Rust Monster

Level:

Creature Type: Aberration

Environment: Underground

Attack: Antennae touch

Special Qualities: Rust, scent

Organization: Solitary or pair

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For some adventurers, the rust monster represents an object of fear greater even than the fiercest of dragons. For while every adventurer knows that he must occasionally service and keep his weapons, gear, and armor in good repair after the slings, swords, and arrows of a melee, the threat posed by a rust monster to a hero's valuables is truly dire. Warforged have been known to flee at the first sight of these beasts.

This creature, only the size of a large wolf or pony, has a somewhat insect-like appearance. It has four legs, and a squat low body covered in a lumpy carapace-like hide. Armor plates make the rust monster's more delicate innards difficult to penetrate. Most important for adventurers to note, however, are the pair of thin antennae that rise up from beneath the beast's eyes.

These antennae allow the rust monster to corrode and draw sustenance from metallic objects. Unfortunately, even passing a metallic weapon close to the creature's exposes it to great risk. Careful adventurers are advised to considering carrying a simple wooden cudgel -- and perhaps a suit of leather armor -- to dispatch these menaces.