Amalthean Goat

Large beast, unaligned

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	16 (+3)	20 (+5)	2 (-4)	11 (+0)	7 (-2)

Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 105 (10d10 + 50)
Speed 40 ft.
Saving Throws Strength +7, Constitution +8
Skills Athletics +7, Insight +3 (doe only), Perception +3
Senses passive Perception 13
Damage Immunities poison, psychic
Condition Immunities poisoned
Languages –
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)

Special Traits

• Amalthean Milk. The milk of an Amalthean doe has wondrous side effects. A single fresh draught will heal 2d4 + 2 hit points, neutralize any non-magical poisons, and cure any non-magical diseases. A tamed doe can be milked for 3 draughts each day, which remain fresh for 1 day, but if she is nursing any kids then she needs one draught for each kid, and leaving her with insufficient milk for her young will cause her to be hostile the following day, as well as risking the health of the kid.
• Powerful Charge. When an Amalthean goat moves at least 10 ft. and then successfully uses its head butt, the target takes an additional 9 (2d8) bludgeoning damage and must succeed at a DC 14 strength saving throw or be pushed 10 ft. in a straight line.
• Regeneration. The Amalthean goat regains 10 hit points at the start of its turn, unless prevented from doing so by magical means. If it begins its turn with 0 hit points, it must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw before regaining 10 hit points.

Actions

• Head Butt. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Tactics

Although of low intelligence, Amalthean goats are canny in their use of the cliffs and other precipices of their preferred habitat. In combat they will use their powerful charge to push enemies off ledges or into ravines, buying themselves time to escape, and will willingly provoke opportunity attacks in order to do so. The Amalthean doe fights only to defend herself and her kids from aggression, but the buck is quite belligerent and will generally charge anyone within range. However he is protective, not malicious, and if intruders retreat he is usually content to let them go.

About

Amalthean goats appear to be especially large mountain goats or bighorn sheep, with heavy horns curving back from their skulls. Their coat, which shimmers with health and vitality, hints at their magical nature, as does their extraordinary lifespan, for they can live for 80 or more years.

Magical Milk. These unusual creatures are sought after for a single reason: the milk of an Amalthean goat has incredible healing power, renowned for its ability to cure diseases, negate poisons, and heal wounds. Many people covet this milk, particularly those without access to the divine power of clerics – but the difficulty lies in obtaining the milk. An Amalthean buck guards every doe, and both, having been raised on a diet of Amalthean milk, are stronger and more resilient than mundane animals.

Monogamous. Amalthean goats typically live with just their mate, and any young they might have. Their remarkable resilience means they don’t need a herd to protect them from predators.

Domesticable. Although Amalthean bucks are too aggressive to domesticate, the nans are (very) occasionally tamed by a village or tribe. For fear of theft, these prized animals are usually well-kept secrets. However, solitary goats seem to have greatly reduced lifespans, and of course cannot reproduce, so eventually the village will need to acquire a new kid. They might even hire outsiders to undertake this difficult and dangerous task, although only with great trust or under some pretext, such as fabricated ‘sacred rites’, in order to protect their secret.