Herd Animal, River ElkThis majestic beast stands the height of a man at its shoulders, a many-tipped rack of proud antlers crowning its head.River Elk CR 2Source Pathfinder #31: Stolen Land pg. 80
XP 600
N Large animal
Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +8DefenseAC 13, touch 11, flat-footed 11 (+2 Dex, +2 natural, -1 size)
hp 25 (3d8+12)
Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +3OffenseSpeed 50 ft., swim 30 ft.
Melee gore +4 (1d8+3) or 2 hooves -1 (1d6+1)
Space 10 ft., Reach 5 ft.StatisticsStr 17, Dex 15, Con 18, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 6
Base Atk +2; CMB +6; CMD 18 (22 vs. trip)
Feats Endurance, Lightning Reflexes, RunB
Skills Perception +8, Swim +11EcologyEnvironment cold or temperate plains
Organization solitary, pair, or herd (3-50)
Treasure noneDescriptionPowerful and swift land mammals, elk range through the plains, hills, and forests of many wildernesses, in great herds. Related to deer, elk prove important parts of many ecologies, being able to fend off or flee many threats while feeding greater predators. Their size, strength, and antlers—reaching up to 10 feet wide on some males— allow them to contend with most of their environment’s dangers, though herds generally favor flight to combat. Elk also prove exceptionably adaptable and remarkable survivors, capable of living through severe changes in weather and in a variety of environments without concern. Many humanoid cultures rely on elk herds, using them as valued food sources, work animals, and companions.
Most breeds of elk stand between 3 and 5 feet tall and weigh between 350 and 550 pounds, with females being far slighter than males. Heartier stock, such as the river elk seen throughout the River Kingdoms, Brevoy, and much of northern Avistan and Iobaria, grow to approximately 6 feet tall and weigh between 700 and 1,100 pounds. In some secluded wilds, primeval megaloceros—massive ancestors of the elk—still flourish, standing up to 9 feet tall, with bulks of 1,500 pounds and antlers growing over 12 feet wide.
In all species, only male elk grow antlers. Female elk have the same statistics as males, but lack the gore or powerful charge attacks.MegalocerosSimilar in form to the elk but far superior in size is the megaloceros. The average male is a towering, dangerous creature with antlers that can alone weigh nearly 100 pounds. Unlike elk, megaloceros antlers are decidedly enormous and sometimes wider than their bodies are long. This leads to common misconceptions and exaggerations about the creature’s monstrous size. Conveniently for those pursued, megaloceros males have difficultly navigating thickly forested areas, making them natives of plains and the woods’ edge.Creatures in "Herd Animal" CategorySource Pathfinder RPG Bestiary pg. 174
|