Pincer Tiger vs Crimson Maned Wolf

 

     As followers of my blog know, I'm a big fan of Astonishing Swordsmen and Sorcerers of Hyperborea!  When I saw they were kickstarting an updated (but still backwards compatible) edition I jumped on board.  Unfortunately due to Covid the print product has been delayed, but I did get the PDFs on schedule.  While still AS&SH, it is now going by the more easily said title of Hyperborea!  I finally had a bit of time to read through it, and it is the same cool RPG with amazing new art and some tweaks and adjustments here and there, all good stuff!  

     One of the ways I learn a system is to make up monsters and NPC's for it.   So today, since it was pouring down rain outside and I'm still worn out from work, I sat down to have some fun working up some critters.

     While browsing the Pulp Covers blog I found the below image.

 I haven't read the story, but decided to stat up these beasties just from the cover, and decided they needed to be worked into my upcoming Hyperborea Campaign (that keeps getting delayed due to the pandemic).

Pincer Tiger

Vs

Crimson Maned Wolf

     Pincer Tigers  are large tigers with the addition of two large crab-like pincer appendages.  Whether these beasts are the result of some insane arcane experiment or some horrific mutation, is unknown, what is known is that the pincer tiger is a fearsome predator that has adapted the use of its pincers to become even more deadly than its natural feline-kin. Whereas, normal tigers tend to hunt deer, musk ox and boars, the pincer tigers will hunt traditional prey, as well as, other predators in the area, and are known to have a taste for human flesh.  Normal bears, wolves and other predators will generally avoid a pincer tiger's territory or will soon become prey to these felines as well.  These beasts are highly territorial and generally solitary, but in rare instances they  have been known to cooperate as social predators. An old huntsman's tale describes a pack of pincer tigers hunting and killing an owlbear. Pincer tigers can be found in the regions normal tigers inhabit, but seem to be more often encountered in tropical to semi-tropical regions.  There are tales of pincer tigers swimming to smaller islands and wiping out the local game. Fully grown pincer tigers are up to 8+ feet long and weigh 700 pounds.

Pincer Tiger  #E 1 (1d4) | AL N | SZ L | MV 50 | DX 14 AC 6 | HD 7  | #A 3/1 (claw/claw/bite D 1d6/1d6/2d6) or #A 2/1( pincer/pincer 2d4/2d4) | SV 14 | ML 9| XP 530 | TC nil | Special: Rake: If both claw attacks hit, the cat automatically rakes with its two rear claws for 2d4 hp damage each. ‘Special: If both pincer attacks hit the victim will be bitten by the beast for 2d6 damage, the victim is considered pinned and breaking free requires a test of strength or dexterity  Surprise: Superior stalker; chance to surprise increased by 2-in-6.

     The Crimson Maned Wolf has traits of  both lions and wolves. Appearing as very large  wolves with lion-like red fur, manes and tails. They tend to be more commonly found in warmer wilderness regions but can be found throughout Hyperborea.  Unlike normal wolves, there have been no reported successful attempts at domesticating these beasts. Their canine/feline nature makes them too unpredictable and dangerous to handle. These beasts can range over wide areas like normal wolves, while seeking prey and hunt in small groups, led by the biggest alpha male.  They will hunt humans if prey is scarce or if the humans appear weak or injured. Often tracking them at a distance for days wearing their prey down over time. Rogue males, in particular have shown a tendency to develop a taste for human flesh (and humans aren't as fast as deer).

Crimson Maned Wolf #E 1d6 (1d6+6) | AL N | SZ L | MV 50 |  DX 12 | AC 6 | HD 5 | #A 3/1 (claw/claw/bite 1d4+1/1d4+1/2d6) | SV 15 | ML 9 | XP 300   | TC nil  Rake: If both claw attacks hit, rear claws automatically rake for 1d6+1 hp damage each.

 Just for fun I worked up the lady in the background as an NPC

                                                  

Cassia

Priest

Female

Roman

1st level

Alignment: Lawful Good

Religion: Apollo

Hit Points: 3

Hit Die: d4

AC:9

STR 9

INT 10

WIS 11

DEX 9

CON 10

CHA 12

Armour Allowed: None

Shields Allowed: None

Favoured Weapons: Dagger, dart, quarter - staff, sling, whip (as a priest of Apollo, she is Proficient with all bows)

Class Saving Throw Modifiers: Death +2, Sorcery +2

Class Abilities: Scroll Use, Scroll Writing, Sorcery (spells known: 4, spells cast per day: 2), Turn Undead (Turning ability 1)

Known Spells: (1st level) : Detect Malady, Create Water, Ceremony of Consecration, Cure Light Wounds

Secondary Skills: Weaver

Languages: Hellenic (Greek dialect), Latin

Weapons & Equipment

Shortbow (1d6 damage), quiver of 10 arrows, Silver dagger (1d4 damage), backpack, bandages, winter blanket, religious clothing, silver holy symbol of Apollo, holy water, soft leather pouch, wooden prayer beads, iron rations (1 week), small sack, tinderbox, torches ×3, wineskin (half full), writing stick, and 4 gold pieces.

Cassia is the unfortunate victim of a strange phenomenon happening in Hyperborea.  Romans from Old Earth are finding themselves randomly transported to Hyperborea. Cassia has only recently materialized into this strange world which is populated by horrific and terrifying monsters!  She initially thinks she is having some horrible nightmare or even worse she has crossed over into Pluto's Realm as a punishment for failing her god Apollo in some way!

     Given time, and if she survives the encounter with these beasts, she will try to make her way in the world, seeking out other Romans and trying to promote worship of Apollo.