Found at: http://runequest.za.org/article/articleprint/30/-1/9/
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Top level
Creatures
Natives of Gæe
GÆA
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Author: Tony Den
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Publishing date: 06.08.2002 12:56
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This reptile was inspired by an old Viking Forge / Tabletop Fantasy / Asgard miniature called "Land Dragon with Lizard Man Rider".
Lizard, Land Dragon (Saurus draco terra)
These large bipedal beasts are not dragons at all, but rather large relatives of the Desert Walker, whom they resemble in many ways. They live in arid, open expanses such as deserts and semi deserts and are carnivorous. Although they live almost exclusively on fresh killed prey, they have been known to take carrion and even eat their own kind at times.
In the wild, these are solitary animals who only meet to mate. Males will often fight for supremacy when they do come into contact with each other. Land dragons are viscious beast who have been known to run down and devour many unsuspecting travellers. Their almost limitless endurance in hot climes has, like the desert walker, many of these large, horse sized lizards to be domesticated so as to provide mounts and, on occasion, to act as beasts of burden. They do not however make good draft animals as their tail, with its lethal bone spike tends to cause much damage to any wagon they are hitched to.
Due to the fact that the land dragon is so viscous, domestic ones are reared from egg. It is extremely rare to encounter one that has been tamed from the wild. Although they thrive in almost any conditions, bar sub zero arctic climes, they are most suited to warm, open places. Land Dragons average between an eleven and eighteen year life span and are oviparous.
Land Dragon
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Characteristics
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Average
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STR
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3D6 + 8
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18-19
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Move 9(6)
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CON
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3D6 + 8
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18-19
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Hit Points 20
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SIZ
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5D6 + 6
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23-25
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Fatigue 40
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INT
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3
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3
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POW
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2D6
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7
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DEX
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3D6 + 3
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14-15
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Hit Location
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Melee (D20)
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Missile (D20)
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Points
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Tail
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01-02
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01-03
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3/6
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R Leg
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03-05
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04-06
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3/8
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L Leg
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06-08
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07-09
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3/8
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Abdomen
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09-11
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10-13
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2/10
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Chest
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12-15
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14-17
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2/10
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R Arm
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16
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18
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2/6
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L Arm
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17
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19
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2/6
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Head
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18-20
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20
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3/8
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Weapon
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SR
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Attack %
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Damage
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Claw
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7
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35-6
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2D4 + 1
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Bite
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6
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50
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1D10 + 2D4
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Tail
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7
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30
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4D6 + Knockdown
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Notes: A land dragon will usually attack its prey with its claws in an attempt to hold it fast before it finishes it off with its bite. A victim will have to successfully grapple by overcoming the land dragons strength with its own to escape. Should the prey be large or troublesome, it will lash out with its tail. When a tail attack is special or better, the bony spike has hit the victim and full damage is taken. Domesticated dragons are usually trained to attack first with its tail or bite, depending on the battle situation. The land dragons movement is high over short distances (maximum 100 metres) after which it will drop.
Skills: Dodge 18, Track 35, Jump 55.
Armour: Varies according to location.