Behemoths are enormous, heavily armored omnivores that roam the open steppes of Tarisia. Their broad, squat bodies are carried on four thick, columnar legs beneath a vast domed shell of overlapping plates. A small, blunt head extends from beneath the forward rim on a thick, wrinkled neck, while a short heavy tail trails behind. Ancient specimens grow to tremendous proportions, their weathered shells scarred by predators, territorial battles, and decades of windblown sand.
Slow-moving and generally indifferent to distant travelers, Behemoths become dangerously stubborn when threatened or challenged within their territory. They feed opportunistically on tough steppe vegetation, carrion, small animals, and nearly anything else they can catch or crush beneath their tremendous weight.
The massive shell is valuable in its own right, making Behemoths a coveted resource among city-states bordering the steppes. Harvested plates can be fashioned into heavy armor, shields, fortifications, and other goods where exceptional durability is required.
Living Behemoths are more valuable still. With sufficient training, their immense shells can support fortified fighting platforms carrying as many as thirty archers behind protective shell walls. Some armies mount ballistas, catapults, and other siege engines upon their backs, turning a Behemoth into a lumbering mobile fortress.
Attributes: Agility d4, Smarts d4 (A), Spirit d8, Strength d12+6, Vigor d12+2
Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d8, Intimidation d8, Notice d6, Survival d8
Pace: 4; Parry: 6; Toughness: 22 (6)
Special Abilities:
- Armor +6: A Behemoth’s massive plated shell protects most of its body. Attacks targeting its head, legs, or other exposed areas may bypass this Armor with an appropriate Called Shot.
- Bite: Str+d4.
- Hardy: A second Shaken result does not cause a Wound.
- Huge: Attackers add +4 to attack rolls against a Behemoth due to its tremendous size.
- Size 10: Mature Behemoths are immense creatures capable of carrying fortified platforms, dozens of warriors, and heavy siege weapons.
- Slow: Behemoths have a d4 running die.
- Stomp: Str+d8. A Behemoth may only Stomp creatures at least four Sizes smaller than itself.