Horse, Rhianna

This horse is shorter and less elegantly muscled than most other riding breeds. It has a shaggy brown coat and a long, thick mane.

Horse, Rhianna (CR 1)

Large Animal
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +1
Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent; Perception +6

Speed: 60 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 14, touch 10, flat-footed 13 (+1 Dex, +4 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 16 (3d8+3)
Saving Throws: Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +2
Weaknesses: encumbrance penalty

Offense

Melee: 2 hooves -1 (1d4+1)
Reach: 5 feet

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
16 (+3)	13 (+1)	17 (+3)	2 (-4)	13 (+1)	6 (-2)

Base Attack Bonus: +2
CMB +6
CMD 17 (21 vs. Trip)

Feats: Endurance, Nimble Moves, Run

Skills: Acrobatics +5 (+9 to balance), Perception +6

• Racial Modifiers: +4 Acrobatics to balance

Languages:

Special Qualities: dexterous, docile, hardy

Special Abilities

Dexterous (Ex)

Rhiannas convey a +2 bonus to their riders' Ride checks to avoid obstacles.

Docile (Ex)

Unless specifically trained for combat (see the Handle Animal skill), a Rhianna's hooves are treated as secondary attacks.

Encumbrance Penalty (Ex)

Rhiannas lose the benefits of the Run feat whenever they are encumbered. They may still run at 4 times their speed with light encumbrance (up to 228 lbs.), and 3 times their speed with medium (459 lbs.) or heavy (690 lbs.) encumbrance.

Hardy (Ex)

Rhiannas are extremely durable creatures. Unlike with other mounts, anytime a hustle, forced march or spurred movement would do damage to these horses, they are allowed a Constitution save to negate the damage.

Ecology

Environment: Temperate Plains
Organization: solitary, pair, or herd (3-30)
Treasure: none


Domesticated Rhiannas retain the notable traits of their wild ancestors: small size, endurance and sure-footedness. They are especially popular with woodsmen - those who opt for mounted travels - due to their hardiness, dexterity an companionship. Most homesteaders choose the Rhianna breed as well, as they are equally suited to long-distance rides over varied terrain and drawing a market cart over rutted roads. Only the heaviest farm labors, such as breaking sod, spring plowing and pulling stumps, are reserved for larger draft horses, and many of the farmers of the valley make do with Rhiannas alone.

Rhianna horses differ from other light warhorses in several ways. Although they are similar in build to warhorses, they cannot fight with a rider. While their speed is the same, they do not perform as well when heavily loaded. Due to their evolution in a valley littered with obstacles such as trees, streams, boulders and scrub growth, they are extremely agile and adept at negotiating obstacles. They are resistant to damage incurred by fatigue, and may be pushed harder and for longer periods of time without the risk of injury.

Because of their intolerance for encumbrance, Rhiannas make ideal mounts for lightly armed and armored heroes. Even encumbered, their ability to increase their speed for short distances gives them an advantage over common riding horses. This is especially useful when difficult terrain disallows running and charging.

Credit Original author Nathan Douglas Paul Originally appearing in The Eamonvale Incursion (© Necromancer Games, 2008)