Zantus (Riding Dog)

Zantus is of a northern breed of dogs (similar to the real world Tibetan Mastiff). As pictured to the side he is a solidly built animal with heavy bones, a barrel chest and a relatively short and well-muscled neck as well as a distinctive head shape dominated by a short muzzle and pendant ears. His coat has a "liver and tan" pattern with the darker brown covering most of his body and the lighter tan underneath and in highlights such as his eyebrows. His eyes are brown, but so dark a shade that they appear black on all but the closest examination. (The also includes a size comparison of Marley and Zantus in the corner of the picture.)

Zantus is trained for combat, including wearing barding. Like any combat trained riding dog, he knows the following tricks: attack, come, defend, down, guard, and heel. He responds to commands given in goblin-talk as well as those given to him by a trusted rider though simplified handspeech (though the use of hand taps and leg motions).

Stat Block

N Medium Animal

Init +2; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +8

DEFENSE

AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+2 Dex, +1 natural, +3 studded leather barding)

hp 13 (2d8+4)

Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +1

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft. Melee bite +3 (1d6+3 plus trip)

STATISTICS

Str 15, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6

Base Atk +1; CMB +3; CMD 15 (19 vs. trip)

Feats Skill Focus (Perception)

Skills Acrobatics +6 (+14 jumping), Perception +8, Survival +1 (+5 scent tracking); Racial Modifiers +4 Acrobatics when jumping, +4 Survival when tracking by scent

EQUIPMENT

Zantus has studded leather barding when Marley has him wear it and a military saddle with two leather saddlebags.