Pyrg

As magic has returned, so have creatures that take the normal nuisances of the world and turn them into nightmarish pests. A pyrg is a giant blood-drinking insect nearly eighteen inches long whose needle-like proboscis can drain a grown teran in only a few minutes.

Although solitary pyrgs are little more than an annoyance, swarms have been known to drive travelers from the road and leave livestock as dried husks.

—Etahn, Creature Compendium

Pyrg

CharacteristicsCV1/2
StatScore%Speed10′, Fly 40′
STR420HP6
CON420Dmg Mod-1
SIZ210AV0
INT210ClassMonster
ACU840TypeMagical Beast
DEX1890HorrorNone
SOC15TreasureNone
  • Attack: Proboscis 55% (Attach)
  • Skills: Dodge 70%, Grapple 30%, Hide 50%, Listen 35%, Spot 40%, Stealth 60%
  • Special: Attach, Blood Drain, Weapon Dexterity, Darkvision 60′
  • Weaknesses: Fragile
  • Habitat: Swamps, marshes, riverbanks, damp forests
  • Encounter: Single, Pair, or Swarm (3-12)

SIZ Note

Tiny (SIZ 2) = +10% to Dodge, Hide, and Stealth (already applied).

Attach 

If a pyrg successfully hits with its proboscis, it immediately attempts a Heroic Action to Grapple. If successful, it latches onto the victim using its hooked legs.

While attached, the pyrg loses its DEX bonus to defense, reducing its Dodge to 40%, but remains firmly attached until removed.

Removing a pyrg requires two successful Heroic Actions: one to grab the creature and another to pull it free. A pyrg may only attach to Small or larger creatures.

Blood Drain

At the beginning of each of the pyrg’s turns while attached, it automatically drains blood, inflicting 1d4 damage.

After draining a total of 10 HP, the pyrg detaches and flies away to digest its meal. If the victim dies before this amount is drained, the pyrg immediately seeks another living target.

Weapon Dexterity 

The pyrg’s hooked legs and agility allow it to use DEX instead of STR whenever making Heroic Actions to Attach or maintain a Grapple.

Darkvision

A pyrg can see normally in darkness out to 60 feet, provided there is at least the faintest available light.

Fragile 

Despite their speed, pyrgs are delicate creatures. Any successful attack that deals damage kills a normal pyrg unless the StoryGuide determines extraordinary circumstances apply.

Art by Paul Bielaczyc