Fear Deer «Chessex»

Reported By: Dan Snuffin
Source: Dragon Magazine 108

Role: Monster
Base Stock: White-tailed deer

MCC Stat Block: Chessex 'Fear Deer' (5d10 (27)): Init +2; atk antler gore melee -1 (1d4-2); AC 15; HD 3D7 hp 12 each; MV 31' ; 1d20; SV Fort -1, Ref +0, Will -2

Mutations: Absorption (radiation), and fear generation

Number Appearing: 5d10
Morale: 3
Hit Dice: HD 3D7
Armor: 5 (AC 15)
Size: Small 70 cm tall at shoulder

Movement: MV 31'

Attack: Antler Gore melee -1 (1d4-2)

MS:

5

PS:

4

IN:

2

DX:

11

CH:

2

CN:

8

Frequency: Common
Organization: Unknown
Activity Cycle: Day
Diet: Grasses and shrubs
Habitat: Temperate grasslands and forests
Tech Level: 0 - 0
Artifacts: Unknown

Description (Initial Observations): The chessex are small, mutated deer that are pale yellow in color. They avoid most encounters by running away or by using their fear generation powers on carnivores, who have learned to leave the chessex alone. If cornered or surprised, chessex can attack with their antlers, which are hollow and filled with poisonous fluid that can be injected into antler wounds. This poison causes affected victims to lose 1 strength point per Action Turn until a strength of 3 is reached, at which time the victim must sit and rest for as many hours as strength points were lost. At the end of that time, the victims strength returns to normal.Chessex are herbivorous and can be found in large herds in the American Midwest. Human and humanoid barbarian tribes find the chessex highly important,as the poison from their antlers can be drained, allowed to thicken for 1d4 days, and made into Intensity Level 8 poison for use on weapons. This poison causes a strength loss of only 1d4 points. The tough, leathery hides of the chessex are used as armor (equal in all respects to leather armor), and the meat of these mutant deer has proved to be quite tasty. Tribesmen use missile weapons and traps to bring down chessex. Because of their mutations, these creatures cannot be domesticated. Chessex have learned to travel radioactive lands in order to escape hunters.

Reactions: No known interactions

Behavior: Behavior modeling incomplete

Repair and Healing: Behavior not recorded

Society: Anthropological studies incomplete