Copyright 1997

By: Chris Van Deelen  chrisv@nucleus.com

NAME:  Climber
NUMBER:  2D6
TYPE:  Mutant Dog
LOCATIONS:  Forests and Ruins Everywhere
SIZE: 1 meter long
ST/CN:  10
DX/ACC:  20
SP/BP:  60
ARMOR CLASS:  C
H&M:  12
ATTACKS:  Bite or Claw
SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES:  Able to climb like a cat
DESCRIPTION:  Physically, these dogs appear to be normal and unmutated. 
However, over the generations, this type of dog has developed retractable
claws, much like a cats, and their bodies are much more flexible than their
ancestors, again, just like a cats.
     Only the larger breeds of dogs (Dobermans, German Shepherds, etc) have
managed to survive to create this new breed.  Wolf climbers have also been
reported to exist in the rocky mountains and northern forests of Canada.
     As with normal dogs, this breed uses simple pack tactics to surround,
and bring down weakened prey, or solitary travelers.  The main difference is
the fact that they also will use trees to help them surround their prey.  So
if you are in a forest, and find yourself surrounded by a pack of these
creatures, don't bother to climb a tree to escape.  You'll find yourself
staring down the maws of several of these animals.
     Just as a normal pack dog, these animals are lead by both an alpha male
and alpha female.  The rest of the pack is subservient to these, unless
another male thinks it is strong enough to challenge the leader.  Females tend
to build dens high in large trees, ruins, or if nothing appropriate is
available, in dens on the ground.  The females give birth late in spring to
litters of 2D4 pups.
     The pups, if caught at an early age, can easily be domesticated.  Wolf
climbers can not be domesticated however.