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Herd Animal, Reindeer

Reindeer
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Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) are large, hardy herbivores adapted to life in some of the coldest regions on Earth. Their distinctive appearance includes a thick, insulating coat of fur that ranges in color from dark brown to white, depending on the season. Both males and females grow antlers, which are shed annually. Males have larger antlers, used in battles for dominance during the rutting season, while females maintain their antlers through the winter, aiding in foraging for food beneath the snow.

Reindeer are social animals, often found in large herds that help protect against predators and conserve warmth during harsh conditions. They are known for their long migrations, which can span thousands of miles, driven by seasonal changes in food availability and breeding needs. During migration, herds follow traditional routes guided by environmental cues such as temperature and day length.

Their habitat spans the Arctic, Subarctic, and boreal regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They thrive in tundra and forested landscapes, where they feed primarily on lichens, grasses, mosses, and shrubs. Reindeer are exceptional foragers, using their hooves to dig through snow in search of food in the winter months.

Their modus operandi revolves around survival in harsh environments, where they rely on their incredible endurance for long-distance migration and their ability to adapt to limited food resources. Their motivation is driven by basic instincts: to reproduce, forage for sustenance, and survive the brutal Arctic winters. Despite the challenges, reindeer have evolved to be one of the most resilient species in the world.


  • Reindeer 5e
  • Reindeer Pathfinder
Reindeer
Create

Large beast, neutral


Armor Class: 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 45 (6d10 + 12)
Speed: 50 ft.


STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
16 (+3)14 (+2)15 (+2)6 (-2)12 (+1)8 (-1)

Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +4
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages: Understands Common and Sylvan, but cannot speak
Challenge: 3 (700 XP)


TRAITS

Frostborne Resilience.
The Reindeer has resistance to cold damage. It is adapted to icy terrain and can move freely across snowy or frozen ground without penalty.

Keen Smell.
The Reindeer has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell, allowing it to track creatures in the snow or detect hidden threats.

Antler Combat.
The Reindeer’s large, sharp antlers are dangerous weapons. When the Reindeer hits with its Antlers attack, the target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.


ACTIONS

Multiattack.
The Reindeer makes two attacks: one with its Hooves and one with its Antlers.

Hooves.
Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 11 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

Antlers.
Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 12 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Special Effect: On a hit, the target must make a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Charge.
If the Reindeer moves at least 20 feet in a straight line toward a target and then hits it with a Hooves attack, the target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone and take an additional 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.


REACTIONS

Dodging Leap.
When a creature within 5 feet of the Reindeer misses it with a melee attack, the Reindeer can use its reaction to leap up to 10 feet away without provoking opportunity attacks. This movement might help the Reindeer escape a dangerous situation or position itself better.


TACTICS

The Arctic Beast Reindeer is a territorial creature, capable of using its powerful hooves and sharp antlers to defend itself. Here’s how it fights:

  • Charge and Knockback: The Reindeer starts combat by using its Charge to knock down a target and gain the upper hand early. It will prioritize smaller or weaker foes and aim to knock them prone, making it harder for them to fight back.
  • Strong Physical Attacks: Once engaged, the Reindeer uses its Hooves to deliver heavy blows while using its Antlers to knock enemies prone or push them away from itself.
  • Mobility: If surrounded or in danger of being overwhelmed, the Reindeer will use Dodging Leap to reposition itself. This helps it maintain distance and evade attacks, making it a hard target to pin down.

ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS

  • Arctic Terrain: The Reindeer is most effective in snowy or icy environments, where its Frostborne Resilience allows it to move without hinderance. It uses its knowledge of the terrain to outmaneuver foes, finding strategic spots where it can use Charge to knock enemies into deep snow or difficult terrain.
  • Use of Cover: In forests or other snow-covered areas, the Reindeer might use trees or rocky outcrops for cover, darting out to strike and then retreating behind cover. It may also use its Keen Smell to detect hidden enemies or anticipate ambushes.

LEGEND

The Arctic Beast Reindeer roams the coldest, most barren regions, often found in the northern tundras or frozen forests. Known for its survival instincts, it is a capable and dangerous creature when threatened, capable of defending itself and its herd. It is revered by some northern cultures, who view it as a symbol of endurance in the face of harsh conditions. While it is not typically aggressive, it will defend itself with great tenacity if provoked.

Reindeer

Reindeer (also known as caribou in some regions) are a type of herd animal native to subarctic regions. They feed on grass and other scrub during the summer and lichens during the winter. Some northern people have semi-domesticated reindeer and herd them for meat, fur, and milk.

REINDEER (Caribou)

CR: 1/3

XP: 135

N Medium animal

Init: +1; Senses: Low-light vision, scent; Perception +5

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AC: 14, touch 11, flat-footed 13 (+1 Dexterity, +3 natural)

hp: 11 (2 HD)

Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0

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Speed: 40 ft.

Melee: Gore +2 (1d4+1)

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Strength 13, Dexterity 13, Constitution 12, Intelligence 2, Wisdom 11, Charisma 4

Base Atk: +1; CMB: +2; CMD: 13 (17 vs. trip)

Feats: Endurance

Skills: Perception +5

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Environment: Cold plains

Organization: Herd (11-20)

Treasure: None

These stats can also be used for other Medium-sized deer by replacing the Endurance feat with Run.

REINDEER COMPANIONS

Use stats for elk companions (Bestiary 3, pg. 312), but do not advance to Large size.

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