Vanderjack (VAN-der-jak)

Written by bwallace

by Rin Wallace

The vanderjack is a medium-sized, kangaroo-like marsupial with a prehensile, anteater-like proboscis. The vanderjack is primarily a semi-domesticated companion animal and exhibits a nominal low intelligence similar to a chimpanzee. In some areas they also function as a work animal, due to their uncanny ability to sniff out and gather hard-to-obtain materials such as berries, small insects and various fungi and molds.
The vanderjack's natural habitat is the rocky foothills of northeastern Melas, but many have been domesticated by colonies of Tieflings. When the colonies were forced to flee their homeland, they brought a number of them along as pets and companions. Eventually pushing deep into the Theran Forest the Tiefling refugees happened upon the Halfling settlement of Colinvale where they were welcomed with open arms.
Vanderjacks have been adopted as work animals for the halflings to harvest champig mushrooms, used to make Champig Bae alcoholic drinks.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Anatomy is very similar to a wallaby or small kangaroo, although it features a long, prehensile trunk or proboscis similar to an anteater that enables it to obtain small insects and other food in hard-to-reach areas, as well as bring water to its mouth. It has claws on its forelimbs which enable it to scramble up small trees, while its powerful flat back feet enable it to make short jumps as a primary means of locomotion.

Biological Traits

Life span: 25-30 years
Avg. Height: Up to 60 cm
Tail Length: 70-75 cm
Head/Proboscis Length: 25-35cm
Avg. Weight: 10-12kg
Fur: Typically brown, but variations do appear of black, auburn and occasionally honey-blond
STR: 6; DEX: 12; CON: 10; INT: 12; WIS: 10; CHA: 12
AC: 12
HP: 4 (1d6)
Speed: 40 ft., climb 40 ft.
Claw - Melee Weapon Attack: +1 to hit, reach 5 ft. one target. Hit: 2 (1d4+1) raking damage

Additional Information

Domestication

Most tiefling families own a vanderjack or two as pets/companions.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

See: Champig Bae

Facial characteristics

Long proboscis (25-35cm) which allows it to retrieve food and water from rock crevices.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Native to rocky areas of SE Kale Mountains in Layna. Exported via exiled tielflings to halfling settlement at Colinvale

Average Intelligence

INT: 12

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Vanderjacks have an innate ability to sense emotions of other species, which enable them to be excellent companion animals to humans an Demi-humans.

Origin/Ancestry

Kangaroo, wallaby

Lifespan

25-30 years

Average Height

Up to 60cm

Average Weight

10-12kg

Average Length

70-75cm (tail)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Fur: Typically brown, but variations do appear of black, auburn and occasionally honey-blond