FREQUENCY: Uncommon
FREQUENCY: Uncommon ([Dungeon Level II])

NO. APPEARING: 1-20
ARMOR CLASS: 3 (10 - see below)
MOVE: 18"
HIT DICE: [SB]
% IN LAIR: Nil
TREASURE TYPE: Nil
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-4 or 1-6
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Nil
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Non-
ALIGNMENT: Neutral with chaotic tendencies
SIZE: S (3' diameter)
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: II | 32 + 2

A curious creature, the gorbel appears as a red globe of thin rubbery
material about 3' in diameter (its high AC is due to its high dexterity) with
a tiny mouth, six tiny eyes on short retractable stalks equally
spaced around the upper hemisphere and 2wo clawed legs
which it uses to MOVE at remarkable SPEED.

When attacking (which it usu. does), it attempts to attach itself to
its victim's back with its claws; a successful initial hit means it has
done so, delivering 1-4 HP of damage. Thereafter it cannot be
detached until dead and it automatically hits its victim each round for
1-6 points of clawing damage. Initially, it attacks as a creature of
2 HD.

A hit with a blunt weapon will not harm the gorbel, but a hit with a
pointed or edged weapon causes it to burst asunder, killing it and
doing 1-4 HP of blast damage to anyone within 5'.

Naturally, when the gorbel is attached to a victim it loses its dexterity
bonus and its AC is then 10.

Gorbels are mischievous, fickle and irritable creatures.
 

    by Andrew Key