Skull Pig

The Skull Pigs are eaters of carrion who draw sinister strength from their practices. They can subsist on flesh or garbage, even toxic waste (a favorite). However, they also dig through graveyards seeking human bones, devouring them to regain their Rage. When they eat bones tainted by the Wyrm, though, the Pigs gain a malevolent intelligence that makes them all the more dangerous.

Attributes: Strength 5, Dexterity 4, Stamina 8, Charisma0, Manipulation 0, Appearance 0, Perception 2,Intelligence 0(1-5), Wits 3

Abilities: Alertness 2, Athletics 5, Brawl 5, Dodge 3, Intimidation 4, Primal-Urge 3, Stealth 2, Survival 4

Powers: Regeneration (as Garou)

Tempers: Rage 5, Willpower 3

Health Levels: OK, OK, -1, -1, -1, -2, -2, -2, -5,Incapacitated

Attacks: Tusks (Strength +3), Body Slam

Image: Skull Pigs are tapirlike creatures that stink of grave-rot. The deathly pale flesh covering their skulls is so thin, and the bone structure so distinctive, that it's easy to get the impression that they have no flesh to their heads at all, only bare skulls.

Background: These things were originally natural animals, large Ice Age relatives of the tapirs and peccaries of prehuman North America. Before the Wyrm's minions were driven from the Americas by the Pure Ones, the seeds of corruption had been planted in these creatures. The result was the Skull Pigs.

The Pigs roam in packs or as single elderly males who have been displaced; packs are either families or groups of young males. They litter like pigs, though no witnesses to this are known. If they are able to feed on the bones of a creature tainted by the Wyrm, they gain a twisted sentience, and become much more dangerous. Intelligent Skull Pigs quickly pick up on mysticism,earning them the nickname of "Voodoo Pigs"; they usually have the equivalent of one Gift for every dot of Intelligence they possess. (Storytellers may also adapt Hedge Magic rules from World of Darkness: Sorcerer or Thaumaturgy from Vampire: The Masquerade to simulate the Pigs' magical powers.)

The flesh of a Skull Pig is poisonous. Any creature biting one must roll Stamina, difficulty 6, or take an aggravated Health Level of damage (Resist Toxin defends against this).

Storytelling Notes: The Pigs almost always attack Garou, but humans often ignore them or think that they saw a normal animal of some kind (this is handled like the Delirium; many Native Americans can see them for what they are). Even ordinary Skull Pigs have a level of animal cunning; however, Voodoo Pigs are decidedly twisted and perceptive. They can smell weakness, and take especial pains to prey on the weak. They are an excellent foil for teaching players not to underestimate even the most simple seeming threats.