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.
