Monsters: The Arkto
Arkto
- Stats as bear (arkto), cave bear (greater arkto), or cave bear +2 HD and attacks twice (elder arkto).
- Cast spells as a magic user of its HD.
- Knows 2 magic-user spells (arkto), 4 (greater), or 6 (elder).
Arkto can sniff out magic as a constant detect magic spell. Stow your valuables when camping.
Favorite spells of the arkto include charm person, sleep, phantasm, confusion, hallucinatory terrain.
Wordless sagas painted by early Man on cave walls tell of their struggle against the bear at the dawn of time. Though brothers, Man and bear both coveted the same spark of divinity. Each hoped to prove their worth to the Primeval Masters, who gave all thinking-beings their thoughts, and settled on a contest the following spring. Though Bear grew enormous and self-reliant, he slept all winter. Man bided his time, making allies and spears. Bear never forgot the sting of defeat and the brothers have been foes ever since.
Some bears nursed this grudge in the dark places of the world, treating with cold spirits who whipped through the trees. These bears learned witchcraft, and became arkto.
Though they closely resemble their ordinary bear-kin, arkto are distinguished by a human-like face and dextrous, thumbed front paws. Though arkto coats are brown and black, they glimmer with iridescent undertones. Arkto occasionally garb themselves in tapestries and bolts of cloth from Man's homes and caravans.
Arkto know much of magic but nothing of fire or craft, preferring to rob artifacts and valuables from other beings. Arkto weave spells of enthrallment and illusion to befuddle their enemies, as well as press humans, goblins, and lesser bears into their service.
The arkto observe a rough and dark religion. They stack cairns, carve runes with their claws, and sacrifice a number of their victims upon their altars. Whoever receives their offerings must be a dread god indeed.
The keen noses of the arkto lead them to magic of all kinds, and they relish the meat of magic-users above all others. Whenever an arkto kills and eats a magic-user, they gain a Hit Die, eventually becoming elders of their kind.
Despite all this, they are still bearsβarkto hibernate in the winter; prefer their own company; and enjoy honey, berries, and salmon. They just so happen to be wicked sorcerers as well.