Racoon, Dire

This animal is about the size of a large dog. Its fur is brownish-grey, and its bushy tail is ringed in black. Its paws and ears are black as well, and it has a black and white mask-like marking on its face.

Racoon, Dire (CR 2)

Small Animal
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +3
Senses: Low-Light Vision; Perception +11

Speed: 30 feet, Climb 30 feet
Space: 5 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 19, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+3 Dex, +5 natural, +1 size)
Hit Points: 17 (2d8+8)
Saving Throws: Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +3

Offense

Melee: bite +5 (1d4+1 plus disease)
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: disease

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
13 (+1)	17 (+3)	18 (+4)	2 (-4)	16 (+3)	9 (-1)

Base Attack Bonus: +1
CMB +1
CMD 14 (18 vs. Trip)

Feats: Weapon Finesse

Skills: Climb +9, Perception +11, Stealth +11, Swim +5

• Racial Modifiers: +4 Perception, +4 Swim

Languages:

Special Abilities

Disease (Ex)

Filth fever: Bite-injury; save Fort DC 15; onset 1d3 days; frequency 1 day; effect 1d3 Dex damage and 1d3 Con damage; cure 2 consecutive saves.

Ecology

Environment: Temperate Forests or Urban
Organization: solitary, pair, or family (1 adult plus 1-4 young)
Treasure: incidental


Ever the opportunists, these giant procyonids tend to move out of their native habitat in the forests to the compost heaps and refuse piles of large cities. Food is easier to find there, and in good supply. Dire raccoons are not picky, and like their smaller cousins they are omnivorous. Rats, rotten food, and even the occasional corpse are all parts of an urban dire raccoon's diet. Because of its unsanitary lifestyle and questionable eating habits, dire raccoons that live in city trash heaps often carry filth fever.

In its natural habitat, a dire raccoon eats the same foods-although in greater amounts of course-as a normal raccoon. They are fond of shellfish, berries, and any small lizards or frogs they can catch. Dire raccoons have the same mating habits and rear the same number of young as their normal counterparts (see the raccoon entry).

In combat a dire raccoon engages in an intimidating display of shrill growls, stamping feet, and puffed up fur. Dire raccoons have sharp, strong teeth and use them well if cornered.

Copyright Notice Author Scott Greene.