Did you know this creature actually came from Greek Mythology?

1978 AD&D Player’s Handbook Catoblepas.

Our old friend, the Catoblepas.

It was news to me. I always thought this was strictly a Dungeons & Dragons creature until I started reading up on the lore. Wikipedia sums it up nicely here. It was originally described as a boar/buffalo hybrid that was hideous and loathsome to behold. Honestly, I just always liked throwing it at players because of the high stakes nature of the creature’s gaze attack.

The good news is that despite being featured heavily in D&D, it is not exclusively trademarked by Wizards of the Coast. I happen to think the old artwork from 1977 suits the creature best. There are various historical/mythological and gaming versions of this creature in artwork out in the world. Too many to get into here.

Here’s my take on the Catoblepas for use with Dragonbane RPG.

Also known as the Stench Cow.

Size: Large.
Ferocity: 2
Movement: 10
Armor: 2 (Thick Hide.)
Hit Points: 44

Attacks:

  1. Gaze of Death: The Catoblepas turns its horrific, dreadful gaze toward all characters within 10 meters in front of it. All must succeed on a CON roll or immediately be knocked unconscious and reduced to 1 Hit Point. All those who succeed in their CON roll are left with the Sickly condition from the experience.
  2. Putrid Bite: The creature swings its massive head around and bites one target within 4 meters The bite does 2d8 Piercing damage and the recipient must make a CON roll to avoid becoming Sickly (or another condition if already Sickly.)
  3. Disgusting Belch: The Catoblepas exhales a noxious cloud of green gas that covers an 8 meter by 8 meter area directly in front of the creature. Anyone caught in the cloud must make a CON roll. Those who fail are given the Sickly condition or another random condition if already Sickly, suffer 1d6 damage and will suffer from stomach flu-like symptoms until at least a Short Rest can be completed.
  4. Tail Swipe: All creatures within 6 Meters of the back of the Catoblepas must succeed on Evade or be struck for 2d6 bludgeoning damage.
  5. Wretched Fart: The Catoblepas rips a loud, noxious fart covering 4 meters all the way around the creature. Any character within the area of effect must make a CON save or be sickened as per Disgusting Belch.
  6. Moo of Doom: The creature lets loose with a supernatural “Moo!” that strikes Fear into the hearts of anyone who hears it. This attack may only be used once per encounter. Anyone within hearing range must succeed on a WIL roll or suffer one effect from the Fear Table.
A historically accurate origin of the Catoblepas from A Book of Creatures.

Thank you for being here today with me. I appreciate you. Please embrace the things that bring you the most joy.

This game is not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by Fria Ligan AB.
This Supplement was created under Fria Ligan AB’s Dragonbane Third Party Supplement License.