Cacops

Originally Posted by Shade of the En World forums.  

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Cacops was a genus of dissorophid amphibians that is known from the Early Permian. It was about 40 cm (16 inches) long, with a heavily built skull and an enormous optic notch enclosed with a bony bar; indicating an enormous eardrum. It is a nocturnal animal the body is short, and the back is protected by a double row of armour plates. The legs are strong and indicate a terrestrial animal, and the tail was short.

Cacops
Tiny Animal (Aquatic)
Hit Dice	1d8+2 (6 hp)
Initiative	+2
Speed	10 ft. (2 squares), Swim 40 ft.
Armor Class	17 (+2 size, +2 Dexterity, +3 natural), touch 14, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple	+0/-9
Attack	Bite +4 melee (1d4-1)
Full Attack	Bite +4 melee (1d4-1)
Space/Reach	2-1/2 ft./0 ft.
Special Attacks	–
Special Qualities	Amphibious, light fortification, Low-Light Vision
Saves	Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +0
Abilities	Strength 9, Dexterity 14, Constitution 15, Intelligence 1, Wisdom 11, Charisma 5
Skills	Hide +11*, Listen +3, Spot +3, Swim +8
Feats	Alertness, Weapon Finesse (B)
Environment	Warm marshes
Organization	Solitary
Challenge Rating	1/2
Treasure	None
Alignment	Always neutral
Advancement	2 HD (Tiny), 3-4 HD (Small)
Level Adjustment	–

COMBAT

Cacops hunt smaller creatures, biting with a mouth lined with sharp teeth.

Light Fortification (Ex): A cacops’ bony plates protect its vital areas and makes it resistant to extra damage from critical hits and sneak attacks. Anytime a cacops is hit by a critical hit or a sneak attack, it has a 25% chance to resist the extra damage.

Skills: A cacops has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform a special action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line.

*A cacops gains a +4 racial bonus on Hide checks when in the water. Further, a cacops can lie in the water with only its eyes and nostrils showing, gaining a +10 cover bonus on Hide checks.

Originally appeared Dragon Magazine #176 (1991).