Cryptid, a creature that has not been proven to exist by modern zoological science. Widely considered to be mythical.
Cryptozoology, the study of this classification of creature.
Author’s note: This series looks at the various North American Cryptids as if they were real, tangible beings that have managed to elude scientific observation. Many of the creatures I will be featuring have appeared in other Savage Worlds products. Often times they have been altered and tweaked to fit that particular setting or to make them more interesting or challenging. My interpretation tries to stay closer to the available lore I could find on each.
I hope you enjoy this series and like my interpretations of these wonderfully imaginative creatures!
NOTE: Updated for the new Savage Worlds Adventure Edition!!
From big foot and the yeti to the chupakabra and the mothman, these creatures fill our urban legends and mythology. They make for great stories, scaring little kids and adults alike. These creatures are also perfect for modern fantasy and horror storytelling; which makes them perfect for modern role playing games!
Which brings me to the reason I’m writing this blog post. I plan on posting several Cryptids from North America over the remainder of this summer. I’ll cover many of the creatures found in the United States, Canada and Mexico, providing Savage World stats along with some history and information on the cryptid.
This week: The Jackalope!
JACKALOPE
A large hare with antelope-like antlers that is found throughout the western half of the United States and large areas of Mexico, the jackalope is an elusive little animal. These timid creatures are as skittish as their normal rabbit-kin. They will always try to flee any confrontation, but if cornered, will attack by charging with its antlers. It is said that if a rabbit’s foot is lucky, a jackalope’s foot is downright miracle-making! At the GMs discretion, a jackalope foot may grant either +1 benny per session like the luck edge, or gains +2 to rolls when using a benny, like elan. Only one foot can be harvested with this magical ability per jackalope. Anyone who has a lucky jackalope foot that kills a jackalope will cause their lucky foot to loose its power.
Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d4 (A), Spirit d6, Strength d4, Vigor d6
Skills: Fighting d4, Notice d6, Stealth d8
Pace: 6; Parry: 4; Toughness: 3
Special Abilities:
Small: -2 to hit, -2 to toughness
Flee!: The Jackalope’s run die is a D12
Antlers: Str +1.
Naturally lucky: All jackalopes get one extra benny to be used to help escape (to reroll the run die) or survive injury (for soak rolls). When this lucky benny is used, the jackalope gets a +2 to its roll.
Next time, we take a look at The Jersey Devil!!
Let me know what you think!
What North American Cryptozoological creature would you like to see savaged?
Cheers!
ShadowDad
Role Player's Imaginarium 
Great idea, thanks.
Might be useful 😉
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Thanks! I’ve been getting some good feedback as to what other cryptids to do. What started out as an idea for 15 or so posts might be growing into 30+ total cryptids over the next few months.
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What does the (A) notation mean next to the jackalopes smarts attribute?
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That is used to denote animal level intelligence. You can find more info on this at the beginning of the bestiary section of the Savage Worlds Deluxe Edition book. Sorry for any confusion!!
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