Deep in the tangled underbrush of forests and in the remote regions of dismal swamps and bogs lives a strange creature called the carbuncle. It is a shy creature that seeks to avoid encounters. Should it seek interaction, a carbuncle often begins by proudly announcing the value of the gem in its forehead just to watch the reaction the information arouses. Despite its shy nature, the carbuncle has a mischievous side as well. It sometimes joins travelers so it can play pranks on them and observe the reactions of the unfortunate victims of its curiosity. After joining with a party, a carbuncle eventually seeks to breed hostility and suspicion between party members. They have been known to telepathically contact nearby monsters and draw them to the party, so that it can watch the battle and read the thoughts of the party under attack before slipping away. A carbuncle can be coerced or persuaded to surrender the gem in its forehead. If the attempt fails, the carbuncle sees through the deception and flees. If the carbuncle relinquishes its gem, it grows another one within one month. When a carbuncle is slain, its forehead gem crumbles to dust. Though fascinated by combat, carbuncles are nearly helpless in melee. They enjoy setting up encounters using their powers and watching the brutal scenes unfold, but they surrender immediately if attacked themselves. In a lethal situation, a carbuncle first tries to bargain for safety with its gem. If that fails, it can will itself to die rather than suffer torment (and rather than giving up its gem to someone it suspects will only kill it anyway). Instinct: To play pranks on adventurers

• Lure adventurers into a dangerous situation
• Cause discord
• Telepathy