Chike

This green-scaled reptilian humanoid is powerfully built and has the head of a crocodile.

Chike (CR 2)

Large Humanoid (Reptilian)
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Initiative: +0
Senses: Low-Light Vision; Perception +8

Speed: 30 feet, Swim 30 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 11, touch 9, flat-footed 11 (+2 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 30 (4d8+12)
Saving Throws: Fort +7, Ref +1, Will +1

Offense

Melee: battleaxe +6 (2d6+4), bite +1 (1d8+2) or 2 claws +6 (1d6+4), bite +6 (1d8+4)
Reach: 10 feet

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
18 (+4)	11 (+0)	16 (+3)	7 (-2)	10 (+0)	11 (+0)

Base Attack Bonus: +3
CMB +8
CMD 18

Feats: Skill Focus (Perception)

Skills: Perception +8, Stealth -2 (+6 in water), Swim +13

• Racial Modifiers: +4 Perception, +8 Stealth in water

Languages: Chike

Special Qualities: crocodile empathy, Hold Breath

Special Abilities

Crocodile Empathy (Ex)

A chike can communicate and empathize with crocodiles and dire crocodiles. They can use Diplomacy to alter such an animal's attitude, and when doing so gain a +4 racial bonus on the check.

Hold Breath (Ex)

A chike can hold its breath for a number of rounds equal to 4 times its Constitution score before it risks drowning.

Ecology

Environment: Temperate or Warm Marshes or Rivers
Organization: solitary, pair, raiding party (3-6 plus 2-3 crocodiles), band (7-12), or tribe (20-40 plus 4-6 crocodiles plus 1-2 dire crocodiles)
Treasure: standard (battleaxe, other treasure)


Chike are savage crocodilian humanoids (called Crocfolk by other races) that make their homes deep within swamps and marshlands. They are believed to be descended from or related to actual crocodiles, though scholars cannot find a link between the two somewhat related creatures. Chike usually live in small tribal villages of up to 40 individuals led by a tribal leader (usually the strongest of the group). Buildings are constructed of whatever natural resources and materials the chike can find. Larger tribes also have one or two shamans in their midst. Chike are extremely territorial, generally sharing their domain only with actual crocodiles. Some tribes however do associate with marsh-dwelling races such as lizardfolk engaging in trade and allying against common enemies.

Chike are diurnal hunters, preferring the heat of the day vs. the cold and darkness of night. Favored meals include birds, fish, humans, goblins, and reptiles (including other chike if food truly becomes scarce). Being cold-blooded, a chike's metabolism allows it to survive up to 3 months without eating. Chike males stand over 8 feet tall while females stand just about 8 feet tall on average. Greenish-brown scales cover the chike's back while their sides and underbellies are generally smooth and lighter in color. Chike reproduce on average once per year with the female laying up to six eggs at a time. Eggs are buried deep within their muddy lair in a special incubation hut. The female spends most of her time with the eggs until they hatch. Both the eggs and young are protected by all adults in the tribe. Females fight to the death to protect their eggs and young.

Chike are feared by many other races for their brutality and savagery in battle. These creatures prefer to use weapons and a fearsome bite, but particularly savage chike forego weapons and simply rend their opponents to pieces using their powerful claws. When hunting, chike submerge in water, leaving only their eyes and snout exposed. When their quarry moves within range, chike spring to attack. Though chike possess tails, they do not normally use them in combat.