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!