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| Illustration by "Dug" |
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Lassu
DESCRIPTION: In the drier regions of the Garweeze Wurld where the Lammasu are found, there are the guardians which work along with Lammasu, protecting civilizations, graves, and treasure hoards. These guardians are called the Lassu. The Lassu is a distant cousin of the Dragonne, except the Lassu is of good alignment. It is not known what arrangement the Lammasu have with the Lassu to gain such loyalty, but the loyalty is strong. The Lassu appear as large ophidian creature with a head much like that of a lions except it does not have ears. The beard on the Lassu's chin is much longer than a lions and indicates the creatures social status, age, and honor. Anyone who dis-beards a Lassu is in for a world of hurt. The snake-like eyes of a Lassu are yellow, red or dark green. The body of a lassu varies widely. It can be black, bronze, gold, silver, tan, yellow, dark greens, or even brick red. The heads also vary in color, but predominantly tawny gold as that of a lion's, along with a mane of russet hair. The underbelly scales are always a contrasting or lighter color than the main body. Lassu are quick, intelligent, if not a bit stodgy, taking their job of guardianship very seriously. Most Lassu have a deplorable lack of humor, although they have an affinity for fine meats.
COMBAT/TACTICS: The Lassu can strike two separate opponents with either its bite or its tail. It large reptilian eyes allow it a wide angle of peripheral vision to do so. The initial attack of a Lassu is its frightening roar, much like that of a Dragonne, causing Fear in its victims up to 120 feet away, unless they make a saving throw vs. paralyzation. Those affected lose 50% of their strength for 2d6 rounds. Even those who save automatically suffer deafness for 2d6 rounds, suffering a -1 penalty to their attack roles due to disorientation. A Lassu can use its roar three times per day. After its first roar, the Lassu will attack with its bite which causes 4d6 points of damage. If a Lassu hits with a 20, it automatically swallows a man-sized victim (or smaller) whole. The tail of a Lassu can swing rapidly causing 1-12 points of damage to anyone in its path. A Lassu will fight to the death, and once it has been killed, its body will vanish in the following round, where it will reincarnate as a new Lassu within 2 weeks, remembering those who had slain it.
HABITAT/SOCIETY: Lassu are social creatures much like the Lammasu. Though they are usually found singularly, they will group up to protect larger areas or more valuable items. Lassu are capable of speaking Common, Elf, Dwarf, and Giant. Lassu like the opportunity to safeguard vaults, treasures, etc. The larger and more impressive the opportunity, the more bragging rights the Lassu have over other Lassu. Lassu are indistinguishable in their gender, but once a year a batch of eggs are lain in a secret cave. The young are soon hatched, growing rapidly within in a matter of weeks. Young Lassu will hide until they are full grown and emerge, ready to serve a master.
ECOLOGY: Lassu are valuable to the Lammasu, but will generally not serve other races, except elves on rare occasions. Lassu are long-lived and will survive centuries, guarding a single treasure trove. If a Lassu's ward is taken away or destroyed, it will be unable to handle all the dishonor and ribbing its comrades will bestow up on it. To avoid such humiliation, a Lassu will swallow up its tail until it has devoured itself into nothing.
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YIELD:
Medicinal: Nil Spell Components: Nil Hide/Trophy Items: Lassu beard Treasure: Only if they are guarding treasures of its master. Other: Nil |
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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. |