GORVID
FREQUENCY: Common
NO. APPEARING: 2-20
ARMOR CLASS: 5, 6, or 7
MOVE: 9” / 18”
HIT DICE: 3, 4, or 5
% IN LAIR: 40%
TREASURE TYPE: Individuals nil, Q, B, S in lair
NO. ATTACKS: 3 or Breath attack
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2-5/2-5/1-8
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Acid Breath
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Acid immunity and
fire resistance
MAGIC RESISTANCE: 20%
INTELLIGENCE: Low
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Evil
SIZE: Medium, Large
PSIOINC ABILITY: Nil
The name of the Gorvid refers to the
species and to individual specimens. Gorvid are a race of winged, scaly
creatures with humanoid bodies and a lion like leathery head set with six eyes
and a gaping maw brimming with sharp fangs. Male gorvid bear horns and are
covered in tough gray scales that become even tougher with age and time, and
this is reflected in their varying AC values. Female gorvid are always AC 7 as
they do not develop this natural armor, although they can fight as fiercely as
their mates.
Gorvid lair in underground warrens
constructed in the floors of forest and caves below mountains. Each den is a
small complex of intertwining tunnels and chambers used variously for sleeping,
feeding and for mating rituals. Each lair also contains some sort of mysterious room where skulls are set up to form what resembles a votive shrine. There are always at least two
entrances to these dens. Gorvid fly forth at night upon their great bat like
wings in search of animal or human and humanoid prey to be carried back to
their den and devoured at leisure. They will save living prey for later if they
are gorged., and a few fortunate souls have actually been rescued from gorvid
dens, albeit much worse for wear. There are rumors of an ancient sect of hunter
warriors dedicated to seeking these monsters out and exterminating them, but
little more is known.
Gorvid avoid sunlight and suffer -2
to their attacks as well as suffering 1-3 points of damage per round as long as
they are exposed, eventually dying. This fact and their resistance to magic
have led some sages to conclude these creatures originated in the Abyss before
entering this world, although they exhibit none of the magical powers of
demons. It is common custom, however, for any town or village to reward the
bearer of a gorvid hand with coin befitting such a slayer. Gorvid are resistant
to any acid attacks thrown at them and take only half damage from fire.
Gorvid use two claws and a biting
attack in combat, but each gorvid also has the ability three times per day to
disgorge a belching mist of deadly acid which causes 1-10 points of damage
unless a saving throw is made for half damage.
Gorvids vary in might according to
size and age and this is reflected in the varying Hit Dice values listed. The
larger gorvid are always Hit Dice 5 and they will be led by the fiercest of
these. Females will attempt to flee with any young or eggs if the den
attacked in large number. Any treasure in a gorvid den is what is left from past
victims carried there for feasting.
Note: The Gorvid monster concept and accompanying image are designed by J.E. Becker and may not be used for commercial purposes.
