Sunday, December 19, 2010

"S" is for "Shockroach"

Shockroach

No. Enc.:  1d6 (3d12)
Alignment:  Neutral
Movement:  120' (40')
          Fly:  60' (20')
Armor Class:  5
Hit Dice:  2+3
Attacks:  1 (shock, or drain)
Damage:  1d8 (or 4d4only against Androids / Robots)
Save:  L3
Morale:  7
Hoard Class:  VIII
XP:  83

Shockroaches are 2' long insects found almost exclusively in Ancient ruins, installations, and power plants.  They are drawn to, and feed off of, the electrical current and/or voltage contained in Ancient technology, making them the bane of traders, weaponsmiths, and Restorationists.

When threatened, shockroaches discharge an arc of electricity (usable every round, up to a distance of 20') at their foes.  And the vermin attack Androids on sight, latching on so as to consume the energy reserves contained within (meaning a successful hit requires no further attack rolls, with drain damage cumulative per round).  Furthermore, any powered item, weapon, or armor will lose 1d6 charges / shots / uses per round when in contact with a shockroach.

Rumors suggest some enterprising Restorationists have fashioned "living generators" out of shockroach nests.

Mutations:  Energy-Retaining Cell Structure, Reflective Epidermis (Electricity), Unique Sense (Detect Electricity/Voltage)