The Woodchuck

Woodchuck
Frequency:  Common
NO. ENCOUNTERED:  1 - 8
SIZE:  Medium
HD:  1-2 (d8)
MOVE:  9ft
AC:  12
ATTACK:  Bite (1d3) or by weapon type
SPECIAL:  None
SAVES:  Physical
INT:  Average
ALIGNMENT:  Good
TYPE:  Animal
TREASURE:  1
XP:  5 + 1/hp

As adventurer:  +1 strength/-1 dexterity

Woodchucks, otherwise known as ground hogs or whistle pigs, are the largest of the marmot family. They tend to be rather heavy set and stocky. They have brown fur with slightly grayish tips, a black nose, and small rounded ears. They also have large front teeth. They like to make their homes by burrowing into the sides of an open hilly area near trees and brush. If it strikes their fancy, they will build a small mud hut instead going underground, but this is pretty rare. They feed mostly on green, leafy plants and nuts, but will eat insects as well. Despite their roly-poly appearance, they are good swimmers and tree climbers. They keep a constant lookout and can be quite aggressive to strangers - often challenging others to a fight, but not to the death. If danger is sighted, they will give out a warning bark or whistle. Although roaming is not in their nature, woodchucks will sometimes get the adventuring bug and will go off looking for riches and whatever comes their way.

The Mistmantle Chronicles

Besides Brian Jacques' great series of Redwall books, there is another fine series of books by M.I. McAllister, The Mistmantle Chronicles. The main character in the series is a special squirrel that goes by the name of Urchin. There are five books in the series at the moment - the first being, Urchin of the Riding Stars (pictured).

Here's a quick synopsis: "The Queen and King are threatened when their son is murdered and intrigues their court, and a wicked pair in disguise attempt to seize control of the island, introducing a regime of culling and forced labor. Urchin will have to take down Captain Husk and Lady Aspen in order to save the island. Urchin soon realizes that he will have a very special role to play in the dramatic battle to save Mistmantle and Captain Crispin."

In the next couple of weeks I'll be posting a brief synopsis of the other books. Be sure to check them out! I think you'll really enjoy them!

Lion

Lion
Frequency:  Very Rare
NO. ENCOUNTERED:  1 - 8
SIZE:  Large
HD:  8 (females) to 10 (males) (d10)
MOVE:  16ft
AC:  20
ATTACK:  3 (2 claws (1d10)/1 bite (1d12)) or by weapon type
SPECIAL:  Roar
SAVES:  Physical
INT:  Average to High
ALIGNMENT:  Neutral
TYPE:  Animal
TREASURE:  10
XP:  500 + 8/HP - 1050 + 10/hp

Lions are the undisputed kings of the savannahs and plains, often travelling in prides of 6 to 8 animals to patrol and govern their area of control. The male is easily distinguishable by his mane, whereas females do not possess them.  Second to tigers in terms of size, they are just as formidable and much feared by all the lower animals. Their main source of food is larger animals (i.e. wildebeests, zebras, gazelles), but will take smaller animals as well. Most prides are nomadic; but, if a superior lion comes forth, he will establish a kingdom covering many miles, often combing several other prides (up to 20 – 30 cats) and will subject smaller cats to be their servants and caretakers. Like other cats, they are expert stalkers and blend in well with the grassy plains due to tan fur (CL 4). They often use the claws and teeth, but prefer to use larger weapons for combat (i.e. two-handed sword), which can use one-handed with ease due to their great strength (+3 to damage).
 
Their roar can cause great fear in their enemy. Any critter hearing this roar will have to make a save versus their intelligence or be struck dumb with fear. If the save failed, the creature will be frozen with fear for two to five rounds (1d4+1). If the lion attacks in this time, it will negate the effect.

Ahoy, there!!

Greetings, All!

Sorry, we haven't been around much lately, have we?!

Well, as you can see, we've been gone on a long excursion to the northern parts of Lake Lotor and we've found many a good treasure up there on an icy island full of strange new, dastardly creatures. Although dangerous and cold, it was well worth the trip! If all goes well, we will be able to bring that adventure to you in the future!

I think Mr. Holloway did a fine job is capturing our return, didn't he!

Happy New Years!!

Greetings, one-and-all to a new year!

I hope everyone had a fun time and are feeling better, rested!

Here's a little something to get the new year going. I hope you enjoy it! (I hope to have an illustraion of it soon).

Cougar (Mountain Lion)
Frequency:  Rare
NO. ENCOUNTERED:  1
SIZE:  Large
HD:  8 (d10)
MOVE:  12ft
AC:  15 (or by armor type)
ATTACK:  3 (2 claws 1d8, 1 bite 1d6) or by weapon type
SPECIAL:  Stalk/pounce
SAVES:  Physical
INT:  Very
ALIGNMENT:  Neutral to Evil
TYPE:  Animal
TREASURE:  6
XP:  450 + 8/hp

These cats are commonly called cougars, but also go by other names such as panthers, mountain lions and pumas. Their fur is most commonly a tawny color, but can be found with variations of black, silver-gray, or reddish. They are commonly found in the mountains, plains, and swamps. They prefer to live on the outer fringes of civilization in wide open places. They are very dangerous and powerful foes. Even for their large size, they are adept at moving quietly and unseen (CL 4). They prefer to sneak up and pounce upon on their victim. They are comfortable at using their natural weapons (bite & attack) or using weapons and armor.  If they have a small keep or castle, they will often have other cats serving them (i.e. lynx and bobcats) along with lesser creatures that are used as slaves. They fear and will avoid open confrontation with jaguars unless they have strong group of fighters with them.