Converting "Real World" Animals and Vermin

[freyar]

Well, the many different species of opossums have widely varying sizes according to wikipedia, but I'm happy with that size and weight.

 

[Cleon]

We did decide upon +2. I'll update it.

I found the following here:

An adult opossum is 2 to 3 feet long and weighs between 4 and 12 pounds.

That's the size of a Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana), the largest species of Opossum. I would like to lower the minimum weight a bit or point out these are big examples. Oh, and we should mention the length includes the tail...

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 2 and 12 pounds.
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I'd also suggest modifying the description and tactics a bit:

Opossums are omnivorous marsupials that can live nearly anywhere they can find food and dry, secure places to den in. An opossum will use a number of dens within its home range, they usually lair in hollow trees and logs, brushpiles or the abandoned lairs of other animals. A nest of leaves and grass is usually made at the den site.

Opossums feed on insects, earthworms, small mammals, fruits, grains, plants, and carrion.

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 2 and 12 pounds.

An opossum familiar grants its master a +2 bonus on saving throws against poison.

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.

 

[freyar]

Once again, looks good!

 

[Shade]

Once again, looks good!

Agreed. Updated. Finished?

 

[freyar]

Think so.

 

[Shade]

Did we do a gopher yet?

Mammal HD AC #App. #Att Dmg/Att MV XP Value Notes
Gopher 1-3 hp 8 1-20 1 1 12, Br 2 27

Gophers live in large colonies burrowed into the soil of the plains. They have acute senses of hearing and smell. For each gopher encountered, another 1d10 are hiding in the burrows nearby.

Originally appeared in Monstrous Compendium Volume Two (1989).

 

[freyar]

Anything to do beside drop disease from a rat?

 

[Shade]

Anything to do beside drop disease from a rat?

Add a burrow speed? Different feats and skill modifiers?

 

[freyar]

Ok, drop the climb and swim speeds and give them a 10 ft burrow? I can live with that.

Change Stealthy to Alertness?

 

[Cleon]

Think so.

The opossum'll do. A quick glance through didn't see anything wrong.