Sable Antelope

Antelope (sable)

Species	bovine
No. Appearing	4-40
Behaviour	herd (loose)
Range	desert, savanna, veldt
Size	4 ft. at shoulder
Weight	510 lbs.
Intelligence	1
Armour Class	7
Hit Dice	2
Action Points	8
Max. Stride	{{{stride}}}
THAC0	19
Hp/Die	d10
Attack Forms	horn butt
Damage	2-8
Special Attacks	none

A large antelope whose range extends from southern Africa into the Indian subcontinent, often confused with the bluebuck. The sable antelope prefers wooded areas throughout the steppe and savanna, but can be found in semi-deserts such as the Thar or in southern Arabia. They are often referred to as the "black sable" because of its dark coat; the skins are prized for their use as floor coverings and in making shields.

They are ordinarily unaggressive, and when approached will give ground, typically keeping a distance of 20-50 hexes. They will fight if pressed. A missile hit will cause the animal to scream, which will panic the herd into a run. Antelope are able to run at 35 miles per hour, which translates to 15 hexes per action point.

Sable antelopes rut during the late dry season, for 2-3 months — and during this time they will be very aggressive. Males will fight among themselves to become the lead male, but these fights rarely end in injury. At any time for year, when they can see predators, which will cause the herd to confront their attacker. Several antelope will fight and even kill before giving ground. If the number of enemy outnumbers the antelopes, they will break into a run, typically covering a distance of about half a mile before stopping. If they equal or outnumber the enemy, however, they will aggressively charge until it is clear they are being left alone.

When a herd grows too large, it will divide into smaller groups of cows and their young. These groups form new herds, once again with only one adult bull. Additional males will move along nearby and keep to themselves in groups of 3-12.

See Bestiary.