Giant Beaver (CR 2)
Large Magical Beast
Alignment: Always neutral
Initiative: +0; Senses: low-light vision, scent, and Listen +4
AC: 14 (-1 size, +5 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 14
Hit Dice: 4d10+12 (34 hp)
Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +8
Speed: 20 ft., swim 30 ft.
Space: 10 ft./5 ft.
Base Attack +3; Grapple +14
Attack: Bite +9 melee
Full Attack: Bite +9 melee
Damage: Bite 1d8+10
Special Attacks: Natural lumberjack
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 10, Con 17, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 10
Special Qualities: Cold tolerant
Feats: Improved Sunder, Power Attack
Skills: Craft (dambuilding) +16, Diplomacy +2, Escape Artist +4, Knowledge (nature) +5, Listen +4, Sense Motive +5, Survival +4 (+6 in aboveground natural environments), and Swim +15
Advancement: 5-12 HD (Large)
Climate/Terrain: Temperate forests
Organization: Solitary or lodge (4-40)
Treasure/Possessions: Standard
Source:
Converted
This massive beaver is nearly as big as a horse.
Giant beavers are intelligent, natural artisans that sometimes associate with non-evil creatures. Capable of creating even more wondrous dams and lodges than their mundane brethren, giant beavers can sometimes be persuaded to undertake or assist with the building of dam-like constructions. They prize certain barks and twigs, particularly birch, aspen, and willow. Giant beavers also have been known to value coins.
Giant beavers are over 6 feet long and weigh 300 pounds. Fur coloration can vary widely, but dark brown is the most common.
Combat
Like their lesser cousins, giant beavers will generally take to the water if danger comes their way.
Cold Tolerant (Ex): A giant beaver's insulating fat grants it a +2 racial bonus on saving throws made against cold attacks and environmental conditions.
Hold Breath (Ex): A giant beaver can hold its breath for a number of rounds equal to 6 x its Constitution score before it risks drowning.
Natural Lumberjack (Ex): A giant beaver ignores the hardness of wooden objects with its bite attack.
Skills: A giant beaver has a +16 racial bonus on Craft (dambuilding) checks. A dire beaver has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line.
Training a Giant Beaver
Although intelligent, a giant beaver requires training before it can bear a rider in combat. To be trained, a giant beaver must have a friendly attitude toward the trainer (this can be achieved through a successful Diplomacy check). Training a friendly giant beaver requires six weeks of work and a DC 25 Handle Animal check.
Riding a giant beaver requires an exotic saddle. A giant beaver can fight while carrying a rider, but the rider cannot also attack unless he or she succeeds on a Ride check.
Giant beaver kits are worth 3,500 gp apiece on the open market. Professional trainers charge 1,000 gp to rear or train a giant beaver.
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a giant beaver is up to 798 pounds; a medium load, 799-1,599 pounds; and a heavy load, 1,600-2,400 pounds.
Originally appeared in Supplement II: Blackmoor (1975).