Monster: Sau'inpu

Sau'inpu
Armour Class: 7
Hit Dice: 2*
Move: 120' (40')
Attacks: 2 or 1 (by weapon)
Damage: 1-4/1-4 or 1-6
No. Appearing: 1-20 (10-100)
Save As: F2
Morale: 8
Treasure Type: E (U)
Alignment: Lawful
XP Value: 25

The sau'inpu -- crudely referred to as desert jackals by many -- are a species of tall, lean canine humanoids, notable for their narrow, elegant nuzzles, tall tapered ears and short dense fur of jet black, pure white or golden. Cultured creatures, sau'inpu dress themselves in impeccable white linen and exotic furs accented with gold and present themselves as merchants and diplomats of high calibre, all of which is true; but it is their consumption of the dead, whether sau'inpu or other sapient species, that gives others pause.

In combat a sau'inpu attacks with a shortbow when possible, closing to melee with paired daggers when pressed; despite their predatory teeth, they do not bite opponents. Once a target is down, a sau'inpu will take any opportunity within reason to consume the fallen's heart in a death sacrament -- this action, requiring a round, heals the sau'inpu of 1-8 hit points and grants a +2 bonus to all actions for an hour.

For every eight sau'inpu in a community there is one clan warrior of 2+4 Hit Dice. Warriors attack as 3 Hit Die monsters and either inflict bleeding wounds with their daggers, causing a loss of one hit point per round until the wound is seen to, or may use a single first level magic-user (or cleric) spell per day. A clan is led by four Elders who possess 4 Hit Dice and the spellcasting abilities of third level magic-users or clerics (50% chance of either).