Companion mount Animals
4025 Words
# MOUNT COMPANIONS
## THE SACRED BOND
In the world of Vearth, the relationship between rider and mount transcends mere transportation. This sacred bond represents one of the most profound partnerships possible between different species—a connection that enhances the capabilities of both beings through mutual respect and shared purpose.
Unlike ordinary animals used merely as beasts of burden, mount companions in Vearth possess remarkable intelligence, mystical abilities, and spiritual awareness. These extraordinary creatures choose their riders as much as they are chosen, forming bonds that often last for decades and sometimes extend beyond death itself.
## ACQUIRING A MOUNT COMPANION
Players cannot simply purchase a true mount companion as they might a common horse or pack animal. Instead, these remarkable beings must be encountered and befriended through roleplaying, quests, or as rewards for significant character development.
The Dungeon Master should consider the following paths for introducing mount companions to worthy characters:
### THE CALLING CEREMONY
At certain locations throughout Pan, ancient traditions allow properly prepared characters to perform the Calling Ceremony—a ritual where potential mounts from the surrounding region may appear if they sense a compatible spirit. Success is never guaranteed, and the type of mount that responds depends on the character's alignment, class, and personal qualities.
### THE WILDERNESS ENCOUNTER
Sometimes, a potential mount companion appears during wilderness travel, often when the character faces dire circumstances or demonstrates exceptional courage, compassion, or wisdom. These seemingly chance encounters are actually guided by deeper cosmic patterns, bringing together rider and mount when both are ready for the bond to manifest.
### THE QUEST REWARD
Certain quests may lead characters to regions where particular mount types dwell. Successfully completing challenges that benefit these creatures or their habitats may result in one choosing to bond with the character as a gesture of gratitude or recognition of shared values.
### CLASS-SPECIFIC ACQUISITION
Some classes have traditional paths to acquiring mount companions:
- **Paladins** may receive celestial mounts through divine blessing upon reaching 5th level
- **Rangers** often bond with wilderness creatures through prolonged positive interaction
- **White Star Sorcerers** undergo specific rituals at their guild to attract compatible Alicorns
- **Black Star Sorcerers** perform similar ceremonies to form bonds with Unicorn Tigers
## LEGENDARY MOUNT TYPES
### ALICORNS
The magnificent mounts of White Star Sorcerers, Alicorns stand as living embodiments of creation magic. These massive black equines stand over 15 feet tall at the shoulder, with powerful wings and distinctive 12-foot spiraling horns.
**Special Abilities:**
- **Flight:** Capable of sustained flight at twice normal movement speed
- **Horn Beam:** At the highest levels, Alicorns can project concentrated beams of creative energy from their horns
- **Telepathic Bond:** Share thoughts and sensory information with their bonded rider
- **Planar Travel:** The most powerful Alicorns can transition between dimensional planes
Alicorns are deeply thoughtful creatures with strong personal codes of honor. They bond only with riders whose creative intentions align with cosmic balance, and will abandon those who stray into corrupt practices. The bond between White Star Sorcerer and Alicorn strengthens the magical capabilities of both beings, allowing them to cast certain spells in tandem that neither could manifest alone.
### UNICORN TIGERS
The striking companions of Black Star Sorcerers, Unicorn Tigers combine feline power and grace with transformative magic. These white-furred beings stand 12 feet tall with muscular bodies resembling oversized tigers and a single pearlescent horn projecting from their foreheads.
**Special Abilities:**
- **Enhanced Leaping:** Can jump tremendous distances with perfect precision
- **Horn Beam:** At the highest levels, can project transformative energy that temporarily alters physical properties of targets
- **Shadow Walking:** Can step between shadows, covering great distances instantly in areas of darkness
- **Enhanced Senses:** Share their superior sensory awareness with their bonded rider
Unicorn Tigers possess keen intellects and appreciate clever solutions to complex problems. They form bonds with Black Star practitioners who demonstrate respect for the delicate balance between transformation and stability. The connection between rider and mount enhances the sorcerer's ability to maintain control during complex transformative spells, while the mount gains increased duration for its innate abilities.
### DRAGONKIN MOUNTS
Various draconic species serve as mounts for exceptional heroes whose deeds have earned draconic respect.
**Common Varieties:**
- **Wyverns:** Two-legged, winged dragonkin with poisonous tail stingers
- **Drakes:** Four-legged dragons without wings, often possessing elemental affinities
- **Pseudodragons:** Small, highly intelligent dragon cousins that compensate for their size with magical abilities
**Special Abilities (varying by type):**
- **Flight:** Most winged varieties provide aerial transportation
- **Elemental Breath:** Many manifest lesser versions of true dragon breath weapons
- **Magical Resistance:** Natural resilience against certain spell types
- **Enhanced Senses:** Superior vision, smell, and hearing shared with their rider
Dragonkin mounts choose riders who demonstrate courage, wisdom, and respect for draconic traditions. Each variety has distinct personality traits—wyverns tend toward fierce loyalty and protective instincts, drakes value thoughtful strategy and careful preparation, while pseudodragons appreciate intellectual curiosity and creative problem-solving.
### CELESTIAL STEEDS
The traditional mounts of Paladins, Celestial Steeds appear as magnificent horses with coats that shimmer with starlight and manes that flow like liquid silver. Their hooves leave momentary traces of radiance when they gallop, and their eyes contain the depth of the night sky.
**Special Abilities:**
- **Tireless Movement:** Can maintain a gallop for days without rest
- **Divine Shield:** Project protective auras that shield both mount and rider
- **Healing Touch:** Once per day, can heal injuries through physical contact
- **Evil Sense:** Can detect the presence of significant corruption within a mile radius
Celestial Steeds manifest for Paladins who demonstrate unwavering commitment to their oaths and principles. The bond forms through a divine connection rather than a training process, with the steed appearing during a moment of great need or following a period of spiritual preparation. This connection strengthens the Paladin's divine channel, enhancing their ability to detect and counter corruption.
### FAXALON
The unique shadow gargoyle mount of Venjer, Faxalon represents a corrupted version of a once-noble creature. While not available as a player character mount, encountering this fearsome being in battle presents a formidable challenge.
**Special Abilities:**
- **Shadow Flight:** Moves through air without visible wing movements, leaving trails of darkness
- **Dimensional Phasing:** Can partially phase into the shadow realm, becoming semi-corporeal
- **Corrupting Touch:** Physical contact can temporarily corrupt organic matter
- **Fear Aura:** Emanates supernatural dread that affects both animals and people
The bond between Venjer and Faxalon stems from their shared corruption by Satan's influence. This twisted connection enhances Venjer's shadow magic while feeding Faxalon's hunger for life essence. Players who face this pair in combat should be cautious of their seamless coordination and complementary abilities.
## THE BONDING PROCESS
When a character encounters a potential mount companion, the bonding process involves several stages that must be roleplayed rather than automatically assumed:
### INITIAL APPROACH
The first contact between potential rider and mount sets the foundation for their relationship. Characters should demonstrate respect, patience, and authentic intentions, as mount companions can sense deception and opportunism.
### MUTUAL CHALLENGES
Both beings typically test each other through challenges appropriate to their natures. A potential Alicorn might present ethical dilemmas requiring creative solutions, while a Unicorn Tiger might lead the character through physically demanding trials that require adaptation and transformation.
### THE BOND RITUAL
Once mutual respect is established, a formal bonding ritual completes the connection. This ceremony varies widely based on mount type, character class, and individual circumstances, but typically involves:
- Exchange of personal tokens (a strand of mane, a piece of clothing)
- Shared sustenance (breaking bread together)
- Mutual aid in overcoming a significant obstacle
- Declaration of commitment to the partnership
### BOND MANIFESTATION
Upon completion of the ritual, a visible manifestation of the bond appears—often as complementary markings on both beings, a brief aura of shared energy, or a momentary merging of consciousness. This physical sign confirms the bond's formation and may provide hints about its unique properties.
## MAINTAINING AND STRENGTHENING THE BOND
A mount companion bond requires ongoing nurturing to maintain its strength and develop its potential:
### DAILY INTERACTIONS
Characters should roleplay regular interaction with their mounts, including grooming, exercise, and communication. These activities should be treated as meaningful rather than perfunctory, reflecting the relationship's importance.
### SHARED EXPERIENCES
Bonds strengthen through shared challenges, victories, and growth. Mounts should participate in appropriate adventures rather than being summoned only when transportation is needed, developing their own character arcs alongside their riders.
### BOND ABILITIES
As the connection deepens, new shared abilities may manifest:
- **Empathic Link:** Emotional awareness across any distance
- **Sensory Sharing:** The ability to perceive through each other's senses
- **Combined Talents:** Special maneuvers or abilities only possible when working in perfect harmony
- **Spiritual Connection:** In some cases, bonds that transcend physical death, allowing continued connection in limited ways
### BOND CHALLENGES
Relationships face tests that can either weaken or strengthen them. Potential challenges include:
- **Magical Interference:** Spells or items that temporarily disrupt the bond
- **Trust Violations:** Actions by either party that undermine their connection
- **External Threats:** Enemies specifically targeting the bond to weaken the pair
- **Competing Obligations:** Situations where the needs of the mount and rider conflict
## GAME MECHANICS
### MOUNT PROGRESSION
Mount companions advance in capability alongside their riders through a parallel progression system:
1. **Bonded Novice (Levels 1-3):** Basic mount abilities, limited communication
2. **Bond Adept (Levels 4-6):** Enhanced movement abilities, improved communication
3. **Bond Veteran (Levels 7-9):** Special attack capabilities, empathic link
4. **Bond Master (Levels 10-12):** Specialized abilities unique to the mount type
5. **Bond Transcendent (Levels 13+):** Legendary capabilities, perfect synchronization
### MOUNT ACTIONS IN COMBAT
When determining a mount's capabilities in battle, consider:
- Mounts may take their own actions or coordinate with their rider
- Combined attacks require successful ability checks to execute
- Mounts have their own hit points and saving throws
- Bond-specific abilities may consume shared resources
### MOUNT LOSS AND RECOVERY
If a mount companion falls in battle:
- Minor injuries can be healed through normal means
- Serious injuries may require special treatments or quests to heal
- Death is not necessarily permanent, as the bond may allow for resurrection through specific rituals
- Some bonds transcend physical form, allowing spiritual manifestation even after death
## MOUNT COMPANIONS AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
The relationship between character and mount should contribute meaningfully to character development:
### REFLECTING CHARACTER GROWTH
As characters evolve, their bonds with mount companions should reflect this development. A character who undergoes significant changes in outlook or abilities might find their mount adapting to complement these changes or challenging aspects that create disharmony in the bond.
### MOUNT PERSPECTIVES
Mount companions offer unique viewpoints that can provide insight, guidance, or contrast to their riders' perspectives. These distinctive outlooks stem from:
- Their non-human experience of the world
- Often longer lifespans and different historical context
- Unique sensory capabilities and instincts
- Cultural traditions specific to their species
### ROLEPLAYING OPPORTUNITIES
Consider how the mount relationship creates distinctive roleplaying moments:
- Negotiations where the mount notices deception the rider misses
- Cultural exchanges with creatures that relate differently to the mount than to the rider
- Situations where the mount's capabilities offer unexpected solutions
- Conflicts where mount and rider must reconcile different approaches
## ICONIC MOUNT RELATIONSHIPS IN VEARTH
### GEOVA AND THE GOLDEN HYBRID
The most legendary mount companion in Vearth's history is Geova's golden hybrid—a unique being that combines aspects of dragon and unicorn. This extraordinary creature appears only during moments of cosmic significance, symbolizing the perfect balance between creation and transformation that Geova himself embodies.
### THE DUNGEON MASTER'S MOUNTS
Throughout his long life, the Dungeon Master has bonded with several significant mounts, each reflecting a different aspect of his journey. His current companion—a compact but nimble white Alicorn—symbolizes his role as mediator between the White Star and Black Star traditions, its coloration inverse to the typical black Alicorn.
### DIANA AND THE RED HORN MOUNTS
Members of the Red Horn Sorcerers, including Diana, typically bond with specialized Alicorn variants distinguished by a single crimson horn that matches their own headgear. These mounts possess unique abilities focused on combat application of White Star magic, making them formidable battlefield presences.
### VENJER AND FAXALON
The corrupt bond between Venjer and his shadow gargoyle mount Faxalon stands as a cautionary tale—a relationship twisted by Satan's influence into something that drains both beings rather than elevating them. Their connection offers insight into how the mount bond can be perverted when cosmic balance is abandoned.
> **DUNGEON MASTER'S INSIGHT:** *When introducing mount companions, consider the narrative weight they carry. These aren't mere accessories but significant characters whose relationship with players should develop organically. The most memorable mount companions often begin with unusual circumstances, overcome initial challenges, and grow alongside their riders through shared trials and triumphs.*# MYSTICAL MOUNT TYPES
Beyond the common and class-specific mounts, Vearth contains rare and magnificent mystical mounts that can form bonds with worthy adventurers. These legendary creatures are exceedingly rare, often requiring special quests to encounter and extraordinary deeds to impress.
## ALICORN
*The Celestial Unicorn-Pegasus*
This breathtaking creature combines the majestic features of unicorn and pegasus—powerful feathered wings, gleaming spiral horn, and coat that seems woven from moonlight itself. Alicorns are among the rarest mounts in all of Vearth, typically bonding only with characters of pure heart and noble intention.
**Special Abilities:**
- **Purifying Touch** (available at Bond Rating 3): Horn can purify food, water, and neutralize common poisons
- **Healing Light** (available at Bond Rating 7): Once per day, can heal rider for 2d8+Bond Rating HP
- **Planar Step** (available at Bond Rating 11): Can briefly step between planes, passing through solid obstacles
- **Celestial Shield** (available at Bond Rating 15): Projects an aura that grants +3 AC to rider and adjacent allies
- **Divine Ascension** (available at Bond Rating 18): Can transform into pure light for 1 minute, becoming incorporeal and capable of impossible flight
**Requirements:** Character must be Good alignment and have performed at least three acts of spectacular self-sacrifice. Most commonly bonds with Paladins, White Star Sorcerers, and good-aligned Clerics.
## SHADOW DRAKE
*The Twilight Dragon*
Neither true dragon nor mere wyvern, the Shadow Drake represents a magnificent bridge between worlds—a serpentine body with powerful wings, scales that shift colors with its mood, and eyes that see beyond ordinary reality. These intelligent creatures choose riders who display cunning and adaptability.
**Special Abilities:**
- **Night Vision** (available at Bond Rating 3): Grants rider ability to see perfectly in darkness
- **Smoke Form** (available at Bond Rating 7): Can transform into smoke for 1 minute per day, moving through tiny openings
- **Fear Aura** (available at Bond Rating 11): Enemies within 30 feet must save vs. fear or suffer disadvantage on attacks
- **Elemental Breath** (available at Bond Rating 15): Develops breath weapon based on rider's affinity (fire, ice, lightning, or acid)
- **Twilight Veil** (available at Bond Rating 18): Can make rider and itself invisible in shadows or dim light for up to 10 minutes
**Requirements:** Character must have faced and overcome a personal fear in spectacular fashion. Often bonds with Rangers, Thieves, or Black Star Sorcerers with complex moral codes.
## THUNDERHOOF BISON
*The Storm-Touched Behemoth*
A magnificent creature of immense size, the Thunderhoof Bison stands nearly twice the height of an ordinary bison with a shaggy coat that crackles with electrical energy and horns that attract lightning during storms. Their hoofbeats sound like distant thunder, and their charge is as unstoppable as a summer tempest.
**Special Abilities:**
- **Sure Footing** (available at Bond Rating 3): Can travel across difficult terrain without penalty
- **Static Shield** (available at Bond Rating 7): Electrical aura deals 1d6 damage to creatures that strike in melee
- **Thunderous Charge** (available at Bond Rating 11): Deals double damage and may stun when charging
- **Storm Endurance** (available at Bond Rating 15): Rider and mount immune to lightning and thunder damage
- **Call Lightning** (available at Bond Rating 18): Once per day, can summon a lightning strike dealing 8d6 damage
**Requirements:** Character must demonstrate spectacular physical prowess and resilience. Favors Fighters, Barbarians, and other physically imposing classes.
## CRYSTAL SERPENT
*The Mythril-Born Wyrm*
Born from mythril deposits that have absorbed magical energies for centuries, the Crystal Serpent is a spectacular sight—a serpentine body composed of living crystal that changes color with its mood, eyes of pure energy, and movements of impossible grace. These creatures bond with those who demonstrate magical aptitude and intellectual curiosity.
**Special Abilities:**
- **Crystalline Armor** (available at Bond Rating 3): Natural AC 16, improving by 1 for every 5 Bond Rating points
- **Magical Resonance** (available at Bond Rating 7): Rider's spell save DC increases by 1
- **Crystal Sight** (available at Bond Rating 11): Can see through up to 1 foot of solid stone or earth
- **Energy Absorption** (available at Bond Rating 15): Can absorb one offensive spell per day, converting it to healing
- **Prismatic Ray** (available at Bond Rating 18): Projects a beam of focused energy dealing 6d6 damage of a chosen type
**Requirements:** Character must have cast at least one 5th level spell or demonstrated equivalent magical ability. Typically bonds with Magic-Users, Sorcerers, and occasionally exceptionally gifted Bards.
## PHASE PANTHER
*The Reality-Shifting Feline*
The magnificent Phase Panther appears as a muscular great cat with fur that shifts between solid black and translucent ghost-like states, eyes that seem to peer into other dimensions, and paws that leave no tracks unless the creature wishes it. They choose riders who demonstrate both physical prowess and intellectual adaptability.
**Special Abilities:**
- **Silent Movement** (available at Bond Rating 3): Mount and rider move in perfect silence when desired
- **Phase Leap** (available at Bond Rating 7): Can briefly become intangible during jumps, passing through barriers
- **Reality Blur** (available at Bond Rating 11): Attacks against mount and rider have 20% miss chance
- **Dimensional Pounce** (available at Bond Rating 15): Can attack from unexpected angles, gaining advantage
- **Shadow Walk** (available at Bond Rating 18): Can travel through the shadow realm for up to 1 mile per day
**Requirements:** Character must have successfully navigated both physical and mental challenges in spectacular fashion. Often bonds with those of dual-class training or versatile adventurers.
## CELESTIAL FOX
*The Nine-Tailed Messenger*
The magnificent Celestial Fox begins as a small, graceful kit with unusually intelligent eyes and a subtle shimmer to its fur. As the Bond Rating increases, it manifests additional tails—one for each three Bond Rating points—until it achieves its full glory with nine spectacular tails that seem to float with ethereal grace. Its fur transitions from ordinary red or white to a magnificent cosmic palette that shifts with its mood, and its eyes reflect the wisdom of a thousand years.
**Special Abilities:**
- **Illusory Step** (available at Bond Rating 3): Can create a brief illusory duplicate while moving, granting advantage on Stealth checks
- **Foxfire** (available at Bond Rating 7): Manifests spectral blue flames that can illuminate a 30-foot radius without producing heat
- **Spirit Sight** (available at Bond Rating 11): Can see invisible creatures and objects, as well as glimpse into the spirit world for brief periods
- **Messenger's Path** (available at Bond Rating 15): Can slip between the material world and spirit realm, passing through solid barriers up to 5 feet thick
- **Nine-Tail Manifestation** (available at Bond Rating 18): Once per day, can manifest all nine tails in a spectacular display, creating a 30-foot aura that grants allies +2 to all saving throws and disadvantage on attacks against them
**Requirements:** Character must have demonstrated exceptional wisdom or cunning and performed at least one act of selfless kindness to a stranger. Often bonds with Bards, Druids, and mystic characters who value both wisdom and adaptability.
## ZUKI
*The Blue-Bellied Behemoth*
The magnificent Zuki begins as a relatively ordinary-looking blue-bellied lizard about the size of a large dog, though its unnaturally intelligent eyes hint at its true potential. As the Bond Rating increases, the Zuki undergoes spectacular growth and transformation—its scales hardening into natural armor, its blue belly developing iridescent patterns that pulse with magical energy, and its initially cold-blooded nature evolving into something far more primordial and powerful.
**Special Abilities:**
- **Thermal Adaptation** (available at Bond Rating 3): Immune to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, and grants rider resistance to fire and cold damage
- **Stone Scales** (available at Bond Rating 7): Natural armor hardens, increasing AC by 2 and providing resistance to piercing damage
- **Ancient Roar** (available at Bond Rating 11): Once per day, can unleash a spectacular roar that forces all enemies within 30 feet to make a Wisdom save or become frightened for 1 minute
- **Primal Surge** (available at Bond Rating 15): For 1 minute per day, can increase size by 50%, gaining +4 to Strength and +2 to Constitution
- **Blue Fire Breath** (available at Bond Rating 18): Develops breath weapon that deals 8d6 fire damage in a 30-foot cone, with the magnificent blue flames ignoring fire resistance (but not immunity)
**Requirements:** Character must have survived a significant environmental challenge (extreme heat, cold, or other natural danger) and demonstrated spectacular physical endurance. Typically bonds with Fighters, Barbarians, and other physically imposing characters who respect primal strength.
# RADICAL REX COMPANION
The Radical Rex is one of the twelve mystical mount companions available in Vearth. These kinetic energy specialists are known for their extreme sports abilities, vibrant personalities, and mastery of momentum.
## PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
### INITIAL FORM
A small, brightly colored dinosaur-like creature with neon markings and a perpetually excited demeanor. At this stage, the Rex stands about 2 feet tall and weighs around 40 pounds.
### FINAL MOUNT FORM
A massive, muscular dinosaur with glowing neon patterns and extraordinary agility, capable of "grinding" along surfaces, creating momentum fields, and manipulating kinetic energy. The fully evolved Radical Rex stands 10 feet tall and weighs approximately 1,200 pounds.
## PERSONALITY OPTIONS
1. **The Stunt Enthusiast** - Constantly attempting increasingly dangerous tricks, using phrases like "Watch this sick move!" and "That was RADICAL, dude!"
2. **The Adrenaline Addict** - Always seeking the next thrill, the biggest wave, the steepest drop
3. **The Trend Setter** - Obsessed with being the coolest, most cutting-edge companion with the latest "moves"
4. **The Motivational Coach** - Constantly encouraging their bonded companion to push limits: "You got this! Just SEND IT!"
5. **The Slang Master** - Speaks exclusively in extreme sports slang and made-up terminology
6. **The Show-Off** - Must be the center of attention, performing elaborate tricks at every opportunity
## SPECIAL ABILITIES
### MOMENTUM MANIPULATION
The Radical Rex can build and store kinetic energy for explosive bursts of speed. At higher Bond Ratings, this ability can be used to launch both the Rex and its rider into spectacular jumps or to deliver devastating attacks.
### SURFACE GRINDING
This unique ability allows the Radical Rex to travel along any solid surface regardless of angle or orientation. It begins as simple wall-walking and evolves into defiance of gravity altogether at higher Bond Ratings.
### KINETIC REDIRECTION
The Radical Rex can absorb and redirect force from impacts. This starts as a defensive ability and evolves into an offensive technique that can return incoming attacks to their source.
### GRAVITY DEFIANCE
At higher levels (Bond Rating 12+), the Radical Rex develops the ability to temporarily ignore gravity for stunts, allowing rider and mount to perform mid-air tricks, hover briefly, or change direction while airborne.
## PREFERRED ACTIVITIES
- Skateboarding across any surface (including vertical walls at higher levels)
- Surfing (even on unlikely surfaces like sand or clouds)
- Scooter tricks and extreme sports of all kinds
- Creating impromptu ramps and halfpipes using momentum manipulation
## BOND DEVELOPMENT
The bond with a Radical Rex strengthens through shared adrenaline-pumping experiences. Taking risks together, attempting increasingly difficult stunts, and exploring new terrain will increase your Bond Rating faster than traditional methods.
- Writer
