean going races such as the Horune and Lemurians have unofficially declared war on the Cetus. Even Captain Nemo-2 and the New Navy will attack a Cetus on sight. On at least one occasion Captain Nemo-2 came to the aid of a Horune flotilla as it was being attacked by a Cetus. Unfortunately all they were able to accomplish was to force the Cetus to retreat. At present the only single threat the Cetus fears is the Lord of the Deep and its minions.
The Cetus is an animal predator that has climbed to the top of the food chain. There is little the Cetus fears, but even with only limited animal intelligence it is not stupid enough to fight a losing battle. If the Cetus feels it is outmatched it will attempt to retreat. However the Cetus is not one to forgive and forget, they are able to recognize creatures and vessels by their unique chemical signature. If a Cetus happens upon a creature or vessel that has managed to best it, it will definitely seek revenge.
Cetus - NPC Creature
Also Known As: Cetus, Ketos
Alignment: Animal predator generally considered anarchist or evil.
Attributes: Animal attributes are very consistent and offer a smaller range of variation. I.Q.: 1D6 considered a low animal intellect, M.E.: 1D6, M.A.: 1D6, P.S.: 1D6 +60, P.P.: 1D6 + 12, P.E.: 1D6 +20, P.B.: 1D4 +2, Spd.: 1D6 +50 (approximately 35 knots / 40 mph / 64 km).
Size: 30 to 50 feet (9.1 to 15.2 m) long from the snout to the tail.
Weight: 4,800 to 8,000 lbs (2,177 to 3,628 kg)
M.D.C.: P.E. x500
Horror Factor: 10 when attacking.
Disposition: The Cetus is a blood thirsty predator with a mean streak as long as its body. The Cetus will attack any ship it comes across, even if the Cetus has just eaten its fill. Everything in or on the ocean is either food or a threat, for Cetus live is that black and white.
Average Lifespan: 300 to 500 years, although no known specimens have survived that long. Many are killed off in combat or hunted. The average adult Cetus is 100 to 200 years old.
Natural Abilities: Swim 98%, impervious to all forms of cold (natural or magical) and impervious to depth pressure. The Cetus regenerates 1D4 x10 M.D. per melee and can completely replace a lost fin, tail or flipper in 3D6 days. The Cetus has an unerring sense of direction, equal to Navigation 98%. Although less developed then a modern Sharks ability to track scents in the water the Cetus can smell chemicals and blood in the water. They are able to track the source of the smell equal to Track: Animal 60%.
Attacks per Melee: The Cetus starts with 4 attack action per melee round.
Damage:
Bite 1D6 x10 M.D.
Tail Strike 1D4 x10 M.D.
Body Slam 1D4 x10 M.D.
Power Ram 2D6 x10 M.D.
Counts as 2 melee actions.
Leaping Crush 2D6 x10 M.D.
Counts as 2 melee actions.
The Cetus jumps out of the water, landing on the target, crushing it under its own weight. Able to leap 20 feet (6.1 m) out of the water.
Bonuses: +1 on initiative, +2 to strike and +2 to parry and dodge. +3 to roll with punch/fall/impact. These stats are in addition to attribute bonuses.
Vulnerabilities: The Cetus is a water breather, if beached or trapped outside of water it will suffocate within 1D6 +20 minutes. Fire, magical fire or plasma attacks inflict double damage/duration.
R.C.C. Skills: Swim (98%), Navigation (98%), Track: Animal (in the water only) (60%).
P.P.E.: 4D6.
Magic Knowledge: No natural magical capabilities.
I.S.P.: 2D6.
Psionic Powers: No natural psychic abilities.
Physical Description: The Cetus looks like a Bottle Nose Dolphin without the dorsal fin. It is smooth and streamlined, exceptionally well suited to hunting in its watery environment. The Cetus has a long snout filled with row upon row of serrated teeth that is used to sever large chunks of flesh from its prey. When attacking ships or surface creatures the Cetus will dive down into the ocean depth then swim at its maximum speed straight up. With all its speed and strength the Cetus will ram the spine of a ship, attempting to break the vessel back. Sea life caught unaware are often swallowed whole or bitten in half with the first strike.
Habitat: Oceans and seas around the world, able to survive in both fresh and salt water equally well.
Natural Allies: None.
Natural Enemies: None per se, however many sea fairing races will hunt and kill the Cetus on sight.