FREQUENCY: Rare

FREQUENCY: Rare ([Cold Wilderness Forest])
FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Cold Wilderness Swamp], [Cold Wilderness Plains])

FREQUENCY: Rare ([Temperate Wilderness Forest])
FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Temperate Wilderness Swamp], [Temperate Wilderness Plains])

NO. APPEARING: 1
ARMOR CLASS: 4
MOVE: 3" (6")
HIT DICE: 10
% IN LAIR: 40%
TREASURE TYPE: [G]
NO. OF ATTACKS: [SB]
DAMAGE/ATTACK: [SB]
SPECIAL ATTACKS: [SB]
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Highly
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
SIZE: Large
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: VI | 1000 + 14

The miner is a relative of the trapper and adapted to woodland survival. It
is carnivorous and preys on small woodland animals; however, it often
employsa form of ambush by which it acquires more substantial meals.
It tunnels through earth to position itself a few inches below a traveled
path or road, then extends its spinal barbsbpwardsthrough the surface.
Passing creatures do not usually notice the barbs, which look like twigs,
and may step upon them (75% chance if surprised, otherwise 25% per
creature passing.) Druids && rangers may, if unsurprised, see and
correctly indentify the barbs at a 5% chance per character level. The
barbs are poisonous; any creature stepping on one must save vs. poison
or be paralyzed for 2-40 turns. Nevertheless, the miner will not reveal its
presence until all surface vibrations have ceased (i.e., no movement), at
which time it will dig out and attack what it has caught, enveloping it in a
manner identical to the trapper (q.v.). This is an attack mode it will also
employ if engaged in combat. As it usually remains underground while
foraging, the miner isdifficult to attack unlessdugoutof its hiding place.

Miners are not as amorphous as their trapper cousins and are usually
similar in appearance to a tailless aquatic ray. Skin is mottled brown or
greenish brown. Its frontal edge is hard bone, which extends to a central
dorsal ridge lined with 6-25 brown barbs.

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