Sandbox Encounters: Lupiscupines...

Good Afternoon, All:

For my twelfth post in this year's A-Z Challenge, I will be posting a Sandbox Encounter focused on a breed of wolf that bears the quills of a porcupine. L is for Lupiscupine.

Lupiscupine

Brief Description: The lupiscupine is a breed of wolf that bears the quills of a porcupine. When nervous, frightened, or threatened, its quills rise like the hackles of a dog. It can use these quills both offensively and defensively. In all other respects, a lupiscupine behaves like a wolf. A pack of lupiscupines will circle an enemy and attack in small groups from all directions simultaneously, then retreat to the safety of the circle. Although lupiscupines can discharge their quills at multiple targets, they normally use this ability when trying to dissuade a dangerous foe from attacking or when attempting to flee from combat. Normally, one or two pack members will shake off their quills to provide cover for the other lupiscupines as they make their escape. During particularly lean hunting seasons, however, lupiscupines have been known to use their quill bursts in attempts to take down prey.

Encounter Groups: These are common encounter groups for this type of encounter.

• Novice (levels 1-3): 5 Lupiscupine Cubs, 1 Lupiscupine. 2d6x5 silver shillings, basic mundane equipment on the corpses of previous victims.


• Seasoned (levels 4-6): 10 Lupiscupine Cubs, 3 Lupiscupines, 1 Advanced Lupiscupine. 3d6x10 silver shillings, basic mundane equipment on the corpses of previous victims.


• Veteran (levels 7-10): 20 Lupiscupine Cubs, 6 Lupiscupines, 2 Advanced Lupiscupines. 4d6x20 silver shillings, basic mundane equipment on the corpses of previous victims.

Stat Blocks: The following stats are provided as examples for inspiration. Please adjust as needed to fit your preferred gaming system and style.

• Lupiscupine Cubs: AC 5 [14]; HD 1; Atk: bite (1d4); ST: 17; SP: quill burst (all within 15 feet take 1d3 damage, save negates, once per week), quills (anyone grappling or striking a lupiscupine with natural weapons takes 1d3 damage); MV: 18; CL 2; XP 30.


• Lupiscupine: AC 4 [15]; HD 2; Atk: bite (1d6); ST: 16; SP: quill burst (all within 15 feet take 1d4 damage, save negates, once per week), quills (anyone grappling or striking a lupiscupine with natural weapons takes 1d4 damage); MV: 18; CL 3; XP 60.


• Advanced Lupiscupine: AC 2 [17]; HD 6; Atk: bite (2d6); ST: 11; SP: quill burst (all within 15 feet take 1d6 damage, save negates, once per week), quills (anyone grappling or striking a lupiscupine with natural weapons takes 1d6 damage); MV: 18; CL 7; XP 600.

Encounter Ideas: Here are six different scenarios related to this encounter type.

1. The pack of lupiscupines is returning to their lair after an unsuccessful hunt.


2. The pack of lupiscupines is patrolling the region, defending their territory from intruders.


3. The pack of lupiscupines is chasing another group of creatures.


4. The pack of lupiscupines has cornered or surrounded a wounded herbivore, which is now defending itself desperately.


5. The pack of lupiscupines is sleeping after a successful hunt, and do not take kindly to being interrupted.


6. The lupiscupines are actually of two different packs, and are confronting one another over their territory when the party comes upon the scene.

Enjoy,
Flynn