Kraken (Dungeons & Dragons)
Encyclopedia
In the Dungeons & Dragons
fantasy
role-playing game
, the kraken is a large, ocean-dwelling magical beast
. It is akin to a squid
the size of a house. It is almost 80 feet long and 60 feet tall and wide. Its body is similar to that of a squid, with a ring of tentacles surrounding a mouth connected to a conical central body. Two of its 10 tentacles are longer than the rest, and bear deadly barbs. The kraken has very large eyes, and fins protrude from the upper part of its elongated central body.
The kraken appeared in the Dungeons & Dragons Creature Catalogue
(1986), and the Creature Catalog (1993).
The kraken appeared in the second edition of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons in the Monstrous Compendium Volume Two (1989), under the "squid, giant" entry, and reprinted in the Monstrous Manual (1993). The Zakharan kraken of the Al-Qadim
setting appeared in Dragon
#198 (October 1993).
The kraken appeared in the third edition Monster Manual
(2000), and in the 3.5 revised Monster Manual (2003). The creature was further developed in Dragon #334 (August 2005).
The kraken is one of the monsters that will appear in the Monster Manual 3 (2010).
Krakens cannot speak the languages of surface dwelling races, but might speak Aquan, or a language of their own similar to that of whales.
They are neutral evil in alignment.
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy role-playing game originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. . The game has been published by Wizards of the Coast since 1997...
fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
role-playing game
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
, the kraken is a large, ocean-dwelling magical beast
Magical beast (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, magical beast is a type of creature, or "creature type". Magical beasts are similar to animals in many ways, but usually have a higher intelligence, and possess supernatural or extraordinary abilities....
. It is akin to a squid
Squid
Squid are cephalopods of the order Teuthida, which comprises around 300 species. Like all other cephalopods, squid have a distinct head, bilateral symmetry, a mantle, and arms. Squid, like cuttlefish, have eight arms arranged in pairs and two, usually longer, tentacles...
the size of a house. It is almost 80 feet long and 60 feet tall and wide. Its body is similar to that of a squid, with a ring of tentacles surrounding a mouth connected to a conical central body. Two of its 10 tentacles are longer than the rest, and bear deadly barbs. The kraken has very large eyes, and fins protrude from the upper part of its elongated central body.
Publication history
The kraken appeared in the first edition of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons in the original Monster Manual II (1983).The kraken appeared in the Dungeons & Dragons Creature Catalogue
Creature Catalogue
AC9 - Creature Catalogue is an "Official Game Accessory" for Dungeons & Dragons Basic/Expert/Compainon/Master Sets.-Contents:...
(1986), and the Creature Catalog (1993).
The kraken appeared in the second edition of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons in the Monstrous Compendium Volume Two (1989), under the "squid, giant" entry, and reprinted in the Monstrous Manual (1993). The Zakharan kraken of the Al-Qadim
Al-Qadim
Al-Qadim is an Arabian Nights-themed campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. The setting was developed by Jeff Grubb for TSR, Inc., and was first released in 1992. Al-Qadim is set in the land of Zakhara, called the Land of Fate...
setting appeared in Dragon
Dragon (magazine)
Dragon is one of the two official magazines for source material for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game and associated products, the other being Dungeon. TSR, Inc. originally launched the monthly printed magazine in 1976 to succeed the company's earlier publication, The Strategic Review. The...
#198 (October 1993).
The kraken appeared in the third edition Monster Manual
Monster Manual
The Monster Manual is the primary bestiary sourcebook for monsters in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. It includes monsters derived from mythology, and folklore, as well as creatures created for D&D specifically...
(2000), and in the 3.5 revised Monster Manual (2003). The creature was further developed in Dragon #334 (August 2005).
The kraken is one of the monsters that will appear in the Monster Manual 3 (2010).
Characteristics and habits
Krakens are highly destructive and evil creatures. With their strong tentacles and massive strength, they can pull an entire ship down into the ocean. They have often completely wiped tropical islands of all life, and deep beneath the ocean, they have cavernous lairs where they breed human slaves to feed and tend them. Krakens were supposedly once the rulers of the sea, but eventually the forces of good drove them back, though legends say they will one day rise again. Krakens attack predominantly with their tentacles. They can both constrict opponents, and bring them into the reaches of the creature's huge jaws. In addition, Krakens can also release an enormous cloud of jet-black ink, and can even cast spells. It also regenerates severed limbs.Krakens cannot speak the languages of surface dwelling races, but might speak Aquan, or a language of their own similar to that of whales.
They are neutral evil in alignment.
Additional reading
- Cagle, Eric. "The Minions of Darkness" Dragon #300 {Paizo, 2002).