Phantom Panthers

PHANTOM PANTHERS by Reagren Wright

Whenever someone disappears for unknown reasons in the Land of the South, they use to say a phantom panther must have gotten them. This is extremely unlikely in the cities, but out in the wilds it quite possible. These large black leopards are notorious predators, who don’t hesitate to strike out at what they consider easy prey. In fact some believe phantoms enjoy killing for sheer pleasure, although there is no proof to this speculation. These cats will lie and wait for hours, sometimes a day or more waiting for prey to come close. They will use their ethereal ability to sneak upon and take down prey twice their size. They cannot attack while ethereal, nor can they interact with the physical world. While ethereal they can sink into the ground up to their nose (still have to breath) and lie in wait. They also stand in the middle of any solid object (with just a nose sticking out). Phantoms are quite aware of the dangers of using their ability while being in and around solid objects, although many panther has lost a portion of his or her tail while misjudging a pounce. Panthers can use their ability to walk on water or dense molecules like smoke or fog. Panthers live in solitude accept for the female raising her 1D6 kittens.

Alignments: Considered miscreant (evil)

Main Attributes: I.Q. 1D6+2 (low animal).

Speed: 22, with spurts of speed 50 (35 mph/56 km) for 4D4 minutes.

Hit Points: 4D6 + 12

S.D.C.: 3D6+24

Natural A.R.: 6

Horror Factor: 12

P.P.E.: 1D6x10

Natural Abilities: Nightvision (see in total darkness) 1000 feet (304.8 m), See the Invisible, Prowl 90%, Climb 90%, Track by Smell or Sight 60%, Exceptional hearing and eyesight, Swim 60%, Can leap 14 feet (4.2 m) high and 50 feet (15.2 m) across, strong stamina-hardly fatigue, can turn ethereal (intangible) for up to 5 minutes. This can be performed up to four times a day. While ethereal, the cat is impervious to all physical and energy attacks (except magic and psionics).

Attacks Per Melee: Three

Damage: Bite: 2D4, Claws 2D6

Bonuses: +5 on initiative (+7 on first melee attack), +2 to strike, +1 to parry, +2 to dodge, +6 to automatic dodge (used to turn ethereal, and +8 to save vs. Horror Factor.

Magic: None

Psionics: None.

Value: Their fur/pelt is valued at 200-300gp. However, their pelt/fur is valued by the rare alchemists who know how to turn it into a cloak of ethereal travel (performs their natural ability, except it only works for 2 minutes/3x a day, cost around 250,000gp or more to do and takes 8-10 days). These animals cannot be domesticated.

Average Life Span: 15-20 years

Habitat: Yin Sloth Jungle and Land of the South Winds, although there are unofficial reports that these cats live all over the world.

Range: Warm and humid environments, although they can adapt to temper areas as long as the winters stay mild.

Language: None

Enemies: Anything large enough to be killed will be considered food.

Allies: None, they are extremely solitary animals.

Size: 3-6 feet (.9-1.8 m) long, tail 2-4 feet (.6-1.2 m). Females are 15% smaller.

Weight: 85-200 lbs lbs (38-90 kg), Females are 20% lighter.