Golden Panda

GOLDEN PANDA by Reagren Wright

There is nothing more cute and adorable then a golden panda bear. The animal has a thick, wooly coat that is bright gold in color. There are almost yellow patches around the eyes, cover the ears, legs, chest, and forms a band around the shoulder. These gentle creatures eat only bamboo. They live on remote islands around the Land of the South Wind and the Florency Islands, far away from humanoids and predators. Until recently, explores thought these bears spent most of their lives alone, with males and females meeting only during the breeding season. Recent studies paint a different picture, in which small groups of pandas share a large territory and sometimes meet outside the breeding season. The Golden Panda is favorite of traveling shows and arenas at least partly because many find the animals has an appealing baby-like cuteness. It is usually depicted floating peacefully eating bamboo which adds to its image of innocence. These bears are almost completely docile, in fact if they do attack humanoids its out of irritation rather than predatory behavior, or out of the need to protect its offspring.

These creatures of magic share a lot in common with faerie folk. They avoid salt (won’t step on or over it) and holy symbols will hold them at bay. Their ability to radiate a protective area around them (equal to a 2nd level Sanctum spell) has made them extremely valuable as pets, but Golden Pandas die whenever held in captivity within a few weeks unless returned to the wild. Something about being held “captive” makes them sad and no longer wish to remain alive. In fact if they are locked away in a dark confining space or behind bars, the animals will usually die within 24 hours (no form of magical healing can prevent this). They prefer their islands homes rather than trappings of humanoid society, especially in cities and towns. To make matters worse, nobles of the Western Empire have learned the magical properties of their blood and eating their meat is considered a delicacy. As a result, the empire is now actively hunting for these poor defenseless creatures. Whether or not they can survive the onslaught remains unknown, already their population is dwindling at an alarm rate. Faerie Folk are known to go out of their way to try and save these animals.

Alignments: Considered good

Main Attribute: I.Q. 1D6+4 (child like) and P.B. 5D6.

Speed: 3D6 running/half when climbing in a tree.

Hit Points: 1D4x10+10

S.D.C.: 3D6+12

Natural A.R.: 7

Awe/Horror Factor: 10

P.P.E.: 1D6x100

Natural Abilities: Float (equal to the psionic power at 10th level), Nightvision (see in total darkness) 120 feet (36.5 m), See the Invisible, Bio-Regeneration 1D6 every 4 melees (1 minute), Normal heat and cold resistant (1/2 damage), Prowl 35%, Climb 90%, Track by Smell 66%, and Good Swimmers 80%.

Attacks Per Melee: Two

Damage: Bite: 1D6, Claws 1D6+2

Bonuses: +3 on initiative, +3 to strike, +2 to parry, +4 to dodge, +5 on ALL saving throws, and Impervious to Horror Factor.

Magic: Radiate a Sanctum spell constantly (equal to a 2nd level wizard).

Psionics: Sense evil, Sixth Sense, Empathy, See Aura, Mind Block, and Sense Magic. 45 I.S.P. Consider a minor psionic (3rd level). Needs a 12 or better to save vs. psionics. Value: Their fur/pelt is valued at 15,000gp. Meat (whole animal) 10,000gp. Their blood can be used by the rare alchemists who know how to turn it into a potion of youthful appearance that last for 15 years (cost 500,000gp). Eating their meat (cooked) within 6 hours of the animal’s death is equal to drinking two potions of healing (superior), however the meat must be cooked exactly right (-20% penalty) otherwise it will cause the same effect as an Age spell permanently (-4 to save vs. magic).

Average Life Span: 180-200 years

Habitat: Tropical islands, far away from humanoids and predators.

Range: Remote tiny islands near the Land of the South Wind and in the Florency Islands.

Language: They understand faerie folk, but they don’t speak it.

Enemies: Anything evil or wants to kill and eat them.

Allies: Good fairy folk.

Size: Adults measure around 5 feet (1.52 m) long and around 2 ½ feet (.75 m) tall at the shoulder. Males are 10-20% larger than females.

Weight: Males can weigh up to 253 lbs (115 kg). Females are generally smaller than males, and can occasionally weigh up to 200 lbs (100 kg).