Courser

Coursers are the most desired of riding beasts (by those who are magicians, at least), since they are elegant, graceful and can outrun almost any other animal without effort. The Courser has incredibly long, slim legs and their whiplash necks raise their fine-featured heads up to 3 metres above the ground. The powerfully muscled fore- and hindquarters are linked by a strong, supple spine that lets their hind and forefeet actually cross over when they hit full gallop, but even at full speed they are not uncomfortable to ride, since their bodies were designed to soak up the impact of their amazing speed. Coursers have a temperament to match their noble appearance. They can be vicious if irritated, and if they feel ill-treated they can sulk for long periods, refusing to run unless goaded, or attempting to throw their riders and bolt. Only the very best riders can stay atop a bucking, twisting Courser. These creatures are not just a delicate speedsters, however. When fully rested, a Courser can hold a scorching pace for up six hours. They have iron-hard hooves that can cross most terrain without trouble. Coursers have long silky tails and long, fine manes that flow down their necks and across their forequarters, that are often braided with ribbons or bells. As a guide to how highly a Courser can be valued, the current Duces of Atrios exchanged a fine country estate - complete with palace, fields and 300 servants, for a matched racing pair.

STR 20 -20 DEX 15 +15 CON 15 +10 BOD 16 INT 3 -7 EGO 3 -14 PRE 13 +3 COM 8 -1 PD 7 ED 3 SPD 3 +5 REC 5 END 30 STUN 30 +3 Total -6 OCV 5 DCV 1 ECV 1

POWERS 24 Growth (15 points) always on, 15 +3d6 HA (hooves) 3 +1 PD/ED armour 24 +12" running (18" total move) 8 +2 to Hearing or Smell PER rolls 74 Total powers and skills 121 Total creature cost NOTES +2 to opponent's PER rolls, -3 KNB, +1" reach 50+ DISADVANTAGES 15 Physical limit. No fine manipulation 56 Run-like-the-wind bonus

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