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


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


They are occupied.
== How to Use These Creatures ==
 
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 Read These Entries ==
 
Each creature includes its '''Threat''', '''Habitat''', '''Behavior''', and what people most fear about it.
 
The statistics use a simplified BoL format:


{| class="wikitable codex-table"
{| class="wikitable codex-table"
! Stat !! Meaning
! Stat !! Meaning
|-
|-
| '''Strength'''
| '''Strength''' || Power and force
| Power, toughness, and force
|-
|-
| '''Agility'''
| '''Agility''' || Speed and stealth
| Speed, stealth, and quickness
|-
|-
| '''Mind'''
| '''Mind''' || Instinct or cunning
| Instinct, cunning, awareness, or unnatural will
|-
|-
| '''Lifeblood'''
| '''Lifeblood''' || Staying power
| How much punishment it can take
|-
|-
| '''Protection'''
| '''Protection''' || Natural armor
| Natural hide, scales, bark, or other inherent defense
|-
|-
| '''Damage'''
| '''Damage''' || Harm inflicted
| The harm caused by its natural attacks
|-
|-
| '''Traits'''
| '''Traits''' || Short mechanical rules
| Short reminders of what makes the creature dangerous
|}
|}
 
== Beasts of the Jungle ==


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
== Apex Predators ==
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
[[File:NC_Tiger.png|400px]]
</div>
<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. When it attacks from concealment or leaps from cover, give it a '''Bonus Die'''. A tiger that gets hold of a man does not let go politely.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
| 3
|-
! Agility
| 3
|-
! Mind
| 1
|-
! Lifeblood
| 18
|-
! Protection
| 1
|-
! Damage
| 1d6H
|-
! Traits
| Ambush; Pounce
|}
</div>
 
<div class="nightcats-panel-grid nightcats-panel-grid--two">
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Deadly Cobra</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Temple shade and a raised hood</div>
 
<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>
 
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 danger is speed and venom. If it strikes first from a coiled stance, give it a '''Bonus Die'''. Anyone bitten must test or begin weakening quickly.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
| 0
|-
! Agility
| 3
|-
! Mind
| 0
|-
! Lifeblood
| 5
|-
! Protection
| 0
|-
! Damage
| 1d6L
|-
! Traits
| Venom; Fast Strike
|}
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Great Python</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Tiger</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A slow death in living rope</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCTiger.png|500px]]
<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. A python that hits may choose to grapple rather than merely wound. Once it has a victim wrapped, it continues to crush them each round until they escape or someone cuts them free.
A tiger does not hunt loudly. It watches, chooses, and ends the matter.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
! Strength || 4
| 3
|-
|-
! Agility
! Agility || 3
| 1
|-
|-
! Mind
! Mind || 1
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Lifeblood || 18
| 16
|-
|-
! Protection
! Protection || 1
| 1
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6H
| 1d6
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Grapple; Constrict
| '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking unseen.<br>
'''Pounce:''' Knocks down, pins, or controls a target on a surprise hit.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel-grid nightcats-panel-grid--two">
==== Big Cat Variants ====
* '''Leopard / Black Panther''' — Lifeblood 12, Agility 4.
* '''Man-Eater''' — Gains 1 Bonus Die vs humans.
* '''Old Tiger''' — Mind 2.
* '''Ash Tiger''' — Burning Wounds; Fearless.


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Sloth Bear</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Ill-tempered muscle and claws</div>
<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. A wounded bear grows more violent, and the GM may give it a '''Bonus Die''' once it has taken a serious hurt.
== River Predators ==
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
| 3
|-
! Agility
| 1
|-
! Mind
| 0
|-
! Lifeblood
| 13
|-
! Protection
| 1
|-
! Damage
| 1d6
|-
! Traits
| Frenzy
|}
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Monkey</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Crocodile</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Small hands, quick eyes, quicker theft</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCCroc.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Minor &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Jungle canopy, ruins, city edges &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Curious, noisy, opportunistic &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> It steals first and screams second
</div>
</div>


This entry stands in for monkeys generally, and can also cover langurs, gibbons, and similar tree-dwellers with minor adjustment. Monkeys are more nuisance than killer, but they are clever, fast, and often arrive in numbers. Give them a '''Bonus Die''' on tests involving climbing, snatching, or fleeing through branches.
The water does not warn you. It opens and takes.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
! Strength || 4
| 0
|-
|-
! Agility
! Agility || 1
| 3
|-
|-
! Mind
! Mind || 0
| 1
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Lifeblood || 18
| 6
|-
|-
! Protection
! Protection || 2
| 0
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6H
| 1d6L
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Climber; Mischief
| '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when striking unseen from water.<br>
'''Death Roll:''' Inflicts +1D6 extra harm against grappled prey in water.
|}
|}
</div>


</div>
==== 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.


== River and Marsh Creatures ==
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
[[File:NC_Crocodile.png|400px]]
</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">River Crocodile</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">The river opening its jaws</div>
<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>
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. If it attacks unseen from the water, give it a '''Bonus Die'''. A crocodile that grapples a victim in water may keep damaging them each round, and a larger one may roll and tear horribly.
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
| 4
|-
! Agility
| 1
|-
! Mind
| 0
|-
! Lifeblood
| 18
|-
! Protection
| 2
|-
! Damage
| 1d6H
|-
! Traits
| Ambush; Grapple; Death Roll
|}
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel-grid nightcats-panel-grid--two">
== Pack Hunters and Scavengers ==


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Blood Leeches (Swarm)</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Jackal</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A hunger you barely feel</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCJackals.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Minor to 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>
 
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. As a swarm, they are awkward targets for normal blows; brute force against them may suffer a '''Penalty Die''' unless fire, salt, or some clever method is used.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
| 0
|-
! Agility
| 1
|-
! Mind
| 0
|-
! Lifeblood
| 8
|-
! Protection
| 0
|-
! Damage
| 1d6L
|-
! Traits
| Swarm; Drain
|}
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
Jackals live where death is near.
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Black River Catfish</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A shadow beneath muddy water</div>
 
<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>
 
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. A big catfish that gets a good hold may drag prey off balance or into deeper water.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
! Strength || 1
| 2
|-
|-
! Agility
! Agility || 2
| 1
|-
|-
! Mind
! Mind || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Lifeblood || 7
| 12
|-
|-
! Protection
! Protection || 0
| 1
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6L
| 1d6
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Drag
| '''Pack Tactics:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking with allies.<br>
'''Scavenger:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die to detect weakness or isolation.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>


== Creatures of Burden and Use ==
==== 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-image">
[[File:NC_Elephant_Caravan.png|400px]]
</div>
</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Jungle Elephant</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">War, labor, memory, and wrath</div>


<div class="nightcats-tags">
== Jungle Dangers ==
<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. A charging elephant may strike more than one nearby target, bowl people down, or simply crush what is in front of it.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
| 5
|-
! Agility
| 0
|-
! Mind
| 0
|-
! Lifeblood
| 25
|-
! Protection
| 3
|-
! Damage
| 1d6H
|-
! Traits
| Trample
|}
</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">Python</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Slow strength until the charge</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCGreatPython.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Low to 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. If it has room to lower its head and rush, give it a '''Bonus Die'''.
Most who die to a python never knew it was there.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
! Strength || 3
| 2
|-
|-
! Agility
! Agility || 1
| 1
|-
|-
! Mind
! Mind || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Lifeblood || 16
| 12
|-
|-
! Protection
! Protection || 1
| 1
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6
| 1d6
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Charge
| '''Grapple:''' Seizes a target on a hit.<br>
'''Constrict:''' Inflicts damage each round while holding a victim.
|}
|}
</div>
== Predators of Shadow and Story ==
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
[[File:NC_Black_Leopard.png|400px]]
</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Black Leopard</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A ghost in the trees</div>


<div class="nightcats-tags">
==== Constrictor Snake Variants ====
<strong>Threat:</strong> Deadly &nbsp;•&nbsp;
* '''Tree Python''' — Agility 2; Bonus Die from above.
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Jungle canopy &nbsp;•&nbsp;
* '''River Python''' — Protection 2.
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Stalker &nbsp;•&nbsp;
* '''Giant Python (40 ft)''' — Strength 4, Lifeblood 20, Protection 2.
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> It chooses when you die
* '''Swallower Python''' — If a victim is helpless, may consume them whole over several rounds.
</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. Spotting it before it attacks may suffer a '''Penalty Die''' in darkness, dense leaves, or broken ground.
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
| 2
|-
! Agility
| 4
|-
! Mind
| 1
|-
! Lifeblood
| 12
|-
! Protection
| 1
|-
! Damage
| 1d6
|-
! Traits
| Stealth; Ambush
|}
</div>
</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-grid nightcats-panel-grid--two">


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Wolf</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Sloth Bear</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Lean hunger with yellow eyes</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
 
[[File:NCSlothBear.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Moderate &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Scrub, dry forest, hill country, fringes of the jungle &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Pack hunter &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> One wolf is a scout, not the danger
</div>
</div>


Wolves are less common in the deep green than in rougher country, but where the land opens they travel in hungry bands. A lone wolf is seldom the real threat. When several attack the same target, give them a '''Bonus Die'''.
A sloth bear is shaggy, bad-tempered, and much faster than it looks when angered.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
! Strength || 3
| 2
|-
|-
! Agility
! Agility || 1
| 2
|-
|-
! Mind
! Mind || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Lifeblood || 13
| 9
|-
|-
! Protection
! Protection || 1
| 0
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6
| 1d6
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Pack
| '''Frenzy:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die after taking a wound.<br>
'''Maul:''' Inflicts extra harm to prone targets.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
== The Green That Hungers ==
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Jackal</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A scavenger with more nerve than dignity</div>


<div class="nightcats-tags">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Minor alone, dangerous in numbers &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Strangler Vines</div>
<strong>Habitat:</strong> Dry country, ruins, cremation grounds, village edges &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>Behavior:</strong> Scavenger, opportunist, occasional pack hunter &nbsp;•&nbsp;
<strong>What People Fear:</strong> They gather where death is near
</div>


Jackals are sly, restless, and seldom far from refuse, corpses, or weakness. One is a nuisance. Several become bold. In a group they circle, test nerve, and dart at the vulnerable.
What looks like jungle growth may already be tightening around something living.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
! Strength || 3
| 1
|-
|-
! Agility
! Agility || 0
| 2
|-
|-
! Mind
! Mind || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Lifeblood || 15
| 7
|-
|-
! Protection
! Protection || 1
| 0
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6
| 1d6L
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Pack; Scavenger
| '''Immobilize:''' Prevents movement until freed.<br>
'''Constrict:''' Inflicts damage each round while trapped.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Jawed Plant</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCJawedPlant.png|500px]]
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
It does not move. It does not chase. It waits for something to step too close.
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Grave Hyenas</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Laughing scavengers of the dead</div>
 
<div class="nightcats-tags">
<strong>Threat:</strong> Moderate in a 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>
 
Grave hyenas are rarely alone, and never reassuring. Their cries carry badly through the night, like broken laughter or men speaking through torn throats. When they mob one target, give them a '''Bonus Die'''.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
! Strength || 4
| 2
|-
|-
! Agility
! Agility || 0
| 1
|-
|-
! Mind
! Mind || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Lifeblood || 18
| 8 each
|-
|-
! Protection
! Protection || 2
| 0
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6H
| 1d6
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Pack
| '''Snap Trap:''' Strikes with 1 Bonus Die when triggered.<br>
'''Digest:''' Inflicts damage each round on trapped victims.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
== The Green That Hungers ==


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Devils Pitcher</div>
[[File:NC_Devils_Pitcher.png|400px]]
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
</div>
[[File:NCPitcher.png|500px]]
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Strangler Vines</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">The jungle closing its hand</div>
 
<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. A caught victim cannot move until freed, and continues taking damage each round.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
! Strength || 2
| 3
|-
|-
! Agility
! Agility || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Mind
! Mind || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Lifeblood || 10
| 15
|-
|-
! Protection
! Protection || 1
| 1
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6
| 1d6
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Immobilize; Constrict
| '''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">
A brush against these thorns leaves more than scratches.
<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. Once trapped, a victim keeps taking damage until they escape or are pulled free.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
! Strength || 1
| 2
|-
|-
! Agility
! Agility || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Mind
! Mind || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Lifeblood || 8
| 10
|-
|-
! Protection
! Protection || 0
| 1
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6L
| 1d6
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Trap; Dissolving Sap
| '''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. The GM may impose a '''Penalty Die''' on affected actions, and prolonged exposure may become outright poison.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
! Strength || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Agility
! Agility || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Mind
! Mind || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Lifeblood || 6
| 6
|-
|-
! Protection
! Protection || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6L
| 1d6L
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Dream Pollen; Poison
| '''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. Anyone forced through them takes light damage and risks worsening sickness unless treated.
The web comes first. Then the shadow in its center begins to move.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
! Strength || 2
| 1
|-
|-
! Agility
! Agility || 3
| 0
|-
|-
! Mind
! Mind || 0
| 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Lifeblood || 10
| 8
|-
|-
! Protection
! Protection || 1
| 0
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6
| 1d6L
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Needle Thorns; Fever
| '''Web:''' Restrains targets until cut free.<br>
'''Venom:''' Forces a test or weakens the victim.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
</div>
== Creatures Touched by Sorcery ==


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Vampire Bat Swarm</div>
[[File:NC_Ash_Tiger.png|400px]]
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCVampireBats.png|500px]]
</div>
</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Ash Tiger</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">Fire that hunts on four feet</div>


<div class="nightcats-tags">
They come as a cloud of wings, teeth, and shrill hunger.
<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>
 
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. Their attacks may continue to trouble a victim even after the first blow, and they do not fear fire, noise, or threats.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
! Strength || 1
| 3
|-
|-
! Agility
! Agility || 3
| 3
|-
|-
! Mind
! Mind || 0
| 1
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Lifeblood || 10
| 16
|-
|-
! Protection
! Protection || 0
| 1
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6L
| 1d6H
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Burning Wounds; Fearless
| '''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. An idol-bound beast keeps coming unless destroyed, physically restrained, or overcome by sorcery.
Its many legs whisper over leaf mold just before the venom strikes.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength
! Strength || 2
| 4
|-
|-
! Agility
! Agility || 2
| 2
|-
|-
! Mind
! Mind || 0
| 1
|-
|-
! Lifeblood
! Lifeblood || 9
| 18
|-
|-
! Protection
! Protection || 1
| 2
|-
|-
! Damage
! Damage || 1d6
| 1d6H
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| Unfailing; Fearless
| '''Venom:''' Forces a test or causes severe weakness.<br>
'''Horror:''' Imposes 1 Penalty Die from revulsion.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
 
{{NightcatsNav}}
[[Category:Nightcats]]
</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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