Greater Beast (3.5e Template)

Greater Beast

Greater Beasts are superior to their regular animal counterparts in every sense; larger, faster, stronger, more intelligent, they represent superior breeding and stock, subsequently they are frequently sought after.

Greater Beast Qualities

Greater Beasts are the product of excellent breeding and specialization; each and every feline, canine or ursine which has the title of Greater Beast finds itself a paragon of its species by birth alone.

Most wild Greater Beasts are creatures of pure chance, animals who were brought into the world as they are without any larger scope or intention by their progenitors; other Greater Beasts found in the wild are those who wandered following a master's passing, by choice or by lack there of, having likely lamented the death for days, if not weeks.

However, the majority of Greater Beasts are the result of highly refined breeding, specifically that which took valued qualities and rare talents and focused them generation after generation. Unlike domesticated animals, Greater Beasts were bred for their steadfast companionship, physical prowess, borderline supernatural endurance, and most of all, lethality. Loyal to a fault, a Greater Beast bonds tightly with a sole handler, frequently called a companion in the same vein one calls the Greater Beast a companion. These bonds are often unnaturally strong, and many Greater Beast handlers have given up their hand in conflict altogether when their animal ally collapsed to the earth in a crippled and lifeless heap, a blow that strikes to the soul.

Greater Beasts which wander the wilderness are exceptionally dangerous creatures of their type, and are recognized by their abnormal grace and uncanny intellect. They are curious of sentient creatures, but assuming they are trained is unwise; they are predators first and foremost, and are as likely to observe at a distance as they are to prowl in mid conflict and ambush from behind.

Most Greater Beasts raised by humanoids are also Warbeasts trained specifically for conflict; those that are not intentionally groomed for such duties quickly adapt around a world filled with strife and conflict.

Creating a Greater Beast

The Greater Beast template is an inherited template that can be added to any living, corporeal creature that is a feline, canine or ursine or creature with an otherwise animal-like form such as a Centaur or Kitsune.animal.

Size and Type

The base creature’s type does not change.

Hit Dice

The base creature gains 1 hit die.

Speed

The base creature's land speed is increased by +15 feet.

Armor Class

The base creature's Natural Armor bonus, if any, is increased by +2.

Attack

Same as the base creature.

Damage

Same as the base creature.

Special Attacks

Same as the base creature.

Special Qualities

The base creature gains Damage Reduction 3/-.

Abilities

+4 Strength, +2 Dexterity, +4 Constitution, Intelligence is raised to 2 if it is not already, +2 Wisdom, +2 Charisma

Skills

The base creature now receives 2 additional skill points per level.

Feats

Same as the base creature.

Environment

Same as the base creature.

Organization

Same as the base creature.

Challenge Rating

Same as base creature +2.

Treasure

Same as the base creature.

Alignment

Same as the base creature.

Advancement

Same as base creature.

Level Adjustment

+0

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