FREQUENCY: Rare ([Tropical Wilderness Plains], [Tropical Wilderness Desert])
NO. APPEARING: 1-4
ARMOR CLASS: 5
MOVE: 15" (45" for 3-round "sprint")
HIT DICE: 3
% IN LAIR: 15%
TREASURE TYPE: Nil
NO. OF ATTACKS: 3
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-2/1-2/2-8
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Rear claws for 1-2/1-2
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Surprised only on a 1
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Animal
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
SIZE: M
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: III | 65 + 3

The cheetah is found on tropical plains && grasslands.
It is the only cat with retractable claws, <?>
and,
if taken young,
is the only large cat that can be trained and domesticated to a trustworthy level at all times.
(Lion-lovers claim that cheetahs are no more faithful than lions.
The debate is unresolved.)
As with all cats,
cheetahs are carnivores who actively stalk and kill game to survive.
Because of their camouflage coloration and hunting skill,
they surprise on 3 in 6.
These felines can burst into triple SPEED,
a 45" "sprint" for 3 rounds.
They must rest 3 turns before again sprinting.
Cheetahs can spring 10 feet upwards or forward as much as 20 feet.
If both forepaws hit during an attack,
the cheetah gains 2 additional raking attacks with its rear claws.

If found in its lair,
and only 1 or 2 animals are indicated,
there will also be 1-4 cubs there.
These young have no effective attack.
Naturally,
parent animals will give their lives in defense of the young.
Parent animals defending their young attack at 2 to hit and to damage.

The cheetah is the sacred animal of Aarth.