Lost Company Press
This oversized variant of the common shrew is as voracious as it is large, sporting a body the size of a small bear and quivering whiskers that can detect the slightest vibrations. Its salivary glands produce a venom that paralyzes prey, allowing the creature to store food for lean times. These solitary hunters are known for their territorial nature and impressive digging skills, able to create extensive tunnel systems overnight.
Motive: Constant hunger drives it to relentlessly pursue food
Environment: Forests, grasslands, and underground burrows (Forest)
Health: 6
Damage: 2 points
Armor: 2
Movement: Immediate when burrowing, Short above ground
Modifications: Stealth as level 3 due to burrowing ability; Perception and initiative as level 4 because of keen senses
Combat: Giant Shrews attack using their enormous incisors to deliver a venomous bite. A victim hit by the bite must succeed on a Might defense roll or be paralyzed for a number of rounds equal to the shrew's level. While paralyzed, the prey cannot take actions and is vulnerable to being dragged into the shrew's burrow for later consumption. Venom Bite: The Giant Shrew's bite injects venom, requiring affected targets to make a Might defense roll against paralysis. Seismic Sense: Thanks to its hypersensitive whiskers, the Giant Shrew can detect movements on the surface while below ground and can ambush its prey by burrowing up and attacking unexpectedly. Burrower: The Giant Shrew can move through its tunnels with immediate speed, allowing it to escape or attack from unexpected angles.
Interactions: The Giant Shrew is usually not interested in interaction unless it involves potential prey. They have been known to attack without provocation out of sheer hunger.
Uses: A small village has been suffering from livestock disappearing without a trace. The culprit may be this underground fiend, which has intruded upon human territory.
Loot: Giant Shrew venom glands are sought after by alchemists for their paralytic properties.
GM Intrusion: Just as the party relaxes its guard, the ground beneath them gives way, dropping them in the path of an irate Giant Shrew in its burrow.