Numerous and diverse are the beasts that inhabit the plains, forests, waterways and dungeons of Britannia. Attempts to catalog them all have met with only limited success--such an endeavor requires the researcher to put his life in grave peril in order to make observations. Therefor, much of what follows is information collected from first hand accounts of travelers and adventurers who have managed to return with their tales. - A Bestiary, Lord British's Compendium.
Acid Slug
Though seldom encountered except in the darkest corners of the dampest caves, this featureless creature will secrete its corrosive juices on anything you possess that is metal, thus dissolving it. Painful but superficial skin burns may result from contact with the acid while it eats away at your armour. Conventional weapons have little effect on the monster, whereas a flame will send it fleeing.Alligator
Giant Ant
The shifting desert sands conceal these warrior insects all too effectively. Beware their powerful mandibles, capable of crushing a man in an instant.Giant Bat
Equipped with keen hearing and night vision, these large, winged rodents are swift and efficient in their nocturnal attacks. Though difficult to hit, their fur-covered bodies are extremely vulnerable to damage.Bird
Generally posing no serious problem to the traveler, these swift, delicate creatures can peck annoyingly about the head if they are disturbed or threatened.Cat
Among the most common of domesticated beasts, the cat is often found prowling about alleys and storefronts, looking for bits of food or hapless mice.Corpser
Found only in deep, labyrinthine caverns, these hellish, tentacled ghouls drag their screaming victims into subterranean dens. What fearful end awaits the poor captive none can say. Only a burning flame has been known to have any effect on these creatures of the dark.Cow
A fine source of meat and dairy products, the complacent cow is a common sight on most farms.Cyclops
This hulking, one-eyed titan fears no one. Possessed of remarkable strength, it wields a mighty oaken club when it isn't hurling large boulders at its foes. The earth trembles as this giant lumbers about its domain, or so say those who claim to have survived an encounter with a Cyclops.Daemon
This most wicked and formidable of foes is not to be underestimated. Overwhelming strength, skill and intelligence make daemons nearly unbeatable. Possessing magical powers rivaling the most powerful mages, the daemon can summon hordes of his brothers to assist him in killing or possessing his victims. Being already undead, the daemon has little fear of death. You are forewarned!Deer
These graceful athletes of the forest can be spotted dashing through the shadows on sunlit afternoons. Deer are a good source of food, but be aware that the antlers they sport can do significant damage.Dog
Though related to the vicious wolf, the common dog poses far less of a threat than his wild counterpart. As much at home in the field hunting rabbits as at the dinner table of its master, the dog should be respected, but not feared.Dragon
How many myths have been built around this winged, fire- breathing holdover from Britannia's distant past? Even the strongest warrior has been known to wilt under the intense magical flames and noxious fumes that pour from the enraged beast's nostrils. Though mortal, dragons are extremely difficult to kill. It is, therefore, a wonder that some bold souls have actually managed to steal eggs from a dragon's nest to satisfy the culinary delights of wealthy town dwellers!Drake
Smaller than their cousins, the dragons, but no less ferocious in battle, drakes are usually found in the company of their more formidable relatives. In a battle against a dragon, one must ever be mindful of the deadly drakes.Gargoyles
Frequently confused with daemons, the gargoyles are a little understood race of beings. Only fragments of information have made their way back from expeditions to the underworld habitat of these creatures. We do know that there are two classes of gargoyles--a dominant, winged variety and smaller, wingless drones. The larger gargoyle is a daunting opponent, possessing very high intelligence and impressive magical powers. But, the smaller drones are not to be ignored, for their attack is deadly, despite their apparent lack of magical ability. Scholars at the Lycaeum are feverishly analyzing all incoming information regarding these perplexing creatures.Gazer
How this monstrosity evolved is anybody's guess, for gazers are among the most unusual creatures found in the realm. They are usually spotted hovering above the ground in dungeons, searching for creatures they can mesmerize with their multiple eyes. One experienced adventurer claims that gazers emit a strange buzzing sound as they move about. Remain alert when you suspect the presence of a gazer, as it is constantly on the alert for prey.Ghost
Ghosts are generally found in cemeteries and other places of the dead, though their movements are all but unlimited. These ethereal spirits pass easily through solid walls and other obstacles, making them difficult to chase and difficult to elude. Though they do not possess great strength, their mobility and ability to use magic make them a force to be reckoned with.Gremlin
Unimpressive in battle, gremlins usually roam in packs and will attempt to overcome you through sheer force of numbers. Given the chance, these persistent creatures will take whatever food you are carrying in your pack, distributing it amongst themselves in a frenzy of feeding.Headless
The product of a wizard's failed experiments, these wretched creatures somehow manage to sense the location of their quarry and strike with unnatural accuracy. Do not fall prey to pity, for the headless would as soon strangle you with his bare hands as accept your mercy.Horse
Being both strong and swift, these companions of the trail are invaluable when time is of the essence and one's strength is at an end. The traveler should obtain a steed early in his adventuring. Occasionally, you may spy a majestic wild stallion roaming the broad plains, but catching and taming it is another thing.Humans
They come in a variety of variations. You can come across guards, mages, knights, or swashbucklers. Guards are tough to kill, but not particularly dangerous. Mages, while physically weak, can wreck havok with their magic if allowed to live long enough. Knights are on par with headlesses in danger and provide metal armor, swords, and crossbows. Swashbucklers are on par with trolls, and often have ringmail, swords, bows and arrows.
Hydra
The putrid quagmire of the swamp is the spawning ground of this botanical nightmare. Survivors of the Great Battle on the Bloody Plains tell of driving the enemy into the adjacent swamplands where the carnivorous hydras completed their mission of destruction. While fearsome, hydras also bring good luck, of a sort--when one finds a hydra, the valued nightshade mushroom can usually be found close by.Insects
These pesky, flying nuisances can be quite bothersome if stirred up by the careless explorer. A single buzzing swamp fly can be annoying; a biting swarm can leave the traveler depleted and exhausted.Mimic
Disguised as abandoned treasure chests, these masters of illusion wait patiently for passing adventurers whose greed exceeds their wisdom. If you take a moment to observe questionable chests from a safe distance, the mimic may reveal its true nature by spitting venom in your direction.
Mongbat
Resembling a monkey as much as a bat, these winged anomalies are swift and powerful in their attacks. Though seldom encountered except in the deepest dungeons, encountering one in the dim subterranean light can unnerve even the stoutest among you.Mouse
This timid rodent seldom ventures from its lair except under cover of night, and then only in search of crumbs of food. Cheesemakers are especially wary of the nocturnal activities of these otherwise benign creatures.Rabbit
Though quite shy and non-threatening, these long-eared creatures are the bane of farmers, whose crops attract them in hordes.Giant Rat
These voracious, overgrown rodents have evolved over the centuries in the dank, inhospitable sewers that honeycomb the levels below some castles. Having grown immune to most poisons, they are difficult to exterminate. Even a single bite from one of these giants can cause disease or plague.Reaper
A remnant of an ancient enchanted forest swallowed up long ago in a cataclysmic upheaval, the reaper at first appears as a solitary tree trunk rooted in the dungeon rock. Closer examination reveals a grim intelligence which lashes out with long, gnarled branches and magical bolts of destruction. But, the resourceful adventurer can turn the threat of the reaper into the evening's campfire, ofttimes uncovering hidden treasure in the process.Rotworms
Born of the decaying detritus which carpets the swamplands, these loathsome invertebrates are more nuisance than threat--a pass of your torch across their path will usually keep them at bay.Giant Scorpion
Is there anyone who has not flinched at the site of an angered scorpion, its stinger poised to inject its victim with deadly venom? You are advised to keep moving when confronted by one of these armoured nightmares, lest you perish where you stand.Sea Serpent
Like its land-bound cousin, the dragon, the sea serpent will attack the seagoing traveler with magical fireballs and violent physical swipes of its long tail. The wise sailor avoids this nasty beast.Sheep
Among the most docile of the beasts of the field, flocks of these highly beneficial creatures served the common good by providing wool to the garment- and rug-makers and fine mutton to the pubs.Silver Serpents
Since the days of ancient Sosaria, the silver serpent has been a part of our lives. Its form has been found etched on tomb walls, and ancient monuments have been found which were crafted in its image. Yet, a recent scouting brigade claims to have seen a dead silver serpent of incredible size near a gargoyle encampment. The scouts observed for a time and, upon their return, reported that the gargoyles milked the slain creature of its venom and even ingested the fluid thus derived before entering battle. This ritual act seemed to give the gargoyles a short-term increase in aggression and strength, though causing their death in the end. Whether the drinking of venom actually increased the gargoyles' strength is currently the subject of some debate at the Lycaeum.Skeleton
The expressionless, hollowed eyes of the skeleton belie the malice that animates this otherwise lifeless latticework of bone and sinew. Conjured up by malcontented mages bent on mischief, these creatures--the restless remains of fallen warriors--are both fearless and tireless in battle.Slime
This shimmering, amorphous mass seems more an oddity than a threat when first encountered. Constantly dividing up and recombining, it seeks to surround the traveler who happens upon its swamp or dungeon lair. Though susceptible to damage from ordinary weapons, the experienced adventurer is always ready to use fire against the ooze's subtle maneuvers.Snake
Emerging from their rocky lairs at the first morning light, these reptiles spend their days basking in the sun, warming their cold-blooded bodies so they can strike swiftly at their unsuspecting prey. They can even spit poisonous venom from several yards away with accuracy that is both horrifying and deadly.Giant Spider
Though they spin their lethal webs deep inside dark lairs, spiders of this gargantuan variety often venture forth in search of prey. They are capable of inflicting painful bites or spitting their toxic sputum from great distances. But they are not invincible, and can be killed with a few well-placed blows.Giant Squid
The dreaded scourge of all mariners, this horror of the high seas is legendary for its ability to destroy a large sailing vessel with its dexterous tentacles and crushing beak. It being exceedingly strong and durable, one should avoid confrontations with this nemesis of the deep.Tangle Vine
Though this plant resembles a common hedge of briars and thistles, wary adventurers take care to avoid the tangle vines. The sharp thorns that adorn this creeping foliage radiate from a well-protected central flower pod. As if the swiftly growing limbs weren't enough, the flower pod gives off a sleeping-inducing fragrance whenever it is threatened.Troll
The brutish troll takes perverted pleasure in hiding beneath bridges so it can terrorize the unsuspecting traveler. Fortunately, trolls are relatively weak and they lack endurance, so they pose only a moderate threat when encountered.Wisp
Often mistaken for a harmless, forest firefly, the nocturnal wisp can both mystify and antagonize the adventurer. Though only causing minor harm in any single attack, its uncanny ability to dance about the field of battle, striking at will, can lead to serious cumulative injury.Wolf
Both revered and feared, this canine lord stalks the high plains and forest alike on its quest for survival. Never, ever, put this wary beast in a threatening situation! Its bite is far worse than its mournful howl.