I found your conversion on opposums as I was adding them to a wandering list. I didnt like the filth fever and my reason why below. needs to be blended with yours
I did: altered the speed too, they are not fast moving, also there environment they dont do well in the northern regions they (especially the tail) is subject to frostbite. (range in us is SE up to about the great lakes, very few above that and they dont like the mountains
With all that is published on how hardy they are and they are first and foremost carrion eaters, I upped their constitution to 12.
I also hate this 1d3-4 sillyness.. just say 1 or since having been bitten by one I made them 1d2 1- 2 points is not a big deal.. cats should be as well,
Opossum
Tiny Animal
Hit Dice: 1d8 (4 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 20' (6 Sq), climb 20'.
Armor Class: 14 (+2 size, +2 Dex), touch 14, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/-12
Attack: Bite +4 melee (1d2)
Full Attack: Bite +4 melee (1d2)
Space/Reach: 2.5’/0’
Special Attacks:
Special Qualities: Feign death, low-light vision, scent, venom resistant and immunity
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +1
Abilities: Str 3, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 4
Skills: Balance +6, Climb +10, Disguise +2*, Jump +6, Hide +10, Listen +3, Move Silently +2, Spot +3, Swim +6
Feats: Alertness, Weapon Finesse-Bite
Environment: temperate woodlands, urban
Organization: Solitary, pair, or family (2-8)
Challenge Rating: 1/3
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: —
Level Adjustment: —
This small creature the size of a cat has grey to black fur; black eyes; pink nose, feet and tail; black ears; and pointed nose, they will Hiss or growl and show their 50 sharp teeth when frightened
Opossums are omnivorous marsupials that are usually solitary and nomadic, staying in one area as long as food and water are easily available. They are basically nocturnal but will be seen scavenging in the twilight hours as well. Opossums are excellent tree climbers and spend much of their time aloft. They are aided in this by sharp claws, which dig into bark, and by a long prehensile (gripping) tail that can be used as an extra limb. They do not however hang from their tailsOpossums nest in tree holes or in dens made by other animals.
One of the shortest lived mammals for its size, typically 2 to 4 years. Killed by many predators: humans (and cars), dogs, cats, owls, and larger wildlife.
Opossums feed mainly on carrion but will eat insects, earthworms, small mammals, fruits, frogs, birds (even chickens) eggs and snakes, and plants
This entry represents the larger species of opossum, about the size of a cat. Such opossums are typically 2 to 3 feet long (up to half of which is tail) and weigh between 5 and 16 pounds.
An opossum familiar grants its master a +4 bonus on saving throws against poison and is immune to snake venom
COMBAT
If threatened, an opossum will try to escape up a nearby tree or feign death. If cornered, it exhibits a threatening posture, hissing and making low growls. A desperate opossum may bite.
Feign Death (Ex): An opossum can play dead with great accuracy. It lies stiffly on its side and secretes a foul odor, so it looks and smells like a dead animal. Although able to smell, hear, and know what is going on, the opossum is effectively blind while feigning death.
A creature examining the opossum may attempt a Heal or Spot check opposed by the opossum's Disguise check to detect the ruse. The opossum gains a +8 circumstance bonus on Disguise checks to feign death.
Venom Resistant (Ex): Opossums have a +4 racial bonus on saves against poison as adults and are immune to snake venom.
Skills: Opossums have a +4 racial bonus on Balance and Swim checks. Opossums have a +8 racial bonus on Climb checks. They can use their Dexterity modifier instead of their Strength modifier for Climb, Jump and Swim checks. +2 att for size
Originally appeared in Monstrous Compendium Volume Two (1989).
