Batracine
by Jamie BatySCMC
Tiny Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 2d10+4 (15 hp)
Initiative: +4 (+4 Dex)
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), swim 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armour Class: 16 (+2 size, +4 Dex), touch 16, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/-9
Attack: Bite +2 melee (1d4 -2)
Full Attack: Bite +2 melee (1d4 -2)
Space/Reach: 2-1/2 ft./0 ft.
Special Attacks: Leap Legacy
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60ft., low-light vision, Leap Legacy
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +7, Will -1
Abilities: Str 7, Dex 18, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 8, Cha 4
Skills: Hide +12, Jump +8, Listen +2, Spot +2, Swim +7
Feats: Alertness
Environment: Any aquatic, marshes
Organisation: Solitary, Pair, or Family (2-5)
Challenge Rating: 1/2
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 3-4 HD (Tiny); 5-6 HD (Small)
Level Adjustment: -
Batracines live in the Dream River at the eastern edge of the kingdom of Renardy. These inoffensive creatures are often kept as pets. They do not venture far beyond the Dream River, however, unless taken as pets. Unfortunately, they are also sometimes killed for their blood, which can be used to make magical potions.
A batracine possesses the body of a large frog, the head of a bulldog, and a short tail. Its front feet end in webbed paws similar to those on dogs, but the rear feet are the large webbed variety found on most frogs. Short, oily hair covers the entire body. Batracines are normally brown or grey, but occasionally black or silver ones appear. These creatures average about two feet tall and weigh around fifty pounds. Their strong, pointed teeth are all the more fearsome due to their powerful jaws. Many of those who pose any kind of threat flee at the sound of their loud, deep barks.
Small forest animals are the usual prey of these creatures, which forage in areas along the river. Birds are their favourite meal, and batracines will strike at any which foolishly wander too close. Batracines never eat fish or other amphibians. Occasionally, when the food supply is low, batracines will gather in packs and roam a bit further from the river, looking for larger game.
Batracines dig out small dens in the side of the river bank or burrow in between the roots of large trees on the banks. They remain solitary unless in mating season, at which time they invite a single mate to share a den. The male is responsible for all hunting during this period, while the female guards the pups. Two to four pups can be expected in a single litter.
Batracine pups can be tamed and raised as loyal pets. They are a favourite of the lupins, who breed them for size, shape, and colour. Pups are worth 50 gp each, and a trained batracine is worth 200 gp.
Though batracines are often plagued by the cardinal tick, they would foolishly rather eat the Saragón lyra bird than allow it to rid them of this infestation.
Combat
Batracines usually attack only creatures small enough to be considered prey. However, if running in a pack, they might attack something larger and slower. A batracine's long, sticky tongue catches its prey and pulls it directly to its mouth. A few bites with their powerful teeth finish the job. If attacked by a larger creature or a determined small creature, batracines simply attempt to flee.
When hunting for food, a batracine's leaping ability allows it to actually attack birds in the air. Batracines never wander too far from the river, and if threatened on land, will use Leap to reach the safety of the water.
Skills: Batracines have a +8 racial bonus to all Jump and Swim skill checks. It may always take 10 on a swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line.
Red Curse
All batracines acquire the Leap Legacy upon reaching maturity. Though they possess a Legacy, batracines never become Afflicted and do not require cinnabryl.
If the DM does not have information on the Leap Legacy, use the following:
Leap (Su): A batracine receives an additional +8 bonus to all jump checks. It does not suffer any penalties to Jump checks that are based on its movement rate. A batracine does not need a running start in order to jump. It may take 10 on a jump check, even if distracted or endangered. Additionally, the batracine may choose to Jump as a swift action.
Batracines born outside of areas affected by the Red Curse will not have this Legacy, and those taken from cursed lands will eventually lose this Legacy.