Diomedian Horse

Large beast, unaligned

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 57 (6d10 + 24)
Speed 60 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
20 (+5)	14 (+2)	18 (+4)	4 (–3)	12 (+1)	10 (+0)

Skills Athletics +7, Perception +3
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages —
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Keen Smell. The diomedian horse has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
• Pack Tactics. The diomedian horse has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the horse’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
• Pounce. If the diomedian horse moves at 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits with a Claw 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 diomedian horse can make one Bite attack against it as a bonus action.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The diomedian horse makes one Bite attack and one Claw attack.
• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) piercing damage.
• Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (2d4 + 5) slashing damage.

ABOUT

The brindled, horse-like creature rears in fury, its claws pawing the air and its wide mouth bristling with sharp fangs.

Diomedian horses are carnivorous equines that gather in herds, hunting and devouring beasts and other creatures smaller than them. Their claws and powerful jaws are suited to tearing and rending flesh, though diomedians can subsist on vegetation for short periods of time if no meat is available.

Fierce Free-Spirit. Diomedian horses have never been domesticated on a large scale. Their demeanor is too fierce and they cooperate only with others of their kind. In rare cases, very young diomedians have been trained to bear a rider but most such attempts fail. A trained diomedian will only ever accept a single rider, returning to the wild if that rider is ever lost or dies. Trainers with the skill to teach such a beast are rare and expensive to hire, but such a mount does confer great prestige.

Rite of Passage. Given the fierce reputation these creatures have, some societies consider it a mark of skill and bravery for a hunter or warrior of their culture kill or capture a diomedian horse. Those that do are often rewarded with a special rank or exceptional gift.