Sirrush

This strange composite has a scaly, catlike torso; its front legs are those of a scaled lion, and its back legs resemble a big bird's or lizard's. A long, grasping tail balances a snakelike head perched on a lengthy neck, with backward-mounted curled horns like a ram's and a short dewlap beneath. The whole beast is sandy yellow.

Rival sirrushes settle mating contests by butting horns, a pure trial of strength. Used on other animals, that head-butt deals 14 points of damage.

When hunting or defending itself, though, it attacks with two claws for 1-4 each and a bite for 1-10, and the fangs carry Type E poison. If it needs to escape, it can kick backward with its taloned hind feet like a leucrotta, each foot dealing 1-10. No poison affects it.

Normally solitary, it takes small game, lone travelers, and the weak, old, young or strayed members of wild herds and livestock. When easy meals run short, two mated pairs join forces to bring down larger animals or a whole party of travelers.

A clutch holds 1d4+1 eggs; both parents share the work of feeding and guarding them for the four months of spring and early summer the young need to mature. Protecting their offspring, adults gain +1 to attack and become Fanatic (morale 17).

Ecologically it is just a clever large predator, no more disruptive than lions or dire wolves.

Where no army or band of adventurers can be found to deal with them, locals and regular caravans resort to leaving animals as offerings, the number depending on how many sirrushes roam the area. Because the beasts want live prey and fleeing offerings are wasted, the animals are bound or hobbled rather than killed.

Wizards and alchemists seek the venom. Beneath the scales lies a leathery hide like a bull's, usable for a cloak of poisonousness, and carefully removed scales make scale mail fit for enchantment. Rumor says a quarterstaff soaked in its blood can be made into the adder form of the staff of the serpent.

Since they already hunt in small packs, sirrushes are sometimes trained as guards and hunters, with up to four raised together forming one pack. Lamiae occasionally use them, as they do leucrottas. A young sirrush or an egg sells for 800 gp.