Leucrotta

Leucrotta

Species	beast
No. Appearing	1–4
Behaviour	subsocial
Range	barrens, desert
Size	7 ft. at the shoulder
Weight	2,900 lbs.
Intelligence	9
Armour Class	4
Hit Dice	6+1
Action Points	6
Max. Stride	20
THAC0	17
Hp/Die	3d4
Attack Forms	1: bite
Damage	3–12
Special Attacks	back kick, calling, +2 to hit with bite

Leucrotta are swift, intelligent creature that ranges from Persia to the Indus River basin, where it is seen as a danger to travellers. The beast is an immense hoofed animal, large and strong enough to kick a bull to death, with the hindquarters of an enormous stag, the tail of a lion, the withers of a heavy warhorse and the head of a huge badger. Instead of teeth, it's jaws are filled with sharp, jagged bony ridges, which it uses to grind meat, bone and plant material.

It lowers itself to the ground like a deer, and is able to lie very flat and out of sight. It has been known to burrow a bed for itself in the sand, so that even in the open it cannot be seen. It prefers sandy, desolate regions with scrubby vegetation, which are found throughout its range.

The monster is very sly and is able to speak with a natural human voice. It has learned that calling for help or asking if someone is there, while remaining hidden, it an excellent way to lure victims towards itself. Likewise, it will make many of the common sounds that herders use to call horses, dogs and other animals, in order to bring these animals away from a herd to where they can be killed.

In combat, the badger head is vicious, enabling the creature to better hit its opponents. It does not like to fight more than one combatant at a time, however, so if pressed in this manner it will turn in place and back kick. It's hooves are heavy as teakwood and sharp, so that each hit, if it lands, will cause 3-18 damage. The leucrotta will then skip away at a running stride, making no attempt to re-enter combat.

See also,
Beast
Bestiary