Savage Menagerie: Dropbear

No. Enc.: 1d4
Alignment: Neutral
Movement: 90' (30')
Armor Class: 7
Hit Dice: 2
Attacks: 2 (bite, claw)
Damage: 1d6/1d6
Save: L2
Morale: 8
Horde Class: None

The Dropbear is a vicious creature indigenous to the Ancient continent formerly known as Australia. However these large mutated koalas are now found in temperate zones throughout the Mutant Future. A Dropbear is a large carnivorous marsupial with savagely sharp fangs and claws. When initially encountered, a Dropbear may be mistakenly thought of as cute and cuddly - almost like a children's toy. However, when it attacks its true savage nature is exposed.

Dropbears attack by simply dropping out of trees and onto a victim. If they hit, they will latch onto their prey with their claws and begin biting the head, neck, and shoulders of a victim. This attack method can be unsettling to the unwary. Some travellers may think they can avoid Dropbear attacks by simply avoiding trees or by watching the branches overhead. Not necessarily so. Dropbears have developed two distinct mutations that enables them to attack in this manner almost anywhere. First, a Dropbear will use its telescopic vision mutation to spy on a victim. The Dropbear can see nearly 1 mile away using this ability. Once it has located its prey from a distance, the Dropbear will teleport to a point 6 feet above the victim's head, dropping out of nowhere and launching its attack. It has been reported that Dropbear attacks have occurred in the middle of open fields and plains.

It is rumored that simply holding a sharpened knife or stick over one's head will impale and kill an attacking Dropbear. Thus far, however, no one has lived to confirm if this deterrent works.

Mutations: telescopic vision, teleport

NOTE: While researching the jackalope and hoop snake, I stumbled across this legendary Australian creature. G'day to my Australian readers!