[Thundarr Thursday] New Character Race: Mok

Hit Dice: 1d8 per point of CON
Mutations: None

The Mok is a fierce-looking humanoid race known for its superhuman strength and ferocious appearance. It is undetermined if Moks are an evolved form of animal, a mutated form of human, an alien race, or a completely new species. A Mok is a large humanoid, usually between 7-9 feet tall. The face appears feline-like with a hardened, fang-lined, flattened beak for a mouth. A thick mane of hair encompasses the head of a Mok and their bodies are covered with fur – usually tan, blond, or very dark brown in color. The Moks’ hands are clawed, and their feet are nearly cloven hooves. Because of their fur, Moks do not need to wear clothing (and prefer not to), though they will wear a loincloth, briefs, or other “modesty” coverings.

Moks are supremely strong and hardy. A Mok gains a +3 when rolling for Strength and Constitution. Both scores can increase beyond 21 during level progression, making an older experienced Mok capable of incredible feats of strength and endurance. Moks also roll 1d8 per point of CON for their hp total instead of the usual 1d6. However, Moks receive a –2 when rolling for Charisma due to its frightening countenance. People who have never before encountered a Mok may run away, cower in fear, or attack the “monster.” No Moks have ever been encountered with mutant abilities.

Moks have their own language that sounds like random growls, snarls, and grunts to most intelligent species. Even though a Mok can learn and understand most common languages, they are unable to speak in any language other than the Mok tongue, making communication difficult. And the Mok language can be learned and understood by other non-Moks, but it is impossible for any other than a Mok to speak it. It is assumed that if a Mok is within an adventuring party, the Mok can understand the other PCs and the PCs can understand the Mok. However, the Mok will oftentimes find that they cannot communicate with NPCs, leading to needed translation from the other party members.

Despite their frightening appearance and quick tempers, Moks are actually very friendly and social creatures. Moks believe in the values of justice and community, and thus will never be of a chaotic alignment. Moks are blindly loyal to their friends. Moks sometimes are unaware of their own strength and will accidentally tear doors from hinges, crush fragile items in their oversized hands, or other damaging mishaps. Moks are incredibly afraid of water and will not willingly allow themselves to get wet.

NOTE: This race is inspired by Ookla the Mok and the episode “The Treasure of the Moks” from the classic Ruby Spears post-apocalyptic cartoon “Thundarr the Barbarian.” Stay tuned each week for “Thundarr Thursday”!