Page 25 - Monster Manual Expanded III Dragonix

Aurumvorax

Aurumvorax (Golden Gorger)
The aurumvorax, also commonly known as the golden gorger, is a Solitary Predator. The aurumvorax is a generally solitary
curious-looking creature that looks like a cross between a badger creature and usually keeps to itself within its territory. It is
and a wolverine and is often quickly dismissed as a harmless generally tolerant of other creatures of its size or smaller, provided
animal at first glance. The common variety measures only 3 feet they leave it alone. It prefers to spend its time sniffing mineral
in length and half of that in height. Its body, which is covered in a veins or hunting prey larger than itself, especially ones that may
shaggy hide of golden-orange colored fur, is densely packed with carry or wear precious minerals or alloys.
muscle and can weigh as much as 500 pounds. It has eight stubby Unyielding Savagery. In combat, the aurumvorax makes a very
legs that all end in steel-like copper-colored claws. Razor-sharp formidable opponent. Its body can resist most blows and attacks
teeth fill its powerful jaws. Despite its non-threatening size and the and can even shrug off fire and poison. But what makes it feared
enticing value of its precious hide, those familiar with the creature by those who have encountered it is the aurumvorax's unmatched
know better than to earn its ire and always give it a wide berth. ferocity. Once its powerful jaws clamp onto its victim's neck, it
Many a group of adventurers have been mercilessly torn to pieces won't let go until it, or its prey is dead. After it gets hold of a victim,
thinking the aurumvorax an easy kill. it rakes and tears at it with its adamantine-like claws, shredding
Golden Gorger. The aurumvorax is a carnivore that supplements the victim's armor to get to the creature's vulnerable flesh.
its diet with precious ore, minerals, and metals. Gold, in particular, Dwarven Foe. The aurumvorax always comes into conflict with
has a smell that is irresistible to the aurumvorax and drives dwarves who often share the same territory with it. The dwarves
the latter into a frenzy if it detects it nearby. The aurumvorax see the aurumvorax as a pest, as a single adult can strip a dwarven
will choose locations close to gold resources, such as mining mine in a matter of days. The dwarves also hunt the aurumvorax
settlements rich with gold ores. The aurumvorax usually makes as a rite of passage, crafting its prized hide into a special armor. A
its lair at the bottom of ravines or by the side of a mountain's few crafty dwarves have even captured aurumvorax cubs, raising
timberline. Its burrow extends deep into the bedrock to support them as companions for the purpose of sniffing and finding gold
its immense weight and is usually rich with gold veins. The veins. However, there have been stories of oversized specimens
aurumvorax will usually store several nuggets of gold in its lair in that have caused devastating damage to a dwarven mining
the absence of gold veins. community, prompting the dwarves to seek outside assistance.

24
Bestiary