Carbuncle

Never have legend and misinformation met upon a more inauspicious brow than that of the lowly carbuncle. At frst glance, they appear to be little more than ungainly reptiles. What sets them apart are their strange magical abilities and the gemstone-like horn protruding from between their goggling eyes. Although rumors suggest various uses for carbuncle horns, ranging from miracle cure-alls to potent magical components, the truth is much more mundane: a carbuncle's horn is merely a highly refective growth, not unlike a fngernail.

Carbuncles also possess a strange sense that allows them to detect treasure that has been hidden or obscured. The creatures generally feel a compulsion to move toward these treasures and remain nearby. Strangely, carbuncles seem disinterested once the valuables are laid out in the open, as if the obfuscation were part of their interest. Many would-be treasure hunters end up following the creatures in hopes of fnding treasures, though the fearfulness of carbuncles makes this a very diffcult prospect. Most carbuncles abandon their nests after being scared away, even when their sense would typically draw them back.