Succulus
by Jamie BatySCMC
Medium Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 5d10+23 (50 hp)
Initiative: +2 (+2 Dex)
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armour Class: 18 (+2 Dex, +6 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +5/+8
Attack: Gore +8 melee (2d6 +3)
Full Attack: Gore +8 melee (2d6 +3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft. /5 ft.
Special Attacks: Destroy cinnabryl
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60ft., detect cinnabryl, low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +2
Abilities: Str 17, Dex 14, Con 19, Int 3, Wis 13, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +7, Spot +7
Feats: Alertness, Toughness
Environment: Any land
Organisation: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 4
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 6-10 HD (Medium); 11-15 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: -
The succulus, also known as the red steel cruncher, closely resembles a wild boar in appearance. The succulus is similar to a rust monster, except that it feeds on red steel, cinnabryl, and steel seed. The creature was first discovered in caves beneath the forests of Robrenn. Since then it has spread throughout the cursed areas of the Savage Coast, much to the consternation of boar-hunters throughout the area. Some suspect that the Robrenn druids had something to do with its rapid spread, because of their known bias against materials that have "never lived," such as metal and stone.
A succulus is nearly always found in the company of a group of wild swine. The red steel cruncher searches far and wide for supplies of fresh metals. It will eat raw ore, but prefers the refined, forged metal.
A herd of wild boars will recognise that a succulus is different but will usually let it join the herd anyway. The succulus excavates vast holes when it roots for cinnabryl and usually digs up all sorts of roots and tubers and things that the boars like to eat.
If two red steel crunchers mate, the offspring will be red steel crunchers. If a succulus mates with a wild swine, the offspring have a 5% chance of being red steel crunchers.
If captured young and carefully trained, a succulus could serve as a cinnabryl deposit indicator, but it would be very expensive to feed.
The succulus is black-black, with short, woolly hair interspersed with bristles that form a mane along the spine. The lower teeth grow into formidable, curved tusks, which grow up to 12 inches long. The succulus has small eyes that are a deep rust-red colour.
The flesh of the succulus is not edible since it is thoroughly impregnated with heavy metals. The hide of a succulus can be cured into very tough, metal-impregnated leather. The leather can be made into armour equivalent to studded leather armour.
Combat
The succulus is relentless in pursuit of food, chasing characters over long distances if they still possess intact cinnabryl, red steel or steel seed objects but usually ceasing its attacks to devour a freshly powdered meal.
The creature targets the largest source of cinnabryl, red steel or steel seed available, striking first at armour, then at shields and smaller items.
The succulus is a fairly intelligent creature. As such, it cannot be distracted by the old "throw out some red steel spikes" trick. It will attack anyone carrying an item made of red steel or cinnabryl. A succulus frequently charges such persons while activating its Spike Legacy, hoping that the victim will strike at them with the weapon or item.
Destroy Cinnabryl (Ex): A succulus that makes a successful touch attack against cinnabryl, red steel or steel seed items causes the target to corroding immediately into a powder. The touch can destroy up to a 10-foot cube of cinnabryl, red steel or steel seed instantly. Magic red steel armour and weapons, and other magic items made of cinnabryl, red steel, or steel seed, must succeed on a DC 19 Reflex save or be dissolved. The save DC is Constitution-based and includes a +4 racial bonus.
A red steel weapon that deals damage to a succulus corrodes immediately. Wooden, stone, and other metallic weapons are unaffected.
Detect Cinnabryl (Sp): A succulus can scent a cinnabryl, red steel, or steel seed object from up to 90 feet away.
Scent (Ex): This special quality allows a succulus to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell.
The Red Curse
Succuli always have two Legacies: Dig and Spikes. However, they rarely become Afflicted due to their cinnabryl-rich diet.