Crag Cat

Large Animal

Hit Dice: 4d8+12 (32 hp)

Initiative: +15 (+5 Dex, +10 Reflex save)

Speed: 50 ft.

DV: 17 (-1 size, +5 Dex, +3 natural)

DR: 2

Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+12

Attacks: Claw +8 melee

Full Attack: 2 claws +8 melee (1d6+4), bite +4 melee (2d6+2, AP 7)

Space/Reach: 10 ft. (2)/5 ft. (1)

Special Attacks: Sneak attack (+3d8), Improved grab, Rake

Special Qualities: Scent, Low-light vision, Darkvision (120 ft.)

Saves: Fort +6, Ref +10, Will +2

Abilites: Str 20, Dex 20, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6

Skills: Balance +8*, Climb +12*, Hide +6*, Listen +6, Move Silently +6*, Spot +6*

* Crag cats gain an additional +4 to these skills when in mountainous terrain.

Climate/Terrain: Temperate mountains (Kenzankian Mountains)

Orgnization: Solitary or pair (1-2).

Advancement: 5-9 HD (Large).

Crag cats once terrorized the Kenzankian Mountains of eastern Brythunia, Khauran, and Zamora, though their numbers have dwindled greatly in the past century. Distantly related to the great cats, the crag cat sports a lean yet powerful physique, long muscular limbs, prominent ears, and a long mouth full of small razor-like teeth. Their eyes are a hideous milky white and do not blink. They are covered in a thick pelt that ranges in color from midnight blue to deep black. A thick mane of blue-black hair runs down the length of its back, ending in a bushy tail. Their limbs end in oddly-shaped, long tapering claws that enable them to climb almost sheer cliffs with uncanny skill. An adult crag cat is 9 feet in length and weighs 425 lbs.

Crag cats are nocturnal predators and are extremely fond of human flesh. They lair in bone-littered caves in high mountain passes, and creep forth at night to hunt their prey. They prefer to stalk their prey for several hours, waiting for the opportunity to spring their devastating sneak attack.

Sneak Attack (Ex): Crag cats are cunning adversaries and have developed the ability to sneak attack their victims much like the thief ability. Though not intelligent enough to attack in unison and flank their victims, a crag cat that strikes a foe that has lost his Dexterity bonus deals an additonal 3d8 points of damage with its claw attack.

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, the crag cat must hit with both claw attacks. If it gets hold, the victim suffers automatic bite damage and the crag cat can rake.

Rake (Ex): A crag cat that gets a hold can make 2 rake attacks (+6 melee) with its hind legs for 1d6+1 damage each.

Image by Katie Alexis Vlietstra.