[Runequest] [RQ III]Buffing up rock leezards

[Paul Cardwell]

Varunus komodosis is not poisonous (only Heloderma species - Gila monster and Mexican beaded lizards have real poison), but there is enough bacteria in a bite to purtrify any living tissue, which would indicate it should be treated as a poison in game terms (Treat Poison, attacks CON, etc.)

Thylacinus cynocephalus or Tasmanian tiger would be more as a leopard, except lacking the Panthera pardus climbing ability (no retractile claws as it is not really a cat).  I can't guarantee it, but I vaguely recall that the bite is more like a dog (grab and shake) than a cat, and has negligible claw attack (but adequate knockdown).  After all, its specific name means dog-headed.

Paul Cardwell


--- On Wed, 11/5/08, Tony <postmaster at runequest.za.org> wrote:

> From: Tony <postmaster at runequest.za.org>
> Subject: [Runequest] [RQ III]Buffing up rock leezards
> To: runequest at rpgreview.net
> Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 1:26 AM
> I am toying with having my party come across a Megalania, or
> maybe I will
> feel generous and "just" use a Komodo dragon. Two
> items differentiate both
> of these from the traditional rock lizard:
> 1. Size + Strength
> 2. Poison, both poison glands (they chew the poison in) as
> well as
> bacterious slobber.
> 
> I was thinking of just using the Rock Lizard and perhaps
> adding a few die
> to SIZ and STR. The poison I was thinking its not so toxic,
> perhaps a POT
> of 5, but the key is it will weaken a person so the
> bacteria can take
> action. So, if bitten and first aid is not a special
> success,, then one
> could roll under CON x 5 next day and if fail the disease
> sets in apply
> disease rules.
> 
> Would this work as a genral rule of thumb? I know Paul
> often explains how
> most animals can come back to a basic form.
> 
> hmm, while thinking this, has anyone ever thought of using
> a Thylacoleo
> carnifex (Marsupial Lion). I think it is different enough
> to not use Lion
> or Tiger stats, but then again, a sabertooth cat stats
> could suffice.
> 
> Tony
> 
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