Shadow Wolf
The forests of Cartyrion are home to many predators; perhaps none moreso than the Oakwood. But among all the corrupted abominations of Cartyrion wildlife that make their lairs in this haunted forest, few are feared as much as the Shadow Wolf.
Shadow wolves are quite stealthy; a DC18 AWA check is needed to detect their approach. Those with the Survival Acquired Specialty gain a +4 bonus on this check. If the AWA check fails, the wolves automatically gain the initiative in the first combat round, and if it fails by more than 4, it becomes a surprise round.
Laurels & Loot Statblock
Shadow Wolves have a similar appearance to woodland wolves everywhere. Their mottled fur tends to be a bit darker in color, allowing them to blend in better in the gloom of their home forest. The distinguishing characteristics of the Shadow Wolf are its black eyes devoid of irises or any white sclera, and the fact that it is completely silent. No grunts, yips, barks, growls, or howls have ever been reported from a Shadow Wolf; even their pups never generate a sound. Given the organized nature of their packs and the tactics they use to bring down large prey, the sages surmise they possess some limited form of telepathic communication abilities among themselves.
A hungry pack - and a pack is almost always hungry - will attack any creature of up to Huge size. If multiple targets are present, they will select the one that appears to be weakest. After selecting prey, the pack will attempt to at least partially encircle their target stealthily - using the forest for concealment - before leaping to the attack.
Lately, herdsmen in the eastern plains south of the Oakwood have reported occasional forays of packs out of the forest to attack flocks of sheep and herds of cattle. This suggests to the sages that the creatures are growing in number and finding it more difficult to seek prey within the borders of the forest.
Name
Shadow Wolf
Alternate Name/Nickname
Oakwood Wolf, Silent Stalker
Type
Beast
Size
Medium (Large "alpha" specimens are known)
Speed
40ft
Habitat
Uncommon: Oakwood Forest
A hungry pack - and a pack is almost always hungry - will attack any creature of up to Huge size. If multiple targets are present, they will select the one that appears to be weakest. After selecting prey, the pack will attempt to at least partially encircle their target stealthily - using the forest for concealment - before leaping to the attack.
Lately, herdsmen in the eastern plains south of the Oakwood have reported occasional forays of packs out of the forest to attack flocks of sheep and herds of cattle. This suggests to the sages that the creatures are growing in number and finding it more difficult to seek prey within the borders of the forest.
Gamemaster Notes
Encountering a solitary Shadow Wolf is possible, though unlikely. Typically, encounters will involve between 3 and 8 creatures. If a pack of more than 6 is encountered, one will be a (Large) alpha wolf.Shadow wolves are quite stealthy; a DC18 AWA check is needed to detect their approach. Those with the Survival Acquired Specialty gain a +4 bonus on this check. If the AWA check fails, the wolves automatically gain the initiative in the first combat round, and if it fails by more than 4, it becomes a surprise round.
Laurels & Loot Statblock
Stamina Points: 24 (48 for alpha wolves)
Injury Points:4 (8 for alpha wolves) (Creatures will attempt to flee combat if lose half their Injury Points)
Pack Attack: If three or more creatures attack a single target, they gain the ability for all but one of the attackers to negate any DEX benefits the target may possess. The target can choose which attacker to devote DEX bonuses to.
Bite: 1d8 (1d10 for alphas)
Injury Points:4 (8 for alpha wolves) (Creatures will attempt to flee combat if lose half their Injury Points)
Pack Attack: If three or more creatures attack a single target, they gain the ability for all but one of the attackers to negate any DEX benefits the target may possess. The target can choose which attacker to devote DEX bonuses to.
Bite: 1d8 (1d10 for alphas)
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