Stories of the Ozark Howler date as far back as the early 1800’s and has been sighted in remote areas throughout Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, though most sightings happen within the Ozark Mountain region of the creature’s namesake.
The Ozark Howler is said to be as large as a bear with powerful legs and unusually long, shaggy black or dark brown hair. The creature has vaguely feline features, including feline ears and long tails. The Howler’s eyes are said to glow red, even when no external light source is present. Some reports have mentioned the Howler having curved goat-like horns. Even with all these unusual physical characteristics, it’s most unusual feature is its howl. The cry of the Howler has been described as a mix of a wolf’s howl and an elk’s bugle cry and has been heard more than a mile away.
The Howler is a stealthy predator capable of climbing large trees and traversing broken and uneven ground effortlessly. The claws on the hind legs are non-retractable and bear-like while its front claws are more like that of a large cat.
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. Oftentimes 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#2: This write up uses the new Savage Worlds Adventure Edition Rules (SWADE).
Ozark Howler
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d4(a), Spirit d4, Strength d10, Vigor d10
Skills: Athletics d10, Fighting d8, Notice d8+2, Stealth d8, Survival d10
Pace: 8; Parry: 6; Toughness: 11
SPECIAL ABILITIES:
Edges: Alertness(+2 to Notice), Fleet-Footed (run die d8)
Size Bonus: +2, Howlers are the size of bears.
Claws/Bite: Str +d6
Horns: The Howler can charge at an opponent, ramming with its horns to do Str +d4+4 damage.
Sure Footed: The howler does not take any penalty crossing difficult ground.
Frightful Visage: The first time seeing this creature requires the character to make a fear check at -2.
Low Light Vision: Howlers ignore penalties for dim & dark lighting.
Until next time!
ShadowDad
Role Player's Imaginarium 