TABI

  Armor Class:    6
  Hit Dice:       5
  Move:           60' (20')
  Flying:         240' (80')
  Attacks:        2 claws
  Damage:         1-4/1-4 + special
  No. Appearing:  1-4 (1-4)
  Save As:        Magic user: 5
  Morale:         6 (12)
  Treasure Type:  Nil
  Alignment:      Chaotic
  XP Value:

The tabi are small, winged, ape-like creatures about the size of a large house cat. Their bodies are covered with a long golden fur while their wings are leathery membranes, like a bat's. They give off a stench of rot that can be smelled at up to 100'. They are intelligent and clever.

In combat, tabi fight with their sharp claws which drip with a crystal blue venom. Anyone hit by a tabi must save vs. Paralysis. A player who fails to save will be deluded, attacking any creature or character adjacent to him. A deluded character may only fight with weapons or bare hands, but will do so to the best of his ability. The delusion will last for 2-12 turns or until a neutralize poison is cast on the victim. Tabi also have a 40% chance to pick pockets, move silently, and hide in shadows. Tabi prefer to ambush characters and then hide while the deluded victim attacks others.

Tabi have very long lifetimes, during which they gather much information about ancient legends and forgotten lore. They are intelligent and speak their own tongue. It is possible for high level magic-users to research a spell that will bind a tabi to his service. If the spell is researched and worded properly, the tabi will remain in service to the magic-user until one or the other dies. While enthralled, it will be absolutely loyal to the character commanding it. In such cases, the parenthesized morale should be used. An enspelled tabi will also assist its master by telling information that it knows.