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== Trait Vocabulary ==
{{NightcatsHeader}}
<div class="codex-page codex-page--nightcats">
= Bestiary of Jhelum =


Use these terms consistently across the bestiary.
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 ==


{| class="wikitable codex-table"
{| class="wikitable codex-table"
! Trait !! Effect
! 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 ==
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Tiger</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCTiger.png|500px]]
</div>
 
A tiger does not hunt loudly. It watches, chooses, and ends the matter.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 4
|-
! Agility || 3
|-
! Mind || 1
|-
! Lifeblood || 18
|-
! Protection || 1
|-
! Damage || 1d6H
|-
! Traits
| '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking unseen.<br>
'''Pounce:''' Knocks down, pins, or controls a target on a surprise hit.
|}
 
==== 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>
 
== River Predators ==
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Crocodile</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCCroc.png|500px]]
</div>
 
The water does not warn you. It opens and takes.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 4
|-
! Agility || 1
|-
! Mind || 0
|-
! Lifeblood || 18
|-
! Protection || 2
|-
! Damage || 1d6H
|-
! Traits
| '''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>
 
== Pack Hunters and Scavengers ==
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Jackal</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCJackals.png|500px]]
</div>
 
Jackals live where death is near.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 1
|-
! Agility || 2
|-
! Mind || 0
|-
! Lifeblood || 7
|-
! Protection || 0
|-
! Damage || 1d6L
|-
! Traits
| '''Pack Tactics:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking with allies.<br>
'''Scavenger:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die to detect weakness or isolation.
|}
 
==== 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>
 
== Jungle Dangers ==
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Python</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCGreatPython.png|500px]]
</div>
 
Most who die to a python never knew it was there.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 3
|-
! Agility || 1
|-
! Mind || 0
|-
! Lifeblood || 16
|-
! Protection || 1
|-
! Damage || 1d6
|-
! Traits
| '''Grapple:''' Seizes a target on a hit.<br>
'''Constrict:''' Inflicts damage each round while holding a victim.
|}
 
==== 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.
 
</div>
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<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"
! Strength || 3
|-
! Agility || 1
|-
! Mind || 0
|-
! Lifeblood || 13
|-
! Protection || 1
|-
! Damage || 1d6
|-
! Traits
| '''Frenzy:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die after taking a wound.<br>
'''Maul:''' Inflicts extra harm to prone targets.
|}
</div>
 
== The Green That Hungers ==
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Strangler Vines</div>
 
What looks like jungle growth may already be tightening around something living.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 3
|-
! Agility || 0
|-
! Mind || 0
|-
! Lifeblood || 15
|-
! Protection || 1
|-
! Damage || 1d6
|-
! Traits
| '''Immobilize:''' Prevents movement until freed.<br>
'''Constrict:''' Inflicts damage each round while trapped.
|}
</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>
 
It does not move. It does not chase. It waits for something to step too close.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 4
|-
! Agility || 0
|-
! Mind || 0
|-
! Lifeblood || 18
|-
! Protection || 2
|-
! Damage || 1d6H
|-
! Traits
| '''Snap Trap:''' Strikes with 1 Bonus Die when triggered.<br>
'''Digest:''' Inflicts damage each round on trapped victims.
|}
</div>
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<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"
! Strength || 2
|-
! Agility || 0
|-
! Mind || 0
|-
! Lifeblood || 10
|-
! Protection || 1
|-
! Damage || 1d6
|-
! Traits
| '''Trap:''' Requires a test to escape once inside.<br>
'''Dissolving Sap:''' Inflicts damage each round while trapped.
|}
</div>
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Needle Thorn Creepers</div>
 
A brush against these thorns leaves more than scratches.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 1
|-
! Agility || 0
|-
! Mind || 0
|-
! Lifeblood || 8
|-
! Protection || 0
|-
! Damage || 1d6L
|-
! Traits
| '''Needle Thorns:''' Inflicts damage on contact.<br>
'''Fever:''' Causes sickness if untreated.
|}
</div>
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<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"
! Strength || 0
|-
! Agility || 0
|-
! Mind || 0
|-
|-
| '''Ambush'''
! Lifeblood || 6
| The creature gains '''1 Advantage Die''' when attacking from concealment, surprise, or a position of clear tactical superiority.
|-
|-
| '''Burning Wounds'''
! Protection || 0
| A victim struck suffers the normal damage, then continues to take harm or penalty from the wound until treated or until the GM rules the effect has passed.
|-
|-
| '''Charge'''
! Damage || 1d6L
| If the creature moves at least several yards straight toward a target before attacking, it gains '''1 Advantage Die''' on the attack.
|-
|-
| '''Constrict'''
! Traits
| If the creature successfully grapples a target, it may continue inflicting its normal damage each round until the victim escapes or the creature is driven off.
| '''Spore Cloud:''' Imposes 1 Penalty Die in area.<br>
'''Poison:''' Causes collapse with exposure.
|}
</div>
 
== Jungle Horrors ==
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Spider</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCGiantSpider.png|500px]]
</div>
 
The web comes first. Then the shadow in its center begins to move.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 2
|-
|-
| '''Death Roll'''
! Agility || 3
| Against a grappled target in water, the creature gains '''1 Advantage Die''' on damage or inflicts especially brutal injury at the GM’s discretion.
|-
|-
| '''Dissolving Sap'''
! Mind || 0
| A trapped victim continues taking damage each round until freed from the hazard.
|-
|-
| '''Drain'''
! Lifeblood || 10
| When the creature inflicts damage, it restores '''1 Lifeblood''' to itself, or else weakens the victim in some obvious physical way.
|-
|-
| '''Dream Pollen'''
! Protection || 1
| Anyone exposed must make an appropriate test or become drowsy, confused, or dulled. The GM may impose '''1 Penalty Die''' on affected actions.
|-
|-
| '''Fast Strike'''
! Damage || 1d6
| The creature gains '''1 Advantage Die''' on initiative-related tests or on its first attack when speed is decisive.
|-
|-
| '''Fearless'''
! Traits
| The creature does not test for fear and cannot be driven off by intimidation alone.
| '''Web:''' Restrains targets until cut free.<br>
'''Venom:''' Forces a test or weakens the victim.
|}
</div>
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Vampire Bat Swarm</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCVampireBats.png|500px]]
</div>
 
They come as a cloud of wings, teeth, and shrill hunger.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 1
|-
|-
| '''Fever'''
! Agility || 3
| A wounded victim must make an appropriate test after the encounter or suffer worsening weakness, delirium, or continuing loss of Lifeblood until treated.
|-
|-
| '''Grapple'''
! Mind || 0
| On a successful attack, the creature may seize and hold the target instead of, or in addition to, normal positioning effects. A grappled victim cannot freely move away.
|-
|-
| '''Immobilize'''
! Lifeblood || 10
| A victim caught by the creature cannot move until freed by a successful test, outside help, or cutting loose the restraining growth or limb.
|-
|-
| '''Needle Thorns'''
! Protection || 0
| Anyone passing through or forced into the hazard suffers immediate light damage and risks lingering pain, swelling, or infection.
|-
|-
| '''Pack'''
! Damage || 1d6L
| When attacking a target already threatened by one or more allies, the creature gains '''1 Advantage Die'''.
|-
|-
| '''Poison'''
! Traits
| Anyone wounded must make an appropriate test or suffer additional damage, weakness, paralysis, or another venom effect chosen by the GM.
| '''Swarm:''' Suffers 1 Penalty Die vs brute attacks.<br>
'''Drain:''' Inflicts extra Lifeblood loss.
|}
</div>
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Centipede</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCGiantCentipede.png|500px]]
</div>
 
Its many legs whisper over leaf mold just before the venom strikes.
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 2
|-
|-
| '''Pounce'''
! Agility || 2
| If the creature leaps from cover, from above, or onto an unaware foe, it gains '''1 Advantage Die''' on the attack.
|-
|-
| '''Stealth'''
! Mind || 0
| Attempts to notice the creature before it attacks suffer '''1 Penalty Die''', so long as it has cover, darkness, or natural concealment.
|-
|-
| '''Swarm'''
! Lifeblood || 9
| The creature is made up of many small bodies. Normal weapons do not always work well against it, and the GM may give attackers '''1 Penalty Die''' when brute force is the wrong answer.
|-
|-
| '''Trap'''
! Protection || 1
| The creature or hazard does not pursue, but anyone entering its reach, maw, or grasp is immediately endangered and may need a test to escape.
|-
|-
| '''Trample'''
! Damage || 1d6
| When the creature overruns a target, it may strike more than one nearby foe, or knock victims aside, prone, or underfoot.
|-
|-
| '''Unfailing'''
! Traits
| The creature does not retreat, hesitate, or abandon pursuit unless physically prevented, destroyed, or compelled by sorcery.
| '''Venom:''' Forces a test or causes severe weakness.<br>
'''Horror:''' Imposes 1 Penalty Die from revulsion.
|}
|}
</div>
{{NightcatsNav}}
[[Category:Nightcats]]
</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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