Copycask:

ARMOR: 3 - Shapeshift

Bite: (STRESS-3 RANGE-Intimate Armor Piercing LV2)

Tentacle Stab: (STRESS-2 RANGE-Reach Armor Piercing LV2)

Constrict: (STRESS-3 RANGE-Reach Crushing Ongoing)

Adhesive: This creature secretes a very sticky coating that traps its victims. It takes a Big Success using +Fierce to escape.

Magic Effect: If the copycask has consumed an Ale-chemical concoction give them an appropriate bonus from the Spellcast Table.

Also known as a Barrel Mimic, Killderkin, or Bungfiend, the Copycask was originally a swamp-dwelling shapeshifter. This amorphous creature would camouflage itself as logs, stumps, and other common swamp objects to ambush prey. Over time, the Copycask developed a keen ability to mimic the appearance and texture of wooden objects, which made its adaptation to taverns and breweries—where it takes on the appearance of kegs and barrels—all the more insidious.

The Copycask was first drawn to human settlements by the familiar sulfuric "rotten egg" smell of brewing beer, a scent reminiscent of the marshy bogs it called home. The warmth and nutritional qualities of beer, allowed it to thrive and grow dormant for long periods. The Copycask’s natural flexibility meant it could slip into breweries unnoticed, taking on the shape of an unused keg. When not disturbed, it might remain in its chosen form for months, only revealing its true nature when an unsuspecting barkeep attempts to tap its shell.

Exposure to Legend Dairyland’s Ale-chemical brews accelerated its evolution, enhancing its shapeshifting abilities and introducing unique traits based on the brews it absorbed. A Copycask exposed to fiery brews might develop a burning, lava-like consistency, while those that fed on frost-infused ales could gain an icy, almost crystalline appearance. Dark stouts might increase its durability and bulk, while lighter ales could make it more fluid and quick, allowing it to slide rapidly across surfaces or lash out with tendrils made of foam and bracken.

Although the Copycask lacks true intelligence, it operates on heightened instincts and cunning, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its environment. Even when masquerading as a barrel, it can shift its appearance subtly, mimicking the look of wooden grain, metal bands, or even small imperfections in the wood to ensure it appears convincing. As a result, the creature has become a menace in taverns and breweries, where a single Copycask’s presence can turn a friendly atmosphere into a scene of chaos and destruction.

The creature’s adaptable nature also means it’s highly resistant to most toxins, and its thick, slime-coated hide can become extremely tough and durable after absorbing Ale-chemical energy. Tavern patrons know that while most kegs hold good cheer, an unlucky tap could result in a nightmarish encounter with one of these monsters. Brewery owners have learned to stay vigilant, inspecting their stock for any signs of an intruder. However, the Copycask’s stealth and patience allow it to slip past even the most diligent guard.

A young Copycask, still adjusting to its new environment, can usually be dealt with by a skilled barkeep, but a mature Copycask, swollen with absorbed magic and experience, is far deadlier. Upon death, the creature collapses into a foul-smelling heap of brackish ooze, leaving behind only the remains of whatever it was mimicking—often a keg that looks perfectly intact, though few would dare sample its contents. The discovery of such an impostor is a grim reminder of the dangers lurking in both the wilds and the breweries of Legend Dairyland.