Orcish War Brute Mount
The Orcish War Brute: The Fierce Battle Companion of the Greyfangs, Antaea
In the untamed and rugged lands of Antaea, where the might of a warrior is the measure of their honor, the Orcish War Brute emerged not as a mere beast of burden but as a symbol of raw power and unbridled fury. First seen among the fearsome Greyfangs tribe, these formidable steeds have since become synonymous with orcish might, particularly remembered for their pivotal role in the raid on Masagua.
Emergence Among the Greyfangs
The War Brute's origin is as fierce as the creature itself. Bred by the Greyfangs, a tribe known for their prowess in battle and their deep connection with the wild, the War Brute was a product of necessity – a mount that could match the orcs' ferocity and endurance in warfare. The first sighting of these intimidating beasts during the raid on Masagua left a lasting impression, marking a new era in orcish warfare.
Breed Characteristics
The Orcish War Brute is a behemoth among horses, with a muscular build that towers over conventional steeds. Its most striking feature is its armored skin, tough as the iron forged in orcish fires, providing natural protection in the heat of battle. The breed typically sports dark, mottled coats, ranging from deep greys to black, with a mane and tail that are coarse and wild.
Temperament and Abilities
True to their breeding, War Brutes are aggressive and indomitable. They are not easily tamed, requiring a handler who can match their strength and spirit. Once tamed, however, they exhibit unwavering loyalty and bravery. Their incredible strength allows them to bear heavily armored warriors into battle, and their innate fearlessness makes them unhesitating chargers against enemy lines.
Role in Orcish Culture
In orcish society, the War Brute is more than a mount; it's a comrade-in-arms. These steeds are revered not only for their strength and battle prowess but also as a representation of the orcs' bond with the wild, untamed forces of nature. The sight of an orc atop a War Brute is a symbol of leadership and respect.
Training and Bonding
Training a War Brute is a rite of passage for many orcish warriors. It is a test of wills, where respect is earned in the crucible of dominance and submission. The bond formed between an orc and their War Brute is born from mutual respect and an understanding of each other's primal nature.
The Legend of the First War Brute
Orcish lore speaks of the first War Brute, a creature born from the heart of a raging storm, its first roar echoing across the Antaean plains. The Greyfangs, upon witnessing its raw power, saw it as a sign of favor from their war gods and embarked on the task of breeding more of its kind, leading to the formidable line of War Brutes known today.
The Orcish War Brute Today
Today, the Orcish War Brute is a coveted asset in any orcish warband. To ride a War Brute into battle is to declare one's intent for conquest and victory. While they remain a rare and fearsome sight outside of orcish territories, the legend of the War Brutes continues to spread, a reminder of the fearsome might and indomitable will of the orcish people.
Orcish War Brute
Large beast, unaligned
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 38 (4d10 + 16)
Speed 50 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (+5) | 10 (+0) | 18 (+4) | 2 (-4) | 11 (+0) | 7 (-2) |
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages —
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Traits
- Battle Hardened: The War Brute has advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
- Armored Hide: The War Brute's tough, armored skin gives it resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks.
- Intimidating Presence: As an action, the War Brute can release a fearsome battle cry. Each creature of the War Brute's choice within 30 feet of it and aware of it must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened until the end of the War Brute's next turn.
- Untamed Spirit: Due to its harsh upbringing and training by orcs, the War Brute is initially distrustful and resistant to non-orc riders. A rider who is not an orc must succeed on a DC 17 Animal Handling check to mount the War Brute. On a failed check, the War Brute refuses to be mounted and may react aggressively - and any future Animal Handling checks for the same rider is increased by 1 (this stacks per failed attempt). Once a non-orc rider has successfully mounted the War Brute three times, this check is no longer required, reflecting the bond formed between the rider and the mount.
Actions - Hoof: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
- Charge: If the War Brute moves at least 20 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a hoof attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Price
- 300 gp in orc camps
- Unavailable except from private seller outside of orc camps