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Archives of Nethys

Archives of Nethys

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Aurochs

This massive bovine looks like a larger, wilder version of the domesticated cattle found throughout the Inner Sea region. During winter, vast herds of the animals roam the southern reaches of the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, but as the ice high in the mountains begins to melt, the aurochs migrate south into Belkzen, following their ancestral route along the Flood Road. Once the water flows in earnest and turns to massive floods, the sudden surge of greenery provides the aurochs with all the food they need to survive.

Aurochs are essential to life in Belkzen. Not only do the orcs there hunt the wild cattle for their meat, but they use every part of the aurochs, from hide to bones, to craft their weapons and tools. The aurochs' arrival prompts the beginning of the Flood Truce, during which the usually war-focused orc holds cease all hostilities to take advantage of this time of plenty.

While groups of 20 or fewer animals are sometimes encountered, most aurochs travel in herds that stretch to the horizon. The land thunders under the weight of these herds, and the dust kicked up by their hooves is often spotted days before the aurochs—or the floodwaters that spurred their migration—arrive.

Aurochs bulls stand between 6 and 7 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh around 2,500 pounds, although prodigious specimens can grow to over 7 feet tall and 3,000 pounds. Cows are smaller, standing near 6 feet at the shoulder and weighing up to 2,000 pounds. All aurochs have slightly curved horns that grow up to three feet long from base to spearsharp tip.

The aurochs is represented in much of Belkzen's artwork. Not only are the animals vital to survival in that unforgiving land, but their strength, power, and tenacity serve as potent symbols for orc holds.

Recall Knowledge - Animal (Nature): DC 18
Unspecific Lore: DC 16
Specific Lore: DC 13

Elite | Normal | Weak
Proficiency without Level

Changes from being Weak are marked in red below.
NOTE: The -2 damage penalty to non-strike offensive abilities (-4 if the ability is limited, such as spells) is NOT factored in.

Weak AurochsCreature 2

Large Animal 
Source Pathfinder #207: Resurrection Flood pg. 82
Perception +7; low-light vision, scent (imprecise) 30 feet
Skills Athletics +9, Survival +7
Str +4, Dex +3, Con +4, Int -4, Wis +1, Cha -1
AC 16; Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +4
HP 27
Easily Spooked The aurochs gains a +5-foot-status bonus to Speed while frightened.Safety in Numbers Aurochs move together to keep safe from predators. While within 10 feet of another aurochs, the aurochs gains a +1 circumstance bonus to AC.
Speed 25 feet
Melee [one-action] hoof +8 [+3/-2], Damage 1d8-2+6 bludgeoningMelee [one-action] horn +8 [+3/-2], Damage 1d8-2+6 piercing plus KnockdownTrample [three-actions] Medium or smaller, hoof, DC 17Wild Charge [two-actions] The aurochs Strides twice and makes a single horn Strike against any foe along its path.

Sidebar - Advice and Rules Aurochs Rolling

Farmers throughout the Inner Sea often joke about cow tipping: sneaking up on an unsuspecting bovine and pushing it over while it sleeps. But since cattle sleep lying down, the animal usually has the last laugh. Nonetheless, some younger orcs in Belkzen spend evenings creeping up on sleeping aurochs to roll them over. This usually results in little more than a startled aurochs.