In an era where an oft-jaded population demands instant information, many people have little time for something as whimsical as myths. Cynics dissect legends under the microscope and imagination is often slightly out of style. Fortunately, for those who still fascinated by mystery, there area few things that defy explanation and some creatures who have managed to avoid the paparazzi.

Mysterious lake dwellers have managed to steer clear of attempts to capture or tame them. The fortunate mystery hunters can peer past the mist shrouded waters of remote lochs and catch a fleeting glimpse of these fabulous creatures. Some say these beasts are born of fiction and lies. Others swear they are living, breathing things.

Monster hunters, scientists, and tabloid journalists have their own theories about the origins of mysterious lake dwellers. Many feel these beasts are gigantic water serpents or prehistoric marine reptiles. As of late, the latter seems more plausible. After all, if the coelacanth’s extinction reports proved to be premature, could another creature, such as the plesiosaur, have also survived? The plesiosaur lived during the Mesozoic era. These creatures were marine reptiles and could reach 14 meters in length. They had a long, snaky neck, which fits the description of the Loch Ness and Lake Champlain monsters.

Champ, the Lake Champlain monster made its first appearance in the early 1600s. In the last hundred years, the creature has been spotted on more than 200 occasions but the description of the beast varies. Many think Champ is an immense water serpent. There are, of course, a few skeptics who feel that Champ is nothing more than a giant lake sturgeon.

The Loch Ness Monster is Scotland’s oldest living resident and was first sighted nearly l ,SOO years ago. The creature is rumored to have a long neck and is roughly 17 meters long. “Nessie” fans feel the loch’s largest denizen is either a prehistoric beast or huge water serpent.

Ogopogo hails from Lake Okanogan in British Columbia, Canada. It was known to the natives an N’ha-a-tik (Na-ha-ha-tik) and there have been recorded sightings dating back to the nineteenth century. The creature bears a striking resemblance to the Loch Ness Monster and could possibly of the same species.

Mysterious lake dwellers can provide interesting diversions. The heroes could answer an advertisement that offers a reward for positive proof of the existence of such a creature. Explorers might find an underwater passage that leads to a prehistoric world. These creatures might be in dire need of champions as they try to evade trophy hunters. The beasts might even know long forgotten secrets.

Champ (Immense Water Serpent)

Reflexes 7D: brawling 8D, dodge 7D+ 1
Coordination 2D: throwing 3D+2
Physique 8D: lifting 9D+l, swimming 14D
Knowledge 2D
Perception 4D: hide: self-only 3D, survival 6D
Presence 5D: animal handling4D, intimidation 6D
Strength Damage: 5D
Move: 16
Fate Points: 0
Body Points: 34
Character Points: 0
Wound levels: 3

Natural Abilities: bite (damage +1D; +5 to combat difficulty); constriction (damage +2D); quick to react (+1D to Perception when determining initiative); breathes in water; large size (scale value 10)

The Loch Ness Monster (Evolved Plesiosaur)

Reflexes 5D: brawling 6D
Coordination 2D: throwing 3D+l
Physique 6D: lifting 6D+2, stamina 10D, swimming 12D
Knowledge 2D:
Perception SD: hide: self-only 7D. survival 6D
Presence 4D: intimidation SD
Strength Damage: 3D
Move: 18
Pate Points: 0
Character Points: 0
Body Points: 28
Wound levels: 3

Natural Abilities: bite (damage +3D; +5 to combat difficulty); unusual eyestructure (+1D to see heat changes and in low-light conditions); breathes in water; large size (scale value 10)

Ogopogo (Normal Plesiosaur)

Reflexes 4D: brawling 5D
Coordination 1D+2
Physique 7D: llfting 7D+2, stamina 8D, swimming lOD
Knowledge 1D
Perception 3D: hide: self-only 4D, survival 4D
Presence 3D: intimidation 4D
Strength Damage: 4D
Move: 14
Fate Points: 0
Body Points: 31
Character Points: 0
Wound levels: 3

Natural Abilities: bite (damage +2D; +5 to combat difficulty); breathes in water; large size (scale value 9)