Converting Maztica and Horde monsters

I think he looks pretty much done, too. I'd love to put the slap down on some obnoxious PCs with him.

Next!

Sand Cat
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Desert or dry steppe
FREQUENCY: Uncommon
ORGANIZATION: Den
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Night
DIET: Carnivore
INTELLIGENCE: Animal (1)
TREASURE: Nil
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
NO. APPEARING: 1-4
ARMOR CLASS: 8
MOVEMENT: 15
HIT DICE: 1+1
THAC0: 19
NO. OF ATTACKS: 3
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-4/ 1-3/ 1-3
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Rear claws 1-2, surprise
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Surprise
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Nil
SIZE: S (2'-3')
MORALE: Average (8- 10)
XP VALUE: 120

The sand cat is a small desert feline that preys on many of the small mammals of the desert and dry steppe regions. Slightly larger than a regular house cat, it is a sandy brown color. The ears are long and pointed, ending in a long, white tuft. The tip of the tail is a darker brown than the rest of the body.

Combat: Although the sand cat is a predator, its prey is not man or other humanoid creatures. It will not attack a person under normal circumstances. However, if forced to fight (cornered, etc.), it attacks savagely. The sand cat is a small and stealthy creature and so applies a -1 to all opponents' surprise rolls. At the same time, its keen senses make it very hard to surprise, giving it a + 1 on all surprise rolls.

When the cat attacks, it springs toward its target. The sand cat can leap 5 feet upward and 10 feet forward, with a running start. It strikes with both front claws. If both of these hit, the rear claws automatically rake the victim for 1-2 points damage each. Thereafter it will bat and bite as much as possible.

The sand cat seldom fights to the death, instead trying to escape any opponent stronger than it. However, a mother will not abandon her young unless it is to lure an attacker away. If the sand cat is defending its young, it gains a +1 on its THAC0 and damage rolls.

Habitat/Society: The sand cat lives in a small family group called a den. Depending on the time of year, the den will have two to seven individuals: two adults and kittens. Sand cats mate for a single season and the male remains with the female until the young are grown, which takes about 10 months to a year.

The sand cat makes its lair in a small cave, sheltered overhang, or abandoned burrow. The latter is preferred if there is one available. The lair is normally occupied only while there are young to be raised. During this time, one adult always remains near the kittens.

Sand cats are very territorial. They hunt over a range of 5 to 10 square miles. They are nighttime predators and mostly bring down small mammals. They are seldom a threat to larger creatures.

Ecology: The sand cat is a natural force in the local ecology, keeping down the numbers of small vermin in a region. Unfortunately, the sand cat is also valued by humans. The kittens, if taken young enough, can be trained. Among the tribes of the desert and steppe, sand
cats trained to hunt are the gifts of sheiks and khans. These animals can run down hares and other game for their masters. Others are sold to traders, who in turn sell the little cats in the cities. Here they are raised as pets--dangerous and savage little pets. A sand cat kitten is easily worth 500 to 2,000 gold pieces.

Source: Dragon Magazine #163 (1990) and Monstrous Compendium Forgotten Realms Appendix (Both versions are identical).

Hmmm, should we start by advancing a cat to small or regressing a leopard to small? Is there a lynx or bobcat somewhere like the ToH?

freyar said:

Hmmm, should we start by advancing a cat to small or regressing a leopard to small? Is there a lynx or bobcat somewhere like the ToH?

Click to expand...

Lynx (Small): Str 7, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 7 [Races of Faerun]
Serval (Small): Str 12, Dex 17, Con 13, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 7 [Sandstorm]

So basically, we've got our stats pretty much nailed down with the exception of Strength.

Based on the THAC0 and damage, I'd go with Str 10-11, so somewhere in the middle.

10 or 11 is good for me.

+1 morale bonus (to attack and damage) when defending its young?

<edit>
wildcat (small) Str 5, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 7 [Vaults of Pandius conversion)

I just remembered about the wildcat, unfortunately its got an even lower Str than the others

Regards
Mortis

Added to Homebrews.

Some things from similar cats...

Skills: Servals have a +4 racial bonus on Balance, Climb, Hide, and Move Silently checks, and a +8 racial bonus on Jump and Listen checks. They use their Dexterity modifier instead of their Strength modifier for Jump checks. *In areas of tall grass or heavy undergrowth, the Hide bonus improves to +8.

Skills: Lynxes receive a +4 racial bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks and a +8 racial bonus on Balance checks. They use their Dexterity modifier for Climb checks.
*In areas of tall grass or heavy undergrowth, the Hide bonus rises to +8.

Skills: Leopards have a +8 racial bonus on Jump checks and a +4 racial bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks. Leopards have a +8 racial bonus on Balance and Climb checks. A leopard can always choose to take 10 on a Climb check, even if rushed or threatened.

So I'd say the +4 racial bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks is a given, and the Jump bonus definitely seems appropriate. Thoughts?

Thoughts on the last post?

Shade said:

Thoughts on the last post?

Click to expand...

I agree with it. No bonus on climb, though, I think.

So, thus?

Skills: Sand cats have a +4 racial bonus on Balance, Hide, and Move Silently checks, and a +8 racial bonus on Jump and Listen checks. They use their Dexterity modifier instead of their Strength modifier for Jump checks. *In desert environments, the Hide bonus improves to +8.