Ferile

Ferile by Stone Gargoyle

Feriles are large predatory cats which have strong backs and are well suited for use as mounts. Due to their aggressive nature, training them can be problematic, but some say their ferocity in battle is well worth the trouble. Due to their resemblance to other large cats and to make them more recognizable as mounts, owners of these animals often take to dying their fur with their heraldic colors (green, blue, purple and bright red are most popular) to make them stand out on the battlefield. Feriles are used by many different races, including elves, humans, orcs and Tezcat.

Alignment: Any

Attributes: I.Q. 2d4 (high animal intelligence), M.E. 2d6, M.A. 2d6, P.S. 5d6, P.P. 4d6, P.E. 4d6, P.B. 4d6, Spd 5d6

Hit Points: P.E. attribute number +20

S.D.C.: 2d4X10

Natural A.R.: 6

Horror Factor: 15

P.P.E.: 3d6

O.C.C.: Not applicable

Natural Abilities: Nightvision 400 feet, climb 50%, swim 80%, prowl 70%, track by smell or sight 60%, and leap 15 feet high and 30 feet long. Can pounce on prey like a cat.

Sensitivity to the Supernatural and Potential Psychic Energy (P.P.E.): Felines can sense the supernatural and magical, but not as effectively as canines and horses. When supernatural evil is present, the cat becomes nervous, jumpy and agitated. The closer the source of evil or great magic, the more tense the animal becomes, pacing back and forth, growling and hissing in warning. When face to face with supernatural evil, the cat, a natural predator, will defend itself, its home or young, or even its master, by attacking the creature. The animal will flee only if its opponent proves to be too powerful; many will fight to the death. This is an instinctive response. Range of Sensitivity: 400 feet

Cats 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: 200 feet

Attacks Per Melee: Four per round

Damage: Claws do 2d6+8 points of damage, bite does 2d6+2 points of damage. Feriles instinctively leap and pounce on their prey, holding on with their claws and biting with their teeth. They can also strike/slash with their claws. A pouncing leap of a Ferile has a 01-65% chance of knocking human-size prey off his feet (victim loses initiative and one melee attack) and he suffers 1d6 damage from the impact and fall plus claws.

Bonuses: +3 initiative, +5 to strike, +4 to parry, +4 to dodge, +7 to save vs. Horror Factor

Magic: None

Psionics: None

Average Life Span: 12-20 years

Value: Fur: 300-600 gold. Untrained: 8,000 to 20,000 gold, trained: 60,000 to 120,000 gold

Habitat: Yin-Sloth Jungles, Land of the South Winds, Old Kingdom

Languages: None, other than growls and hisses, but can learn to understand commands in any language

Enemies: None per se, although sometimes hunted for sport and fur, and they are captured and trained as mounts

Allies: None, animal

Size: Body: 8-12 feet long, plus tail which measures about 48 inches

Weight: 600-900 pounds

Behavior: In the wild, Feriles are shy, nocturnal creatures and usually live alone. They respect each other's territory and seldom fight among themselves. Their home territory is usually about 6 square miles. They feed on wild pigs, deer, antelope, sheep, cattle and occasionally humanoids. Males and females associate for only a few days after mating. Litters of 1 or 2 young are born after a gestation of 3-4 months. Feriles love water and are excellent swimmers.