Sun Keld Rules v.3 : Bestiary

Allutu

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
16	9	10	2	18	8	10	45	0	0	10	2	2	4	140
Claw : A18 D9 Init10 damD12+10 Mighty 2 Can attack 2 times / round

The Allutu is an enormous cousing of the Cambarid (red). The Allutu resembles a vast armoured shield, low, flat, with many spiny legs and a pair of enormous claws. Although the Allutu spends most of its time in the water, it is capable of clambering out onto land, where it proves surprisingly nimble (though its land move is reduced to 2). It can raise its eyes on stalks, allowing it to spy out targets while remaining under water.

An Allutu's armoured body turns away most blows with enormous ease, but its pale underbelly is more vulnerable, having only Armour 5. The armoured shell is not completely proof against weapons. A blow against a hit location of -6 with a piercing weapon can strike at a vulnerable joint or gap, and treat the Armour as 2.

The shells of these creatures can be made into shields (Shellworking difficulty 12) and helmets (difficulty 16).

Ash Dragon

keywordsDeadlands, Drylands

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
17	15	10	3	14	10	11	32	0	0	5	0	1	3	109
Bite : A17 D15 Init11 damD6+2 Ash Breath : A24 D15 Init12 damD8 Cone. Range 10. Ag vs. 15 for half. Armour counts half. Starts fires.

Ash Dragons are large lizards with a distinctive pale colouration and a texture like hardened ash. A typical adult has 3 or 4 pairs of legs, and is 10 Legats long from nose to tail (about half of this length is tail) Ash Dragons spend most of their time sleeping beneath the soil, and are largely harmless if encountered in this state. They awake only when a wildfire has burnt the area, and then emerge to a fenzy of hunting and mating. An Ash Dargon's colouring makes it very hard to spot amidst burnt vegetation, and it likes to attack from just below the surface (Stealth 16). Once they have bitten a target they will latch on, chewing for automatic damage each turn unless the target can break free.

Ash Dragons have a mysterious power over flames. They can breathe hot ash out as an attack, and can swallow fire attacks directed at them (this heals them). They can raise (or lower) the difficulty of Red Order magic nearby by 4. Black Order magic is not affected, and water based attacks do +2 damage. They can also control non-magical fires as per Lesser Command, although they much prefer to ignite things than put them out.

Ashwight

keywordsSpirit, Rare

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
17	24	15	15	0	14	11	18	0	0	0	6	0	4	106
Touch : A17 D24 damD10+5 Fatigue Ignores Armour

Ashwights are spirits drawn to places where people have died by fire. The Ashwight resembles a formless cloud of black smoke, which can wrap around a victim and drain their warmth and life force away. They are hard to damage, having MD6 and immunity to non-sacred weapons. Sufficiently dispersing the smoke (with wind for example) will drive them off.

Bull Centaur

keywordsGuardian

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
19	18	11	10	15	13	12	40	3	7	3	0	2	6	125
Naga Axe : A19 D19 Init12 damD8+5 Trample : A21 D19 Init13 dam2D6+3 Full move

Bull Centaurs are creatures that resemble a cross between a Keldian and a Crdlu, having the torso and arms of the former and the body of the later. Bull Centaurs are rarely encountered, apparently haunting old ruins and ancient tombs. They often wear bronze armour and carry over-sized weapons that benefit from their huge strength. They sometimes appear to act as guardians, protecting treasure chambers and temples, at others to simply make their dens in these old structures. Some Sages believe that Bull Centaurs are a lesser relation of the Lammasu.

Corpse Ghost

keywordsTwilight, Undead

level5

	At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick	Lvl
Small Animal	14	12	15	10	5	14	12	12	0	0	3	2	3	5	79	4
Bite : A14 D12 Init18 damD4+1 Inflicts 2 Fatigue.
Large Animal	17	15	12	10	10	16	12	20	0	0	4	2	2	5	103	5
Bite : A16 D15 Init14 damD8+2 Inflicts 2 Fatigue.
Huge Animal	20	16	14	10	15	18	12	30	0	0	5	2	1	5	120	5
Bite / Smash : A20 D16 Init15 damD10+3 Inflicts 2 Fatigue.

A Corpse Ghost is a dead Keldian spirit that has the power to drag a corpse or skeleton from the earth and animate it to attack others. Such a Ghost can animate any sort of dead creature of Clay and control it like a puppet. The dead remains jerk to life, surrounded by a pale blue radiance. Fleshless jaws open and close, dead eyes roll, and rotted flesh clings together. The sight of such a creature coming to attack inflicts a Fear 16.

A Corpse Ghost may animate all sorts of dead creatures (Keldians included), but it uses some of its energy to do so. A fully rested Corpse Ghost has six energy, each of which can be used to animate one creature (or two for a huge animal). If the Ghost is inhabiting a body which is destroyed it loses 1 energy immediately, so they will usually flee first, but can simply raise another corpse and continue attacking. The Ghost will regain 1 energy each day, or 2 if it is near the site of its original haunting. Unlike a normal Ghost a Corpse Ghost can venture a little way outside the Twilight lands, provided that it is currently animating a corpse. However, if driven from the remains it is possessing while exposed to the light of the sun, it is immediately destroyed.

A Corpse Ghost attacks without fear, since it cares nothing for any damage inflicted on its animated form. Although it can be hit by normal weapons they have reduced damage from most sources : small weapons only do 1 damage, light cutting weapons do 2, heavy cutting weapons do their +, arrows do no damage, fire magic does half damage. Only crushing weapons do normal damage. The touch of a Corpse Ghost inflicts 2 Fatigue from its radiance, even if armour prevents the damage it might inflict.

Crown of Stars

keywordsTwilight, Aquatic

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
14	10	8	0	13	12	10	40	0	0	3	0	0	0	103
Tentacle : A14 D10 Init8 dam2D6+1 May make 5 attacks / round

A Crown of Stars is a vast aquatic creature similar to a cross between a jellyfish and a starfish. A pinwheel 4 to 6 strides across its translucent heart is surrounded by large limbs, the largest five of which can be used to attack creatures as large as a Crdlu if one ventures near. The Crown of Stars is not highly aggressive, however, rather it drifts through the One River, faintly glowing blue and pink, and preying on the small fish of the river. The spines at the heart of the creature, however, are much valued as arrow or spear tips.

Fire Lion

keywordsDeadlands, Pack

level4

	At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick	Lvl
Female	20	18	18	9	14	12	10	28	4	4	2	0	3	3	112	4
Bite : A23 D18 Init21 damD8+3 Claw : A17 D15 Init20 damD8+1 May claw in the same round as a bite.
Male	21	16	14	9	15	14	10	40	6	4	2	0	2	4	122	4
Claw : A24 D16 Init16 damD8+4 Flame Blast : A28 D16 Init12 damD10+6 Area 4. Base Range 2. Ag v.s 16 for 1/2.

Fire Lions are majestic creatures of crimson hue. They live in the seemingly deadly heat of the Light Side, in packs of 5 to 15, centered about one primary Male and a number of Females. Lone Males are also sometimes encountered. Fire Lions are undeniably dangerous, especially because they work in perfectly organized hunting packs, the Females having Stealth 14. The lean Male, however, has a magical power which allows him to breathe out gouts of flame to defend the pack. Despite their deadliness Fire Lions have sometimes been known to help Keldians, especially against Halfhounds, although they do not appear to be able to speak.

Gana

keywordsIcelands

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
24	14	12	8	16	14	12	40	3	3	4	0	2	5	124
Smash : A24 D14 Init14 damD6+3 May use twice a round. Axe : A22 D15 Init14 damD8+4 May use one axe swing and one smash in a round.

By the best guesses of Riverland Sages a Gana is some sort of mutated offshoot of the Night Goblins. Three times the size of their brethren (larger than a Keldian) and bulging with muscles, each Gana is unique in some way. One might have an extra arm, another a twisted spine, while a third has a huge claw for an arm and a single eye. Gana are universally ferocious, and will plow into combat with little regard for their own safety, smashing about them with their huge hands. Other Goblins appear to regard them with a mixture of contempt and awe, keeping them chained and controlled, but also showering them with trinkets and food. A small percentage of Gana are smart enough to use weapons and armour of Goblin manufacture (+1 Armour).

Not every tribe has a Gana, and very few have more than one at a time, so they are deployed only as shock troops. It is very rare to see a Gana without an accompanying Goblin pack and leader, but warriors of Derzak sometimes hunt these creatures for the arena, where their savage nature and great strength are a clear crowd pleaser. A captured Gana is a Treasure 6 to the right buyer.

Guard (order)

keywordsKeldian, Urban

level2

	At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick	Lvl
Guard	12	12	11	10	13	11	10	17	4	5	4	0	2	3	84	2
Bronze Mace : A17 D16 Init10 damD6+5 Shield Horn Bow : A17 D13 Init11 damD6+3 Ranged 12. Accuracy 4. Naga Axe : A18 D13 Init12 damD8+4 Unbalanced
Overseer	14	14	10	11	15	13	11	18	5	6	4	0	2	4	88	4
Sickle Sword : A20 D19 Init12 damD6+4 Parry (2). Shield

The Orders have many armed troops working for them, a substantial number of which make up the city Guards, sentries, bodyguards and retinues of Bonded Ones and Magi. Better trained and better armed than the common Guards employed by Merchants, these Order Troops are usually given uniforms in the colours of the Orders they serve, and are more dedicated to their tasks than those who work only for a common wage. Progression in the ranks of the Order soldiery can elevate a Freeman to the status of Clerk, at which point the Guard is expected too (and can afford to) arm themselves. Senior Guard Overseers will thus have the best weapons and armour they can afford.

Guard

Observation 2 / Search 5
Oratory 1 / Command 2
Subterfuge 1 / Deception 2
Warfare 1 / Parry 1, Shield 1

Overseer

Observation 2 / Search 5
Oratory 2 / Command 5
Subterfuge 1 / Deception 3
Warfare 2 / Parry 4, Shield 3
Merchant 1 / Administrate 5 (clerk)

Judge

keywordsKeldian, Political, Urban

level3

	At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick	Lvl
Judge	9	10	10	13	9	12	12	14	13	8	3	0	0	3	62	3
Law : A24 D12 Init11 damD6+2
Presiding Judge	10	10	10	13	8	14	13	15	13	9	3	0	0	4	69	4
Law : A24 D12 Init11 damD6+2

At level 3 a typical Bonded Judge presiding over a lower court (one intended for Clerks). At level 4 a presiding Bonded Judge assisted by two lesser Judges for a court set to try a Bonded One. These Judges have Social Armour and Assurance (and are Bonded Clerks). A Noble Judge would have +1 Status and -1 Wealth.

Skills

Law 4 / Nastrim's Code 10, Politics 5
Oratory 3 / Command 4, Debate 4
Subterfuge 2 / Deception 4

Paths / Qualities

Bonded-One, Clerk
Assured, Distinction
Edge : Judgement

Lion Bird

keywordsDeadlands, Flying

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
18	16	16	7	12	12	12	25	0	0	3	0	3	4	106
Swoop : A20 D22 Init20 damD8+2 Claw : A23 D16 Init15 damD8+1 On the ground, can attack twice

Lion Birds are huge tawny creatures of the Light Side. They are nearly the height of a Keldian with brown wings and red feathers on their body. Rather than a normal bird’s head they have a furred maw like that of a Fire Lion. These aggressive creatures live in the canyons of hills and the sides of wadis, from which they soar out to look for prey. They will swoop down upon any small group or individual crossing the plains attacking with surprise, and will continue to attack the same prey, even on successive days unless very heavily wounded or slain. The corpses of the dead are taken back to nests in high inaccessible locations, and there is usually Treasure 2 or 3 of discarded items to be found there. Lion Birds sometimes land and maul their prey with their heavy paws, attacking twice a round if they do so.

Mind Taker

keywordsDrylands, Twilight, Icelands

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
16	14	12	12	12	10	8	25	0	0	2	0	4	3	93
Drain : A16 D14 Init20 damD6 Int Ignores Armour.

The Mind Taker is a hideous creature of the shadows. It can be found anywhere from the Poison Forest to the Dead Hills, seemingly immune to heat or thirst. This is not so surprising, given that the Mind Taker feeds on the drained Intellect of its victims. The Mind Talker resembles a purple sphere or octopus with four large paddle limbs. With these it can latch onto a victim, draining D6 Int with a successful touch. The victim will be stunned and confused and must make a fatigue check each time they are hit. Should the Mind Taker be allowed to drain all of a target’s Int then the target will die. However in normal cases the Taker flees after accumulating around 10 points of Int, and a victim will then recover 1 Int per hour until well again.

When slain a Mind Taker quickly deflates, and then begins to sublimate into an unpleasant purple smoke. Catching this smoke within a sealed container is tricky (Agility vs. 16), but results in a Treasure 4 of value to alchemists. Corrupted Stonetalkers are reputed to be able to use this smoke as part of a poison that causes D6 Int damage on exposure.

As if their powers were not already enough the Takers can also teleport in combat up to 5 strides in any direction, allowing them to always attack first in any round. They will usually use a teleport to initiate combat, taking a victim by surprise, usually while resting or sleeping, since they are not skilled attackers.

Mussagana

keywordsUndead

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
15	11	10	5	18	14	14	35	0	0	3	2	3	4	108
Bite : A17 D11 Init14 damD8+3 Inflicts a Wound on a critical hit. Two attacks a round

The Mussagana is the undead spirit of a Keldian who starved to death. Their all-consuming hunger causes their spirit to cling to their flesh, ever seeking a way to fill their empty bellies. The Mussagana superficially resembles a gaunt and emaciated Keldian, with limbs reduced to sticks of bone and shrunken flesh. Where their bellies should be, however, the Mussagana has a second mouth, gaping and filled with ragged pointed teeth.

Mussagana are interested in only one thing, eating, and will concentrate on stores of food and grain, devouring everything they can get their double mouths on. They are just intelligent enough to adopt simple ruses if it will get them close to food, such as throwing on a cloak and joining a group entering a storehouse, or entering a building where food is being served, but at the sight of food they throw aside such deceptions and gorge themselves. A clever Keldian facing such a creature knows that it can be lured with food.

If attacked, the Mussagana will bite with both mouths, attempting to devour alive whoever it is attacking. On a critical hit it will bite off part of whoever it is attacking, leaving a nasty wound (tales tell of a Mussagana devouring both the food used to lure it and the hand holding it). Like most embodied undead the Mussagana is resistant to normal weapons, taking half damage from physical attacks and spells. Sacred weapons do full damage.

Naga of Misty Winds

keywordsDrylands, Twilight, Naga

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
25	15	15	10	14	12	12	35	0	8	6	0	4	4	127
Strike : A25 D15 Init17 dam3D4 Armour counts half.

Like all Nagas, the Naga of Misty Winds is a long serpentine creature with a horned head and many short legs. The Naga of Misty Winds has a body made from hot damp air, and seldom touches the ground, though they do not appear to be able to fly far from the surface either. It attacks simply by flying at its target and scalding it with its body. A Naga of Misty Winds takes no damage from piercing attacks, and only half from any other weapon or spell. Wind-based attacks do double damage.

Such Nagas are found in all parts of the world, always close to a source of water, usually one far from habitation. The Naga makes this water source their home, and spends most of its time near to it. Many travellers like to repeat tales of having to bargain with a Wind Naga for access to their water.

Most of these tales are probably untrue, keldians encountering a Wind Naga at its pool are usually attacked without warning. At other times the Nage will range as much as half a day's travel from the pool and attack seemingly at random. A wise traveller knows that a sighting of a Wind Naga means that a source of water must be somewhere close by. A very wise one will most likely avoid it.

If seriously wounded or slain, the Naga assumes a crystalline shape, like a small version of itself, at the bottom of its pool. If this is removed from the water then it will become a gem worth Treasure 5, otherwise in three days it becomes the unwounded Naga once again.

Night Goblin

keywordsIcelands, Pack

level2

	At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick	Lvl
Normal	10	10	13	9	12	8	9	14	1	4	1	0	1	4	57	2
Curved Sword : A13 D12 Init15 damD6+3
Acolyte	12	12	13	9	12	9	9	20	2	5	2	0	1	4	74	3
Serrated Sword : A15 D14 Init15 damD6+3 Poisoned, Phys vs. 14 or D4.
Master	15	15	13	10	13	10	10	25	4	6	3	0	1	4	92	4
Sword and Dagger : A18 D18 Init14 damD6+3 Poisoned, Phys vs. 14 or D4.
Champion	18	18	14	10	15	11	11	25	5	7	5	0	2	4	110	5
Sword and Dagger : A21 D21 Init17 damD6+4 Poisoned, Phys vs. 15 or D4.

Night Goblins are strange semi-intelligent creatures that live on the Dark side hills and in the edges of the Night forests. They are half the size of Keldians, with dark green skin and black and purple clothing made from hard hide. They carry cruel curved swords made from obsidian that they mine themselves, and short spears. They have no Mages at all, but their champions are highly skilled warriors and wield poisoned weapons. Night Goblin tribes are brutal, ruled by the strongest regardless of age or gender. Mostly they stay far from the City States, but every so often they invade the Twilight lands in massed groups to steel cattle and kill Keldians. They are even more of a menace for those trying to pass into the Dark Side.

Occasionally Keldian communities and Night Goblins go to war with each other, especially Iceland villages, which can sometimes be wiped out in these conflicts. Although these conflicts leave a lot of Keldian equipment in Goblin hands (and vice-versa) neither side likes to use the weapons of the other. This means that Goblin lairs often have Keldian weapons littered nearby, while Goblin weapons are melted down by Keldians.

A standard Night Goblin patrol is a Level 2 monster and has 10 individuals in it (CS 510). Larger patrols have 15-20 Goblins and an Acolyte (Level 3) (CS 1088). Small tribes have 30-40 Goblins, D3 Acolytes and a Master (Level 4). Larger tribes, or war parties, will have 50-100 Goblins, D6 Acolytes, 2 Masters and a Champion (Level 6).

Night Raven

keywordsIcelands, Flying

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
14	14	14	10	14	10	10	30	0	4	3	0	4	2	107
Peck : A14 D14 Init18 dam1D8+2 Gust : A20 D16 Init18 Phys vs. 16 or knocked back.

Night Ravens are larger cousins of the Iron Ravens, with 4 Legat wingspans or more, with feathers as black as the night that surrounds them. Night ravens are usually solitary, but small groups are sometimes seen deep into the Darklands. Little is known about their life cycle, since they live so far from Keldian lands, and it is not clear if they have any sort of society or language. Night Ravens are rarely aggressive, preferring to fly away from combat. If cornered they will flap their wings to push attackers back before taking to the air (Combat stats above are for a Night Raven on the ground). They are regarded as unlucky because they are said to hold the souls of the ancient ones whose ruined cities can be found buried in the sands of the Light Side.

Obsidian Guardian

keywordsIcelands, Guardian

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
16	16	10	7	20	15	10	25	0	0	6	6	2	4	120
Greatsword : A20 D18 Init11 damD8+7 Parry 1, Long, Sacred, Mighty 2, Can attack twice a turn

Huge Obsidian centaurs, the Obsidian Guardians are the sentinels of Ancient ruins deep in the Nightlands. Obsidian Guardians are resistant to both physical attack and magic, but their mighty bodies are brittle — they take double damage from a critical hit. They wield enormous two-handed swords (D8+3), which require a minimum Physical of 15 to use. Artificial and tireless constructs, they have enough intelligence to perform their duties, but are otherwise single-minded and unshakeable. They do not suffer from fear and cannot be mind-controlled.

Rakku

keywordsDrylands, Flying

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
19	22	16	8	22	12	19	35	4	5	3	0	4	2	129
Claw : A23 D18 Init20 dam2D6+2 Grab and fly off. Bite : A15 D15 Init18 damD12+5 Only on the ground.

The Rakku is a giant bird that makes it's home in the Drylands. It has a tawny colouring, with a pale underbelly and a black tail and head. On it's forehead it has a white blaze in the shape of a crown, which lead some to refer to it as the Desert King. It has huge claws, and is capable of lifting a medium sized Crdlu straight from the ground and carrying it to its mountain roost to devour. If it scores at least one degree of success on its attack then it has grabbed its target and may carry it off. If it takes at least 3 damage to its feet it will drop what it is holding.

Their nests, always high in a rocky outcropping, are filled with bones and the discarded possessions of past victims, generally amounting to a Treasure 5. These nests will often prove to contain another Rakku, and perhaps Rakku young as well, so are not easy places to find treasure.

Roaring Bull

keywordsDeadland, Drylands, Spirit, Rare

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
20	15	10	4	25	15	11	50	0	7	4	0	2	4	137
Charge : A22 D13 Init12 damD10+5 Full move. Roar : D15 Init10 damD12+4 Stun Area 8.

Roaring Bulls are evil spirit creatures that sometimes appear on open plains. They are huge, black, and have flaming eyes and mouths, with wide cruel horns. They get their name because they can let out a terrible roar that inflicts D12+4 Stun damage on all creatures nearby (ignoring armour), and causes a Long Term Injury. When slain their bodies vanish away into thin air. Unlike most Spirits they can be injured by any sort of metal weapon.

Rock Wight

keywordsSpirit, Uncommon

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
14	14	10	10	24	10	10	35	0	7	8	0	0	1	114
Fist : A14 D14 Init8 damD8+7

Rock Wights resemble tall and angular figures made from rock who live deep in mountain caves and crevasses. They do not dislike sunlight but are believed to feed on minerals, they have been seen only a few times when not summoned by a spell. They appear to be intelligent, but have never been known to speak so it must remain in doubt. They have been observed to wear various gemstones about them, perhaps Treasure 4 or 5, but not to carry tools or armour. They are not naturally aggressive, nor are they particularly skilled in combat, but can inflict massive blows with their fists. Sometimes they appear to hunt gemstones, appearing from solid rock walls (Stealth 20) and knocking people aside to get at them.

Sallasa Kirist

keywordsTwilight

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
20	16	12	4	18	14	9	58	0	6	4	0	4	3	149
Bite : A25 D16 Init16 dam2D8+3

The Sallasa Kirist is a large reptilian monster of the Poison Forests. It likes to make it layer in old ruins, especially where the ground is damp. From this layer it ranges for food and to collect baubles that attract its fancy, which it hides amongst the bones at the bottom of its lair. The Kirist has ineffectual front legs, but its huge back legs enable it to bound at amazing speeds. It makes its attacks with its huge jaws, often killing its target with one huge snap. Should it land a critical attack the target is held in the Kirist's jaws, and will either be worried (automatic damage) or flung aside on the next round.

Despite its great natural protection Sallasa Kirist hide does not make for great armour, being no better than Crdlu hide. However the distinctive patterns increase the value of anything made from it.

Sand Hydra

keywordsDrylands

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
14	18	11	3	16	10	10	60	0	6	2	0	2	4	133
Bite : A21 D18 Init13 damD8+5 Very Long. Can attack 3 times / round (once per head).

Sand Hydras are giant three headed creatures who live most of their life half buried in the red sands, through which they can move at great speed. They avoid the darker lands, seeming to need the heat. They take their prey by bursting from the ground and attacking with their three heads (Stealth 14). Anyone hit for a critical will be swallowed next turn unless they make a resisted Phys roll, after which they will automatically take 5 damage (ignoring armour) a round. Sand Hydra bones are very strong but surprisingly lightweight. Structures and weapons made from them are similarly light, with weapons gaining a +2 initiative bonus. Working with Sand Hydra bone raises the Difficulty by 2.

Shadow Demon

keywordsDemon, Summoned

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
20	24	19	4	17	15	13	30	0	0	0	0	2	5	114
Claws : A22 D24 Init21 damD8+8

A Demon spirit summoned by the Black Order spell Shadow Demon. In full sunlight it appears as no more than a wavering shadow of horrific shape, while in darkness it solidifies into terrible shapes that defy weapons to hit it.

Shadow Lion

keywordsTwilight, Pack

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
20	19	15	9	15	13	12	35	0	5	2	0	3	3	116
Maul : A21 D17 Init20 damD8+4

Shadow Lions live in packs like Ice lions and Fire lions, but they have no pack leaders. Male and Female are equal in power and almost indistinguishable, being sleek and black with faintly glowing eyes (Stealth 17). All Shadow Lions have the equivalent of the Shadow Gift.

The Keldians believe that the Shadow Lions are the spirits of the forest, and it does not do to offend them. Though they attack any who cross them they are believed to help those in desperate need, though this may be folklore. Certainly they do not always attack, even when they encounter lone travellers.

Spirit from the Sun

keywordsDemon, Summoned

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
16	16	15	13	16	14	12	25	0	0	4	0	4	4	105
Whirlwind : A16 D12 Init19 dam2D6 May attack twice a round.

A demon summoned by the Red Order spell Spirit from the Sun. The creature is a half visible pillar of dust and fire that falls upon its targets with a maddening shriek, battering them with wind and sand. The Spirit takes D4 extra damage from any Shadow based attack (such as a Black Order spell). The listed Intelligence is only for the purposes of spell resistance, these spirits have never been known to utter a sound other than their shriek.

Swamp Beithir

keywordsTwilight

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
22	18	14	6	18	13	11	35	0	0	5	0	2	4	120
Bite : A24 D18 Init16 damD8+3 Very Long. Phys vs. Phys or be knocked down.

The Swamp Beithir is a large reptilian creature, related to the Sand Beithir, and perhaps also to the Crocodylle. It lives a semi-aquatic life in shallow waters and bogs around the One River. The Swamp Beithir has many strong clawed legs, a sinuous and heavily scaled body, and a long mobile neck. It can breathe air or water with equal ease, and will often strike from beneath the water's surface. It's normal diet includes Cambarids and Fish as well as land animals. Swamp Beithir lay clutches of leathery eggs that hatch into groups of miniature young. The parent Beithir will guard these for a season, until they are large enough to hunt on their own (treat these youngsters as Level 2).

In Combat the Swamp Beithir strikes mostly with it's bite, using it's mobility and long neck to snap at foes from above and then toss them aside. It can also attack with some of it's legs at the same time, though this is not it's preferred attack form. If severely threatened it rears up and spits out a cloud of acidic green gas, a cone some 8 Legats long and 3 Legats across at the far end. This gas burns exposed flesh and is highly flammable. In addition it has the innate magical powers of Night Walking (4H), Shade Dance (4H), and Closing of the Eye (5H), which it may cast at will by sacrificing Health.

Tomb Hulk

keywordsDeadlands, Spirit, Guardian

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
17	16	9	2	18	14	10	25	0	7	3	0	2	5	104
Claws : A17 D16 Init12 damD8+3 Can attack twice a turn Sand Blast : A24 D16 Init15 dam2D4 Ignore half physical armour. Ranged 2. Ag vs. 15 or -2A

Ancient rock-cut tombs lie scattered across the rock-cliffs of the Deadlands, signs of a past civilisation long gone. Sometimes these places are guarded by Tomb Hulks, who will unrelentingly attack anyone who steals from such a tomb. Tomb Hulks resemble a mockery of the Keldian form, with short blunt snouts, sunken eyes, and large claws. They are of huge size, withered and shrivelled by the desert, and clad in a shell of piecemeal armour plates of corroded bronze. They commonly lie buried in the sands, ready to burst out and attack with their swinging claws. They can also whip the sand into a ranged blast, though they cannot attack with their claws in the same round.

Although Tomb Hulks are spirit creatures they can be hurt by mundane weapons. They take full damage from Sacred and Crushing weapons, but only half from any other form of damage (including magic).

Watersnake

keywordsTwilight

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
21	11	14	2	25	6	12	40	0	3	2	0	2	4	113
Bite : A21 D11 Init19 damD8+5 Poison. Phys vs. 12 or D10 Weakening.

Giant cousins of the constrictor snakes of the Twilight Jungles, these monstrous snakes can grow as long as a Keldian barge, with muscular bodies nearly a Legat in diameter. Unlike the constrictors, Watersnakes kill mostly with their bite, their enormous strength and sharp teeth capable of inflicting lethal damage. Their venom, in contrast, is weak, but can leave a victim listless and pale for many days. A Watersnake on the hunt will pick a single target and bite it again and again, then wrap it in a coil and carry it off. They have been known to attack Keldians in boats as well as parties travelling through the forests on land.

Windhorn

keywordsDrylands, Rare, Hunted

level4

At	Def	Ag	Int	Phys	Pre	Spi	H	S	W	Ar	MD	Mv	Fer	Quick
14	14	14	6	18	15	12	35	4	0	3	0	7	1	123
Gore : A17 D13 Init21 dam2D6+3 Song : Init15 Spirit vs. 16 or entranced.

The Windhorn is a majestic beast resembling an antelope twice the height of a Keldian. It's coat is brown with sweeping white patches and black markings along the spine, mane and around the eyes. It's head is crowned with two spiralling black horns pierced with holes. These horns give the Windhorn it's name, since wind blowing through the horns plays haunting tunes. The Windhorn can control the sounds produced by their horns, using them to communicate over vast distances with others of their kind. If threatened they can produce an enchanting song instead. All creatures hearing it must make a Spirit roll resisted by a 16 or become entranced. An entranced creature is rooted to the spot, lost in thought, for d4 minutes, long enough for the Windhorn to make it's escape. Only if cornered will they lash out with hooves and horns.

Windhorns are rare. The average Drylander is likely to see no more than one in their lifetime. Despite the difficulty of catching one they are often hunted, since their huge bodies have enough meat to sustain a family for months, and their horns are a Treasure 5. Hunting Difficulty 18.

Bestiary

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