Lost Company Press
The elusive Sand Salamander is a creature of duality; its slick, iridescent skin mirroring the hues of the desert at sunset. Adapting to the harsh environment, it developed the ability to manipulate sand to hide, hunt, and harness the desert's fury. Its elongated body ripples through the sands, leaving only a whisper of movement on the surface as it seeks out its next meal or curious traveler to bewilder.
Motive: Predatory drive and territory protection
Environment: Deserts, sandy plains, and dune-filled wastelands (Wilderness)
Health: 12
Damage: 4 points
Armor: 2
Movement: Short, or immediate when burrowing in sand
Modifications: Stealth actions as level 5 when in sandy environments; Attacks as level 5 when initiating combat from beneath the sand
Combat: A Sand Salamander's primary attack is to emerge swiftly from the sand, latching onto its prey with sharp teeth before dragging it under. Prey must succeed on a Speed defense roll or be pulled beneath the sands, suffering an additional minor wound (2 points) per round due to suffocation and crushing pressures as they are buried alive. Sand Surge: Once per battle, the Sand Salamander can send a crashing wave of sand in a line up to long range to bury and disorient foes, creating a zone of difficult terrain and forcing targets to make a Might defense roll or be restrained by the heavy sands. Thermal Mirage: The Sand Salamander can create illusions that mimic the heat hazes of the desert. These mirages can be used to distract, conceal movement, or lead enemies into traps or hazardous areas. Onlookers must make an Intellect defense roll to see through the deception.
Interactions: Usually solitary creatures, Sand Salamanders show territorial behavior. They are intelligent enough to be curious about non-threatening beings, but their predatory instincts often take over when provoked.
Uses: Adventurers might encounter a Sand Salamander while searching for lost ruins or during a trek across the desert. Its ability to navigate through sand effortlessly could also be harnessed by clever characters for information or transport.
GM Intrusion: The Sand Salamander creates a sudden sand whirlpool beneath the character's feet, requiring an immediate Speed defense roll to avoid being sucked in and buried.