Crossroads MVP
Bestiary - Beasts
Beasts
Below is a list of the most common types of animals typically encountered in a fantasy setting.
Beasts in your Setting
The actual minutia and details for any animals might differ between settings or even differ between locations in your setting. Each of the animals below is kept relatively simple and should be usable for a number of possible creatures of that species, or even for similar species.
Each Beast below may be used in a number of ways, but the base rules assumes that they will primarily act to their instincts, which are listed on the card. If additional Templates are applied to a Beast, it may become more cognitive and act in a different, non-instinctual manner.
Dire Beasts
Traditionally, Dire Wolves are the only kind of "Dire" animal. However, sometimes a setting has larger animals due to the presence of Gods, Magic, or other factors, and this is a fairly easy descriptor.
Dire animals are simply larger versions of existing animals. They are not inherently magical, evil, or otherwise different unless you wish them to be.
Beasts and Templates
Beasts may or may not be eligible for certain Templates, and this is mostly left up to the GM and the players. While the system is not designed to allow for Vampire Cattle and Dreadhost Foxes, The Golden Rule will always apply.
Beasts as Allies
Beasts as Mounts
Beasts will mostly be allies in the form of Mounts or beasts of Burden. Not every creature can function as a Mount and many will require training and must an appropriate size. For four-legged creatures, they should be one size category larger and two-legged creatures should be two size categories larger.
Beasts as Pets
Some characters may wish to have an animal as a pet, familiar, or other companion. This should mostly be agreed upon with other players, as a pet can feel unfair to other players, such as when it makes a character too "powerful" or causes favouritism. Pets may also lead to additional inconveniences, such as hampering plans and disguises, or requiring excessive attention such as stables.
Pets should typically be small and have very little impact in the game beyond roleplaying.
Pets and other Familiars may assist the
Animal Training
Whether or not Beasts may be trained is mostly left up to the GM and the players. There is a Template for Animal Combat Training, and May or may not be required for Beasts to fight in combat. Some beasts may require training, some may not, and some may not be trained.
If a character can communicate with an animal through magic or other means, it will probably be much easier for them to be trained.
Beasts in Combat
Multiple Attacks
Some beasts may have multiple attacks for them to use. These are usually a bite and another attack. If a beast has two attacks, they should only use one at a time. They are intended to let animals have more than one method of fighting foes, or to be used with abilities.
For example, an animal may not wish to bite a target that seems particularly foul or poisonous, or its head might be too far away, and so it will use another attack instead.
Instincts and Panic
Most animals will typically act instinctually and are very likely to panic in combat. If an animal may panic, simply roll a Fear test ([W]) and
Certain animals are also trained for warfare and might be immune to, or gain Advantage on, these tests.
Hunters
Animals that typically hunt other animals for food.
Dogs
Hound
Man's best friend, ever present at his side. A loyal companion for any who treat them with the respect they deserve.
![]() Hound Medium Beast |
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[H]:
HHH H
AV:
![]() Bite
Skill: 1
Deal DD puncturing damage - Range: Touch |
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Hound Medium Beast Beast |
![]() Trained Animal While Beasts typically act to their instincts, this animal has been trained to act differently and can even follow commands. |
![]() Combat Training (Hound) A Hound is trained to protect their companions. They can make Assist actions, guard their allies from attacks, and fight as part of a unit. |
![]() Tracker Gains Advantage when tracking or attempting to locate anything by smell. |
![]() Latch On Successful Bite attacks Grapple the target. Grappled targets may be unable to use one of their limbs. |
Wolves
Wolf
![]() Wolf Medium Beast |
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[H]:
HHH H
AV:
![]() Bite
Skill: 1
Deal DD puncturing damage - Range: Touch ![]() Claw
Deal D sharp damage - Range: Touch |
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Wolf Medium Beast Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Wolf) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Wolf's instincts are: - Survive - Protect - Hunt |
![]() Pack Hunter Gain Advantage on all Skill Rolls when working together as a pack. |
![]() Tracker Gains Advantage when tracking or attempting to locate anything by smell. |
Dire Wolf
![]() Dire Wolf Large Beast |
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[H]:
HH HHH
AV:
![]() Bite
Skill: 1
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch ![]() Claw
Deal DD sharp damage - Range: Touch |
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Dire Wolf Large Beast Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Dire Wolf) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Dire Wolf's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Pack Hunter Gain Advantage on all Skill Rolls when working together as a pack. |
![]() Tracker Gains Advantage when tracking or attempting to locate anything by smell. |
![]() Thick Hide Thick fur and tough skin cause d1 to incoming sharp damage. |
Bears
Bear
DESCRIPTION
![]() Bear Large Beast |
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[H]:
HHHH H
AV:
![]() Bite
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch ![]() Maul
Deal D sharp and blunt damage - Range: Touch |
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Bear Large Beast Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Bear) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Bear's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Great Thick Hide Thick fur and tough skin ignores D damage and causes d1 to incoming sharp damage. |
![]() Powerful Roar May cause Fear in enemies. |
Cats
Cat
DESCRIPTION
![]() Cat Medium Beast |
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[H]:
HHH
AV:
![]() Bite
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch ![]() Claws
Deal D sharp damage - Range: Touch |
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Cat Medium Beast Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Cat) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Cat's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Night Vision Reduced penalties in darkness or low-light. |
![]() Cower Gain Advantage when Disengaging. |
Dire Cat
DESCRIPTION
![]() Dire Cat Large Beast |
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[H]:
HHH HH
AV:
![]() Bite
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch ![]() Claws
Deal DD sharp damage - Range: Touch |
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Dire Cat Large Beast Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Dire Cat) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Dire Cat's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Night Vision Reduced penalties in darkness or low-light. |
![]() Thick Hide Thick fur and tough skin cause d1 to incoming sharp damage. |
![]() Powerful Roar May cause Fear in enemies. |
Herd
Animals that typically live in groups for protection.
Rats
Rat
DESCRIPTION
![]() Rat Swarm Tiny Beast (Swarm) |
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[H]:
HHH
AV:
![]() Biting Swarm
Skill: *
Deal [H]D puncturing damage - Range: Touch Target's Attack Avoidance Rolls gain d1. Damage and Weapon Skill are equal to swarm [H]. |
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Rat Swarm Tiny Beast (Swarm) Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Rat Swarm) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Rat Swarm's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Swarm This is a swarm of creatures that acts as a single entity that will disperse or flee from damage. Damage is reduced to D unless the attack deals Area damage. |
![]() Gnaw Effective at chewing through many materials. |
![]() Sneaky Squeaky Gain Advantage when trying to squeeze through gaps, sneak, or hide. |
Dire Rat
DESCRIPTION
![]() Dire Rat Small Beast |
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[H]:
HH
AV:
![]() Bite
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch |
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Dire Rat Small Beast Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Dire Rat) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Dire Rat's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Gnaw Effective at chewing through many materials. |
![]() Sneaky Squeaky Gain Advantage when trying to squeeze through gaps, sneak, or hide. |
Bats
Bat
DESCRIPTION
![]() Bat Swarm Tiny Beast (Swarm) |
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[H]:
HHH
AV:
![]() Bite
Skill: *
Deal [H]D puncturing damage - Range: Touch Target's Attack Avoidance Rolls gain d1. Damage and Weapon Skill are equal to swarm [H]. |
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Bat Swarm Tiny Beast (Swarm) Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Bat Swarm) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Bat Swarm's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Swarm This is a swarm of creatures that acts as a single entity that will disperse from damage. Damage is reduced to D unless the attack deals Area damage. |
![]() Fly Can fly and [M] is 12 when flying. |
![]() Echolocation Can use echolocation to navigate. |
Boars
Boar
Boars are stout, cloven-hoofed beasts with nasty tusks and a vicious temper. They are social animals, living in female-dominated sounders led by an old matriarch.
![]() Boar Medium Beast |
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[H]:
HHH HH
AV:
![]() Gore
Deal DD puncturing damage - Range: Touch |
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Boar Medium Beast Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Boar) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Boar's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Thick Hide Thick fur and tough skin cause d1 to incoming sharp damage. |
![]() Thunderous Charge Gain a1 to damage when making a Charge Action. |
Dire Boar
Dire Boars are enormous masses of muscle with large tusks and a dangerous temper. They are sometimes used as mounts by particularly brave and foolhardy individuals.
![]() Dire Boar Large Beast |
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[H]:
HHHH
AV:
![]() Gore
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch ![]() Hoof Stomp
Deal D blunt damage - Range: Touch |
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Dire Boar Large Beast Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Dire Boar) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Dire Boar's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Great Thick Hide Thick fur and tough skin ignores D damage and causes d1 to incoming sharp damage. |
![]() Thunderous Charge Gain a1 to damage when making a Charge Action. |
![]() Trample (Large) May make a Hoof Stomp attack by charging over a Medium or smaller enemy. |
![]() Mount Can be a mount if it has appropriate training. |
Cattle
Aurochs
Horned cattle with shaggy coats of long fur.
![]() Aurochs Large Beast |
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[H]:
HHH HHH
AV:
![]() Aurochs Horn
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch ![]() Hoof Stomp
Deal D blunt damage - Range: Touch |
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Aurochs Large Beast Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Aurochs) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. An Aurochs's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Thick Hide Thick fur and tough skin cause d1 to incoming sharp damage. |
![]() Thunderous Charge Gain a1 to damage when making a Charge Action. |
![]() Trample (Large) May make a Hoof Stomp attack by charging over a Medium or smaller enemy. |
Horses
Horse
Horses of many colours and breeds.
![]() Horse Large Beast |
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[H]:
HHH HHH
AV:
![]() Bite
Deal D blunt damage - Range: Touch ![]() Hoof Stomp
Deal D blunt damage - Range: Touch |
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Horse Large Beast Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Horse) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Horse's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Trample (Large) May make a Hoof Stomp attack by charging over a Medium or smaller enemy. |
![]() Mount Can be a mount if it has appropriate training. |
War Horse
Horses that have been trained for war. Their training may help them stay calm in the heat of battle, and some have even been trained to protect their rider after they have dismounted.
![]() War Horse Large Beast |
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[H]:
HHH HHH
AV:
A
![]() Bite
Deal D blunt damage - Range: Touch ![]() Hoof Stomp
Deal D blunt damage - Range: Touch |
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War Horse Large Beast Mount |
![]() Trained Animal While Beasts typically act to their instincts, this animal has been trained to act differently and can even follow commands. |
![]() Combat Training (War Steed) A War Steed is trained to protect their rider if they are dismounted. They may make Assist actions and guard their rider from attacks. |
![]() Trample (Large) May make a Hoof Stomp attack by charging over a Medium or smaller enemy. |
![]() War Mount These creatures make great mounts, especially for combat. |
![]() Horse Barding Wears Barding that grants A. |
Birds
Bird Swarm
Swarms of birds like crows or ravens can sometimes be manipulated into attacking unsuspecting enemies.
![]() Bird Swarm Tiny Beast (Swarm) |
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[H]:
HHH
AV:
![]() Talons
Skill: *
Deal [H]D sharp damage - Range: Touch Target's Attack Avoidance Rolls gain d1. Damage and Weapon Skill are equal to swarm [H]. |
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Bird Swarm Tiny Beast (Swarm) Swarm |
![]() Animal Instincts (Bird Swarm) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Bird Swarm's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Swarm This is a swarm of creatures that acts as a single entity that will disperse from damage. Damage is reduced to D unless the attack deals Area damage. |
![]() Fly Can fly and [M] is 12 when flying. |
Raptor
While sometimes described as "Small", these birds are comparatively quite big when compared to common birds. These include large birds of prey such as Eagles, Vultures, Owls, and possibly even Geese or Swans.
![]() Raptor Small Beast |
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[H]:
HH
AV:
![]() Peck
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch ![]() Talons
Deal D sharp damage - Range: Touch |
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Raptor Small Beast Harasser |
![]() Animal Instincts (Raptor) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Raptor's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Fly Can fly and [M] is 12 when flying. |
![]() Flying Attack Can make claw attacks while flying past a target. |
Dire Raptor
Dire Birds are typically incredibly large, the size of humans, with even greater wingspans. Some claim that Dire Hawks, Eagles, and Vultures can even be ridden by particularly brave, foolhardy, and small beings.
![]() Dire Raptor Medium Beast |
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[H]:
HHH H
AV:
![]() Peck
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch ![]() Talons
Deal DD sharp damage - Range: Touch |
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Dire Raptor Medium Beast Harasser |
![]() Animal Instincts (Dire Raptor) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Dire Raptor's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Fly Can fly and [M] is 12 when flying. |
![]() Flying Attack Can make claw attacks while flying past a target. |
Reptiles
Snakes
Venomous Swarm
![]() Venomous Swarm Tiny Beast (Swarm) |
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[H]:
HH
AV:
![]() Biting Swarm
Skill: *
Deal [H]D puncturing damage - Range: Touch Target's Attack Avoidance Rolls gain d1. Damage and Weapon Skill are equal to swarm [H]. |
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Venomous Swarm Tiny Beast (Swarm) Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Snake) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Snake's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Swarm This is a swarm of creatures that acts as a single entity that will disperse or flee from damage. Damage is reduced to D unless the attack deals Area damage. |
![]() Reptillian Reptiles are more affected by weather, gaining energy in warm areas and becoming lethargic in colder climates. |
![]() Natural Venom Venomous attacks turn one D into D unless the target passes a [T] Resist Avoidance Roll. |
Venomous Snake
![]() Venomous Snake Small Beast |
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[H]:
HH
AV:
![]() Bite
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch |
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Venomous Snake Small Beast Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Snake) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Snake's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Reptillian Reptiles are more affected by weather, gaining energy in warm areas and becoming lethargic in colder climates. |
![]() Natural Venom Venomous attacks turn one D into D unless the target passes a [T] Resist Avoidance Roll. |
Constrictor Snake
![]() Constrictor Snake Medium Beast |
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[H]:
HH HH
AV:
![]() Bite
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch |
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Constrictor Snake Medium Beast Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Snake) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Snake's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Reptillian Reptiles are more affected by weather, gaining energy in warm areas and becoming lethargic in colder climates. |
![]() Constrict Deals D blunt damage to any creature they are Grappling. |
Insects
Spiders
Forest Spider
![]() Forest Spider Medium Beast |
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[H]:
HHH H
AV:
![]() Bite
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch |
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Forest Spider Medium Beast Beast |
![]() Animal Instincts (Forest Spider) Beasts will typically act primarily to their instincts. A Forest Spider's instincts are: - Hide - Eat - Hunt |
![]() Natural Venom Venomous attacks turn one D into D unless the target passes a [T] Resist Avoidance Roll. |
![]() Web Can make webs that ensare foes. May be used as a ranged Grapple. |
Companions
Companions are typically non-combat allies that grant certain bonuses or abilities. These may be granted by a special power, background, or bonded with naturally in the world. As with many things, this is pending GM permission.
![]() Rat Tiny Beast - Companion |
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![]() Rat
|
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![]() Rat It's a rat! |
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![]() Gnaw Effective at chewing through many materials. |
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![]() Adept Climber Gain Advantage when climbing. |
![]() Bat Tiny Beast - Companion |
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![]() Bat
|
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![]() Bat It's a bat! |
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![]() Fly Can fly and [M] is 12 when flying. |
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![]() Echolocation Can use echolocation to navigate. |
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![]() Adept Climber Gain Advantage when climbing. |
![]() Cat Tiny Beast - Companion |
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![]() Cat
|
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![]() Cat It's a cat! |
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![]() Night Vision Reduced penalties in darkness or low-light. |
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![]() Adept Climber Gain Advantage when climbing. |
![]() Bird Tiny Beast - Companion |
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![]() Bird
|
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![]() Bird It's a bird! |
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![]() Fly Can fly and [M] is 12 when flying. |
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![]() "Squawk?"" Some Birds can learn to repeat a few words. This is not communication but may be used to send messages. |
General
General Animal Attacks
Common attacks sorted by size and type.
![]() Small Beast Attacks Small Beast |
![]() Small Bite
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch ![]() Small Claw
Deal D sharp damage - Range: Touch ![]() Small Strike
Deal D blunt damage - Range: Touch ![]() Small Sting
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Touch |
![]() Medium Beast Attacks Medium Beast |
![]() Medium Bite
Deal DD puncturing damage - Range: Touch ![]() Medium Claw
Deal DD sharp damage - Range: Touch ![]() Medium Strike
Deal DD blunt damage - Range: Touch ![]() Medium Sting
Deal DD puncturing damage - Range: Touch |
![]() Large Beast Attacks Large Beast |
![]() Large Bite
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Immediate ![]() Large Claw
Deal D sharp damage - Range: Immediate ![]() Large Strike
Deal D blunt damage - Range: Immediate ![]() Large Sting
Deal D puncturing damage - Range: Immediate |
General Animal Traits
Traits that may be used by appropriate Beasts
Animal Traits Small Beast Beast |
![]() Trample May make a Hoof Attack attack by charging over smaller enemy. |
![]() Gore Gains Advantage on Damage Rolls when making a Charge Action. |
![]() Mount Can be a mount if it has appropriate training. |
![]() War Mount These creatures make great mounts, especially for combat. |
![]() Animal Barding Wears Barding that grants AV. |
Animal Traits Medium Beast Beast |
![]() Thick Hide Thick fur and tough skin grant AV. |
![]() Hard Shell A thick shell grants AV. |
![]() Powerful Roar May cause Fear in enemies. |
![]() Natural Venom This creature's attacks are Venomous. |
![]() Web Can make webs that ensare foes. May be used as a ranged Grapple. |
Animal Traits Large Beast Beast |
![]() Fly Can fly and [M] is 12 when flying. |
![]() Flying Attack Can make attacks while flying past a target. |
![]() Night Vision Reduced penalties in darkness or low-light. |
![]() Cower Gain Advantage when Disengaging. |
![]() Echolocation Can use echolocation to navigate. |