Aurumvorax

Also known as the "golden gorger" for its beautiful golden coat, the aurumvorax is a long-bodied, eight-legged carnivore. It lives in plains or woods. Though as small as a badger, the creature is very dense and heavy, weighing as much as a bear. A successful bite means the creature has locked its teeth in its target like a bulldog; it will then bring its claws up to rake the target, who will suffer 2d4 damage automatically each round from the teeth while the creature is attached, and an additional 1d8 attacks from the claws. Each claw inflicts a further 1d6 damage. Once locked on, the only way to detach the aurumvorax from its target is to kill it.

The aurumvorax's thick coat is such good armour it takes only half-damage from blunt weapons. It is also highly resistant to fire, taking only half damage from fiery sources, and neither poison nor gas can harm it.

Rumour has it the aurumvorax is not native to this part of the prime material plane, having been brought here by visitors from a very distant place.

Treasure: The aurumvorax does not hoard treasure and places no value on it. However, its lair might contain treasure assigned by the GM—this would be appropriate in cases where it has slain a creature carrying treasure and dragged that creature back to its lair.

Special Abilities

Locking Bite — A successful bite means the creature has locked its teeth in its target like a bulldog; it will then bring its claws up to rake the target, who will suffer 2d4 damage automatically each round from the teeth while the creature is attached, and an additional 1d8 attacks from the claws. Each claw inflicts a further 1d6 damage. Once locked on, the only way to detach the aurumvorax from its target is to kill it.

Thick Coat — The aurumvorax's thick coat is such good armour it takes only half-damage from blunt weapons.

Fire Resistance — Highly resistant to fire, taking only half damage from fiery sources.

Poison and Gas Immunity — Neither poison nor gas can harm it.