Acpala

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The Acpala are a type of horned dear native to the forested and northern parts of Edora, mostly in territories of elven clans or areas of elven descant. A sub variant of the species can be found in drier, more arid areas, but in far lesser numbers.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Despite being simmilar in size to horses and even weighting a little more, acpalas are not beasts of burden but of chase. They can gallop twice as fast as a horse, and almost for twice as long. They are expert of navigating through dense vegetation with quick reflexes, almost trotting between the trees with surprising dexterity.

The most common appearance for acpala come in shades of brown and beige, fitting their wooded environment. Acpala sometimes hang various hanging plants from their horns for camouflage or even for decorations and self expression like hanging a vine with blooming flowers or wrapping thorny plants around their horns. Some rare white and black variants exist but they are exceedingly rare and their existence is usually kept secret by their acquaintance to not encourage poachers who seek their horns and furs.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Acpala's milk can be made into cheese and butter and contain both invigorating and healing properties and acpalas usually glad to exchange it in return for mutual care, sometimes even as a gift for someone who's done them a service. Acpala's millk is an important ingredient in young elves diet, as it induces more vivid visions during the Reverie.
The horns of a fully grown, mature acpala can sell for a fortune to the right buyers and is highly sought after by artificers, wizards and other craftsmen who seek their magical properties. They are considered contraband in the Vintian Imperium and most of the Free Cities.

Average Intelligence

Acpalas are considered intelligent and even sapient to some extent. They can project their wants wishes to their bond-mate and are capable of hearing their summons from immense distances, hinting at some limited, yet highly focused magical capabilities.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Some elves and even some kalashtar mystics share symbiotic bonds with the Acpalas. While for a Kalashtar a relationship with an acpala can be beneficial, only the longest living races can form strong and enduring friendships as acpalas often live for 500 years or more. Wood elves who are adjoined with an Acpala will decorate their horns with jewelry and decorations similar to the ones they wear. In some cases, they even carve decorative figures on the Acpala's horns, with a matching tattoo on their flesh to mark the bond.

Current Date: 2^nd of Latsum, 1572

Western Acpala

The northern variant, more suitable for the cold weather of the North Forest.

Eastern Acpala

The southern variant is more common in dry areas and around the warmer climate of the Darsal Sea and the Blighted Woods.

Lifespan

500 years or more.

Average Height

5'3" - 6 feet (162 - 184 cm)

Average Weight

1000 - 1300 lb (455 - 590 kg)

Average Length

8 - 11 feet (2.4 - 3.5 m)

Geographic Distribution

• Deepvale Forest
• Halanhar Forest
• Kaviri Highlands
• Northern Forest
• The Long Forest

Related Ethnicities

• Deepvale Wood Elf
• High Elven

Acpala CR: 3

Large beast, any good

Armor Class: 14

Hit Points: 42 ( 5d12+10 )

Speed: 90 ft , swim: 20 ft , climb: 0 ft

STR

19 +4

DEX

16 +3

CON

13 +1

INT

7 -2

WIS

15 +2

CHA

12 +1

Skills: Perception +4

Senses: Passive Perception 14, Darkvision

Languages: Understands but can not speak Sylvan

Challenge Rating: 3

Agile Charge. If the Acpala moves at least 30 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a ram attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the Acpala can make another attack with its hooves against it as a bonus action.
Nature Sense. The acpala cannot get lost while in the wilds unless by magical means. This ability may not work in urban or settled areas.

Actions

Ram. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 11 ( 2d6+4 ) bludgeoning damage.
Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one prone creature. Hit: 22 ( 4d8+4 ) bludgeoning damage

Reactions

Kick Reflex. Creatures that are positioned 5th behind the acpala while using their movement must pass a Dexterity saving throw (DC 13) or be kicked by the acpala for 22 ( 4d8+4 ) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone.

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