Valgroth

Large Animal

Hit Dice:  8d8+24 (60 hp)

Initiative:  +1 (Dex)

Speed:  50 ft.

AC:  15 (-1 Size, +1 Dex, +5 natural)

Attacks:  2 Hooves +11, Bite +6

Damage:  Hoof 1d8+5, Bite 1d6+3

Face/Reach:  5ft. by 10ft/5ft.

Special Qualities:  Scent

Saves:  Fort +9, Ref +5, Will +3

Abilities:  Str 20, Dex 13, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6

Skills:  Listen +7, Spot +7

Climate/Terrain:  Any Land

Organization:  Wild Herd

Challenge Rating:  4

Treasure:  None

Alignment:  Neutral

Advancement:  ---

Valgroth are much like horses in appearance, but with some noticeable differences. For starters they are larger than the biggest warhorse. Their teeth are sharper than those of a normal horse, as are their hooves. They have very pronounced canine teeth, and sharp claws sprouting from above their hooves. They have curved horns, much like that of a mountain goat growing from their skull. They have shaggy manes and hair that grows around their hooves.

A clan of northern barbarians who capture and train them as mounts follows Valgroth herds. It is a part of the young warrior’s rite of passage to capture his own Valgroth and break it. Needless to say it is challenging and only the strongest warriors pass the test.

Combat

Valgroth are fierce predators who hunt and eat smaller animals, which includes humans. When they are trained properly they also become stalwart warhorses. They are much stronger than the typical horse, and just as swift. A Valgroth uses its front claws and teeth when close to an enemy, but if the victim proves to agile to be caught by these weapons the Valgroth will simply try to run down its target.