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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 grows over your bones.”
</div>
= Bestiary of Jhelum =
= Bestiary of Jhelum =


Line 23: Line 16:
! 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">
Line 77: Line 57:
|-
|-
! 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 or pins a target on a surprise hit.
|}
|}
</div>


==== Tiger Variants ====
'''Variants'''


; Leopard / Black Panther
* '''Leopard / Black Panther''' — Lifeblood 12, Agility 4.
Lifeblood 12, Agility 4. Built for stealth over strength.
* '''Man-Eater''' — Gains 1 Bonus Die vs humans.
* '''Old Tiger''' — Mind 2.
* '''Ash Tiger''' — Burning Wounds; Fearless.


; Man-Eater 
</div>
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">
Line 125: Line 96:
|-
|-
! 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 extra harm against grappled prey in water.
|}
|}
</div>


==== Crocodile Variants ====
'''Variants'''


; Gharial
* '''Gharial''' — Strength 3, Agility 2, Damage 1d6; Bonus Die to snatch small prey.
Strength 3, Agility 2, Damage 1d6.
* '''Giant Crocodile''' — Strength 5, Lifeblood 22, Protection 3.
Trait: '''Snatch:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when grabbing small or lightly armored prey.
* '''Temple Crocodile''' — Mind 1.


; Giant Crocodile 
</div>
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">
Line 151: Line 114:
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">The edge of hunger</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-subtitle">The edge of hunger</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 130:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Pack:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking with allies. '''Scavenger:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die to detect weakness or isolation.
| '''Pack:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die when attacking with allies.<br>
'''Scavenger:''' Gains 1 Bonus Die to detect weakness or isolation.
|}
|}
</div>


==== Jackal Variants ====
'''Variants'''


; Dhole
* '''Dhole''' — Lifeblood 8; Pack always active.
Lifeblood 8. Pack always active with 2+.
* '''Wolf''' — Strength 2, Lifeblood 9.
* '''Hyena''' — Strength 2, Lifeblood 10, Protection 1; ignores 1 Protection.


; Wolf 
</div>
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 ==
Line 190: Line 147:


<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-image">
[[File:NCGreatPython.png|400px]]
</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.


{| class="nightcats-stats"
{| class="nightcats-stats"
Line 206: Line 170:
|-
|-
! 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.
|}
|}
'''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>


Line 227: Line 200:
|-
|-
! 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>
</div>
---


== The Green That Hungers ==
== The Green That Hungers ==
Line 258: Line 230:
|-
|-
! 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-image">
[[File:NCJawedPlant.png|400px]]
</div>
 
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Jawed Plant</div>
<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"
! 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 279: Line 283:
|-
|-
! 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>
 
{| 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>
 
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 0
|-
! Agility || 0
|-
! Mind || 0
|-
! Lifeblood || 6
|-
! Protection || 0
|-
! Damage || 1d6L
|-
! Traits
| '''Spore Cloud:''' Imposes 1 Penalty Die in area.<br>
'''Poison:''' Causes collapse with exposure.
|}
</div>


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


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
Line 310: Line 355:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Web:''' Restrains targets until cut free. '''Venom:''' Forces a test or weakens the victim.
| '''Web:''' Restrains targets until cut free.<br>
'''Venom:''' Forces a test or weakens the victim.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>


<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--sorcery">
<div class="nightcats-panel-image">
[[File:NCVampireBats.png|400px]]
</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Vampire Bat Swarm</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Vampire Bat Swarm</div>


Line 331: Line 381:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Swarm:''' Suffers 1 Penalty Die vs brute attacks. '''Drain:''' Inflicts extra Lifeblood loss.
| '''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-image">
[[File:NCGiantCentipede.png|400px]]
</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Centipede</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Giant Centipede</div>


Line 352: Line 407:
|-
|-
! Traits
! Traits
| '''Venom:''' Forces a test or causes severe weakness. '''Horror:''' Imposes 1 Penalty Die from shock or revulsion.
| '''Venom:''' Forces a test or causes severe weakness.<br>
'''Horror:''' Imposes 1 Penalty Die from revulsion.
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
<div class="nightcats-panel nightcats-panel--hazard">
<div class="nightcats-panel-title">Poison Puffball</div>
{| class="nightcats-stats"
! Strength || 0
|-
! Agility || 0
|-
! Mind || 0
|-
! Lifeblood || 6
|-
! Protection || 0
|-
! Damage || 1d6L
|-
! Traits
| '''Spore Cloud:''' Fills an area and imposes 1 Penalty Die. '''Poison:''' Causes collapse after prolonged exposure.
|}
</div>
</div>
---
== 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.


</div>
</div>

Revision as of 22:18, 11 April 2026

Nightcats
Nightcats


Bestiary of Jhelum

The lands beyond the walls are not empty.

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

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

File:NCStripedTiger.png

Tiger
The jungle chooses

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

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

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

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.

River Predators

File:NCRiverCrocodile.png

Crocodile
The river takes

The water does not warn you. It opens.

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 extra harm against grappled prey in water.

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.

Pack Hunters and Scavengers

Jackal
The edge of hunger

Jackals live where death is near.

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

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

Variants

  • Dhole — Lifeblood 8; Pack always active.
  • Wolf — Strength 2, Lifeblood 9.
  • Hyena — Strength 2, Lifeblood 10, Protection 1; ignores 1 Protection.

Jungle Dangers

Python
A branch that tightens

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.

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.
Sloth Bear
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

File:NCStranglerVines.png

Strangler Vines
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
A mouth that waits

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
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
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
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

Giant Spider
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
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
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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