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<div class="codex-page codex-page--nightcats">
<div class="codex-page codex-page--nightcats">
= Bestiary of Jhelum =
= Bestiary of Jhelum =
<div class="nightcats-callout">
“The jungle does not hate you. It simply does not care whether you live.”
</div>


The lands beyond the walls of the great cities are not empty. They are occupied.
The lands beyond the walls of the great cities teem with an abundance of life: some beautiful, some terrible, some fearsome beyond all imagining.


What follows are not scholarly classifications, but what a survivor needs to know: how it moves, how it kills, and how to live long enough to tell the story.
== How to Use These Creatures ==


== How to Read These Entries ==
{| class="wikitable codex-table"
Each creature includes a sense of its '''Threat''', its '''Habitat''', its '''Behavior''', and what people most fear about it.
! Stat !! Meaning
 
|-
The statistics use the standard BoL format:
| '''Strength''' || Power and force
 
* '''Init''' — Initiative modifier
* '''Melee''' — Close combat
* '''Ranged''' — Missile attacks, if any
* '''Defense''' — Avoiding harm
* '''Armor''' — Damage reduction
* '''Lifeblood''' — Health
* '''Damage''' — Weapon or natural damage
* '''Traits''' — Special abilities worth remembering in play
 
== Beasts of the Jungle ==
 
[[File:NC_Tiger.png|400px|right]]
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Striped Tiger</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A death that arrives without warning</div>
 
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Deadly &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Deep jungle, river edges &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Ambush predator &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> You never hear it coming
</div>
 
The striped tiger is the unquestioned lord of the green dark. It does not roar before the kill. It appears, strikes, and vanishes into leaves and shadow with flesh in its jaws.
 
What people fear is not merely its strength, but its patience. A tiger may watch a trail for hours before choosing the one moment when a man is careless.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
| +2
|-
|-
! Melee
| '''Agility''' || Speed and stealth
| 3
|-
|-
! Defense
| '''Mind''' || Instinct or cunning
| 2
|-
|-
! Armor
| '''Lifeblood''' || Staying power
| 1 (hide)
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
| '''Protection''' || Natural armor
| 14
|-
|-
! Damage
| '''Damage''' || Harm inflicted
| d6+2 (claws/bite)
|-
|-
! Traits
| '''Traits''' || Short mechanical rules
| Ambush (+1 attack when unseen)
|}
|}
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel-grid nightcats-panel-grid--two">
== Apex Predators ==


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Deadly Cobra</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Tiger</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Temple shade and a raised hood</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCTiger.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Lethal (if ignored) &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Ruins, temples, jungle shade &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Defensive, fast strike &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> Death comes hours later
</div>
</div>


The cobra is feared in old stone places, in shrine courtyards, and in the cool shadows beneath roots and fallen masonry. It does not need great size. Its warning is plain enough for the wise.
A tiger does not hunt loudly. It watches, chooses, and ends the matter.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
! Strength || 4
| +3
|-
|-
! Melee
! Agility || 3
| 2
|-
|-
! Defense
! Mind || 1
| 2
|-
|-
! Armor
! Lifeblood || 18
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Protection || 1
| 5
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6H
| d3 + poison
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Venom (victim must test or suffer worsening damage over time)
| '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking unseen.<br>
'''Pounce:''' Knocks down, pins, or controls a target on a surprise hit.
|}
|}
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
==== Big Cat Variants ====
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Great Python</div>
* '''Leopard / Black Panther''' — Lifeblood 12, Agility 4.
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A slow death in living rope</div>
* '''Man-Eater''' — Gains 1 Bonus Die vs humans.
* '''Old Tiger''' — Mind 2.
* '''Ash Tiger''' — Burning Wounds; Fearless.


<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Severe &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Trees, ruins, riverbanks &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Constrictor ambush &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> Slow death in silence
</div>
</div>


Many an explorer has mistaken one for a fallen branch or hanging root. That error is usually the last one he makes.
== River Predators ==
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
| +1
|-
! Melee
| 3
|-
! Defense
| 1
|-
! Armor
| 1
|-
! Lifeblood
| 16
|-
! Damage
| d6 (grapple)
|-
! Traits
| Constrict (immobilizes on successful hit)
|}
</div>
 
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Sloth Bear</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Crocodile</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Ill-tempered muscle and claws</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCCroc.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Dangerous &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Jungle clearings &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Territorial, unpredictable &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> It mauls the face first
</div>
</div>


The sloth bear is not a hunter in the tiger’s fashion, but that does not make it safe. Startle one in the brush and it becomes a storm of claws, dirt, and pain.
The water does not warn you. It opens and takes.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
! Strength || 4
| 0
|-
|-
! Melee
! Agility || 1
| 3
|-
|-
! Defense
! Mind || 0
| 1
|-
|-
! Armor
! Lifeblood || 18
| 1
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Protection || 2
| 13
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6H
| d6+1
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Frenzy (extra attack when wounded)
| '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when striking unseen from water.<br>
'''Death Roll:''' Inflicts +1D6 extra harm against grappled prey in water.
|}
|}
==== River Reptile Variants ====
* '''Gharial''' — Strength 3, Agility 2, Damage 1d6; Bonus Die to snatch small prey.
* '''Giant Crocodile''' — Strength 5, Lifeblood 22, Protection 3.
* '''Temple Crocodile''' — Mind 1.
</div>
</div>


== River and Marsh Creatures ==
== Pack Hunters and Scavengers ==
 
[[File:NC_Crocodile.png|400px|right]]


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">River Crocodile</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Jackal</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">The river opening its jaws</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCJackals.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Deadly &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Rivers, crossings &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Patient ambush &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> The water takes you
</div>
</div>


A river crocodile may watch a ford for days without stirring. It waits for carelessness, for routine, for the moment when a traveler believes the crossing is safe because nothing has happened yet.
Jackals live where death is near.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
! Strength || 1
| +1
|-
|-
! Melee
! Agility || 2
| 4
|-
|-
! Defense
! Mind || 0
| 1
|-
|-
! Armor
! Lifeblood || 7
| 2 (scales)
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Protection || 0
| 18
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6L
| d6+2
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Death Roll (extra damage after grapple)
| '''Pack Tactics:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking with allies.<br>
'''Scavenger:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die to detect weakness or isolation.
|}
|}
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel-grid nightcats-panel-grid--two">
==== Wild Canine Variants ====
* '''Dhole''' — Lifeblood 8; Pack hunts both night and day.
* '''Wolf''' — Strength 2, Lifeblood 9.
* '''Hyena''' — Strength 3, Lifeblood 10, Protection 1; ignores 1 Protection on victims.


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Blood Leeches (Swarm)</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A hunger you barely feel</div>
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Minor → Deadly (in numbers) &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Still water &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Swarm feeding &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> You do not feel it happening
</div>
</div>


Leeches thrive where the water lies warm and quiet. Their danger is not in one bite, but in number, numbness, and the weakness that comes too late.
== Jungle Dangers ==
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
| 0
|-
! Melee
| 2
|-
! Defense
| 1
|-
! Armor
| 0
|-
! Lifeblood
| 8 (swarm)
|-
! Damage
| d3 (ignores armor)
|-
! Traits
| Drain (heals swarm as it feeds)
|}
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Black River Catfish</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Python</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A shadow beneath muddy water</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCGreatPython.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Dangerous &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Deep rivers &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Opportunistic predator &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> Something pulls you under
</div>
</div>


Some grow as long as a man. Most feed on refuse, carrion, and whatever the river gives them. The largest decide for themselves what the river ought to give.
Most who die to a python never knew it was there.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
! Strength || 3
| 0
|-
|-
! Melee
! Agility || 1
| 3
|-
|-
! Defense
! Mind || 0
| 1
|-
|-
! Armor
! Lifeblood || 16
| 1
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Protection || 1
| 12
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6
| d6
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Drag (pulls victim into water)
| '''Grapple:''' Seizes a target on a hit.<br>
'''Constrict:''' Inflicts damage each round while holding a victim.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
== Creatures of Burden and Use ==
[[File:NC_Elephant_Caravan.png|400px|right]]
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Jungle Elephant</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">War, labor, memory, and wrath</div>
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Massive &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Jungle, domesticated or wild &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Calm unless provoked &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> When it turns, nothing stops it
</div>


An elephant may carry wealth, kings, timber, or war towers, but it is never merely a tool. It remembers mistreatment. It remembers fear. When one breaks into fury, men vanish beneath its feet.
==== Constrictor Snake Variants ====
* '''Tree Python''' — Agility 2; Bonus Die from above.
* '''River Python''' — Protection 2.
* '''Giant Python (40 ft)''' — Strength 4, Lifeblood 20, Protection 2.
* '''Swallower Python''' — If a victim is helpless, may consume them whole over several rounds.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
| 0
|-
! Melee
| 5
|-
! Defense
| 0
|-
! Armor
| 3
|-
! Lifeblood
| 25
|-
! Damage
| d6+3
|-
! Traits
| Trample (hits multiple targets)
|}
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Water Buffalo</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Sloth Bear</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Slow strength until the charge</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCSlothBear.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Low → Dangerous &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Wetlands, farms &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Passive, but charges when angered &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> Sudden charge
</div>
</div>


The water buffalo is a beast of mud, carts, plows, and patient labor. Yet patience is not gentleness. Press one too far and it answers with horn, weight, and speed.
A sloth bear is shaggy, bad-tempered, and much faster than it looks when angered.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
! Strength || 3
| 0
|-
|-
! Melee
! Agility || 1
| 2
|-
|-
! Defense
! Mind || 0
| 1
|-
|-
! Armor
! Lifeblood || 13
| 1
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Protection || 1
| 12
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6
| d6
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Charge (+1 damage when moving first)
| '''Frenzy:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die after taking a wound.<br>
'''Maul:''' Inflicts extra harm to prone targets.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>


== Predators of Shadow and Story ==
== The Green That Hungers ==


[[File:NC_Black_Leopard.png|400px|right]]
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
 
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Strangler Vines</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Black Leopard</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A ghost in the trees</div>
 
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Deadly &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Jungle canopy &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Stalker &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> It chooses when you die
</div>


More rumor than beast in many tales, the black leopard is seen only when it allows itself to be seen. Hunters speak of finding its tracks circling camp for nights before the strike finally comes.
What looks like jungle growth may already be tightening around something living.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
! Strength || 3
| +3
|-
|-
! Melee
! Agility || 0
| 3
|-
|-
! Defense
! Mind || 0
| 3
|-
|-
! Armor
! Lifeblood || 15
| 1
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Protection || 1
| 12
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6
| d6+1
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Stealth Master (+1 Defense when unseen)
| '''Immobilize:''' Prevents movement until freed.<br>
'''Constrict:''' Inflicts damage each round while trapped.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Grave Hyenas</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Jawed Plant</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Laughing scavengers of the dead</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCJawedPlant.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Moderate (pack) &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Battlefields, cremation grounds &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Pack hunters &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> They laugh while feeding
</div>
</div>


Grave hyenas are rarely alone, and never reassuring. Their cries carry badly through the night, like broken laughter or men speaking through torn throats.
It does not move. It does not chase. It waits for something to step too close.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
! Strength || 4
| +1
|-
|-
! Melee
! Agility || 0
| 2
|-
|-
! Defense
! Mind || 0
| 1
|-
|-
! Armor
! Lifeblood || 18
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Protection || 2
| 8 each
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6H
| d6
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Pack (+1 attack when outnumbering)
| '''Snap Trap:''' Strikes with 1 Bonus Die when triggered.<br>
'''Digest:''' Inflicts damage each round on trapped victims.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
== The Green That Hungers ==
[[File:NC_Devils_Pitcher.png|400px|right]]


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Strangler Vines</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Devils Pitcher</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">The jungle closing its hand</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCPitcher.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Deadly &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Deep jungle &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Slow entrapment &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> The jungle closes behind you
</div>
</div>
 
The mouth of this plant is slick, sweet-smelling, and patient.
These vines do not lash like whips. They tighten slowly and patiently, while the victim wastes breath, strength, and hope. By morning the path may be gone, and something may hang within the leaves.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
! Strength || 2
| -1
|-
|-
! Melee
! Agility || 0
| 3
|-
|-
! Defense
! Mind || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Armor
! Lifeblood || 10
| 1
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Protection || 1
| 15
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6
| d6 (entangle)
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Immobilize (targets cannot move)
| '''Trap:''' Requires a test to escape once inside.<br>
'''Dissolving Sap:''' Inflicts damage each round while trapped.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Devil’s Pitcher</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Needle Thorn Creepers</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A flower that eats the unwary</div>
 
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Lethal (if trapped) &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Wet jungle &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Passive lure &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> You fall in and never climb out
</div>


Sweet scent, slick walls, and a bright inviting bloom make the devil’s pitcher more dangerous than any roaring beast. It does nothing at all until something slips.
A brush against these thorns leaves more than scratches.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
! Strength || 1
| —
|-
|-
! Melee
! Agility || 0
| —
|-
|-
! Defense
! Mind || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Armor
! Lifeblood || 8
| 1
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Protection || 0
| 10
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6L
| d6 per round (dissolving)
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Trap (requires test to escape)
| '''Needle Thorns:''' Inflicts damage on contact.<br>
'''Fever:''' Causes sickness if untreated.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-grid nightcats-panel-grid--two">


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Red Lotus</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Poison Puffball</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Beauty drifting above still death</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCPuffball.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Dangerous &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Still pools, temple tanks, marsh edges &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Passive toxin &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> Sweet dreams, then silence
</div>
</div>
 
A careless step can burst these swollen growths into clouds of yellow death.
The red lotus is beautiful enough to invite reverence. Its fragrance drifts across still water, soft and almost holy. Those who breathe too deeply grow light-headed, dreamy, and slow to notice that their limbs no longer answer with proper speed.
 
Bodies found near lotus pools often bear no wound at all.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
! Strength || 0
| —
|-
|-
! Melee
! Agility || 0
| —
|-
|-
! Defense
! Mind || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Armor
! Lifeblood || 6
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Protection || 0
| 6
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6L
| d3 poison per round of exposure
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Dream Pollen (victims test or become drowsy, confused, and easy prey)
| '''Spore Cloud:''' Imposes 1 Penalty Die in area.<br>
'''Poison:''' Causes collapse with exposure.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
== Jungle Horrors ==
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Needle-Thorn Creepers</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Brush once, suffer all night</div>


<div class="nightcats-tags">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Dangerous &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Spider</div>
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Thick undergrowth, ruined walls, jungle margins &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Contact hazard &nbsp;•&nbsp;
[[File:NCGiantSpider.png|500px]]
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> Fever follows the smallest scratch
</div>
</div>


At first glance these creepers seem no worse than any other bramble. Their danger lies in brittle thorns that snap beneath the skin and remain there. Hours later the wound burns, the flesh swells, and fever begins to speak in whispers.
The web comes first. Then the shadow in its center begins to move.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
! Strength || 2
| —
|-
|-
! Melee
! Agility || 3
| 2
|-
|-
! Defense
! Mind || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Armor
! Lifeblood || 10
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Protection || 1
| 8
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6
| d3 + fever
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Needle Rain (on contact or forced movement, thorns lodge in flesh and may cause delirium)
| '''Web:''' Restrains targets until cut free.<br>
'''Venom:''' Forces a test or weakens the victim.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
</div>
== Creatures Touched by Sorcery ==
[[File:NC_Ash_Tiger.png|400px|right]]


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Ash Tiger</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Vampire Bat Swarm</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Fire that hunts on four feet</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCVampireBats.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Deadly &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Ruins, burned places &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Supernatural predator &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> Fire that hunts
</div>
</div>


Ash tigers are said to walk out of burned temples and smoke-black sanctuaries. Their stripes seem to shift like ember-light, and wounds they leave behind do not close cleanly.
They come as a cloud of wings, teeth, and shrill hunger.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
! Strength || 1
| +2
|-
|-
! Melee
! Agility || 3
| 4
|-
|-
! Defense
! Mind || 0
| 2
|-
|-
! Armor
! Lifeblood || 10
| 1
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Protection || 0
| 16
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6L
| d6+2
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Burning Wounds (damage lingers)
| '''Swarm:''' Suffers 1 Penalty Die vs brute attacks.<br>
'''Drain:''' Inflicts extra Lifeblood loss.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Idol-Bound Beast</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Centipede</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A body inhabited by something else</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCGiantCentipede.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Severe &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Temples, cursed sites &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Relentless &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> It does not stop
</div>
</div>


Animals bound to carved spirits do not behave as beasts should. They do not flee pain. They do not hesitate. Their eyes burn with purpose that is not their own.
Its many legs whisper over leaf mold just before the venom strikes.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Init
! Strength || 2
| +1
|-
|-
! Melee
! Agility || 2
| 4
|-
|-
! Defense
! Mind || 0
| 2
|-
|-
! Armor
! Lifeblood || 9
| 2
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Protection || 1
| 18
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6
| d6+2
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Unfailing (ignores fear, never retreats)
| '''Venom:''' Forces a test or causes severe weakness.<br>
'''Horror:''' Imposes 1 Penalty Die from revulsion.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
 
{{NightcatsNav}}
== Using the Bestiary ==
[[Category:Nightcats]]
 
These are not balanced encounters.
 
They are problems.
 
A tiger is not meant to be fought fairly. A crocodile is not meant to be seen before it strikes. A vine does not care if you are brave.
 
If the players treat these like enemies to be defeated, they will die.
 
If they treat them like dangers to be avoided, outwitted, or survived, they might live long enough to steal something worth dying for.
 
</div>
</div>

Latest revision as of 13:02, 13 April 2026

Nightcats
Nightcats


Bestiary of Jhelum

[edit]

The lands beyond the walls of the great cities teem with an abundance of life: some beautiful, some terrible, some fearsome beyond all imagining.

How to Use These Creatures

[edit]
Stat Meaning
Strength Power and force
Agility Speed and stealth
Mind Instinct or cunning
Lifeblood Staying power
Protection Natural armor
Damage Harm inflicted
Traits Short mechanical rules

Apex Predators

[edit]
Tiger

A tiger does not hunt loudly. It watches, chooses, and ends the matter.

Strength 4
Agility 3
Mind 1
Lifeblood 18
Protection 1
Damage 1d6H
Traits Ambush: Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking unseen.

Pounce: Knocks down, pins, or controls a target on a surprise hit.

Big Cat Variants

[edit]
  • Leopard / Black Panther — Lifeblood 12, Agility 4.
  • Man-Eater — Gains 1 Bonus Die vs humans.
  • Old Tiger — Mind 2.
  • Ash Tiger — Burning Wounds; Fearless.

River Predators

[edit]
Crocodile

The water does not warn you. It opens and takes.

Strength 4
Agility 1
Mind 0
Lifeblood 18
Protection 2
Damage 1d6H
Traits Ambush: Gains 1 Bonus Die when striking unseen from water.

Death Roll: Inflicts +1D6 extra harm against grappled prey in water.

River Reptile Variants

[edit]
  • Gharial — Strength 3, Agility 2, Damage 1d6; Bonus Die to snatch small prey.
  • Giant Crocodile — Strength 5, Lifeblood 22, Protection 3.
  • Temple Crocodile — Mind 1.

Pack Hunters and Scavengers

[edit]
Jackal

Jackals live where death is near.

Strength 1
Agility 2
Mind 0
Lifeblood 7
Protection 0
Damage 1d6L
Traits Pack Tactics: Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking with allies.

Scavenger: Gains 1 Bonus Die to detect weakness or isolation.

Wild Canine Variants

[edit]
  • Dhole — Lifeblood 8; Pack hunts both night and day.
  • Wolf — Strength 2, Lifeblood 9.
  • Hyena — Strength 3, Lifeblood 10, Protection 1; ignores 1 Protection on victims.

Jungle Dangers

[edit]
Python

Most who die to a python never knew it was there.

Strength 3
Agility 1
Mind 0
Lifeblood 16
Protection 1
Damage 1d6
Traits Grapple: Seizes a target on a hit.

Constrict: Inflicts damage each round while holding a victim.

Constrictor Snake Variants

[edit]
  • Tree Python — Agility 2; Bonus Die from above.
  • River Python — Protection 2.
  • Giant Python (40 ft) — Strength 4, Lifeblood 20, Protection 2.
  • Swallower Python — If a victim is helpless, may consume them whole over several rounds.
Sloth Bear

A sloth bear is shaggy, bad-tempered, and much faster than it looks when angered.

Strength 3
Agility 1
Mind 0
Lifeblood 13
Protection 1
Damage 1d6
Traits Frenzy: Gains 1 Bonus Die after taking a wound.

Maul: Inflicts extra harm to prone targets.

The Green That Hungers

[edit]
Strangler Vines

What looks like jungle growth may already be tightening around something living.

Strength 3
Agility 0
Mind 0
Lifeblood 15
Protection 1
Damage 1d6
Traits Immobilize: Prevents movement until freed.

Constrict: Inflicts damage each round while trapped.

Giant Jawed Plant

It does not move. It does not chase. It waits for something to step too close.

Strength 4
Agility 0
Mind 0
Lifeblood 18
Protection 2
Damage 1d6H
Traits Snap Trap: Strikes with 1 Bonus Die when triggered.

Digest: Inflicts damage each round on trapped victims.

Devils Pitcher

The mouth of this plant is slick, sweet-smelling, and patient.

Strength 2
Agility 0
Mind 0
Lifeblood 10
Protection 1
Damage 1d6
Traits Trap: Requires a test to escape once inside.

Dissolving Sap: Inflicts damage each round while trapped.

Needle Thorn Creepers

A brush against these thorns leaves more than scratches.

Strength 1
Agility 0
Mind 0
Lifeblood 8
Protection 0
Damage 1d6L
Traits Needle Thorns: Inflicts damage on contact.

Fever: Causes sickness if untreated.

Poison Puffball

A careless step can burst these swollen growths into clouds of yellow death.

Strength 0
Agility 0
Mind 0
Lifeblood 6
Protection 0
Damage 1d6L
Traits Spore Cloud: Imposes 1 Penalty Die in area.

Poison: Causes collapse with exposure.

Jungle Horrors

[edit]
Giant Spider

The web comes first. Then the shadow in its center begins to move.

Strength 2
Agility 3
Mind 0
Lifeblood 10
Protection 1
Damage 1d6
Traits Web: Restrains targets until cut free.

Venom: Forces a test or weakens the victim.

Vampire Bat Swarm

They come as a cloud of wings, teeth, and shrill hunger.

Strength 1
Agility 3
Mind 0
Lifeblood 10
Protection 0
Damage 1d6L
Traits Swarm: Suffers 1 Penalty Die vs brute attacks.

Drain: Inflicts extra Lifeblood loss.

Giant Centipede

Its many legs whisper over leaf mold just before the venom strikes.

Strength 2
Agility 2
Mind 0
Lifeblood 9
Protection 1
Damage 1d6
Traits Venom: Forces a test or causes severe weakness.

Horror: Imposes 1 Penalty Die from revulsion.

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