Guardian Steed (CR 3)
Large Magical Beast
Alignment: Usually neutral good
Initiative: +2 (Dex); Senses: darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, scent, Listen +5, and Spot +4
Languages: understands a single language (typically Common or Elven) but is incapable of speech
AC: 17 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +1 deflection, +5 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 15
Hit Dice: 4d10+8 (30 hp)
Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +2
Speed: 50 ft.
Space: 10 ft./5 ft.
Base Attack +4; Grapple +12
Attack: Hoof +7 melee
Full Attack: 2 hooves +7 melee and gore +2 melee
Damage: Hoof 1d6+4, gore 1d4+2
Special Attacks/Actions: -
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 14, Con 15, Int 5, Wis 13, Cha 8
Special Qualities: Aura of deflection, evasion, sanctuary
Feats: Endurance; Lightning Reflexes
Skills: Listen +5 and Spot +4
Advancement: 5-8 HD (Large)
Climate/Terrain: Any land
Organization: Solitary, domesticated, or herd (6-30)
Treasure/Possessions: None
Source:
Dragon #309
Aura of Deflection (Su): The guardian steed has an innate aura that grants both it and its rider damage reduction 5/magic against ranged weapons, much as the protection from arrows spell does, and its aura also grants both steed and rider a +1 deflection bonus to AC.
Evasion (Ex): If exposed to any effect that normally allows a Reflex saving throw for half damage (such as a fireball, the guardian steed instead takes no damage with a successful saving throw. Its rider, however, does not gain the benefits of evasion. This ability can be used only if the guardian steed is wearing light armor or no armor and carrying no more than a medium load.
Sanctuary (Su): The guardian steed radiates an effect similar to that of the sanctuary spell that surrounds both it and its rider at all times. Any opponent attempting to strike or otherwise directly attack the steed or its rider, even with a targeted spell, must attempt a Will save (DC 15), as noted in the spell's description. If either the steed or its rider attacks, the sanctuary effect is broken, but the guardian steed can activate it again as a free action 1d4 rounds later.
Scent (Ex): Detect opponents within 30 feet. Exact location is not revealed unless within 5 feet. Track by scent.
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a guardian steed is up to 200 pounds; a medium load, 201-400 pounds; a heavy load, 401-600 pounds. A guardian steed can drag 3,000 pounds.
The guardian steed prefers to use its sanctuary ability to avoid combat. When ridden into battle, however, it defends its rider to the best of its ability.