Aremag is an ancient dragon turtle who controls passage through the Bay of Chult, serving as a maritime toll collector for all ships entering or leaving Port Nyanzaru and the surrounding waters.
Appearance and Characteristics
Aremag is immediately recognizable by two distinguishing features: a blind, milky left eye and a piece of missing shell. The dragon turtle is enormous—when surfacing, it appears like “saw-toothed hills rising from the heaving foam,” with an eye described as “the size of a hogshead cask.” It typically surfaces accompanied by circling reef sharks.
Role in the Adventure
Aremag demands tribute from every vessel passing through the Bay of Chult, extorting varying amounts of treasure depending on the apparent wealth of the ship and its own mood. The dragon turtle speaks Draconic first, then switches to Aquan if no one responds.
Tribute Mechanics
- Amount: Aremag demands 2d4 × 50 gp minimum (100-400 gp average), though the exact amount varies by vessel
- Negotiation: A DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check can convince Aremag that passengers have given all they can (minimum 50 gp required)
- Disadvantage if offering less than 100 gp
- Advantage if offering 150 gp or more
- Only one character can make the check, though others can aid
- Intimidation tactics: If passengers are stingy or negotiation fails, Aremag blasts steam breath above the ship and slaps the hull with its tail, forcing all on deck to make DC 15 Strength or Dexterity saves or fall overboard into shark-infested waters
Behavior
The dragon turtle demonstrates cunning and showmanship during encounters. It circles ships slowly, eventually creating an eddy that causes vessels to revolve at a matching rate. It roars “More!” at insufficient offerings and demands “Heave it over!” when satisfied. After collecting tribute, Aremag submerges without further communication, causing violent pitching and rolling until the sea calms.
Lair and Treasure
Aremag collects all extorted treasure and hides it in an undiscovered lair somewhere in the bay depths. The location of this hoard remains unknown.
Reputation
The dragon turtle is well-known in Port Nyanzaru and among sailors. Ships damaged by encounters with Aremag frequently require hull repairs at the city’s dry dock. The creature’s reputation is such that knowledgeable travelers warn newcomers: “you’ll need treasure to appease the greedy monster.”