Destrier
The Destrier is the most coveted war-steed in Gorgamelle.
Destriers come in a variety of sizes. The smallest are similar in
size and shape to Coursers, although somewhat stockier, while the
largest are the same height but considerably heavier. However, they
lack the fine mane of the Courser, having instead the short bristly
ruff typical of their breed. All Destriers have tough skin, with
little hair and a "pebbled" appearance, easily strong enough to turn
a blade or even the teeth of another Destrier. They need this,
because Destriers are born to fight and have an evil disposition.
Unless held on an iron rein, Destriers put together will always
fight, often until one is too wounded to further contest supremacy.
Thereafter, they will get along well enough, but the introduction of
a new Destrier will start new fighting and this can often lead to the
death of the newcomer, as he might end up in several combats. To
prevent this when introducing a new Destrier to a herd, the herders
will usually cut out a member of the herd that they think the
newcomer can beat and another higher in the hierarchy of the herd.
This will enable the newcomer to find a place in the herd without
multiple fights and ease its entry. Of course, a trained eye for
potential is needed for this, and a good Destrier herder is always
ensured of employment. Destriers fight with their hard hooves and
with the horny hoof spikes that jut down from the rear of their legs,
as well as with their prominent, razor-sharp teeth. Unlike their
relatives, the Courser and the Carter, which are strictly
herbivorous, the Destrier is an omnivore, and not a very
discriminating one at that. Despite their aggressive nature,
Destriers are at least as intelligent as Coursers and can be trained
to be loyal steeds - they will protect a fallen rider, come to a
call, and even respond to simple signals. However, it takes a long
time (normally several months) to train a Destrier to bear a new
rider, and longer for the two to be really easy together. However,
when trained to fight, and wearing its war armour and leg blades a
Destrier is an awesome foe, more than a match for more common riding
beasts. There are herds of wild Destriers in some regions and they
have been known to descend on isolated villages and ruin them by
eating both crops and livestock indiscriminately.
|
STR
|
30
|
+10
|
|
DEX
|
16
|
+18
|
|
CON
|
22
|
+24
|
|
BOD
|
18
|
+5
|
|
INT
|
4
|
-6
|
|
EGO
|
4
|
-12
|
|
PRE
|
18
|
+8
|
|
COM
|
10
|
|
|
PD
|
8
|
+2
|
|
ED
|
4
|
|
|
SPD
|
3
|
+4
|
|
REC
|
7
|
|
|
END
|
44
|
|
|
STUN
|
36
|
|
|
Total
|
|
53
|
|
|
|
|
|
OCV
|
5 +3
|
|
|
DCV
|
3
|
|
|
ECV
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
POWERS
|
|
24
|
Growth (15 points) always on,
|
|
20
|
11/2d6 HKA, reduced penetration (2x 11/2d6 HKA
with STR)
|
|
15
|
+6 PD, +4 ED armour
|
|
8
|
+4" running (10" total move)
|
|
8
|
+2 to Hearing or Smell PER rolls
|
|
6
|
+3 OCV with teeth and hooves
|
|
81
|
Total powers and skills
|
|
134
|
Total creature cost
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES
|
+2 to opponent's PER rolls, -3 KNB, +1"
reach
|
|
|
Destriers are normally given extra armour -
chain or plate
|
|
|
which covers their head, fore- and
hindquarters
|
|
|
|
|
50+
|
DISADVANTAGES
|
|
15
|
Physical limit. No fine manipulation
|
|
69
|
Wicked-temper bonus
|
|
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