Hamster, Giant

What should be a tiny, cuddly creature is instead a behemoth of tan fur and over-sized teeth. Its eyes gleam with a feral intensity.

Hamster, Giant (CR 3)

Large Animal
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +1
Senses: Low-Light Vision; Perception +9

Speed: 20 feet, Burrow 10 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 15, touch 10, flat-footed 14 (+1 Dex, +5 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 30 (4d8+12)
Saving Throws: Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2
Immunity: disease

Offense

Melee: bite +6 (1d8+6 plus Grab)
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: cheek pouch

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
19 (+4)	13 (+1)	16 (+3)	1 (-5)	12 (+1)	6 (-2)

Base Attack Bonus: +3
CMB +8 (+12 Grapple)
CMD 19 (23 vs. Trip)

Feats: Endurance, Skill Focus (Perception)

Skills: Climb +9, Perception +9

Languages:

Special Abilities

Cheek Pouch (Ex)

A giant hamster can try to stuff a grabbed opponent of two sizes smaller than itself into its cheek pouch by making a successful grapple check. A creature stuffed into the giant hamster's cheek pouch takes no damage, and can escape by making a successful DC 16 Strength check or can cut its way out by using a light slashing or piercing weapon to deal 10 points of damage to the cheek (AC 11). Once the creature exits, muscular action closes the hole; another trapped opponent must cut its own way out. A Large hamster's cheek can hold 1 Small, 2 Tiny, or 8 Diminutive or smaller opponents. The check DC is Strength-based.

Immune (Ex)

Giant hamsters are immune to all diseases (magical and otherwise).

Ecology

Environment: Temperate Hills
Organization: small pack (1d4 adults plus 10% chance of 1d4 young)
Treasure: none


Giant hamsters are larger, slightly more aggressive relatives of the normal hamster. Like their smaller cousins, they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Giant hamsters are omnivorous, but prefer to feast on a diet of grains, berries, nuts, and water. On occasion, they indulge in and eat meat, usually insects and the like.

Also like its smaller cousin, the giant hamster can store food in its cheek pouches. The average giant hamster can store about 200 pounds of food at any given time.

Giant hamsters normally shun combat, but if cornered or extremely hungry they may attack. Note that even domesticated giant hamsters attack if their young are threatened. The giant hamster attacks by biting with its long, sharp teeth.

Credit The Giant Hamster originally appeared in the Second Edition Monstrous Compendium (MC 7) (© TSR/Wizards of the Coast, 1990) and is used by permission.

Copyright Notice Author Scott Greene, based on original material by Wizards of the Coast.