A New Monster for DragonQuest- the Kervararkin

This was originally intended for B/X D&D, but I think it works better as a DQ monster. Thanks go to my homie Ettin of Hexin for "meow."

KERVARARKIN

Natural Habitat: Plains, Woods, Fields, often around human habitats

Frequency: Very Rare Number: 1-2 (1)

Description: Kervararkins are fairies of the Unseelie Host that look like a normal house cat (q.v.) but with a head closely resembling that of a human’s. They speak quietly, often in whispers. They can communicate with cats, but are only able to utter the word “meow” as a human would. In all other respects they are like cats.

Talents, Skills, and Magic: When in shadow, the Kervararkin fades from sight as per the spell Walking Unseen [43.4.5.] They can will themselves visible for a few moments at a time or return to visibility simply by stepping into the light.

Kervararkins will know a handful of spells from either the College of  Ensorcelments & Enchantments or the College of Illusion, but will .

Despite their use of magic, it is this last ability that makes them the object of animus among human adepts- a kervararkin can cause any area around it (usually no more than a few yards) to become a low mana area, regardless of the amount of mana already present.  This does not affect their own use of mana, however.

Movement Rates:

PS: 3-4 MD: 19-21 AG: 22-24 MA: 10-15

EN: 4-5 FT: 9-12 WP: 14-21 PC: 18-20

PB: 6-18 TMR: 9 NA: Fur absorbs 1 DP

Weapons: As per House Cat [66.2]

Comments: While most people have an aversion towards Kervararkins, they are especially disliked by adepts. They can be discouraged by symbols of the Powers of Light and will similarly avoid consecrated ground.

Kevararkin is ™ and © 2014 by Richard Butler, U.S. Reg. Pat. Off.

XXVc Notebook- Animal Apercu: Osquip

I'm favoring the old Fiend Folio write-up for the Osquip with this entry and so am only dealing with the six-legged relative of the rat, not the 2e decapod beaver.

OSQUIP

http://www.lomion.de/cmm/ratosqui.php

CONCEIVED PURPOSE: Experiment (failed)

CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Warrens, Ruins, Sewers

FREQUENCY: Uncommon

ORGANIZATION: Pack

ACTIVITY CYCLE: Night

DIET: Omnivore

INTELLIGENCE: Animal

Genotype: Mole rat, shrew and bulldog

Habitat/Terrain: Originally, the osquip was an early experiment in genetic hybridization, with an eye towards creating arable land- the osquips were hoped to build warrens in relatively lifeless soil, breed in large numbers and quickly die, leaving their remains to fertilize the area. However, the best laid plans of osquips and men often go awry, as they say and elements of the bulldog strain became dominant. They eventually escaped into the wild and the rest is history.

Ecology: Osquips were originally conceived as strict carnivores, in the hopes that they wouldn't harm surrounding plantlife, but nature had other plans and they quickly adapted to whatever food was available. They are a common sight in the larger sprawls as well as the occasional orgzone sewer system. In most regards they are like the giant rats they appear to be, avoiding lit, open areas, nesting dark, enclosed spaces and living off whatever source of nourishment they can find. Luckily, osquips were never able to breed any more frequently than the common canine from which they derive many of their characteristics.

Osquip meat tastes like shit, but their hide makes for good leather.

XXVc Notebook: Animal Apercu

I'm going through the AD&D 2e Monstrous Manual/Compendium to find appropriate monsters and animals for populate the planets with. I'll add them as I use them, so this list will expand over time. To avoid information overkill, I'm just listing the bits that pertain to XXVc, since all that other info is available elsewhere.

SALUQI

http://www.lomion.de/cmm/dogsaluq.php

CONCEIVED PURPOSE: Hunting dog

CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Mars, desert and plains

Genotype: Greyhound

Habitat/Terrain: Bred by RAM scientists as hunting dogs, the saluqi quickly fell into favor with Martian prisons where they are used by guards to track escapees. They are also used by high ranking RAM employees in hunting human prey (typically Terran) for sport. Saluquis are best suited to the desert-like environment of Mars and are thus suited to any arid, sandy environment.

Ecology: Saluqis' superior eyesight is ideally suited to the thin Martian atmosphere, where sound carries less well than it does on Earth. Their eyes were crafted using DNA from Boa Constrictors, allowing them a high degree of night vision as well as the ability to see heat signatures.

More to come!