Gorthek

This massive quadruped has a thick, wrinkled hide, curving horns, and shaggy hair that frames its leonine face.

Gorthek (CR 7)

Large Animal
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: -1
Senses: Darkvision 60 feet, Low-Light Vision; Perception +12

Speed: 40 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 18, touch 8, flat-footed 18 (-1 Dex, +10 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 85 (9d8+45)
Saving Throws: Fort +13, Ref +5, Will +3
Damage Reduction: 5/-

Offense

Melee: gore +16 (2d6+16)
Reach: 5 feet

Special Attacks: Powerful Charge (gore, 4d6+22), Trample (2d6+16, DC 25)

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
32 (+11)	9 (-1)	21 (+5)	2 (-4)	10 (+0)	5 (-3)

Base Attack Bonus: +6
CMB +18 (+20 Bull Rush or Sunder)
CMD 27 (29 vs. Bull Rush or Sunder, 31 vs. Trip)

Feats: Awesome Blow, Great Fortitude, Powerful Maneuvers,

Skills: Perception +12

Languages:

Special Abilities

NONE

Ecology

Environment: Temperate Hills or Plains
Organization: solitary, pair, or herd (3-12)
Treasure: none


The gorthek is, without a doubt, one of the crankiest beasts found roaming in the wilderness. Appearing as a strange combination of primeval bison and ornery rhinoceros, but with a leonine head crowned with ramlike horns, a gorthek is both immensely powerful and preternaturally hard to injure. Its thick, battering-ram head and powerful body make it a fearsome opponent, particularly when it's riled up and in full charge. Gortheks tend to travel in small herds, grazing across remote temperate grasslands or sparsely wooded hills. When a gorthek perceives a threat—which to the gorthek includes just about everything, often even other gortheks—it launches itself into a full charge, intent on sending the enemy flying.

Orc tribes have made a practice of raising the beasts from infancy to serve as living siege engines during warfare. Future gorthek riders bond with the creatures from a very young age, and if possible use gorthek masks to make that bond stronger. When riding into battle, one orc sits astride the gorthek in a specially crafted saddle secured behind its massive horns and guides the beast using spiked reins. An adult male gorthek stands about 7 feet high at the shoulder and weighs around 9,000 pounds.

Gorthek Companions

An orc who takes the Beast Rider feat (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Race Guide 56) can choose a gorthek as an animal companion or mount. Starting Stats: Size Medium; AC +4 natural armor; Speed 40 ft.; Attack gore (1d8 Ability Scores Str 16, Dex 11, Con 13, Int 2, Wis 10, Cha 5; Special Qualities darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision.

7th-Level Advancement: Size Large; AC +3 natural armor; Attacks gore (2d6) Ability Scores Str +8, Dex -2, Con +4; Special Attacks powerful charge (gore, 4d6 + twice Strength modifier).