Difference between revisions of "Catoblepas"

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| AC = 5
 
| AC = 5
 
| HD = 6+2
 
| HD = 6+2
| AP = 3
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| AP = 4
| THAC0 = 15
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| stride = 5
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| THAC0 = 17
 
| hpdie = 3d4
 
| hpdie = 3d4
| attack = bite, tail
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| attack = '''2''': [[Fangs (attack)|fangs]]; [[Tail (attack)|tail]]
| dmg = 3–18, 7–12
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| dmg = 3–18 & 7–12
| special = death gaze, profound stun
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| special = [[Death Gaze|death gaze]], [[Profound Stun|profound stun]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
A creature of such hideous appearance that looking the beast in the eye has the potential to kill a hapless creature unlucky enough to stumble across this thing. The body resembles that of a huge, bloated buffalo; the head features horns on either side of its snout and large, snapping jaws. The creature is as intelligent as canines or felines — and so it has some understanding of its malevolent nature and has been known to act with deliberate malice.
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A creature of such hideous appearance that a hapless creature, looking the beast in the eye, may die at the sight.  Thus is the fate of those unlucky enough to stumble across this thing. The body resembles that of a huge, bloated [[Buffalo|buffalo]].  The head possesses horns on either side of its snout, and it has large, snapping jaws. The creature is as intelligent as canines or felines, so it has some understanding of its malevolent nature.  It's been known to act with deliberate malice.
  
[[File:Catoblepas.jpg|left|420px]]
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[[File:Catoblepas.jpg|left|450px|thumb]]
The most dangerous thing about the creature, however, is its death gaze. Any creature that approaches within four hexes of the beast is in danger of catching the catoblepas' eye, whereupon a saving throw must be made or the victim's chest will seize tight with horror and the individual will quite literally die. However, there is a saving grace, for if the characters are well supported by a moderately leveled cleric, the victim can be restored. The death will be equivalent to [[Negative Hit Points|-11 hit points]], so that a [[Death's Door (spell)|death's door]] spell will effect a recovery.
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The existence of the creature, including its ability to procreate others of its kind, has long been a source of contention. It is believed that the catoblepas was the result of a beast-making experiment gone wrong; some say that the catoblepas came from the lower planes of existence and that it is really a [[Demon|demon]].
  
As well, the catoblepas' tail features a bony club upon its end, which is fixed with ridges. The tail is structured so that the tail will snap like a whip when it hits a defender, causing it to hit very hard. If the tail hits and stuns, the defender should be considered profoundly [[Stun Lock|stunned]] for two rounds rather than one.
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== Advantages ==
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The creature's '''death gaze''' is terrifying.  Any creature approaching within four hexes of the beast is in danger of catching the catoblepas' eye, whereupon a [[Saving Throws|saving throw]] must be made, or the victim's chest will seize tight with horror. Once this occurs, the individual will quite literally die.  However, there is a saving grace: if the characters are well supported by a moderately leveled cleric, the victim can be restored. The death reduces the victim to [[Negative Hit Points|-11 hit points]], so that a [[Death's Door (spell)|death's door]] spell can effect a recovery.
  
The existence of the creature, including its ability to procreate others of its kind, has long been a source of contention. It is believed that the catoblepas was the result of a beast-making experiment gone wrong; some say that the catoblepas came from the lower planes of existence and that it is really a [[Demon|demon]]. Whatever the case, the discovery of these creatures in an area (a knowledge that includes the probability that there are others) brings consternation to many, while the eradication of the beasts will often rely on willing outsiders prepared to risk the catoblepas' death gaze.
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The catoblepas' tail features a [[Club (weapon)|bony club]] upon its end, fixed with ridges. The tail is structured so that it will snap like a whip when it hits a defender, hitting very hard.  If a [[Stun Lock|stun]] results from this hit, the stun will be '''profound''', lasting two rounds rather than one.
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The discovery of these creatures in an area (a knowledge that includes the probability that there are others) brings consternation to many, but rarely will locals undertake the task to destroy it.  Outsiders are almost always called for, among those brave and prepared enough to risk the catoblepas' death gaze.
  
  
 
See [[Bestiary]]
 
See [[Bestiary]]
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[[Category:Don't Review until 2022]]
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[[Category: Brave Intelligence]]

Latest revision as of 14:51, 27 June 2022

Catoblepas
Species beast
No. Appearing 1–3
Behaviour solitary
Range woodland (swamp)
Size 6 ft. at shoulder, 18 ft. long
Weight 3,250 lbs.
Intelligence 2
Armour Class 5
Hit Dice 6+2
Action Points 4
Max. Stride 5
THAC0 17
Hp/Die 3d4
Attack Forms 2: fangs; tail
Damage 3–18 & 7–12
Special Attacks death gaze, profound stun

A creature of such hideous appearance that a hapless creature, looking the beast in the eye, may die at the sight. Thus is the fate of those unlucky enough to stumble across this thing. The body resembles that of a huge, bloated buffalo. The head possesses horns on either side of its snout, and it has large, snapping jaws. The creature is as intelligent as canines or felines, so it has some understanding of its malevolent nature. It's been known to act with deliberate malice.

Catoblepas.jpg

The existence of the creature, including its ability to procreate others of its kind, has long been a source of contention. It is believed that the catoblepas was the result of a beast-making experiment gone wrong; some say that the catoblepas came from the lower planes of existence and that it is really a demon.

Advantages

The creature's death gaze is terrifying. Any creature approaching within four hexes of the beast is in danger of catching the catoblepas' eye, whereupon a saving throw must be made, or the victim's chest will seize tight with horror. Once this occurs, the individual will quite literally die. However, there is a saving grace: if the characters are well supported by a moderately leveled cleric, the victim can be restored. The death reduces the victim to -11 hit points, so that a death's door spell can effect a recovery.

The catoblepas' tail features a bony club upon its end, fixed with ridges. The tail is structured so that it will snap like a whip when it hits a defender, hitting very hard. If a stun results from this hit, the stun will be profound, lasting two rounds rather than one.

The discovery of these creatures in an area (a knowledge that includes the probability that there are others) brings consternation to many, but rarely will locals undertake the task to destroy it. Outsiders are almost always called for, among those brave and prepared enough to risk the catoblepas' death gaze.


See Bestiary