Andaman

The Andaman, often called beast-men, are thought to be the handiwork of Atlantean sorcerers of the First Age, who produced them through repeated crossbreeding and magical experiment. Once plentiful, they are now dwindling.

Several distinct strains exist. The commonest are lion-men, jackal-men (sometimes known as gnolls), wolf-men, leopard-men (the Agioto), tiger-men and panther-men. Whatever the strain, an Andaman has a furred humanoid body topped by the head and face of its animal kin. They can wield weapons, or fight with claw and fang instead.

In the wild they live in prides or packs of 4 to 20, favoring open plains and savannah, and build huts of woven grass. Because they are magical creations, their breeding is unreliable: a female usually bears a litter of 1 to 4 cubs each year, yet each cub has an even chance of being a plain animal rather than an Andaman. Many believe the race is slowly breeding itself out of existence.

By temperament the Andaman are grim and unreadable until provoked. They are fiercely loyal to their companions and savage in a fight, armed or not. They dislike the smell of Nethermen but hold no grudge against any humanoid race, although some nurse a deep hatred of Atlanteans, and above all of Atlantean sorcerers. Like the beasts they come from, they cannot cast spells at all.

In play they are keen-sensed hunters and fighters: night vision, excellent hearing within 100 ft, 75% tracking by scent and 75% silent movement, +1 saves vs SPD and PER, and speech with animals of the kind they resemble. Fighting unarmed they bite for 1-4 and claw twice for 1-3 each. They leap 50% farther than normal and carry 12 lb per point of STR.