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Archives of Nethys

Archives of Nethys

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Shotalashu

These reptilian beasts of burden are primarily known for their telepathic nature and close bond with their riders. Shotalashus are native to the planet Castrovel, where they are the traditional mounts of lashunta warriors, though some have appeared on Golarion thanks to travel between the two worlds. Both elves and lashuntas have brought shotalashus to Golarion, though elves are somewhat more likely to sell or give them away.

Mounted combatants covet these alien creatures, though taming one is not as simple as buying a horse or camel. A shotalashu must form a telepathic bond with their rider before any riding is permitted, and once the creature forms such a bond, they will not permit any other rider. While telepaths have the easiest time forming this bond, others have found ways to prove their worth.

Any shotalashus encountered in the wilds of Golarion most likely escaped from captivity—a notable wild pack exists on the Isle of Kortos, descended from such runaways. Would-be riders are most likely to find available shotalashus in Absalom, Kyonin, and southern Garund. Shotalashus are extravagantly expensive to raise on Golarion, resulting in corresponding prices when they appear on the market. However, the friends of riders who've passed will often help the surviving shotalashus find a new rider once they're ready.

Recall Knowledge - Beast (Arcana, Nature): DC 18
Unspecific Lore: DC 16
Specific Lore: DC 13

Elite | Normal | Weak
Proficiency without Level

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

Elite ShotalashuCreature 3

Uncommon Large Beast 
Source Howl of the Wild pg. 180 2.0
Perception +11; darkvision
Languages Elven, Lashunta; (can't speak any language); empathic communication
Skills Acrobatics +10, Athletics +10, Stealth +10, Survival +9
Str +2, Dex +4, Con +2, Int -3, Wis +3, Cha +2
Empathic Communication While a shotalashu can't speak, even telepathically, it understands simple commands in the languages it knows. It returns telepathic sensations of emotion to creatures touching it or the partner of its telepathic link at any distance.
Telepathic Link (mental, occult) A rider who would tame a shotalashu for a mount must first form a telepathic link with it. Establishing this link require spending a week with the desired mount and succeeding at a DC 21 Occultism check. Any creature with telepathic capabilities, such as telepathy, touch telepathy, empathic sense, or the ability to cast spells such as telepathy, gains a +4 circumstance bonus to this check. This link remains and neither can form a new link until one member dies. The shock of a partner dying leaves the survivor stupefied 2 for 24 hours and prevents forming a new link for at least a month.
AC 20; Fort +10, Ref +12, Will +13
HP 50
Speed 40 feet, jungle stride
Melee [one-action] claws +12 [+8/+4] (agile, finesse), Damage 1d6+2+2 slashing plus 1d4 mentalJungle Stride The shotalashu ignores difficult terrain due to vegetation.Telepathic Pounce [two-actions] (mental, occult) The shotalashu hunts by pinning its foes with its mind. One creature within 30 feet must attempt a DC 20 Will save.
Critical Success The creature is unaffected.
Success The creature takes a –5 foot status penalty to its Speeds for one round.
Failure The creature takes a –10 foot status penalty to its Speeds for one round. The shotalashu can then Leap.
Critical Failure The creature is off-guard and immobilized for one round. The shotalashu can Leap.