Difference between revisions of "Beaver"

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! Detail !! '''Common Beaver''' !! '''Castoroides'''
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! Detail !! style="width: 100px|Common beaver !! style="width: 100px|Castoroides
 
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| '''Species''' || colspan="2"|rodent
 
| '''Species''' || colspan="2"|rodent
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| '''[[Action Points]]''' || 4 || 4
 
| '''[[Action Points]]''' || 4 || 4
 
|-
 
|-
| '''[[Movement (stride)|Max. Stride]]''' || 3 || 5
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| '''[[Movement (stride)|Max. Stride]]''' || 3 (4 in water) || 5 (6 in water)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''[[THAC0]]''' || 20 || 18
 
| '''[[THAC0]]''' || 20 || 18
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| '''[[Damage (hit points)|Damage]]''' || bite (1-6) || claw (1-6); bite (3-12)
 
| '''[[Damage (hit points)|Damage]]''' || bite (1-6) || claw (1-6); bite (3-12)
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Special Attack''' || [[Calling|tail slap]] || [[Deafness (condition)|deafness]], tail slap
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| '''Special Attack''' || [[Calling|tail slap]] || tail slap & [[Deafness (condition)|deafness]]
 
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== Common Beaver ==
 
== Common Beaver ==
[[File:Beaver.jpg|left|350px|thumb]]
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'''Common beavers''' possess stout bodies with large heads, chisel-like incisors and coats of brown or gray fur.  Their front paws resemble human hands, while their hind limbs are webbed; they possess a flat, scaly tail.  These distinctive attributes equip them exceptionally well for thriving in a habitat that combines land and water.  
'''Common beavers''' possess stout bodies with large heads, chisel-like incisors, brown or gray fur, hand-like front feet, webbed back feet and a flat, scaly tail.  These characteristics make them very well adapted for a mixed land-and-water environment.  Their ponds tend to be 10 to 12 feet deep and hundreds of feet across.  Families consist of an adult male and female, along with their kits and yearlings. Offspring may continue to serve the same beaver pond as their parents, or may build adjoining ponds that share water sources. Whole beaver "towns" may form if undisturbed, covering areas up to [[2-mile Hex Map|two miles across]].
 
  
Common beavers aren't aggressive.  Encountered out of water, they'll make a stand and be quite dangerous; but unless cornered, giving ground and seek the water at first opportunity.
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[[File:Beaver.jpg|left|385px|thumb]]
  
==== Defenses ====
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== Behaviour ==
If in water when encountered, the beaver '''slaps its tail''' on the waterThis creates a loud, hollow sound as it hits the water, calling warning to every other beaver in the pond.  Because beavers are nearly invisible in the brush, and are sure to see a character tramping through the trees before they're seen, it's nearly impossible to surprise them.  Moreover, the beaver's excellent swimming ability enables it to swim 3 [[Combat Hex|hexes]] per [[Action Points|action point]].  Their lodge can only be accessed from below the waterline, through a vertical doorway. accessible through an underwater doorway.  
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The ponds they create typically reach depths of 10 to 12 feet and span hundreds of feet in widthThe ponds improve water quality by trapping sediments and pollutants the increased water availability promoting the growth of various plants that serve as a valuable food source.
  
Local trappers and hermits count on beavers to give warning if some other stranger or monster enters an area — as beavers grow used to humanoids they see every day.  Trappers settle in areas and set up traps, as beaver pelts are valuable; but skilled trappers are careful to take only one skin per beaver family.
+
Beaver families typically consist of an adult male and female, along with their young kits and yearlings. Offspring may either remain in the same beaver pond as their parents or construct adjacent ponds that share water sources. In the absence of disturbances, entire beaver "communities" can emerge, covering areas that extend up to two miles in diameter.  They're generally social animals that live in family groups, tending to cooperate in building and maintaining their dams and lodges. 
 +
 
 +
Blending seamlessly into the underbrush, often spotting a character as they traverse through the wooded terrain long before being noticed themselves, makes it exceedingly difficult to catch them by surprise. Additionally, their [[Swimming (sage ability)|swimming]] skills allow them to swim 4 [[Combat Hex|hexes]] per [[Action Points|action point]].  The entrance to their lodge is exclusively accessible from beneath the waterline, requiring passage through a vertical doorway beneath the surface.
 +
 
 +
Beavers are not known for being aggressive or engaging in active fighting with each other.  Encountered out of water, they can become defensive if they feel threatened or cornered.  Beavers are expressly made uncomfortable by dogs, with such interactions being unpredictable.
 +
 
 +
=== Advantages ===
 +
'''Tail slap.'''  As a warning signal to alert other beavers, they slap their tails on the water.  The sound is loud and hollow, carrying for at least 180 feet in a quiet wood.  In remote regions, [[Animal Trapping (sage ability)|trappers]] and [[Hermit (non-player character)|hermits]] rely on beavers to act as sentinels, alerting them to the presence of unfamiliar individuals or creatures in the vicinity. Over time, beavers become accustomed to the human presence they encounter daily.  Trappers establish themselves in these areas and place traps, given the value of beaver pelts. However, experienced trappers exercise caution, ensuring they only harvest a single pelt from each beaver family.
  
 
== Castoroides ==
 
== Castoroides ==
[[File:Casteroides2.jpg|left|420px|thumb]]
+
'''Casteroides''', commonly known as giant beavers, re known for their massive size and distinct characteristics.  As large as a small bear, they're much more able to traverse over land with easeResembling their smaller counterparts, their forelimbs are more elongated and their jaws more robustThey still live near bodies of water and use their strong, chisel-like teeth to cut down trees to build dams.
'''Casteroides''' are bear-sized beavers that are much more able to lope over land.  In appearance, they are similar to their smaller brethren, except that they have longer forearms and more powerful jawsThere are sources that claim these creatures have a higher [[Intelligence (ability stat)|intelligence]] than usually reported, but this has yet to be firmly established; they are certainly more intelligent than the common form. Casteroides have been seen chittering with one another and organizing themselves when [[Attacking in Combat|attacking]] outsiders.
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 +
[[File:Casteroides c.jpg|left|350px|thumb]]
 +
Some sources suggest that these creatures may possess a higher level of [[Intelligence (ability stat)|intelligence]] than traditionally believed, this remains a topic of ongoing investigation. Nevertheless, they undoubtedly demonstrate greater cognitive abilities than their common counterparts. Casteroides have been observed engaging in chittering communication and displaying a degree of organization when confronting outsiders.
 +
 
 +
Additionally, these creatures are exceptionally confrontational, actively pursuing and assaulting intruders to expel them from their territory, especially during the breeding season.
 +
 
 +
It's evident that they employ their tail slap to signal their kindred to join in coordinated attacks.  There's a prevailing belief that casteroides are cognizant of the impact of their tail slap and deliberately time it to their advantage.
  
They are very aggressive, chasing and attacking outsiders to drive them off.  The '''tail slap''' of a casteroides is so loud that it breaks a spellcaster's [[Spellcasting|concentration]], actually ruining the casting of a spell.  Those within 40 ft. of the slap must [[Saving Throws|save against magic]] or be '''deafened''' for 1-4 [[Combat Round|rounds]], while disoriented so that they're also -2 [[Roll to Hit|to hit]] with [[Weapons List|weapons]].
+
=== Advantages ===
 +
'''Tail slap & deafness.''' The resounding tail slap of a casteroides possesses a shocking, ear-splitting quality that can be heard from a quarter-mile away.  Within 120 ft., it's disruptive nature is capable of shattering a spellcaster's [[Spellcasting|concentration]], effectively sabotaging the casting of spells.
  
Some believe the casteroides knows the effect of this slap, and that they time it deliberatelyIt's clear they use the slap to call others of their kind to join an attack.
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Those within 40 ft., or eight hexes, must make a [[Saving Throws|save against magic]] to avoid a temporary '''[[Deafness (condition)|deafness]]''' lasting for 2 to 8 [[Combat Round|rounds]]While deaf, characters are so disoriented that [[Roll to Hit|rolls to hit]] with [[Weapons List|weapons]] suffer a -2 penalty.
  
  
See [[Bestiary]]
+
See also,<br>
 +
[[Animal Summoning I (spell)]]<br>
 +
[[Bestiary]]
  
[[Category: Don't Review until 2022]]
+
[[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 20:43, 27 October 2023

Detail Common beaver Castoroides
Species rodent
No. Appearing 2-20 2-12
Behaviour social lodge
Range taiga, woodland
Size 24 in. long 7 ft. long
Weight 55 lbs. 250 lbs.
Intelligence 1 3
Armour Class 7 6
Hit Dice 1 4
Action Points 4 4
Max. Stride 3 (4 in water) 5 (6 in water)
THAC0 20 18
Hp/Die d4 d8
Attack Form 1: bite 2: claw; bite
Damage bite (1-6) claw (1-6); bite (3-12)
Special Attack tail slap tail slap & deafness

Beavers are nocturnal, semi-aquatic rodents renowned for their skill in constructing dams, canals and lodges. They carefully select well-watered habitats to establish their colonies, reshaping the environment by felling trees, forming expansive ponds and canals, and eventually transforming low-lying areas into sizable lakes. This behavior poses a significant challenge and source of frustration for those seeking to navigate through areas inhabited by beavers.

Their fur is highly prized for its exceptional warmth, durability and remarkable ability to repel water. Trappers and settlers in many parts of the world engage in the hunting and trapping of beavers to obtain their valuable pelts, which are in great demand, primarily for clothing. The desire for beaver fur is so intense that it's driving the exploration of North America by Europeans.

Common Beaver

Common beavers possess stout bodies with large heads, chisel-like incisors and coats of brown or gray fur. Their front paws resemble human hands, while their hind limbs are webbed; they possess a flat, scaly tail. These distinctive attributes equip them exceptionally well for thriving in a habitat that combines land and water.

Beaver.jpg

Behaviour

The ponds they create typically reach depths of 10 to 12 feet and span hundreds of feet in width. The ponds improve water quality by trapping sediments and pollutants the increased water availability promoting the growth of various plants that serve as a valuable food source.

Beaver families typically consist of an adult male and female, along with their young kits and yearlings. Offspring may either remain in the same beaver pond as their parents or construct adjacent ponds that share water sources. In the absence of disturbances, entire beaver "communities" can emerge, covering areas that extend up to two miles in diameter. They're generally social animals that live in family groups, tending to cooperate in building and maintaining their dams and lodges.

Blending seamlessly into the underbrush, often spotting a character as they traverse through the wooded terrain long before being noticed themselves, makes it exceedingly difficult to catch them by surprise. Additionally, their swimming skills allow them to swim 4 hexes per action point. The entrance to their lodge is exclusively accessible from beneath the waterline, requiring passage through a vertical doorway beneath the surface.

Beavers are not known for being aggressive or engaging in active fighting with each other. Encountered out of water, they can become defensive if they feel threatened or cornered. Beavers are expressly made uncomfortable by dogs, with such interactions being unpredictable.

Advantages

Tail slap. As a warning signal to alert other beavers, they slap their tails on the water. The sound is loud and hollow, carrying for at least 180 feet in a quiet wood. In remote regions, trappers and hermits rely on beavers to act as sentinels, alerting them to the presence of unfamiliar individuals or creatures in the vicinity. Over time, beavers become accustomed to the human presence they encounter daily. Trappers establish themselves in these areas and place traps, given the value of beaver pelts. However, experienced trappers exercise caution, ensuring they only harvest a single pelt from each beaver family.

Castoroides

Casteroides, commonly known as giant beavers, re known for their massive size and distinct characteristics. As large as a small bear, they're much more able to traverse over land with ease. Resembling their smaller counterparts, their forelimbs are more elongated and their jaws more robust. They still live near bodies of water and use their strong, chisel-like teeth to cut down trees to build dams.

Casteroides c.jpg

Some sources suggest that these creatures may possess a higher level of intelligence than traditionally believed, this remains a topic of ongoing investigation. Nevertheless, they undoubtedly demonstrate greater cognitive abilities than their common counterparts. Casteroides have been observed engaging in chittering communication and displaying a degree of organization when confronting outsiders.

Additionally, these creatures are exceptionally confrontational, actively pursuing and assaulting intruders to expel them from their territory, especially during the breeding season.

It's evident that they employ their tail slap to signal their kindred to join in coordinated attacks. There's a prevailing belief that casteroides are cognizant of the impact of their tail slap and deliberately time it to their advantage.

Advantages

Tail slap & deafness. The resounding tail slap of a casteroides possesses a shocking, ear-splitting quality that can be heard from a quarter-mile away. Within 120 ft., it's disruptive nature is capable of shattering a spellcaster's concentration, effectively sabotaging the casting of spells.

Those within 40 ft., or eight hexes, must make a save against magic to avoid a temporary deafness lasting for 2 to 8 rounds. While deaf, characters are so disoriented that rolls to hit with weapons suffer a -2 penalty.


See also,
Animal Summoning I (spell)
Bestiary