Blade Runner

Blade Runner by Stone Gargoyle

This mount used primarily by elves can typically be found running wild in Ophid's Grasslands but is also found in the realm of Kh'ron. Created by magic for use in the war between the elves and the dwarves, Blade Runners are basically giant grasshoppers with the heads of horses. Similar to horses, Blade Runners have a sensitivity to the supernatural and potential psychic energy (P.P.E.). When running wild, Blade Runners can be found in herds of 40 to 60. They are herbivores, eating most any plant materials they find. If left unchecked, the Blade Runner population would outnumber all other animals in the area, eating up all the grass and starving out other wildlife. For this reason, they must be regularly hunted by the elves to thin their numbers. The meat from this creature tastes like horse meat and is perfectly fine to eat if properly prepared. They are captured and used as mounts, being excellent for crossing large distances in a hurry and leaping across chasms.

Alignments: Any, but usually good.

Attributes: I.Q. 2d4 (high animal intelligence), M.E. 2d6. M.A. 2d6, P.S. 4d6, P.P. 3d6, P.E. 4d6, P.B. 1d6, Spd 4d6X2

Hit Points: P.E.+20

S.D.C.: 1d4X10+20

Natural A.R.: 12

Horror Factor: 8

P.P.E.: 4d6

O.C.C.: Not applicable

Natural Abilities: In addition to great speed, the Blade Runner can prowl 60%, track by smell 45%, climb 60%. Leaps 100 feet high and across.

Sensitivity to the Supernatural and Potential Psychic Energy (P.P.E.): Like horses, Blade Runners are among the most sensitive animals in the world when it comes to sensing the presence of immense magic energy and the supernatural, particularly supernatural evil. This psychic awareness also enables the animal to see certain invisible supernatural beings including entities, the energy essence of alien intelligences, most demons and elemental beings (does not include spell magic induced or other forms of invisibility). When supernatural evil is present, the animal will become "spooked"- nervous, jumpy, and agitated. The closer the source of evil or great magic, the more frantic the animal becomes. It does so instinctively, so even the most well trained animal may throw its rider and flee (01-33% chance). Range of Sensitivity: 1000 feet.

The animal's sensitivity is most acute in regard to evil supernatural beings, but they can also sense ley lines, nexuses, and places of power, as well as incredibly powerful creatures of magic (1500 P.P.E. or more). Range of Sensitivity: 400 feet.

Attacks Per Melee: Two per round

Damage: Head butt 2d4 damage, kick with hind legs 5d6 damage

Bonuses: +1 initiative, +4 dodge, +5 leaping dodge

Magic: None

Psionics: None

Average Life Span: 20 years, some have lived up to 40

Value: Untrained: 1,000 to 5,000 gold, trained: 10,000 to 50,000 gold

Habitat: Ophid's Grasslands, the realm of Kh'ron

Language: None, but can learn to understand commands in any language

Enemies: None per se

Allies: None, animal

Size: 7-8 feet tall at the shoulder, about the size of an average horse

Weight: 800-1000 pounds