In many parts of the Old World, Zoats are regarded as creatures of legend. It is not known when or how they developed or even whether they are really native to the Known World at all. What is certain, however, is that they are incredibly ancient and very powerful. They are solitary by nature and are occasionally encountered in the depths of the most ancient forests of the Old World. Despite their bulk, they are quiet and reclusive and can move through the densest undergrowth with hardly a sound. Occasionally they have dealings with Elves and other forest-dwelling races and they have been known to make contact with Human Druids from time to time. It is said that they are powerful magicians and that they strive to keep the forests free of marauding goblinoids; ancient Elvish songs and legends tell of Zoats sometimes coming to the aid of Elven settlements attacked by Goblins and their kin.
Physique[]
Zoats are centauroid in appearance, having four thick, columnar legs and a powerful torso with two manipulative arms. They are reptilian, with heavy plates of fused scales covering their shoulders, back, and hindquarters and are about 6 feet high and 8 feet long. Their heads are reminiscent of snakes or turtles, but with a broad, heavily-armoured skull to accomodate their brains, which are proportionally large. Their slightly domed skulls, large eyes, and wide mouths give them a wry expression. Colour ranges from dark brown through maroon to purple. They do not wear clothing or armour, for their scales protect them from the elements and from the blows of their enemies.
Their characteristic weapon is a long wooden staff tipped with a metal-bound cylinder of black stone; the metal is silver and carved with strange symbols which are indecipherable by other races. These weapons are wielded as a two-handed mace and only a Zoat can use them effectively. All Zoats seem to speak a common grinding, rumbling tongue; they may also speak Elvish and, occasionally, the language of Druids.
Alignment[]
Psychological Traits[]
Zoats cause fear in goblinoids and Lizardmen.
Special Rules[]
Zoats have a 65% chance of having spell use as Druidic Priests of level 1-4, with appropriate numbers of magic points, but they do not have familiars or any familiar-related abilities. To work out a spellcasting Zoat's level, roll a D10: a result of 1-4 indicates level 1; 5-7 level 2; 8-9 level 3; and 10 level 4. The great mace of a Zoat has a 25% chance (100% in the case of spellcasters) of being inscribed with a Rune of Cutting and Smashing. Any creature with a S of less than 4 suffers a 20% penalty to WS when trying to wield a Zoat mace. Their scales give them 3 points of armour on the body and hindquarters and 1 point on all other locations.