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War Dog

by Jamie Baty

DMR2 30
Medium Animal
Hit Dice: 2d8+6 (15 hp)
Initiative: +3 (+3 Dex)
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armour Class: 16 (+3 Dex, +1 natural, +2 leather armour), touch 13, flat-footed 13
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+3
Attack: Bite +3 melee (2d4 +2)
Full Attack: Bite +3 melee (2d4 +2)
Space/Reach: 5 ft. /5 ft.
Special Attacks: -
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +1
Abilities: Str 15, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 7
Skills: Intimidate +2, Jump +7, Listen +3, Spot +3, Survival +1*
Feats: Power Attack, Track (B)
Environment: Any land
Organisation: Solitary, Pair, or Pack (2-5). Usually accompanied by master(s).
Challenge Rating: 1
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 3-4 HD (Medium)
Level Adjustment: -

Selected for their size and ferocity and trained for combat, war dogs are loyal to their master/trainer and attack on command. They are typically protected by light leather armour and a spiked collar. The number appearing depends on the owner.
War dogs can be found in a variety of lands and circumstances, from humanoid tribes to the Thyatian army. War dogs from uncivilized lands are ferocious and difficult to handle, even for their owners. Those from more civilized lands tend to be slightly easier to handle, but make no mistake, war dogs are not meant to be a commoner's pet- they are most often found with adventurers or the army.
Recently, the war dog's reputed fierceness and loyalty (not to mention their intimidation) has made them somewhat a fashionable companion for many Thyatian legionary officers. Since these officer's dogs are often on the battlefield helping their masters, some can be found with heavier armour (such as splint or banded).

Combat
Fierce, tenacious and borderline suicidal, war dogs fight with a zeal rarely seen in animals. They almost always Power Attack.

Scent (Ex): This special quality allows a war dog to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell.

Skills: War dogs have a +4 racial bonus on Intimidate and Jump checks. *War dogs have a +4 racial bonus on Survival checks when tracking by scent.