METAL MIMIC
by Gregory Detwiler
FREQUENCY: Very rare
NO. APPEARING: 1
ARMOR CLASS: 7
MOVE: 3?
HIT DICE: 8-11
% IN LAIR: Nil
TREASURE TYPE: See below
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1 punch
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 4-16
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Glue, spell use
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Camouflage
MAGIC?RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Semi- to average
ALIGNMENT Neutral
SIZE: L
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil
Attack/Defense Modes: Nil
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: VI to VIII/900
+ 10hp to 3400 + 16/hp
The metal mimic is a more powerful
relative of the ?ordinary? mimic, having
all
of the basic abilities and characteristics of its
weaker counterpart. In addition to being
able to imitate objects of wood or stone, the
metal mimic can take on the shape and
appearance of items of raw or finished
metal. It can take on the color, luster, and
texture of any pure metal (iron, gold, silver,
platinum, etc.) except for adamantite, but
cannot form into an alloy. Standard tactics
of the creature include forming itself into a
metal coffer to attract treasure-seeking prey
or taking on the shape of an iron column in
a passageway through which prey is ex-
pected to pass.
The metal mimic can duplicate the effect
of a light spell up to four times per day,
causing the illumination to come from itself
or from any other object within 20? of its
location. This magical light persists for 6
turns or until dispelled by some outside
force. The mimic can cancel the light only if
it was cast upon the mimic?s body.
The metal mimic can exude a pseudopod,
connected to the main body by a slender
tendril, and shape that extremity into the
form of a sword or dagger. With magical
light placed on it, this extremity will appear
to be an enchanted blade. If the creature
wants to imitate a non-glowing magical
weapon such as a mace, or possibly a magic
shield, it can project a form of Nystul?s
magic aura once per day (duration 2 turns,
or until dispelled by the mimic), causing the
imitated object to register positively if detect
magic is cast upon it.
The metal mimic has no use for treasure
as such, but will often use the coins and
weapons of previous victims to lure other
prey, leaving such items where they have
fallen and forming itself into a stone or iron
column next to the pile.
The metal mimic attacks in the same
fashion as the weaker mimic, sending out a
pseudopod which hits as a weapon and also
secretes a powerful glue. Each hit does 4-16
hp damage, and a victim held fast by the
mimic?s glue will incur subsequent attacks
from more pseudopods as if the target were
AC 10 (bonuses for dexterity and magical
armor apply). The hold of a pseudopod?s
glue is broken by any single hit upon the
mimic which causes at least 6 hp damage.
Metal mimics are of two basic types: the
larger (10-11 HD), relatively intelligent
sort, and the smaller ?killer mimic? which
is semi-intelligent and instinctively aggres-
sive. The larger, non-belligerent types may
learn local languages and be willing to
negotiate for food instead of making an
outright attack.