Sandy petersens cthulhu mythos (1) 48

II Mythos Races
adept at luring raiding parties of adventurers into the

Others probably:

dragon’s lair.

‘‘ are nervous around you.

Zoogs have a history of making direct pacts with
monstrous creatures for mutual benefit, the way

‘‘ view you as a possible threat to
children and small animals.

a crocodile might allow small birds to pick its teeth

‘‘ are interested in making a treaty with you.

clean. Generally amoral and opportunistic, zoogs have

‘‘ are afraid you might lead them into a trap.

no objections to working with evil monsters, but they

‘‘ consider you to be wise in dark, unearthly lore.

also recognize the danger such creatures pose. In some

‘‘ are ignorant of your complex social structure.

cases, if a particularly dangerous creature moves in, the

Physiology

zoogs may seek the assistance of a party of adventurers
to rid their forest of the risk, and will offer enticements
for this service. This must be done before the zoogs
forge a treaty with the monster, however, as zoogs
always keep their word.

Playing a Zoog

Zoogs are marsupials. Both males and females have
two, small, forward-opening pouches on each side of
their abdomen. Female pouches expand significantly
when they house a litter of pouchlings.
The typical zoog is about the size of a small human
child, yet their quadrupedal stance keeps them low to

Other races are both fascinated by and a little fearful

the ground. All four of their limbs terminate in hand-

of the curious and furtive zoogs. They have developed

like paws capable of fine work or wielding weapons.

a reputation for mysterious powers, cunning, and their

In addition, they have long, bare, prehensile tails that

specific form of faithfulness.

give them even more options for manipulation. Their

If you’re a zoog, you likely:
‘‘ see small animals (even pets or
familiars) as potential food.
‘‘ are attracted to creepy and
uncanny places and things.
‘‘ remember and honor your personal treaties
and those that your forest has signed.
‘‘ like to hide in dark corners and
explore tunnels and burrows.
‘‘ are curious, inventive, and cunning.
‘‘ are extremely interested in traps,
both magical and physical.
‘‘ don’t share your secrets.

mouths have needle-like teeth, and their faces are
adorned with small prehensile tentacles, which they
primarily use to manipulate food but can also use to
grasp small objects or help with delicate tinkering.
They have round, bulging eyes and large ears that
grant senses as keen as those of a cat, if not keener.
Though they are naturally nocturnal, they are not
hampered in bright light. They can swim when they
must and can climb as well as any monkey. While they
can use tools and often keep useful objects in their
burrows, they cannot easily carry more than two such

items around with them at a time (one in each pouch).
Zoog voices are thin and breathless, most often
described as “fluttering.” They cannot shout or make
loud noises (except for an occasional frightened
involuntary squeal), but they can pick up other
languages and are fast learners. They speak their own
language, which is only taught to outsiders who have

41