 |
| Illustration by "Dug" |
|
Grizzlock
DESCRIPTION: Standing at 9 feet tall, hunched over, the Grizzlock is a fearsome humanoid beast, although an unpredictable one. Their triangular shaped heads have an underbite jaw filled with sharp teeth which they use to chew through wood, which has garnered them the names "Hob-foresters" or "Wood Men". Most Grizzlocks have flame-orange hair, so they keep hidden in summer months, but during the fall when the leaves change color they come out.
COMBAT/TACTICS: Grizzlocks like to hide in underbrush or in high trees, whichever will give them the best cover. The creatures are unpredictable. It is not known what causes a Grizzlock to allow certain creatures to pass and then unexpectedly spring on others. The first clue to a presence of a Grizzlock is crude mobile-like objects (see below). This may be territorial, but due to the Grizzlock's unpredictable nature, it is not certain.
A Grizzlock can only be surprised on a 1 in 6 chance. They spring from their hiding place, latching on with their powerful jaws, chomping down for an initial 2-16 points of damage. At the same time they slash with their claws for 1-6 points of damage. The Grizzlock will hold the victim in its jaws for one more round, giving them an addition 1-8 pts. of damage, and then fling them aside. The Grizzlock will then attempt to latch onto another opponent.
HABITAT/SOCIETY: The Grizzlock are loners, preferring large forests and mountains. No female Grizzlocks are known to exist, although some surmise that a few of the Grizzlocks are female, just that no one has had the time to examine one up close. During the summer the Grizzlock spends most of its time foraging, hunting small game, and keeping out of sight due to its brightly colored fur. They gather up sticks, stones, bones, hide, and even treasure to build crude, but elaborate mobiles which they hang high in the trees or attach to boulders. It is not known if this is to mark territory or to attract mates.
Grizzlocks, though fierce, do not attack children, or at least what they perceive as children. There was one story where a Grizzlock had captured a halfling, thinking it a child, built him mobiles with which to play. The frightened halfling later escaped after the Grizzlock had fallen asleep.
Grizzlocks have an affinity for chewing on wood, their favorite being poplar. Grizzlocks have a wide diet, but is known to leave half-eaten carcasses about, but do not kill more than they need.
ECOLOGY: Grizzlocks are unpredictable and some have been known to slaughter livestock. They've also attacked adventuring parties and travellers.
|
YIELD:
Medicinal: Nil Spell Components: Nil Hide/Trophy Items: Their coat may be used as a winter jacket. Treasure: Incidental Other: Nil |
|
Mikeeze Wurld is © 2001 by Michael S. Hensley. HackMaster is a trademark of Kenzer and Company. Any use of trademarks is in no way to be considered a challenge to such trademark or copyright by its rightful owner. |