This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is the Moostaur.
Environment: Colder Regions in Mountains and Forests
Monster Type: Monstrous Humanoid
Color: Tawny Brown
Features: Wide Flat Antlers, Sharp Cleft Hooves
Abilities: Powerful Kick, Cold Protection, Artisan Crafter
Recommended Equipment: Extreme Cold Weather Gear
Introduction:
A Moostaur is a large humanoid monster similar to a Minotaur. The Moostaur has the hooves, head, and signature wide flat antlers of a moose. Different from the Minotaurs that are known for their charge, Moostaurs use a powerful kick in combat. Moostaurs live in colder regions among the forests and mountains. They have a strong resistance to cold even capable of swimming long distances across near frozen lakes or rivers. Typically found in small family units; Moostaurs are excellent crafters, traders, and all around survivalists.
Investigation:
My assistant and I ran like children through fields and woods following the Green Maned Unicorn. He was so fast that often we would lose sight of him in the distance or behind some trees. In those brief moments our elation and joy would start to fade until the Greened Maned Unicorn came back and encouraged us further. As we chased the unicorn it started to snow and he lead us further and further into the cold. Soon the snow covered the ground and our running became much more difficult. At last we burst through the edge of the woods onto a well worn path. Far ahead the unicorn had slowed to a trot and was approaching a large humanoid with massive flat antlers that was pulling a smaller similar humanoid in a sled.
Observations:
It was clear the monster in front of us was the famed and reclusive Moostaur. A humanoid beast monster with the head of a moose and the body of a man. The Green Maned Unicorn and the Moostaur exchange some words. By the time we had caught up the unicorn was already galloping away again.
“Salutations friends!” the Moostaur greeted us. Up close he was almost as tall as two grown men. His antlers cleared past the width of his shoulders. “I’m Thomas, and this here is my son, Felix,” he introduced himself and gestured back at the young Moostaur sitting in the sled. Although his son was fully clothed with mittens and a scarf, Thomas wore only a loose shirt and a plaid kilt. “Seems you two have gained the trust of a few Fey. You have earned yourselves invitations to our winter festival,” Thomas continued. Our jaws dropped! What an amazing opportunity. Thomas pulled forth two small bowls and filled them from the large cask he carried on his shoulder. Handing one to each of us he said, “Here, have a cup of my Crabapple Wine. It’ll help keep you warm for the rest of the journey.”
Conclusion:
We started off again, now at a reasonable walking pace, side by side with Thomas and Felix. We easily traversed the snow covered trail. Occasionally, we’d stop for more Crabapple Wine and dry rations. Fey gatherings are extremely exclusive and outsiders are rarely invited to attend. It’s amazing what can result from a single act of kindness.
About:
The Moostaur’s Thomas and his young son Felix is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.
Artist: Spencer Johnson – spencemonger.com
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