Converting "Real World" Animals and Vermin


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Before we move on from the canids, do either of these need a conversion (I'm guessing they are covered by the existing dog stats)...

Wild Dog
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Any
FREQUENCY: Common
ORGANIZATION: Pack
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any
DIET: Omnivorous
INTELLIGENCE: Semi- (2-4)
TREASURE: Nil
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
NO. APPEARING: 4-16 (4d4)
ARMOR CLASS: 7
MOVEMENT: 15
HIT DICE: 1+1
THAC0: 19
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-4
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Nil
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Nil
SIZE: S (3' long)
MORALE: Unsteady (5-7)
XP VALUE: 35

Smaller than wolves, the appearance of the wild dog varies from place to place. Most appear very wolf-like, while others seem to combine the looks of a wolf and a jackal.

Combat: Wild dogs fight as an organized pack. They favor small game, and attack men and human habitations only in times of great hunger. The bite of a wild dog inflicts 1-4 points of damage.

Habitat/Society: Wild dogs are found almost anywhere. They run in packs, and are led by the dominant male. The pack usually hunts a variety of game, even attacking deer or antelope. Pups are born in the spring. Wild dogs can be tamed if separated from their pack.

Ecology: Wild dogs are omnivores which usually thrive on a combination of hunting and foraging.

War Dog
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Any
FREQUENCY: Uncommon
ORGANIZATION: Solitary
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any
DIET: Omnivorous
INTELLIGENCE: Semi- (2-4)
TREASURE: Nil
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
NO. APPEARING: Variable
ARMOR CLASS: 6
MOVEMENT: 12
HIT DICE: 2+2
THAC0: 19
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2-8 (2d4)
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Nil
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Nil
SIZE: M (4'-6' long)
MORALE: Average (8-10)
XP VALUE: 65


Generally large mastiffs or wolfhounds, they have keen senses of smell and hearing, making them adept at detecting intruders. Most war dogs are not usually vicious, and will rarely attack without cause.

The status of war dogs varies greatly; some are loyal and beloved pets, some are watch dogs, others are hunting dogs, and some are trained for battle.
 


Before we move on from the canids, do either of these need a conversion (I'm guessing they are covered by the existing dog stats)...

Wild Dog

War Dog

Yes, the SRD Dog definitely encompasses that version of the Wild Dog, so we needn't convert it.

I would like to do a conversion of the War Dog, although it'll end up a slight modification of the Riding Dog.
 



So: what will differentiate the war dog from the riding dog? Slight difference in bite damage?

I'd go whole hog - Trip and Improved Grab attack, increase bite damage and/or a +2 to Strength, and a suit of canine leather armour.

Maybe cut the racial bonus to Track by Scent.
 

I'd go whole hog - Trip and Improved Grab attack, increase bite damage and/or a +2 to Strength, and a suit of canine leather armour.

Maybe cut the racial bonus to Track by Scent.

I'm not sure about Trip and Improved Grab, but I'd go for one or the other.

All the rest sounds good.
 

I'm not sure about Trip and Improved Grab, but I'd go for one or the other.

Astonishingly, I prefer both. Training dogs to fight humans in the real world is all about seizing opponents in their teeth, so I'd either give them the Improved Grab SA or Improved Grapple feat.

Personally, I'm not so bothered about the Trip, but the SRD Riding Dog says combat trained riding dogs add Trip, so I think we'd better include it.

All the rest sounds good.

Time for a working draft?
 

Astonishingly, I prefer both. Training dogs to fight humans in the real world is all about seizing opponents in their teeth, so I'd either give them the Improved Grab SA or Improved Grapple feat.

Personally, I'm not so bothered about the Trip, but the SRD Riding Dog says combat trained riding dogs add Trip, so I think we'd better include it.

My main problem with it is it makes them so much more effective than other dogs (and wolves). How about drop the Trip, since you're less enamored by it than Improved Grab?

Time for a working draft?

Sure, once we drop one of those SAs. ;)
 

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