The Origin
The Beast of Barrington Road, also known as the Abominable Gecko, is purportedly a gecko-like creature larger than a wolf, allegedly witnessed in or near the rural community of Shiloh, Illinois a couple of years ago. Thanks to social media postings and a story in The Clearwater Register, it is fast becoming part of Illinois folklore, at least among the youth. A popular meme is of some clueless teen doing something they think is unobserved, but the Abominable Gecko, hiding in the nearby underbrush, is silently watching, and presumably judging.
In truth, there is a monstrously large gecko hunting the back roads and farms of Illinois. Usually it preys on farm animals, but several unfortunate people have been caught in its psychic death glare as well. Able to blend into its environment almost completely, many more people have been close to it, but luckily for them, they failed to notice the creature.
Motive: Hungers for flesh
Environment: Near farms, overgrown areas
Health: 32
Damage Inflicted: Moderate wound (6 points)
Armor: 1
Movement: Short; climbs a short distance each round
Modifications: Stealth tasks as level 8; Intellect defense as level 10
Combat: The beast usually stalks prey from the protection of a tree canopy or building roof. It is smart enough to avoid humans, but if noticed, it defends itself by meeting the gaze of its observer. The target within short range must succeed on an Intellect defense roll or take Intellect damage (ignores Armor). If a creature takes damage from this attack, they must also succeed on a Might defense roll or be stunned and lose their next turn.
As it is able to change the texture and color of its skin with unbelievable alacrity, the Abominable Gecko may flee a conflict going poorly for it by attempting to use this ability to become very well camouflaged and sneak off. Characters must succeed on a perception task or lose sight of the creature.
Interaction: The Abominable Gecko is a clever animal. It can't be bargained with, but could be distracted by offering it a large piece of raw meat.
Use: Farmers in the area are up in arms after several of their prize milk cows were mauled in the night by something local kids claim is the Beast of Barrington Road.
GM Intrusion: An unusually long tongue grabs the stunned character and pulls them up into the tree (or onto the roof). When the character is next able to take a turn, they must also succeed on a difficulty 5 balance task or fall.