Saturday, February 12, 2011

"M" is for "Morang"

Morang  ("Treel")


No. Enc.:  1d4 (2d6)
Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  150' (50')
Armor Class:  4
Hit Dice:  3+2
Attacks:  1 (1 bite)
Damage:  1d10+2
Save:  L2
Morale:  9
Hoard Class:  VII, VIII
XP:  170


Morangs are lithe, sinewy creatures that dwell in thick forests and overgrown ruins.  Their slick, smooth, speckled skin ranges in color from drab green to off-white to dark brown.  Needle-like fangs protrude from their gaping jaws, and a finned frill runs the length of their backsides.

Morangs start their life cycle as serpentine, limbless larvae that reach lengths of 2'-3' long.  They lurk in narrow cavities in the boles of trees (or crumbling walls, if encountered in ruins), preying on small birds and mammals that get too close to their dens.  They never leave the confines of their holes (having a Movement rate of 0'), and are so patient and well-camoflaged that they Surprise targets on a roll of 1-5 on 1d6.  Climbing a tree inhabited by larval morangs is a sure way to lose fingers...or worse.

After 6-9 months, the larvae grow into 3'-4' tall bipeds with lanky limbs and grasping webbed digits (both on their hands and feet) used for brachiating through the treetops.  These adult morangs form small troops to hunt both live prey and to scavenge for carrion.  While not inclined to sit still for any length of time, they, too, can blend into their surroundings, Surprising on a roll of 1-4 on 1d6.

The shrill hooting/hissing yowls of a morang troop carry for miles.

Mutations:  Aberrant Form (Prehensile Feet), Increased Balance