[Mutant Future] Savage Menagerie: Log Walker

No. Enc.: 1d4 (2d4)

Alignment: Neutral
Movement: 120' (40')
Armor Class: 6
Hit Dice: 4
Attacks: 1
Damage: 3d6
Save: L2
Morale: 7
Hoard Class: None

The Log Walker is a giant (7 ft. long) mutant insect that resembles a fallen decaying log. It is assumed to be a giant relative of the Bygone "walking stick" insect due to the similarities in its camouflage techniques. But whereas the Ancient walking stick insect is a fairly innocuous creature, the Log Walker can be dangerous if provoked.

Log Walkers always make their nests in forest groves and other woodlands where their natural camouflage will best serve them. When immobile, the Log Walker looks like a large piece of fallen timber with multiple sticks and branches laying on the forest floor. When it decides to act, it raises up on the "branches," which are actually its legs, while on one end, the Log Walker's antennae (which appear to be twigs and sticks) will flail about as it gets its bearings and detects the location of any creatures nearby.

A Log Walker's outer shell is as hard as wood, giving it a form of natural armor. Although the Log Walker is a peaceful herbivore, it has one primary form of defense if attacked. Once it takes any form of damage, the Log Walker's antennae will flash as a form of mind thrust is fired at the minds of everyone within 50 feet of the creature. Everyone within range will take 3d6 damage from the mental attack. A Log Walker can fire this mind thrust every other round, and it will continue to do so as long as it feels that it is in danger. If a group of Log Walkers is attacked, they will "stagger" their mind thrust attacks so there is one or more mental attacks each round.

Log Walkers will usually be encountered "hidden" in plain sight as they rest prone on the forest floor. Once they are disturbed, they'll stand up to wander off and find a new place that isn't so noisy. Heaven help the PC who, rather than letting them walk away, decides to launch an attack against this creature.

Mutations: natural camouflage, natural armor, mind thrust