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= Bestiary of Jhelum =
= Bestiary of Jhelum =


The lands beyond the walls of the great cities are teem with an abundance of life: some beautiful, some terrible, some fearsome beyond all imagining.
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 ==
== How to Use These Creatures ==
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<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Tiger</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Tiger</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">The jungle chooses</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
[[File:NCTiger.png|500px]]
[[File:NCTiger.png|200px]]
</div>
</div>
A tiger does not hunt loudly. It watches, chooses, and ends the matter.
A tiger does not hunt loudly. It watches, chooses, and ends the matter.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 3
! Strength || 4
|-
|-
! Agility || 3
! Agility || 3
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! Traits
! Traits
| '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking unseen.<br>
| '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking unseen.<br>
'''Pounce:''' Knocks down or pins a target on a surprise hit.
'''Pounce:''' Knocks down, pins, or controls a target on a surprise hit.
|}
|}


'''Variants'''
==== Big Cat Variants ====
 
* '''Leopard / Black Panther''' — Lifeblood 12, Agility 4.
* '''Leopard / Black Panther''' — Lifeblood 12, Agility 4.
* '''Man-Eater''' — Gains 1 Bonus Die vs humans.
* '''Man-Eater''' — Gains 1 Bonus Die vs humans.
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<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Crocodile</div>
[[File:NCCroc.png|300px]]
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCCroc.png|500px]]
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Crocodile</div>
The water does not warn you. It opens and takes.
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">The river takes</div>
 
The water does not warn you. It opens.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
Line 91: Line 86:
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when striking unseen from water.<br>
| '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when striking unseen from water.<br>
'''Death Roll:''' Inflicts extra harm against grappled prey in water.
'''Death Roll:''' Inflicts +1D6 extra harm against grappled prey in water.
|}
|}


'''Variants'''
==== River Reptile Variants ====
 
* '''Gharial''' — Strength 3, Agility 2, Damage 1d6; Bonus Die to snatch small prey.
* '''Gharial''' — Strength 3, Agility 2, Damage 1d6; Bonus Die to snatch small prey.
* '''Giant Crocodile''' — Strength 5, Lifeblood 22, Protection 3.
* '''Giant Crocodile''' — Strength 5, Lifeblood 22, Protection 3.
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<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Jackal</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Jackal</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">The edge of hunger</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCJackals.png|500px]]
</div>


Jackals live where death is near.
Jackals live where death is near.
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|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Pack:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking with allies.<br>
| '''Pack Tactics:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking with allies.<br>
'''Scavenger:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die to detect weakness or isolation.
'''Scavenger:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die to detect weakness or isolation.
|}
|}


'''Variants'''
==== Wild Canine Variants ====
 
* '''Dhole''' — Lifeblood 8; Pack hunts both night and day.
* '''Dhole''' — Lifeblood 8; Pack always active.
* '''Wolf''' — Strength 2, Lifeblood 9.
* '''Wolf''' — Strength 2, Lifeblood 9.
* '''Hyena''' — Strength 2, Lifeblood 10, Protection 1; ignores 1 Protection.
* '''Hyena''' — Strength 3, Lifeblood 10, Protection 1; ignores 1 Protection on victims.


</div>
</div>


== Jungle Dangers ==
== Jungle Dangers ==
<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-image">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Python</div>
[[File:NCGreatPython.png|400px]]
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCGreatPython.png|500px]]
</div>
</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Python</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A branch that tightens</div>


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


'''Variants'''
==== Constrictor Snake Variants ====
 
* '''Tree Python''' — Agility 2; Bonus Die from above.
* '''Tree Python''' — Agility 2; Bonus Die from above.
* '''River Python''' — Protection 2.
* '''River Python''' — Protection 2.
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<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">Sloth Bear</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCSlothBear.png|500px]]
</div>
A sloth bear is shaggy, bad-tempered, and much faster than it looks when angered.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
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'''Maul:''' Inflicts extra harm to prone targets.
'''Maul:''' Inflicts extra harm to prone targets.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
</div>


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<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Strangler Vines</div>
[[File:NCStranglerVines.png|400px]]
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Strangler Vines</div>
What looks like jungle growth may already be tightening around something living.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
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<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Jawed Plant</div>
[[File:NCJawedPlant.png|400px]]
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCJawedPlant.png|500px]]
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Jawed Plant</div>
It does not move. It does not chase. It waits for something to step too close.
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">A mouth that waits</div>
 
It does not move. It does not chase.
 
It waits for something to step too close.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
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<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Devils Pitcher</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Devils Pitcher</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCPitcher.png|500px]]
</div>
The mouth of this plant is slick, sweet-smelling, and patient.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
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<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Needle Thorn Creepers</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Needle Thorn Creepers</div>
A brush against these thorns leaves more than scratches.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
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<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Poison Puffball</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Poison Puffball</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCPuffball.png|500px]]
</div>
A careless step can burst these swollen growths into clouds of yellow death.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
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<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Spider</div>
[[File:NCGiantSpider.png|400px]]
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCGiantSpider.png|500px]]
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Spider</div>
The web comes first. Then the shadow in its center begins to move.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
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<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:NCVampireBats.png|400px]]
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCVampireBats.png|500px]]
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Vampire Bat Swarm</div>
They come as a cloud of wings, teeth, and shrill hunger.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
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<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Centipede</div>
[[File:NCGiantCentipede.png|400px]]
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCGiantCentipede.png|500px]]
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Centipede</div>
Its many legs whisper over leaf mold just before the venom strikes.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
Line 405: Line 405:
|}
|}
</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.