ColonelHardisson
What? Me Worry?
I'd asked on the discussion part of the CC's fora about people posting Tolkienesque critters. I thought I'd post one to see if I can get the ball rolling.
This is the type of beast that drew Grond to the gates of Minas Tirith at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Some might say that those were mumakil, but there is nothing that directly says they are or they aren't, so I thought a new critter would be kinda neat to fill that role.
Anyway, this is basically an advanced and somewhat tweaked rhinoceros with the fiendish template, and a bit of the elephant mixed in. I know the numbers have to be off, so feel free to point out what I screwed up and why (and let me know where I can look to make sure I don't do it in the future!).
Dray-Beast of Sauron
Huge Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 16d10+160 (248 hp)
Initiative: -1 (-1 Dex)
Speed: 30 ft.
AC: 15 (-2 size, +7 natural)
Attacks: Gore +28 melee
Damage: Gore 2d6+28
Face-Reach: 10 ft. by 20 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Smite Good 1/day; Trample 2d6+28
Special Qualities: Cold and Fire Resistance 20; Damage Reduction 10/+3; Darkvision 60 ft.; SR 25
Saves: Fort +22, Ref +9, Will +6
Abilities: Str 38, Dex 8, Con 31, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 2
Skills: Listen +11, Spot +11
Feats: Alertness, Endurance, Great Fortitude, Improved Bull Rush
Climate/Terrain: Mordor
Organization: Solitary or team (2-20)
Challenge Rating: 8
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral evil
Advancement: 17-24 (Huge)
These mighty horned beasts have been bred by Sauron to pull enormous loads, such as the great battering ram Grond. Ill tempered, they tend to rampage if injured for more than half their hit points, attacking any who might be surrounding them, friend or foe. When they run amok, they attack with a Trample (Ex): effective against medium size and smaller opponents, dealing gore damage automatically; opponents who forego trying to make attacks of opportunity and instead try to clear out of the beast's way can make a Reflex save (DC 32) for half damage.
Picture these monsters as twisted and demonic-looking, as much like a rhinoceros as a man or elf is like an orc. They can be tamed and trained as easily as a modern Indian elephant, but they are quick to anger if pain is inflicted upon them, as shown above.
After Sauron's fall, few of these beasts survived. The few that remained were prized among the surviving remnants of Sauron's armies, and put to use as living war machines. They rivaled the mumakil for sheer shock value when used in an army, and were often fitted with huge howdahs and even some bits of armor.
This is the type of beast that drew Grond to the gates of Minas Tirith at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Some might say that those were mumakil, but there is nothing that directly says they are or they aren't, so I thought a new critter would be kinda neat to fill that role.
Anyway, this is basically an advanced and somewhat tweaked rhinoceros with the fiendish template, and a bit of the elephant mixed in. I know the numbers have to be off, so feel free to point out what I screwed up and why (and let me know where I can look to make sure I don't do it in the future!).
Dray-Beast of Sauron
Huge Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 16d10+160 (248 hp)
Initiative: -1 (-1 Dex)
Speed: 30 ft.
AC: 15 (-2 size, +7 natural)
Attacks: Gore +28 melee
Damage: Gore 2d6+28
Face-Reach: 10 ft. by 20 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Smite Good 1/day; Trample 2d6+28
Special Qualities: Cold and Fire Resistance 20; Damage Reduction 10/+3; Darkvision 60 ft.; SR 25
Saves: Fort +22, Ref +9, Will +6
Abilities: Str 38, Dex 8, Con 31, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 2
Skills: Listen +11, Spot +11
Feats: Alertness, Endurance, Great Fortitude, Improved Bull Rush
Climate/Terrain: Mordor
Organization: Solitary or team (2-20)
Challenge Rating: 8
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral evil
Advancement: 17-24 (Huge)
These mighty horned beasts have been bred by Sauron to pull enormous loads, such as the great battering ram Grond. Ill tempered, they tend to rampage if injured for more than half their hit points, attacking any who might be surrounding them, friend or foe. When they run amok, they attack with a Trample (Ex): effective against medium size and smaller opponents, dealing gore damage automatically; opponents who forego trying to make attacks of opportunity and instead try to clear out of the beast's way can make a Reflex save (DC 32) for half damage.
Picture these monsters as twisted and demonic-looking, as much like a rhinoceros as a man or elf is like an orc. They can be tamed and trained as easily as a modern Indian elephant, but they are quick to anger if pain is inflicted upon them, as shown above.
After Sauron's fall, few of these beasts survived. The few that remained were prized among the surviving remnants of Sauron's armies, and put to use as living war machines. They rivaled the mumakil for sheer shock value when used in an army, and were often fitted with huge howdahs and even some bits of armor.
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