Difference between revisions of "Horse (wild)"
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'''Wild Horses''', more accurately described as "feral," are free-roaming descendants of once-domesticated animals. These horses originate from domesticated stock that either strayed, escaped or were deliberately released into the wild. Over generations, they have adapted to their environment, developing behaviours that closely resemble those of true wild horses. | '''Wild Horses''', more accurately described as "feral," are free-roaming descendants of once-domesticated animals. These horses originate from domesticated stock that either strayed, escaped or were deliberately released into the wild. Over generations, they have adapted to their environment, developing behaviours that closely resemble those of true wild horses. | ||
| + | [[File:Wild Horse.jpg|left|440px|thumb]] | ||
| + | Feral horses commonly organize into herds which are often structured around small harems led by a dominant mare. These herds include other mares, their foals and young horses of both genders. A single dominant stallion typically oversees the group, accompanied by subordinate males. Horses exhibit a strong fight-or-flight response, with their instinctive reaction to danger usually being to flee. However, when escape is not possible — particularly when defending their foals — they will stand their ground and actively protect themselves or their young. In such cases, horses may rear up to strike with their forelegs, bite or deliver powerful kicks with their hind legs. Their ability to sense danger is heightened by acute hearing, wide peripheral vision and a keen sense of smell, allowing them to react swiftly to perceived threats. These defensive behaviours are most pronounced in dominant mares and stallions, who take on the role of protecting the herd. | ||
| + | Significant populations of free-roaming feral horses can be found in the grasslands of Iberia, southern Russia, the Americas and Turkestan. These populations are, to some extent, managed by [[Druid (class)|druids]], although limited gathering from the herds is allowed during late spring. Any significant take from these horses often requires permission from a [[Forestal (sage ability)|forestal]], the representative local [[Nobility|nobility]] or presiding [[Chieftain|chieftains]]. Smaller, less-protected herds can be found throughout the world. The sage skill, [[Domesticate Horses (sage ability)|domesticate horses]], is necessary for the training and breaking of wild horses. | ||
| + | == Advantages == | ||
| + | Horses are generally non-aggressive, though they are likely to bite if approached too closely, particularly if they feel uneasy or cornered. When threatened and unable to flee, they may rear to attack, rising onto their hind legs in a vertical stance. In this position, the horse lifts its forehooves and strikes out with them before returning to all fours. In such situations, a horse typically focuses on a single target, striking the same opponent with a 3 in 4 chance, though it may split its attacks between two closely positioned threats if both are within range. | ||
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Wild horses also employ a defensive strategy where they wait for a threat to approach closely, before executing a potent maneuver known as a "'''back kick'''." This "double-barreled kick" is a natural and instinctive behaviour, executed with remarkable speed and force. Both hooves always strike at the same target. | Wild horses also employ a defensive strategy where they wait for a threat to approach closely, before executing a potent maneuver known as a "'''back kick'''." This "double-barreled kick" is a natural and instinctive behaviour, executed with remarkable speed and force. Both hooves always strike at the same target. | ||
Revision as of 17:54, 10 January 2025
| Species | hoofed mammal |
| No. Appearing | 5–30 |
| Behaviour | herd |
| Range | barrens, desert, steppe |
| Size | 14–17 hands at the withers |
| Weight | 800–1,100 lbs. |
| Intelligence | 3 |
| Armour Class | 7 |
| Hit Dice | 2 |
| Action Points | 6 |
| Max. Stride | 17 |
| THAC0 | 20 |
| Hp/Die | d4+d6 |
| Attack Forms | 1: bite; or 2: hoof |
| Damage | bite (1–3); hoof (1-8) |
| Special Attacks | back kick |
Wild Horses, more accurately described as "feral," are free-roaming descendants of once-domesticated animals. These horses originate from domesticated stock that either strayed, escaped or were deliberately released into the wild. Over generations, they have adapted to their environment, developing behaviours that closely resemble those of true wild horses.
Feral horses commonly organize into herds which are often structured around small harems led by a dominant mare. These herds include other mares, their foals and young horses of both genders. A single dominant stallion typically oversees the group, accompanied by subordinate males. Horses exhibit a strong fight-or-flight response, with their instinctive reaction to danger usually being to flee. However, when escape is not possible — particularly when defending their foals — they will stand their ground and actively protect themselves or their young. In such cases, horses may rear up to strike with their forelegs, bite or deliver powerful kicks with their hind legs. Their ability to sense danger is heightened by acute hearing, wide peripheral vision and a keen sense of smell, allowing them to react swiftly to perceived threats. These defensive behaviours are most pronounced in dominant mares and stallions, who take on the role of protecting the herd.
Significant populations of free-roaming feral horses can be found in the grasslands of Iberia, southern Russia, the Americas and Turkestan. These populations are, to some extent, managed by druids, although limited gathering from the herds is allowed during late spring. Any significant take from these horses often requires permission from a forestal, the representative local nobility or presiding chieftains. Smaller, less-protected herds can be found throughout the world. The sage skill, domesticate horses, is necessary for the training and breaking of wild horses.
Advantages
Horses are generally non-aggressive, though they are likely to bite if approached too closely, particularly if they feel uneasy or cornered. When threatened and unable to flee, they may rear to attack, rising onto their hind legs in a vertical stance. In this position, the horse lifts its forehooves and strikes out with them before returning to all fours. In such situations, a horse typically focuses on a single target, striking the same opponent with a 3 in 4 chance, though it may split its attacks between two closely positioned threats if both are within range.
Wild horses also employ a defensive strategy where they wait for a threat to approach closely, before executing a potent maneuver known as a "back kick." This "double-barreled kick" is a natural and instinctive behaviour, executed with remarkable speed and force. Both hooves always strike at the same target.
See Bestiary
