Difference between revisions of "Auroch (wild cattle)"
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| '''Special Attack''' || colspan="2"|[[Charging|charging]], [[Trampling (attack)|trampling]] | | '''Special Attack''' || colspan="2"|[[Charging|charging]], [[Trampling (attack)|trampling]] | ||
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| − | + | '''Aurochs''' are the wild ancestors of domestic cattle, closely related to the water buffalo and yak. These massive bovines dominate the temperate and subtropical forests of Eurasia, stretching from Eastern Europe to the Pacific Ocean. Unlike their domesticated descendants, aurochs are not naturally adapted to open plains. They thrive in dense forests, where they navigate through trees with surprising agility for their size. Their range does not extend to the New World, as they are indigenous solely to the Old World, occupying a crucial role in the ecosystems of European and Asian woodlands. | |
| − | ''' | + | [[File:Auroch.jpg|left|492px|thumb]] |
| − | [[File:Auroch.jpg|left| | ||
__TOC__ | __TOC__ | ||
| − | Aurochs | + | Aurochs move through their territory in single file, a habit that conceals their true numbers and makes tracking them difficult. If threatened or attacked, they exhibit a remarkable defensive strategy, gathering into a tight formation to protect weaker members of the herd. They almost always charge at an approaching enemy before standing their ground to fight. Their large, curved horns measure between 20 to 30 inches from the base to the tip, with diameters reaching up to 8 inches at the base. These horns are primarily used for butting, with a full goring attack occurring only on a perfectly placed strike. Due to their wide horns and sheer size, an auroch is capable of attacking multiple foes in front of them in a single round. |
| − | Though | + | Though aurochs travel in herds, they do not stampede in response to threats. Instead, individual members of the herd will charge rapidly when provoked, lowering their heads and launching themselves forward with explosive power. Covering 15 to 20 feet (3–4 hexes) in a single charge, an auroch will strike with the full weight of its body, inflicting severe damage (4–16 points) on impact. Any creature that is stunned by this impact is knocked to the ground and trampled for an additional 1–4 damage. Their charging attack is their most effective offensive maneuver and is often enough to break up a hunting party or dissuade predators. |
| − | + | Calving occurs in the spring, when the herds settle in areas rich in [[Feed|food]]. During this period, the herd remains in one location, avoiding long-distance travel until the calves are strong enough to keep up. With the onset of summer, they migrate to higher elevations, where they graze in cooler mountain meadows. As winter approaches, the herds descend into empty valleys, seeking shelter from the harsh cold. | |
| − | Auroch | + | Auroch bulls are significantly larger and more aggressive than cows, towering over them with their massive, muscular frames. A typical herd consists of one bull for every three cows, but during the summer months, the bulls often separate from the main herd to form small bachelor groups. When a threat presents itself, a bull does not charge blindly; instead, it stalks the danger, moving parallel to it and closing the distance slowly while assessing the intruder. If the perceived threat does not retreat, the bull will strike with overwhelming force. Their intelligence and awareness set them apart from their domesticated relatives, making them far more challenging to hunt or confront. This heightened wariness ensures that only the most skilled or well-prepared hunters can hope to take down an auroch without suffering serious injury or loss. |
== Advantages == | == Advantages == | ||
| − | The bull | + | The bull moves with greater speed and aggression than a cow, making it the most formidable member of an auroch herd. When provoked or sensing a threat, a bull will charge from up to 14 [[Combat Hex|hexes]] away, covering great distances with surprising speed for such a massive creature. Upon impact, the bull can inflict double [[Damage (hit points)|damage]] using either its left or right horn, driving its full weight into the strike with devastating force. |
| + | |||
| + | Following a successful charge, the bull will also trample its target, dealing an additional 1–4 damage. This trampling attack occurs as the auroch barrels forward, crushing anything caught in its path beneath its powerful hooves. The momentum of a charging bull generates substantial [[Incidental Damage|incidental damage]], particularly if the target is knocked down or forced into an obstacle. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The combination of speed, raw power and relentless aggression makes the auroch bull a dangerous adversary, especially when defending its herd. Even well-armed hunters must exercise caution, as a single charging bull can easily turn a battle in its favour, leaving destruction in its wake. | ||
See [[Bestiary]] | See [[Bestiary]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Category: Reviewed]] | ||
Latest revision as of 00:46, 18 February 2025
| Type | cow | bull |
| Species | bovine | |
| No. Appearing | 3-30 | 1-4 |
| Behaviour | herd | |
| Range | steppe, woodland | |
| Size | 5½ ft. at shoulder | 6 ft. at shoulder |
| Weight | 1,500 lbs. | 1,950 lbs. |
| Intelligence | 1 | 2 |
| Armour Class | 6 | 5 |
| Hit Dice | 4 | 5 |
| Action Points | 6 | 7 |
| Max. Stride | 14 | |
| THAC0 | 18 | |
| Hp/Die | d12 | 2d6 |
| Attack Form | 2: two horns | |
| Damage | horn (1-8) | horn (1-10) |
| Special Attack | charging, trampling | |
Aurochs are the wild ancestors of domestic cattle, closely related to the water buffalo and yak. These massive bovines dominate the temperate and subtropical forests of Eurasia, stretching from Eastern Europe to the Pacific Ocean. Unlike their domesticated descendants, aurochs are not naturally adapted to open plains. They thrive in dense forests, where they navigate through trees with surprising agility for their size. Their range does not extend to the New World, as they are indigenous solely to the Old World, occupying a crucial role in the ecosystems of European and Asian woodlands.
Contents
Aurochs move through their territory in single file, a habit that conceals their true numbers and makes tracking them difficult. If threatened or attacked, they exhibit a remarkable defensive strategy, gathering into a tight formation to protect weaker members of the herd. They almost always charge at an approaching enemy before standing their ground to fight. Their large, curved horns measure between 20 to 30 inches from the base to the tip, with diameters reaching up to 8 inches at the base. These horns are primarily used for butting, with a full goring attack occurring only on a perfectly placed strike. Due to their wide horns and sheer size, an auroch is capable of attacking multiple foes in front of them in a single round.
Though aurochs travel in herds, they do not stampede in response to threats. Instead, individual members of the herd will charge rapidly when provoked, lowering their heads and launching themselves forward with explosive power. Covering 15 to 20 feet (3–4 hexes) in a single charge, an auroch will strike with the full weight of its body, inflicting severe damage (4–16 points) on impact. Any creature that is stunned by this impact is knocked to the ground and trampled for an additional 1–4 damage. Their charging attack is their most effective offensive maneuver and is often enough to break up a hunting party or dissuade predators.
Calving occurs in the spring, when the herds settle in areas rich in food. During this period, the herd remains in one location, avoiding long-distance travel until the calves are strong enough to keep up. With the onset of summer, they migrate to higher elevations, where they graze in cooler mountain meadows. As winter approaches, the herds descend into empty valleys, seeking shelter from the harsh cold.
Auroch bulls are significantly larger and more aggressive than cows, towering over them with their massive, muscular frames. A typical herd consists of one bull for every three cows, but during the summer months, the bulls often separate from the main herd to form small bachelor groups. When a threat presents itself, a bull does not charge blindly; instead, it stalks the danger, moving parallel to it and closing the distance slowly while assessing the intruder. If the perceived threat does not retreat, the bull will strike with overwhelming force. Their intelligence and awareness set them apart from their domesticated relatives, making them far more challenging to hunt or confront. This heightened wariness ensures that only the most skilled or well-prepared hunters can hope to take down an auroch without suffering serious injury or loss.
Advantages
The bull moves with greater speed and aggression than a cow, making it the most formidable member of an auroch herd. When provoked or sensing a threat, a bull will charge from up to 14 hexes away, covering great distances with surprising speed for such a massive creature. Upon impact, the bull can inflict double damage using either its left or right horn, driving its full weight into the strike with devastating force.
Following a successful charge, the bull will also trample its target, dealing an additional 1–4 damage. This trampling attack occurs as the auroch barrels forward, crushing anything caught in its path beneath its powerful hooves. The momentum of a charging bull generates substantial incidental damage, particularly if the target is knocked down or forced into an obstacle.
The combination of speed, raw power and relentless aggression makes the auroch bull a dangerous adversary, especially when defending its herd. Even well-armed hunters must exercise caution, as a single charging bull can easily turn a battle in its favour, leaving destruction in its wake.
See Bestiary
