Jump to content

Nightcats:Bestiary: Difference between revisions

From Crucible Codex
← Older edit
undoWikiSysop (talk | contribs)
Bureaucrats, Interface administrators, Administrators
4,719 edits
No edit summary
No edit summary
 
(17 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{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 grows over your bones.”
</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.
 
This is not a scholar’s bestiary. It is a survivor’s ledger.
 
Each entry is a '''template'''. Most creatures in Jhelum are variations on these forms.


== How to Use These Creatures ==
== How to Use These Creatures ==
Line 23: Line 10:
! Stat !! Meaning
! Stat !! Meaning
|-
|-
| '''Strength'''
| '''Strength''' || Power and force
| Power and force
|-
|-
| '''Agility'''
| '''Agility''' || Speed and stealth
| Speed and stealth
|-
|-
| '''Mind'''
| '''Mind''' || Instinct or cunning
| Instinct or cunning
|-
|-
| '''Lifeblood'''
| '''Lifeblood''' || Staying power
| Staying power
|-
|-
| '''Protection'''
| '''Protection''' || Natural armor
| Natural armor
|-
|-
| '''Damage'''
| '''Damage''' || Harm inflicted
| Harm inflicted
|-
|-
| '''Traits'''
| '''Traits''' || Short mechanical rules
| Short mechanical rules
|}
|}
Variants are handled by small adjustments, not new stat blocks.
---


== Apex Predators ==
== Apex Predators ==
=== Tiger (Template) ===


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Tiger</div>
[[File:NCStripedTiger.png|400px]]
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCTiger.png|500px]]
</div>
</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Tiger</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">The jungle chooses</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
Line 77: Line 49:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking unseen. '''Pounce:''' Knocks down, pins, or controls a target on a surprise hit.
| '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking unseen.<br>
'''Pounce:''' Knocks down, pins, or controls a target on a surprise hit.
|}
|}
</div>


==== Tiger Variants ====
==== 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.


; Leopard / Black Panther 
</div>
Lifeblood 12, Agility 4. Built for stealth over strength.
 
; Man-Eater 
Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking humans.
 
; Old Tiger 
Mind 2. Anticipates routines and avoids traps.
 
; Ash Tiger 
Adds: '''Burning Wounds:''' Causes lingering harm after a hit.
 
---


== River Predators ==
== River Predators ==
=== Crocodile (Template) ===


<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:NCRiverCrocodile.png|400px]]
<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 125: Line 85:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when striking unseen from water. '''Death Roll:''' Grappled targets take immediate extra harm in water.
| '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when striking unseen from water.<br>
'''Death Roll:''' Inflicts +1D6 extra harm against grappled prey in water.
|}
|}
</div>


==== Crocodile Variants ====
==== 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.


; Gharial 
</div>
Strength 3, Agility 2, Damage 1d6. 
Trait: '''Snatch:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when grabbing small or lightly armored prey.
 
; Giant Crocodile 
Strength 5, Lifeblood 22, Protection 3.
 
; Temple Crocodile 
Mind 1. Does not flee humans.
 
---


== Pack Hunters and Scavengers ==
== Pack Hunters and Scavengers ==
=== Jackal (Template) ===


<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. One is nothing. Several are a decision.
Jackals live where death is near.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
Line 167: Line 120:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Pack:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking with allies. '''Scavenger:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die to detect weakness or isolation.
| '''Pack Tactics:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking with allies.<br>
'''Scavenger:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die to detect weakness or isolation.
|}
|}
</div>


==== Jackal Variants ====
==== 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.


; Dhole 
</div>
Lifeblood 8. Pack always active with 2+.
 
; Wolf 
Strength 2, Lifeblood 9, Damage 1d6.
 
; Hyena 
Strength 2, Lifeblood 10, Protection 1. 
Trait: '''Bone Crusher:''' Ignores 1 point of Protection.
 
---


== Jungle Dangers ==
== Jungle Dangers ==


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


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--beast">
Most who die to a python never knew it was there.
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Great Python</div>


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
Line 206: Line 155:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Constrict:''' Seizes and inflicts damage each round until freed. '''Ambush:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when striking from concealment.
| '''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>


<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"
Line 227: Line 189:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Frenzy:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die after taking a wound. '''Maul:''' May inflict an additional hit against a prone or stunned target.
| '''Frenzy:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die after taking a wound.<br>
'''Maul:''' Inflicts extra harm to prone targets.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
</div>
---


== The Green That Hungers ==
== 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">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"
Line 258: Line 215:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Immobilize:''' Prevents movement until freed. '''Constrict:''' Inflicts damage each round while held.
| '''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>
Line 264: Line 249:
<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"
Line 279: Line 268:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Trap:''' Requires a test to escape once entered. '''Dissolving Sap:''' Inflicts damage each round while trapped.
| '''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-title">Needle Thorn Creepers</div>


== Jungle Horrors ==
A brush against these thorns leaves more than scratches.
 
<div class="nightcats-panel-grid nightcats-panel-grid--two">
 
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
[[File:NCGiantSpider.png|400px]]
</div>
 
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Spider</div>


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 2
! Strength || 1
|-
|-
! Agility || 3
! Agility || 0
|-
|-
! Mind || 0
! Mind || 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood || 10
! Lifeblood || 8
|-
|-
! Protection || 1
! Protection || 0
|-
|-
! Damage || 1d6
! Damage || 1d6L
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Web:''' Restrains targets until cut free. '''Venom:''' Forces a test or weakens the victim.
| '''Needle Thorns:''' Inflicts damage on contact.<br>
'''Fever:''' Causes sickness if untreated.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Vampire Bat Swarm</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"
! Strength || 1
! Strength || 0
|-
|-
! Agility || 3
! Agility || 0
|-
|-
! Mind || 0
! Mind || 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood || 10
! Lifeblood || 6
|-
|-
! Protection || 0
! Protection || 0
Line 331: Line 318:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Swarm:''' Suffers 1 Penalty Die vs brute attacks. '''Drain:''' Inflicts extra Lifeblood loss.
| '''Spore Cloud:''' Imposes 1 Penalty Die in area.<br>
'''Poison:''' Causes collapse with exposure.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
== Jungle Horrors ==


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Centipede</div>
<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"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 2
! Strength || 2
|-
|-
! Agility || 2
! Agility || 3
|-
|-
! Mind || 0
! Mind || 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood || 9
! Lifeblood || 10
|-
|-
! Protection || 1
! Protection || 1
Line 352: Line 347:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Venom:''' Forces a test or causes severe weakness. '''Horror:''' Imposes 1 Penalty Die from shock or revulsion.
| '''Web:''' Restrains targets until cut free.<br>
'''Venom:''' Forces a test or weakens the victim.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Poison Puffball</div>
<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"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 0
! Strength || 1
|-
|-
! Agility || 0
! Agility || 3
|-
|-
! Mind || 0
! Mind || 0
|-
|-
! Lifeblood || 6
! Lifeblood || 10
|-
|-
! Protection || 0
! Protection || 0
Line 373: Line 374:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Spore Cloud:''' Fills an area and imposes 1 Penalty Die. '''Poison:''' Causes collapse after prolonged exposure.
| '''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-title">Giant Centipede</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-image-top">
[[File:NCGiantCentipede.png|500px]]
</div>
</div>


---
Its many legs whisper over leaf mold just before the venom strikes.
 
== Using the Bestiary ==
 
These are not balanced encounters.
 
They are problems.
 
If the players treat them like enemies, they die.
 
If they treat them like dangers, they live.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 2
|-
! Agility || 2
|-
! Mind || 0
|-
! Lifeblood || 9
|-
! Protection || 1
|-
! Damage || 1d6
|-
! Traits
| '''Venom:''' Forces a test or causes severe weakness.<br>
'''Horror:''' Imposes 1 Penalty Die from revulsion.
|}
</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.

Nightcats Codex Home • Players Guide• Character Creation • Careers • Boons • Flaws • Jhelum • Peoples • Sea of Blood • Rivers • Mahāraṇya • Cities • Customs • Million Gods • Divine Invocations • Sorcery • Arms & Armor • Bestiary • Name Generators • The Nightcats Novels

Retrieved from "https://codex.crucible.cc/index.php?title=Nightcats:Bestiary&oldid=1006"