Herd Animal, Aurochs

“Discover the awe-inspiring might of the primeval Auroch, roaming the untamed wilderness of a forgotten epoch!”

Appearance: Aurochs are magnificent creatures, resembling the modern-day cattle but much larger and more robust. They possess muscular bodies covered in coarse fur, typically dark brown or black with lighter patches. Their impressive horns sweep outward and upward from their massive skulls, adding to their imposing appearance.

Behavior: Aurochs exhibit a combination of solitary and social behaviors. While they often graze alone or in small groups, they may come together in larger herds during mating season or when migrating to new grazing grounds. They are known for their territorial nature, fiercely defending their feeding areas and mating territories from intruders.

Habitat: Aurochs inhabit a variety of environments, including grasslands, forests, and marshlands. They are adaptable creatures, capable of thriving in diverse habitats as long as there is ample vegetation for grazing and water sources for drinking. However, they tend to prefer open grasslands where they can roam freely and graze on a variety of grasses and herbs.

Modus Operandi: Aurochs are primarily herbivores, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation. They use their powerful jaws and teeth to tear through tough foliage, and their sharp horns serve as formidable weapons for defense against predators or rival males. During mating season, males engage in fierce battles to establish dominance and gain access to females.

Motivation: The primary motivation of Aurochs is survival and reproduction. They are driven by the instinct to find food, water, and suitable mates to ensure the continuation of their species. Their territorial behavior and social dynamics are influenced by the need to establish dominance, secure breeding opportunities, and protect their offspring from potential threats.

• Auroch 5e

• Auroch Pathfinder

Auroch

Large beast, unaligned

Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 38 (5d10 + 15)
Speed: 50 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	10 (+0)	16 (+3)	2 (-4)	11 (+0)	5 (-3)

Senses: passive Perception 10
Languages: —
Challenge: 2 (450 XP)

Traits

Charge: If the auroch moves at least 20 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a gore attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 9 (2d8) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Actions

Gore: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage.

This large, horned bull has a dirty black hide and an aggressive temper. Its horns are wide and sharp.

Aurochs CR 2

XP 600
N Large animal
Init +0; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +9

DEFENSE

AC 13, touch 9, flat-footed 13 (+4 natural, –1 size)
hp 22 (3d8+9)
Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +1

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee gore +7 (1d8+9)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.
Special Attacks stampede, trample (2d6+9, DC 17)

STATISTICS

Str 23, Dex 10, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 4
Base Atk +2; CMB +9; CMD 19 (23 vs. trip)
Feats Endurance, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +9

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Stampede (Ex)

A stampede occurs if three or more creatures with stampede make a trample attack while remaining adjacent to each other. While stampeding, the creatures can trample foes of their size or smaller, and the trample’s save DC increases by +2.

Aurochs Animal Companions

Starting Statistics: Size Medium; Speed 40 ft.; AC +1 natural armor, Attack gore (1d6); Ability Scores Str 14, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 4; Special Qualities low-light vision, scent .

7th-Level Advancement: Size Large; AC +3 natural armor; Attack gore (1d8); Ability Scores Str +8, Dex –2, Con +4; Special Qualities stampede, trample.

ECOLOGY

Environment temperate plains
Organization solitary, pair, or herd (3–30)
Treasure none

Aurochs (both singular and plural) are large herd animals similar to domesticated cattle.