Clam of Happiness
Long ago, the wizard Moranius traveled to the Shadowfell. When he got there, he found a dark, grim and desperate place, filled with misery and sadness. Taking pity on the poor souls who lived there, he created a new race of magical creatures - the Clams of Happiness.
These unusual creatures looked almost exactly like a large clam, aside from the fact that they had legs. These legs were used to wonder the Shadowfell, emitting happiness wherever they went. They moved constantly, never staying in one place for more than an hour. This prompted those who came across one of these marvelous creatures to uproot from their grim settlements and become nomads, following the clam and basking in its happiness.
Eventually, the first of these beasts began to die. When they did, the people of the Shadowfell realised that they continued to emit their aura of happiness from beyond the grave. From that point forth, the clams were hunted into near extinction, and permanent settlements built around their corpses.
The clam's population was, at that point, sustainable. Clams are only killed when needed, and that only happens when the magical effects of another's corpse run out, which can take years. This gives the clams a chance to breed and re-increase their population, although it still never grows above a few hundred, and often much less.
As a Monster
A Clam of Happiness can grow up to 10 ft. wide. They have 4 large, thick, legs sprouting out of the edges of their shell, which are often a cream colour. The opening of their shell also acts as their mouth, an although it contains no teeth, the sharp edge of the shell is enough to do some damage when needed.
Magical Creatures. These beasts were constructed by, an still require, magic. When entering an anti-magic zone, they will act like a normal clam until removed.
Spreaders of Happiness. These creatures were created with the sole purpose of spreading happiness. Therefore, they will not do anything to harm another being, unless that being endangers another's happiness, and will do anything to ensure another creatures long-term happiness.
Behind the Homebrew
This is the first piece of homebrew I've released publicly. I made it as part of DnD Behind The Screen's Dungeon Jam event using the prompt 'Happy as a Clam'. Originally, it was just going to be the magic item, but I decided to create some monster stats as well. I also wanted to create a spell named 'Create Clam of Happiness' as I dislike the concept of NPC only magic, but I wanted to keep this one page and I ran out of space. Perhaps this is something I will re-visit in the future.
Feedback? Let me know at Bongo50#7538 on Discord or u/bongo50 on Reddit.
Clam of Happiness
Large monstrosity, neutral good
- Armor Class 14
- Hit Points 124 (12d10+4)
- Speed 30 ft., swim 20 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 15 (+2) 6 (-4) 18 (+4) 8 (-2) 11 (+0) 12 (+1)
- Damage Resistances piercing and slashing from non-magical weapons
- Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, frightened
- Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Perception 10
- Languages -
- Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Aura of Happiness. The clam gives of a magical aura of happiness. All creatures within 60 ft. of the Clam of Happiness gain resistance to the frightened condition, if they don't already have it, and gain a +5 to all Charisma checks and saving throws.
Water Breathing. The Clam of Happiness can hold its breath indefinitely while underwater.
Actions
Leg Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 29 (6d8+2) bludgeoning damage.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 30 (8d6+2) piercing damage.
As a Magic Item
Once killed, the Clam of Happiness will become the magic item described below.
Clam of Happiness Corpse
Wondrous item, rare
The Clam of Happiness Corpse is a 10 ft. long clam corpse. It was once a Clam of Happiness, a magical creature created with the sole purpose of spreading happiness through the Shadowfell, but it now dead. Even still, it continues what it did in life from beyond the grave emitting an aura of happiness. All creatures within 60 ft. of the corpse gain resistance to the frightened condition, if they don't already have it, and gain a +5 to all Charisma checks and saving throws.
After 10 years, the effects of the corpse will wear off. If the corpse was not fresh when obtained, it will stop functioning after 1d10 years. Alternatively, the DM can decide the number of years that the aura will last.