(Illustration by Chris McFann)

Most adventurers know the sound of a wild boar rustling through the underbrush. But when the boar turn out to be the underbrush, very few are prepared for the surprise.

[previously]

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The typical “adult” form of these creatures, the porky pine bears a resemblance to a small coniferous tree. Wide needle-like growths along its sides and on its back give it a conical appearance. They typically form small family units of three to six members and several young hedge hogs. A porky pine is quick to attack intruders and rarely backs down from a fight, a quality that makes them desirable as attack beasts for fey creatures or others with strong ties to nature…

Porky Pine (Level 9 Brute)

Medium natural animate (plant); XP 400
Initiative +8; Perception +11, low-light vision

HP 118; Bloodied 59
AC 22, Fortitude 23, Reflex 19, Will 20
Speed 5 (forestwalk)
Resist 5 radiant; Vulnerable 5 fire

TRAITS
Needle Coat • Aura 1
Non-plant creatures in the aura take a −1 penalty to attack rolls and plant creatures in the aura gain a +1 power bonus to all defenses.

Forest Camouflage
When in terrain that is mostly trees, underbrush, plants, or natural growth, the porky pine gains a +5 bonus on Stealth checks and can hide with any cover or concealment.

Wounded Ferocity
When the porky pine is bloodied, successful attacks push targets 1 square and knock them prone.

STANDARD ACTIONS
[M] Goring Thorn • At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +14 vs. AC.
Hit: 2d10 + 10 damage (see also wounded ferocity).

MINOR ACTIONS
Light Step • At-Will
Requirement: The porky pine must be in bright light.
Effect: The porky pine shifts 1 square.

[m] Wild Rampage • Recharges when first bloodied
Requirement: The porky pine must charge an enemy.
Effect: The porky pine may charge a second enemy within range.

Skills Endurance +13, Stealth +9
Str 20 (+9)           Dex 10 (+4)         WIs 14 (+6)
Con 18 (+8)         Int 7 (+2)              Cha 6 (+2)
Alignment unaligned; Languages none

Porky Pines in Combat

A porky pine often begins combat by charging one or more foes. When unable to charge, they often gather together in small clusters to take advantage of their needle coat. In bright light, they take full advantage of their light step to move away from foes and charge without provoking opportunity attacks.