Savage Menagerie: Ayteeum

No. Enc.: 1 (1d2)

Alignment: Neutral
Movement: 120' (40')
Armor Class: 9
Hit Dice: 1
Attacks: 1 (bite)
Damage: 1d4
Save: L0
Morale: 6
Hoard Class: V

The Ayteeum (pronounced ay-TEE-um) is a small furry animal descended from the Bygone species of rabbit. The animal has a fierce look about it due to a set of small horns and some reptilian characteristics (scattered scales, a lizard-like claw replacing one or two feet, a set of slitted eyes, etc.). However, the Ayteeum is an incredibly gentle and docile creature, attacking only when it is threatened or cornered. The creature can bite for 1d4 hit points of damage, but its claws are useless in combat.

The Ayteeum is a very rare creature, seldom found in the wild as it was hunted to near extinction due to its unusual -- and lucrative -- mutation. The Ayteeum lives on a diet of carbon (coal, charcoal, charred wood, etc.). The creature's digestive tract is incredibly efficient, placing consumed materials through intense pressures and heat as it digests. Within 24 hours of eating, the Ayteeum will excrete its droppings, which are in fact pure diamonds. Each "deposit" will consist of 5 to 30 gp (1d6x5) worth of gemstones. Each day, as long as it's well-fed and kept safe, the Ayteeum will produce this bounty. If the creature is stressed out or pressured, it will stop eating and, in turn, stop producing. If caged or confined, the Ayteeum may stop eating (50% chance), so keeping one confined and hidden does not necessarily guarantee a regular "pay day." Best results have been found by treating the creature as a pet with plenty of attention and regular care. However, others may stop at nothing to steal the creature once they find out about its special diet and droppings.

Mutations: efficient carbon-processing digestion