Nightstalker

Nightstalker

"Locale: Gratic Plain, White Guard Mountains
Danger: Medium
This beast was created for the express purpose of hunting. Its lithe physique and its dark colouration mean that it can sneak and stealth right up to the firelight before it is seen. Those who have survived its ravages have reported that it prefers to lie in wait, appearing nearly invisible, before pouncing on its quarry. A few adventurers who have killed the beasts claim that they can, indeed, become invisible at will, manoeuvring into a perfect position to strike."
~Perk Zarlé, Guide to the Creatures of Endaman

Basic Information

Anatomy

It has four muscular legs and a short thin tail. It has a large skull with very pointed teeth, perfect for ripping into meat. It walks on all fours, and it has very dark, black fur. Catlike whiskers and eyes make this look like some kind of panther or cougar, although it is completely different from both species due to the sharp bony ridges in its back.

Ecology and Habitats

They live in large flat plains, sticking to rocky outcroppings for shelter and going out at night to hunt for food.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Nightstalkers are carnivores, and they will tend to go for slow or asleep targets. Because of this, there are many stories of travellers on the plains going missing and having their equipment found near rocky outcroppings in the area.

Additional Information

Social Structure

They work in loose packs of a half-dozen to a dozen, with both the males and the females of the species going hunting at night and leaving the young behind. They share their kills, bringing it back to their lair for eating.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Some say that the dark hide of these creatures has some magical qualities that make it very suited to those preferring to remain unseen in darkness, but not enough of these pelts have been collected to confirm this.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

All across the Gratic Plain and the foothills of the White Guard Mountains.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They can see perfectly at night as long as the moon is out. They can also track body heat to a very limited degree.

Lifespan

20 years

Average Height

1' 6" to 2' tall.

Average Weight

140 - 200 lbs.

Average Length

4' - 4' 6" in length.

Art Credit: emperorcharlesii (me!)

Nightstalker

A black cat-like predator that stalks the plains of Gratica. They attack when least expected and are believed to be magical in nature.

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Level 3 Lurker	XP:150
Medium natural beast
Initiative: +7	Senses: Perception +6, darkvision
Hit Points: 39	Bloodied: 19
Armour Class Reflex Fortitude Will	17 15 16 14
Speed: 7
Powers:
Standard Actions	Minor Actions	Triggered Actions
Claw (at-will, basic, melee): +8 vs. AC; d8 + 4 damage.	Vanish (recharges when bloodied): The nightstalker immediately makes a Stealth check at +5.	Shroud of Night: Trigger: It is nighttime and the nightstalker is outside. Effect: opportunity attacks against it get -2 to the attack roll.
Bite (at-will): +7 vs. AC; d10 + 4 damage.
Pounce (recharges when it uses vanish): +7 vs. AC; 2d6 +3 damage. The target is dazed until the nightstalker’s next turn.
Alignment: Unaligned
Skills: Stealth +8, Athletics +9
Strength Constitution Dexterity Intelligence Wisdom Charisma	17 (+4) 15 (+3) 15 (+3) 13 (+2) 11 (+1) 11 (+1)
Tactics: The nightstalker will stealth until it can get close enough to an enemy to use pounce. Then it will disengage, relying on shroud of night to keep it safe, and use vanish to disappear and use pounce again. It will then maul the hapless enemy until the nightstalker becomes bloodied. At that point, it will attempt to disengage and vanish and pounce again. If it gets to 10 HP or less, it will try and slink away from the fight.