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Verdant Prowlers

—

by

Dale
in

From: Zephyrheart Menagerie

Agile and camouflaged, Verdant Prowlers are cat-like creatures that blend seamlessly with the dungeon’s foliage. They serve as guardians of the dungeon, testing intruders’ intentions and mettle. Adventurers who display respect for the natural world and demonstrate their commitment to harmonious exploration can earn the trust of a Verdant Prowler.

Lore of Verdant Prowlers: Deep within the heart of the Zephyrheart Menagerie, where the foliage grows thick and the harmonies of nature echo, dwell the elusive and enigmatic Verdant Prowlers. These cat-like creatures, a fusion of feline grace and the dungeon’s essence, are born from the magic that weaves the Menagerie’s beauty and wildness together. Agile and camouflaged, they roam the undergrowth as both protectors and testers of those who tread within their realm.

Verdant Prowlers hold an intimate connection to the Menagerie’s ecosystem. As guardians, they have been tasked with discerning the intentions and mettle of intruders. These feline beings possess a keen sense for the rhythms of the natural world and the harmonies of the dungeon’s magic. They exist to maintain the delicate balance and to ensure that those who venture within the Menagerie do so with respect for its essence.

Attributes:

  • Level: 1
  • HP: 10
  • Speed: 40 ft

Skills:

  • Stealth: +5
  • Nature Lore: +2
  • Perception: +4

Strategy: Verdant Prowlers are attuned to the energy flows of the Menagerie, allowing them to move silently and blend seamlessly with their surroundings. As guardians, they prefer to assess the intentions of adventurers before engaging in combat. They observe from shadows and dense foliage, using their Stealth skill to remain unseen until a clear assessment can be made.

Attacks: Camouflaged Strike (Action): If the Verdant Prowler remains hidden before attacking, its first melee strike gains advantage. This attack deals 1d6 slashing damage.

Vulnerabilities: Sensitive to Disruption: Their connection to the Menagerie’s magic renders them vulnerable to effects that disrupt or dampen magical energy. Spells or abilities that target magic can momentarily weaken their camouflaging abilities.

Tags:

  • Beast: Verdant Prowlers are natural creatures, sharing traits with other beasts. They do not possess any specific vulnerabilities related to their “Beast” tag.
  • Camouflaged: These creatures have the innate ability to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, granting them advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks when attempting to remain hidden.

Introducing Verdant Prowlers to your adventure introduces an element of challenge and exploration. Players must navigate the Menagerie with respect for its natural essence to earn the trust of these guardians. The Verdant Prowlers exemplify the interconnectedness of magic and nature, offering adventurers the opportunity to forge bonds with the very fabric of the dungeon itself.

Engagement in Battle: Verdant Prowlers are cunning and patient predators, relying on their natural stealth and camouflage to gain the upper hand in combat. They typically initiate battles by observing their opponents from concealed positions, using their Stealth skill to remain hidden. When they perceive an opening, they pounce with their “Camouflaged Strike” ability, leveraging their advantage to deliver a swift and accurate melee attack. After striking, they often retreat back into the shadows to reassess the situation and plan their next move.

Sounds They Might Make:  Verdant Prowlers emit a series of soft, low growls and purrs that resonate through the Menagerie’s lush foliage. These sounds are often accompanied by the rustling of leaves and the whisper of wind through branches. When in combat, their growls become more intense, akin to the rumble of distant thunder, adding an aura of primal intensity to their engagements.

Environment: Verdant Prowlers thrive in areas where the Menagerie’s magic and nature intermingle. They are commonly found within dense thickets, shadowed groves, and areas illuminated by the soft glow of luminescent flora. These environments provide ample cover for them to utilize their camouflage and stealth abilities to their fullest extent.

Remains and Uses: The remains of Verdant Prowlers offer valuable resources for those who wish to harness the essence of their stealth and camouflage. Their whiskers and patches of fur can be used in alchemical concoctions and enchantments related to enhancing stealth and perception. Alchemists might craft potions that temporarily grant improved hiding abilities, while enchanters could incorporate these remains into cloaks or boots to help wearers move undetected.

The Verdant Prowlers not only present a formidable challenge in combat but also offer opportunities for characters to gather unique components for crafting. The use of their remains can provide adventurers with tangible benefits that reflect the creatures’ natural abilities, enhancing their own stealth and perception as they explore the intricacies of the Zephyrheart Menagerie.

Perceived when noticed:

  • Visual Perception
    • What’s Perceived: The first sight of a Verdant Prowler is a subtle movement in the foliage, as its camouflaged form blends seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation. Its fur is a mix of green and brown, resembling leaves and vines, making it almost invisible.
    • Description: The Verdant Prowler has a cat-like grace, with sharp, glowing eyes that observe intruders keenly. Its body is agile and muscular, perfectly adapted to stealth and quick movements through the undergrowth.
    • Positives:
      • Its camouflage provides an impressive display of natural adaptation and beauty.
      • Observing the creature can provide a sense of the intricate balance of nature within the dungeon.
    • Negatives:
      • Its excellent camouflage can make it difficult to detect until it is very close.
      • The sudden appearance can be startling, potentially causing anxiety or fear.
  • Auditory Perception
    • What’s Perceived: Soft, low growls and purrs can be heard, resonating through the foliage. The sound of rustling leaves and the whisper of wind through branches often accompany its movements.
    • Description: The growls are gentle but possess an underlying intensity, like the distant rumble of thunder. In combat, these sounds become more pronounced and menacing.
    • Positives:
      • The sounds can provide an early warning of the creature’s presence.
      • The growls contribute to the mystical ambiance of the dungeon.
    • Negatives:
      • The growls can be unnerving, especially in the quiet of the dungeon.
      • The sounds might mask other important auditory cues, such as approaching dangers.
  • Tactile Perception
    • What’s Perceived: If one gets close enough, the touch of the Verdant Prowler’s fur can be felt, cool and slightly rough, like the texture of leaves and vines.
    • Description: The tactile sensation is reminiscent of brushing against dense foliage, with a slight prickliness from its camouflaged fur.
    • Positives:
      • The unique texture can be fascinating for those interested in nature and magical creatures.
      • The physical contact can provide a sense of connection to the natural world.
    • Negatives:
      • The prickly texture might be uncomfortable or even painful.
      • Close contact can be risky due to the creature’s defensive instincts.
  • Olfactory Perception
    • What’s Perceived: A faint, earthy scent accompanies the Verdant Prowler, similar to the smell of fresh leaves and damp soil.
    • Description: The aroma enhances the feeling of being deep within a natural, magical forest, blending seamlessly with the dungeon’s environment.
    • Positives:
      • The scent is pleasant and can be grounding and calming.
      • It adds to the immersive experience of the dungeon.
    • Negatives:
      • The scent might be distracting or overwhelming for those sensitive to strong smells.
      • It could mask other important scents in the environment.
  • Gustatory Perception
    • What’s Perceived: There is no direct taste associated with the Verdant Prowler itself, but the atmosphere it creates can influence the perception of the air.
    • Description: The air might seem fresher, with a hint of the natural, earthy aroma affecting the overall taste experience.
    • Positives:
      • The perceived freshness can be invigorating.
      • It can create a more pleasant environment in the dungeon.
    • Negatives:
      • This perception is mostly psychological and does not provide any practical benefits.
      • It might cause unrealistic expectations about the environment.
  • Extra-Sensory Perception
    • What’s Perceived: Adventurers with heightened senses or magical abilities may perceive the Verdant Prowler’s connection to the dungeon’s magic and natural rhythms.
    • Description:
      • Magic Sensitivity: The Prowler’s presence is often accompanied by a subtle shift in the magical energy of the area, detectable by those attuned to such energies.
      • Natural Harmony: The creature’s movements and actions resonate with the natural world, creating a sense of balance and harmony.
    • Positives:
      • Understanding the creature’s connection to the dungeon can provide valuable insights into the environment.
      • The sense of harmony can be reassuring and guide adventurers in their approach.
    • Negatives:
      • Strong disruptions to the dungeon’s magic can affect the Prowler’s behavior unpredictably.
      • Over-reliance on these perceptions might lead to misunderstandings about the creature’s intentions.

Encountering a Verdant Prowler is a multi-sensory experience that highlights the intricate balance of magic and nature within the Zephyrheart Menagerie, offering both challenges and insights for adventurers.

Tale of the Verdant Prowler

Long ago, in the time when the world was still young and shadows danced with the light, there lived the Verdant Prowlers. In the heart of the Zephyrheart Menagerie, where leaves whispered secrets and flowers sang songs of old, these mystical cat-like creatures roamed the deep green. Born from the very magic of the land, they were guardians, watching and testing those who dared step into their realm.

It is told of one such time, of an adventurer known only by his deeds, for his name was lost to the sands of time. This adventurer, with heart of gold and spirit of fire, entered the Menagerie seeking the treasures hidden within its lush depths. As he walked the paths, he felt eyes upon him, unseen but ever-present, watching from the shadows and foliage.

For many days and nights, he wandered, guided by the light of the moon and the glow of the luminescent flora. The Prowlers, with their eyes glowing softly, followed his every move, testing his resolve and his respect for the nature around him. The adventurer, wise in his ways, never disturbed the delicate balance of the Menagerie. He spoke softly to the plants, tread lightly on the soil, and honored the ancient spirits of the place.

One night, as the mist rose from the ground and the air was thick with the scent of earth, a Verdant Prowler stepped into his path. Its body, a blend of green and brown, seemed to materialize from the very foliage itself. The adventurer, though startled, bowed low, showing his respect. The Prowler, with eyes full of wisdom and grace, nodded in return and began to walk.

The adventurer followed, his heart beating with a mix of fear and wonder. Through winding paths and hidden groves, the Prowler led him to a hidden glade, where the air sparkled with magic and the trees seemed to hum with life. In the center of the glade lay a crystal, glowing with the pure light of the Menagerie’s heart.

With a gentle purr, the Prowler gestured to the crystal. The adventurer, understanding the gift, approached reverently and took the crystal, feeling its warmth and power. The Prowler watched with approval, then disappeared back into the foliage, leaving the adventurer with a newfound respect for the balance of nature and magic.

And so, the tale of the Verdant Prowler was told and retold, a story passed down through generations. It became a lesson for all who would enter the Menagerie, a reminder of the delicate balance that must be respected and honored.

The moral of the story is: “In the dance of shadows and light, respect the ancient ways, for only those who honor the balance shall find the true treasures of the heart.”

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Verdant Prowler (Mythos Creature)

  • Characteristics:
    • STR: 10
    • CON: 12
    • SIZ: 8
    • DEX: 16
    • INT: 13
    • POW: 14
    • Hit Points: 10
    • Sanity Loss: 0/1d4
  • Skills:
    • Stealth: 75%
    • Track: 50%
    • Natural World: 60%
    • Spot Hidden: 70%
  • Attacks:
    • Camouflaged Strike: 35% (1d6 damage, only if hidden)
  • Abilities:
    • Camouflage: Advantage on Stealth rolls when in natural surroundings.
    • Emotion Sensitivity: Can sense the intentions of nearby individuals (POW roll to detect emotions, difficulty varies).
    • Magical Vulnerability: Disruption or dampening magic reduces its camouflage effectiveness by 50%.
  • Description: Verdant Prowlers are agile, cat-like guardians of the Zephyrheart Menagerie, blending seamlessly with the foliage and assessing the intentions of intruders. They strike swiftly from hiding if they deem intruders disrespectful or harmful.

Blades in the Dark

Verdant Prowler (Cohort: Hunter)

  • Quality: 2
  • Scale: Small
  • Edges: Stealthy, Perceptive
  • Flaws: Fragile, Distracted by Magic
  • Abilities:
    • Camouflaged Strike: Gains advantage on the first attack if hidden (deals 1d6 damage).
    • Nature’s Guardian: +1d to rolls involving tracking or sensing intentions in natural surroundings.
    • Magical Vulnerability: Suffers -1d to all actions when in areas of strong magical disruption.
  • Description: These elusive, cat-like creatures serve as guardians in the Zephyrheart Menagerie, testing and protecting the integrity of the dungeon. They are adept at moving through natural environments undetected and can sense the intentions of those who enter their territory.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Verdant Prowler

  • Small fey, neutral good
  • Armor Class: 15 (natural armor)
  • Hit Points: 10 (3d6)
  • Speed: 40 ft.
  • STR: 10 (+0)
  • DEX: 18 (+4)
  • CON: 12 (+1)
  • INT: 13 (+1)
  • WIS: 15 (+2)
  • CHA: 12 (+1)
  • Skills: Stealth +7, Perception +4, Nature +3
  • Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
  • Languages: Understands Sylvan and Common but cannot speak
  • Challenge: 1 (200 XP)
  • Abilities:
    • Keen Senses: The Verdant Prowler has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell or sight.
    • Camouflage: The Verdant Prowler has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in natural terrain.
    • Emotion Sensitivity: The Verdant Prowler can sense the intentions of creatures within 30 feet. It has advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks.
  • Actions:
    • Camouflaged Strike: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage. The attack has advantage if the Verdant Prowler was hidden before attacking.
  • Description: Verdant Prowlers are small, agile guardians of the Zephyrheart Menagerie. Their natural camouflage and keen senses make them formidable protectors of the dungeon’s balance.

Knave

Verdant Prowler

  • Hit Dice: 1 (10 HP)
  • Armor: 15
  • Move: 40 ft.
  • Abilities:
    • Stealth: +5
    • Perception: +4
    • Nature Lore: +2
  • Attacks:
    • Camouflaged Strike: If hidden, the Verdant Prowler’s first attack deals 1d6 slashing damage with advantage.
  • Special Abilities:
    • Camouflage: Advantage on Stealth checks when in natural surroundings.
    • Emotion Sensitivity: The Prowler can sense the intentions of creatures within 30 feet, granting advantage on Perception and Insight checks.
    • Magical Vulnerability: Spells or abilities that disrupt or dampen magic reduce its camouflage effectiveness by half.
  • Description: These cat-like creatures blend seamlessly with their natural environment, serving as guardians and testers of those who enter the Zephyrheart Menagerie. Their keen senses and ability to remain hidden make them formidable opponents for those who disrespect the balance of nature.

Fate Core

Verdant Prowler

  • Aspects:
    • High Concept: Camouflaged Guardian of the Menagerie
    • Trouble: Sensitive to Magical Disruption
    • Aspect: Master of Stealth
    • Aspect: Protector of Nature’s Balance
  • Skills:
    • Good (+3): Stealth
    • Fair (+2): Notice, Athletics
    • Average (+1): Survival, Empathy
  • Stunts:
    • Camouflaged Strike: Gain +2 to Stealth when attempting to hide in natural surroundings.
    • Nature’s Insight: +2 to Notice when detecting intentions in natural areas.
    • Guardian’s Strike: Once per scene, attack with a +2 bonus if hidden before striking.
  • Stress:
    • Physical: 2
    • Mental: 2

Numenera & Cypher System

Verdant Prowler (Level 3)

  • Motive: Protect the Menagerie
  • Health: 10
  • Damage: 3 points (if attacking from hidden)
  • Armor: 1
  • Movement: Short (40 ft.)
  • Modifications:
    • Stealth: Level 5
    • Perception: Level 4
  • Combat:
    • Camouflaged Strike: If attacking from hidden, deals +2 damage.
    • Interactions: The Prowler can sense the intentions of nearby creatures (Level 4 task). It will observe and only attack if it perceives a threat.
    • Use: As guardians, they are often encountered in areas of dense foliage and are adept at assessing the intentions of intruders.
    • Loot: Fur and whiskers, useful in crafting items that enhance stealth.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Verdant Prowler (Creature 2)

  • Small Fey
  • Perception: +7; darkvision
  • Languages: Sylvan, understands Common
  • Skills: Stealth +10, Nature +6, Perception +7
  • Str: 10, Dex: 18, Con: 12, Int: 13, Wis: 15, Cha: 14
  • AC: 17 (natural armor)
  • HP: 24
  • Speed: 40 ft.
  • Abilities:
    • Camouflage: +2 circumstance bonus to Stealth checks in natural surroundings.
    • Emotion Sensitivity: Can sense strong emotions within 30 feet (DC 17).
    • Magical Vulnerability: -2 circumstance penalty to saves against magical disruption effects.
  • Attacks:
    • Camouflaged Strike: Melee Strike +8 (1d6+4 slashing damage), advantage if attacking from hidden.
  • Special Abilities:
    • Guardian’s Ambush: If the Prowler remains hidden for a round, it gains advantage on its first attack when it strikes from hiding.

Savage Worlds

Verdant Prowler

  • Attributes:
    • Agility: d10
    • Smarts: d8 (A)
    • Spirit: d8
    • Strength: d6
    • Vigor: d6
  • Skills:
    • Stealth: d12
    • Notice: d8
    • Survival: d6
  • Pace: 8 (Running die: d6)
  • Parry: 5
  • Toughness: 5 (1)
  • Special Abilities:
    • Camouflage: +2 to Stealth rolls in natural environments.
    • Emotion Sensitivity: +2 to Notice rolls to sense intentions within 10 feet.
    • Magical Vulnerability: -2 to resist magical disruption effects.
  • Edges:
    • Ambush: +2 to attack rolls when attacking from surprise.
    • Fleet-Footed: +2 Pace.
  • Hindrances:
    • Cautious: The Prowler prefers to observe and assess before engaging.
    • Sensitive to Magic: Suffers a -2 penalty to resist effects that disrupt or dampen magic.
  • Description: Verdant Prowlers are agile, stealthy guardians of the Zephyrheart Menagerie. They use their natural camouflage to blend seamlessly with the foliage and assess the intentions of intruders. When they attack, they do so with the precision and cunning of a skilled predator, but they are vulnerable to magical disruptions that affect their camouflage.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Verdant Prowler

  • Attributes:
    • Body: 3
    • Agility: 7
    • Reaction: 6
    • Strength: 3
    • Willpower: 4
    • Logic: 3
    • Intuition: 5
    • Charisma: 2
    • Edge: 2
    • Initiative: 11 + 1D6
    • Movement: 10 meters per Combat Turn (20 meters running)
    • Condition Monitor: 9 (Physical), 10 (Stun)
  • Skills:
    • Stealth: 10
    • Perception: 8
    • Tracking: 6
  • Powers:
    • Camouflage: +4 dice to Stealth checks when in natural surroundings.
    • Emotion Sensitivity: Can sense the intentions of nearby individuals within 20 meters (Perception + Intuition [Mental] test, threshold 3).
    • Magical Vulnerability: Suffers -2 dice pool penalty to resist spells or effects that disrupt magic.
  • Weaknesses:
    • Fragile: -2 dice to Body resistance tests against physical damage.

Starfinder

Verdant Prowler

  • CR: 2
  • XP: 600
  • Small magical beast (fey)
  • Init: +6
  • Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +10
  • DEFENSE
    • HP: 24
    • EAC: 14
    • KAC: 16
    • Fort: +5, Ref: +7, Will: +4
  • OFFENSE
    • Speed: 40 ft.
    • Melee: Claw +10 (1d6+4 slashing)
  • Special Abilities:
    • Camouflage (Ex): +4 racial bonus to Stealth checks in natural environments.
    • Emotion Sensitivity (Su): Can sense strong emotions within 30 feet, gaining a +2 insight bonus to Sense Motive checks.
    • Magical Vulnerability (Ex): -2 penalty to saves against spells or abilities that disrupt or dampen magic.
  • STATISTICS
    • Str: 10, Dex: 18, Con: 12, Int: 13, Wis: 14, Cha: 12
    • Skills: Acrobatics +10, Stealth +14, Survival +9
    • Languages: Sylvan, understands Common

Traveller (Mongoose, 2nd Edition)

Verdant Prowler

  • Characteristics:
    • Strength: 6
    • Dexterity: 12
    • Endurance: 6
    • Intelligence: 8
    • Education: 5
    • Social Standing: 5
  • Skills:
    • Recon: 3
    • Stealth: 4
    • Survival: 2
  • Traits:
    • Camouflage: +2 DM to Stealth checks in natural surroundings.
    • Emotion Sensitivity: Can sense strong emotions within 10 meters (Recon + Int roll, DM+2).
    • Magical Vulnerability: -2 DM to resist magical disruption effects.
  • Description: Verdant Prowlers are agile, stealthy creatures that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. They protect their territory and assess the intentions of intruders, relying on their natural camouflage and keen senses.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Verdant Prowler

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  • Skills:
    • Stealth: +10
    • Perception: +10
    • Survival: +5
  • Traits:
    • Camouflage: +20 to Stealth tests in natural environments.
    • Emotion Sensitivity: Gains +10 to Intuition tests to sense intentions within 10 yards.
    • Magical Vulnerability: -10 to resist effects that disrupt or dampen magic.
  • Attacks:
    • Claws (Melee): WS 35, 1d10+2
  • Special Rules:
    • Camouflaged Strike: If hidden, gains +10 to the first attack and deals an additional 1d10 damage.
    • Guardian of the Wild: +20 to Perception tests in natural surroundings.
  • Description: Verdant Prowlers are elusive, feline guardians of the Zephyrheart Menagerie, blending effortlessly with the foliage. Their keen senses and natural stealth make them formidable protectors of their territory, though they are vulnerable to magical disruptions.