FREQUENCY: Very rare
NUMBER APPEARING: 1-2
ARMOR CLASS: 6
MOVE: 6”
HIT DICE: 5+1
% IN LAIR: Nil
TREASURE TYPE: Nil
NUMBER OF ATTACKS: 3
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-4/1-4/4-32
SPECIAL ATTACKS: 20% chance of double stroke with tail
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Excellent senses, and near total camouflage
MAGIC DEFENSES: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: See below
ALIGNMENT: Neutral/chaotic
SIZE: 6 to 9 feet from nose to rump with 5-11 foot tail
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil
Attack/Defense Modes: Nil

This beast is commonly known as a “whipper beast.” The whipper
beast is found in most subterranean dungeons or caves, as well as deep
forested areas where very little light filters in. It seems to prefer dark, but
will not hesitate to enter light in pursuit of prey.

Being somewhat mammalian creed, the whipper is possessed of
many self-preserving features. Its fur is stiff and thick, having a consistency
like that of a mountain bear. Generally steel-grey in color, it
blends very well with the colors common in the average stone-made
dungeon. Its pelt is valueless, since it never comes away or stays in one
piece.

The Horast’s round flat body is muscular and compact for a
maximum maneuverability. The six thick legs permit devastating
slashes with its claws, and speed in the manipulation of its deadly tail.
And, speaking of that feature, the tail is about 5 to 11 feet in length, and
is composed of horny segments that move together like a living
bullwhip. When thrown forward, this tail can cut through plate armor or
thin stone walls. The three barbs at the end are sharp and daggerlike
and are treated like slashing claws or stabbing knives. To utilize its tail,
the Horast has only to tilt its body forward and whip the daylights out of 
its opponent.

The whipper's head is low to the ground for maximum safety; the 
nostrils flared and accented for greater sense of smell. Large, ribbed 
ears provided excellent hearing, and it also has keen, many-faceted 
eyes that glow a little in darkness. 

A whipper beast has marvelous dexterity; a natural, inborn trait because 
of its tail. Its mouth and tongue indicate a primarily liquid diet . . . 
quite probably blood that would suck up through the funnel-like lower 
lip. A whipper beast can be befriended, though it generally requires a 
very high charisma, and a certain element of madness to travel with 
one.
 
 

Dragon magazine

DMM

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The Dragon #27

1st Edition AD&D