In the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the aurumvorax (/ərəmˈvɔəræks/ ə-rəm-VOHR-aks), or "golden gorger," is a magical beast.
Contents
Publication history
The aurumvorax was created by Gary Gygax, and first appeared in 1980's Expedition to the Barrier Peaks. The creature later appeared in the original Monster Manual II (1983). The aurumvorax was further developed in Dragon #132 (April 1988).
The aurumvorax appeared in the second edition Monstrous Manual (1993).
The aurumvorax appeared in the third edition in Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk (2007).
Ecology
The aurumvorax seems to have a deep affection for precious ores and minerals, which it consumes to supplement its mainly carnivorous diet. It often lairs near places where such things can be found. Gold seems to be its preferred inorganic dish. Many say that the aurumvorax's disproportionate strength is due to eating these things. The aurumvorax is widely hunted for its fur, which can be used to make garments of great strength and beauty.
Environment
The aurumvorax makes its home in alpine forests. Aurumvoraxes often burrow into solid rock to make their lairs.
Typical physical characteristics
An aurumvorax resembles something akin to a rodent or mustelid such as a badger, weasel, marmot, gopher or ferret, but larger, and it has eight legs. It also has slightly leonine features, and its golden-brown fur is as strong as plate armor. Despite the small size and rodent-like appearance, the aurumvorax is quite physically powerful.
Alignment
Aurumvoraxes are neutral.
Society
The aurumvorax is a solitary creature with similar habits to many real-life woodland animals.
Aurumvoraxes cannot speak.
Reception
Rob Bricken of io9 identified the aurumvorax as one of "The 12 Most Obnoxious Dungeons & Dragons Monsters".
Other publishers
The aurumvorax appeared in the Tome of Horrors (2002) from Necromancer Games.
The aurumvorax appeared in Paizo Publishing's book Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Bestiary 2 (2010), on page 35.
The aurumvorax appears in Castles & Crusades Classic Monsters the Manual where it is greatly expanded. The aurumvorax also appears in the second printing of OSRIC.