Lonely Star

Animals from a strange land

Jaguar

The spotted lion of the forest is a strange and misunderstood creature. Little is known of his thought processes, as he rarely stops to talk to men, but it is known that he protects boundaries. Much like his spots break his clear silhouette, so does he prevent that boundaries between all things be too clearly defined. Thus, one can sense that the jaguar is afoot when one notices the dead getting up briefly and going about their day, dreams fading into the waking world, and persons acting outside of their stated roles.

The jaguar is a fierce protector indeed, being able to break anything his own size or smaller with his powerful teeth, except for other jaguars. The only exception to this are his twin brother, which all jaguars have, for it is said they are always born in pairs: one for this side, and one for that side.

Stats as big cat. Pounces from ambush and vanishes in a river, tall grass, or forest.

No. Appearing 1. 1 in 6 chances of its twin being nearby.

Jaguar Skin is worn by only the bravest warriors. It serves as great armour, and it allows its wearer to transgress any more, be it social or physical. It also inspires anger and revenge on all jaguars, who will refuse to run away unless reparations be made in blood.

Horses

The knight of the animal world, it is said that horses are more man than creature, hence why they can easily understand human language, as well as honour and morality. This is also why the horse is one of the few creature that can be said to be truly valiant and Chivalrous, as it feels fear like any man does, but it conquers that fear to charge ahead.

Horses can keep vows and grudges as good as any man. It is said that wild horses gallop through unseen night paths, and that domesticated horses can be persuaded to take these too by a horseman that loves it truly. These paths take one swiftly to all kinds of locations, including the future, though the way back is hardly ever direct. If you go, be prepared to stay.

Stats as horse, 1 to 3 HD where 1 is an ambling mare and 3 is a warhorse. Where speed is concerned and the horse is aware of it, roll 1d6 under its HD. If it succeeds, the horse will be swifter than the competition, even if it dies in the process.

Second Sight. All horses can see invisible things, though they cannot sense them like dogs. It is possible to see what the horse is seeing through the reflection in its eyes.

Cattle

He whose blood is the conductor for hecatombs must be the holiest of animals. They are the foundation of all wealth and the oldest form of treasure; many erroneously believe that to be gold, but the workers whose picks first broke the earth to draw it from its belly were paid in cows, and the gods are paid with the blood of oxen.

Bulls have no upper limit to size (or HD), but they must always belong to someone. The largest of bulls belong to the gods, and their blood can cure any disease, but it may only be conquered in single combat or a riding competition. Bulls understand only the language of domination; slaughter is for sacrifices.

It is said that he who shows willingness to sacrifice himself for a herd, willingly inverting the roles and shedding his dominance, gains the eternal loyalty of the herd and its bull protector. It is whispered that this is what Pasiphaë's act was; not a sin, but a gift from the herd which she received willingly. The world is seldom ready for such inversions.

Stats as any large ungulate you have laying around. For bulls, roll 1d6 for HD and roll an additional d6 for each 6.

Ox blood is second only to human blood in sacredness, hence the hecatomb is the highest possible form of sacrifice.

#gameable content