There is no inherent problem with this, although the flavor text often doesn't fit with the Dark Sun setting. My goal is to list the various monsters that "don't fit" and rewrite their flavor text to make them fit.
I often add a new Athasian variant as well.
Cat, Great
| Caracal | Cheetah | Jaguar | Leopard | Lion | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climate/Terrain | Hinterlands, Scrub Plains, Rocky Badlands, Stony Barrens |
Hinterlands, Scrub Plains |
Forest | Forest | Hinterlands, Scrub Plains |
||
| Frequency | Common | Uncommon | Uncommon | Uncommon | Uncommon | ||
| Organization | Solitary or Pair | Coalition | Solitary | Solitary | Pride | ||
| Activity Cycle | Night | Day | Any | Any | Day | ||
| Diet | Carnivore | Carnivore | Carnivore | Carnivore | Carnivore | ||
| Intelligence | Animal (1) | Animal (1) | Semi- (2-4) | Semi- (2-4) | Semi- (2-4) | ||
| Treasure | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||
| Alignment | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | ||
| No. Appearing | 1-2 | 1-4 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 2-12 | ||
| Armor Class | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5/6 | ||
| Movement | 14 | 15, sprint 45 | 15 | 15 | 12 | ||
| Hit Dice | 3+3 | 3 | 4+1 | 3+2 | 5+2 | ||
| Thac0 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 15 | ||
| No. of Attacks | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | ||
| Damage/ Attack | 1-2, 1-2, 1-6 | 1-2, 1-2, 1-8 | 1-3, 1-3, 1-8 | 1-3, 1-3, 1-6 | 1-4, 1-4, 1-10 | ||
| Special Attack | Rear claws | Rear claws | Rear claws | Rear claws | Rear claws | ||
| Special Defense | Surprised only on a 1 | Surprised only on a 1 | Surprised only on a 1 | Surprised only on a 1 | Surprised only on a 1 | ||
| Magic Resistance | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||
| Size | M (4½' long) | M (4-4½' long) | L (5-6' long) | M (4-4½' long) | M (4½-6½' long) | ||
| Morale | Average (8-10) | Average (8-10) | Average (8-10) | Average (8-10) | Average (8-10) | ||
| XP Value | 175 | 175 | 420 | 270 | 650 |
| Mountain Lion | Smilodon | Spotted Lion | Tiger | Cactus Cat | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climate/Terrain | Forest, Mountains, Rocky Badlands |
Forest | Hinterlands, Scrub Plains |
Forest | All, except Silt Sea |
| Frequency | Uncommon | Uncommon | Rare | Uncommon | Very Rare |
| Organization | Solitary | Solitary | Pride | Solitary | Solitary |
| Activity Cycle | Night | Night | Night | Night | Night |
| Diet | Carnivore | Carnivore | Carnivore | Carnivore | Carnivore |
| Intelligence | Semi- (2-4) | Animal (1) | Semi- (2-4) | Semi- (2-4) | Semi- (2-4) |
| Treasure | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Alignment | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral Evil |
| No. Appearing | 1-2 | 1-2 | 2-8 | 1-4 | 1-4 |
| Armor Class | 6 | 6 | 5/6 | 6 | 3 |
| Movement | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Hit Dice | 3+1 | 7+2 | 6+2 | 5+5 | 5+2 |
| Thac0 | 17 | 11 (13) | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| No. of Attacks | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Damage/ Attack | 1-3, 1-3, 1-6 | 2-5, 2-5, 2-12 | 1-4, 1-4, 1-12 | 2-5, 2-5, 1-10 | 1-4. 1-4, 1-8, 1-6 |
| Special Attack | Rear claws | Rear claws | Rear claws | Rear claws | Rear claws |
| Special Defense | Surprised only on a 1 | Surprised only on a 1 | Surprised only on a 1 | Surprised only on a 1 | Surprised only on a 1, Poison Immunity |
| Magic Resistance | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Size | M (4-5' long) | L (8-12' long) | M (4½-6½' long | L (6-9' long) | M (4-5' long) |
| Morale | Average (8-10) | Steady (11-12) | Average (8-10) | Average (8-10) | Elite (13-14) |
| XP Value | 270 | 1,400 | 975 | 650 | 975 |
Great cats are very efficient predators and have adapted to many different environments.
Caracal
The caracal is a medium-sized cat with long legs, a short face, and tufted ears. Its fur is reddish tan or sandy yellow.
Due to its keen senses, A caracal is surprised only on a 1. They are experts in stalking and often hunt alone or in pairs. Victims of a caracal attack suffer a -2 on their surprise roll. They can leap 12 feet upward, and spring forward 16 feet to attack. If they strike successfully with both forepaws, their rear claws rake for 1-2 points of damage per claw.
This species generally inhabits scrub plains or rocky badlands. Caracal are nocturnal, solitary, very good climbers, and are capable of sustained high speed. These animals rarely fight among themselves, but will protect their territories. They rarely attack men. Their favorite prey includes carru, aprigs and erdlu. Females raise their 1-6 cubs alone. The cubs remain with their mother for up to a year. If encountered in the lair, there is a 25% chance that the cubs will be present.
Cheetah
Cheetahs inhabit the hinterlands and scrub plains, often sharing their range with lions. Their favorite prey are the erdlu that inhabit the plains, and they rarely attack men. Cheetahs are territorial, but may live alone, in pairs or in groups. The female raises a litter of 2-4 young alone. The young, who stay with their mother for as long as 2 years, can be completely trained and domesticated.
The fortunes of the cheetah rise and fall with those of its prey; when the population of erdlu and other game declines, so does that of the cheetah.
Jaguar
Caracal
The caracal is a medium-sized cat with long legs, a short face, and tufted ears. Its fur is reddish tan or sandy yellow.
Due to its keen senses, A caracal is surprised only on a 1. They are experts in stalking and often hunt alone or in pairs. Victims of a caracal attack suffer a -2 on their surprise roll. They can leap 12 feet upward, and spring forward 16 feet to attack. If they strike successfully with both forepaws, their rear claws rake for 1-2 points of damage per claw.
This species generally inhabits scrub plains or rocky badlands. Caracal are nocturnal, solitary, very good climbers, and are capable of sustained high speed. These animals rarely fight among themselves, but will protect their territories. They rarely attack men. Their favorite prey includes carru, aprigs and erdlu. Females raise their 1-6 cubs alone. The cubs remain with their mother for up to a year. If encountered in the lair, there is a 25% chance that the cubs will be present.
Cheetah
The cheetah is a medium-sized, lightly built cat. Its fur
is sand colored and it is covered with dark spots. The cheetah is unique
among cats because of its non-retractable claws.
A skilled hunter endowed with natural camouflage, victims of a
cheetah attack suffer a -3 on their surprise roll. Cheetahs are famed for
their tremendous bursts of speed, and can run at triple speed (45 feet
per round) for three rounds. The cat must rest 3 turns before sprinting
again. Cheetahs can spring 10 feet upward or 20 feet forward. If both
forepaws hit during an attack the cheetah is able to rake for 1-2 points
of damage with each of its rear claws. If defending their young,
cheetahs receive a +2 on their attack and damage rolls and will fight to
the death.Cheetahs inhabit the hinterlands and scrub plains, often sharing their range with lions. Their favorite prey are the erdlu that inhabit the plains, and they rarely attack men. Cheetahs are territorial, but may live alone, in pairs or in groups. The female raises a litter of 2-4 young alone. The young, who stay with their mother for as long as 2 years, can be completely trained and domesticated.
The fortunes of the cheetah rise and fall with those of its prey; when the population of erdlu and other game declines, so does that of the cheetah.
Jaguar
The jaguar is a powerful cat with a deep chest and
muscular limbs. Its color ranges from light yellow to brownish red, and
it is covered with dark spots.
The jaguar will attack anything that it perceives as a threat. It
relies on stealth to close with its prey, often pouncing from above. The
jaguar can leap 30’ to attack. If both of its forepaws strike it will
rake with its two rear claws for 2-5 (1d4+1) points of damage each.
The jaguar inhabits forests, spending a great deal of time in tree tops. It climbs and stalks superbly. Jaguars can swim, but rarely get the opportunity. Jaguars are solitary and territorial, meeting only to mate. If found in a lair, there is a 75% chance there will be 1-3 cubs. Cubs do not fight effectively.
Leopard
Leopards are solitary and generally inhabit forest, but may rarely be encountered in mountains. They hunt both day and night preying on animals up to the size of large erdlu. They climb well and will often sit in treetops sunning themselves. Leopards will also drag their prey to safety in the treetops to devour in peace. The female bears 1-3 young, and cares for them for up to two years. If found in the lair, there is a 25% chance that there will be cubs there. The young have no effective attack.
Lion
Lions live in the hinterlands and scrub plains, but may rarely be encountered in forests. They live and hunt in prides, and are extremely territorial. A pride usually consists of 1-3 males and 1-10 females. Lions frequently kill animals the size of erdland. Lionesses will cooperate when hunting, driving their prey into an ambush. They have been known to attack domestic livestock, but will attack men if no other prey is present. A lair will contain from 1-10 cubs which are 30%-60% grown. Cubs are unable to fight. Lions are poor climbers. Lions flourish only when the supply of game is adequate.
Mountain Lion
Mountain lions range in forests, mountains, and rocky badlands. They are solitary, with males and females each maintaining separate territories. Their favorite prey are erdlu. The female rears 2-4 cubs alone, which remain with her for 1-2 years.
The mountain lion is flexible and elusive. It is adept at surviving on the fringes of civilization.
Smilodon
Although not truly a member of the cat family, the so-called sabre-toothed tiger is similar to them in many ways. Smilodons are known for their 6 inch long fangs which are capable of inflicting terrible wounds. Their powerful jaws and large teeth give them a +2 on their attack rolls.
Spotted Lion
Spotted lions are large, fierce, dappled versions of the lion. They are generally found in the hinterlands, but very rarely can be found in scrub plains.
Tiger
This species generally inhabits wooded or covered terrain. Tigers are nocturnal, solitary, graceful climbers who are capable of sustained high speed. Tiger can swim, but rarely have the opportunity to do so. These animals rarely fight among themselves, but will protect their territories ferociously. They are also the most unpredictable and dangerous of the great cats, not hesitating to attack men. Their favorite prey includes carru, aprigs and erdlu. Females raise their 1-3 cubs alone. The cubs remain with their mother for several years. If encountered in the lair, there is a 25% chance that the cubs will be present.
Feared by men, tigers are hunted aggressively, and are threatened by the destruction of forests.
Cactus Cat
The cactus cat is covered in hair-like thorns. Its color ranges from gray to brown, and it has a forked tail. The cactus cat will attack anything that it believes it can defeat, often killing for fun. It relies on stealth to close with its prey, often digging into the inside of a cactus and bursting forth to attack prey. If both of its forepaws strike it will rake with its two rear claws for 1-4 points of damage each. It will always strike with its long, spiked tail, inflicting 1-6 points of damage.
The cactus cat inhabits all deserts and can even be found in forests. It climbs and stalks superbly. Cactus cats are generally solitary and territorial, meeting only to mate, although they have been known to make temporary alliances to attack skilled or large prey. Cactus cats are immune to all types of poison and regularly eat scorpions and drink cactus juices.
If found in a lair, there is a 25% chance there will be 1-3 cubs. Cubs are born blind and without spikes, they do not fight effectively.
The jaguar inhabits forests, spending a great deal of time in tree tops. It climbs and stalks superbly. Jaguars can swim, but rarely get the opportunity. Jaguars are solitary and territorial, meeting only to mate. If found in a lair, there is a 75% chance there will be 1-3 cubs. Cubs do not fight effectively.
Leopard
The leopard is a graceful cat with a long body and
relatively short legs. Its color varies from buff to tawny, and its
spots are rosette shaped.
Leopards prefer to leap on their prey, imposing a -3 on the
surprise rolls of their victims. Leopards can spring upward 20 feet or
ahead 25 feet. If they strike successfully with both forepaws, they rake
with their rear claws for 1-4 points each.Leopards are solitary and generally inhabit forest, but may rarely be encountered in mountains. They hunt both day and night preying on animals up to the size of large erdlu. They climb well and will often sit in treetops sunning themselves. Leopards will also drag their prey to safety in the treetops to devour in peace. The female bears 1-3 young, and cares for them for up to two years. If found in the lair, there is a 25% chance that there will be cubs there. The young have no effective attack.
Lion
Among the largest and most powerful of the great cats,
lions have yellow or golden brown fur. The males are distinguished by
their flowing manes.
Both male and female lions are fierce fighters. Lions hunt in
prides, with females doing most of the actual hunting. Since their
senses are so keen, lions can only be surprised on a 1. All lions can
leap as far as 30 feet. Males have an Armor Class of 5 in their
forequarters and 6 in their hindquarters while females are Armor Class 6
in all areas. If a lion hits with both forepaws, it can rake with its
rear claws doing 2-7 points of damage each.Lions live in the hinterlands and scrub plains, but may rarely be encountered in forests. They live and hunt in prides, and are extremely territorial. A pride usually consists of 1-3 males and 1-10 females. Lions frequently kill animals the size of erdland. Lionesses will cooperate when hunting, driving their prey into an ambush. They have been known to attack domestic livestock, but will attack men if no other prey is present. A lair will contain from 1-10 cubs which are 30%-60% grown. Cubs are unable to fight. Lions are poor climbers. Lions flourish only when the supply of game is adequate.
Mountain Lion
Not a true lion, this brownish cat is lankier than its
large cousins. Except for their size, males and females are difficult to
tell apart.
The mountain lion is more cautious and less aggressive than its
larger relatives. They can spring upward 15 feet or ahead 20 feet to
attack or retreat. If they score hits with both of their forepaws, they
will rake with their back ones for 1-4 points of damage each. It will
not attack men unless threatened.Mountain lions range in forests, mountains, and rocky badlands. They are solitary, with males and females each maintaining separate territories. Their favorite prey are erdlu. The female rears 2-4 cubs alone, which remain with her for 1-2 years.
The mountain lion is flexible and elusive. It is adept at surviving on the fringes of civilization.
Smilodon
Although not truly a member of the cat family, the so-called sabre-toothed tiger is similar to them in many ways. Smilodons are known for their 6 inch long fangs which are capable of inflicting terrible wounds. Their powerful jaws and large teeth give them a +2 on their attack rolls.
Spotted Lion
Spotted lions are large, fierce, dappled versions of the lion. They are generally found in the hinterlands, but very rarely can be found in scrub plains.
Tiger
The tiger is one of the largest and most feared of the great cats. Tigers have reddish-orange fur and dark vertical stripes.
A tiger is a redoubtable foe in battle and is surprised only on a
1. They are experts in stalking and often hunt in pairs or groups. They
can leap 10 feet upward, and spring forward 30 feet to 50 feet to
attack. If they strike successfully with both forepaws, their rear claws
rake for 2-8 (2d4) points of damage per claw.This species generally inhabits wooded or covered terrain. Tigers are nocturnal, solitary, graceful climbers who are capable of sustained high speed. Tiger can swim, but rarely have the opportunity to do so. These animals rarely fight among themselves, but will protect their territories ferociously. They are also the most unpredictable and dangerous of the great cats, not hesitating to attack men. Their favorite prey includes carru, aprigs and erdlu. Females raise their 1-3 cubs alone. The cubs remain with their mother for several years. If encountered in the lair, there is a 25% chance that the cubs will be present.
Feared by men, tigers are hunted aggressively, and are threatened by the destruction of forests.
Cactus Cat
The cactus cat is covered in hair-like thorns. Its color ranges from gray to brown, and it has a forked tail. The cactus cat will attack anything that it believes it can defeat, often killing for fun. It relies on stealth to close with its prey, often digging into the inside of a cactus and bursting forth to attack prey. If both of its forepaws strike it will rake with its two rear claws for 1-4 points of damage each. It will always strike with its long, spiked tail, inflicting 1-6 points of damage.
The cactus cat inhabits all deserts and can even be found in forests. It climbs and stalks superbly. Cactus cats are generally solitary and territorial, meeting only to mate, although they have been known to make temporary alliances to attack skilled or large prey. Cactus cats are immune to all types of poison and regularly eat scorpions and drink cactus juices.
If found in a lair, there is a 25% chance there will be 1-3 cubs. Cubs are born blind and without spikes, they do not fight effectively.
Ecology
Great cats are an important predator species found throughout Athas. They are often hunted for their hides by intelligent races and for meat by larger predators.
No comments:
Post a Comment