Bucca An Animal Lineage for The Hero’s Journey, Second Edition
Most regard goats as simple farm animals to be ignored at best or servants of infernal forces at worst, but these tenacious, agile, and resilient little creatures have been the companions of humanity almost as long as canines. In fact, goats are keenly social creatures whose bonds of love and loyalty run as deep as any human. Villagers and those who live in the rural herding communities of the wild regions of the world still recall and respect these ancient allies.
On rare occasions a goat is born a little keener, a little curiouser, and a little more tenacious than its kin. These uncanny kids grow into Bucca, eager for adventure, curious to climb the highest peaks, to taste the strangest meals, and to do it all alongside a band of loyal friends.
Table 1-1: Bucca Attributes
Table 1-2: Bucca Archetypes
*See The Hero’s Companion, pg 23-26
Bucca Lineage Abilities
Horn and Hoof: Buccas cannot use weapons, armor, or shields of any kind. Regardless of any ability to do so granted by their Archetype, they can only attack with surprisingly strong swat of their horns, or a stomp of their hoof. All Buccas opt to either make two melee attacks as a single action with a pair of hooves, or a single attack with a butt of their horns. Both are considered melee weapons and are impacted by a Bucca’s Might modifier. Each attack with a Bucca’s hooves inflict 1d4 points of damage, while a butt of the horns inflicts 1d6 damage. If the Bucca is able to move one-half of its normal movement rate before making an attack with its horns, it receives Advantage on the damage roll. Their bite is even capable of chewing through rope or leather cord if given 1d4 rounds of time to work at it. Because they cannot wield weapons, Bucca may spend any Myth Points they earn to add Aspects to their natural weapons.
Goatly Grace: Buccas are small and quick. They typically stand around three feet at the shoulder and weigh no more than sixty pounds. Their natural grace and lean stature grants them a +4 bonus to their Defense, while their thick fur grants them a Reduction Value of 1. They have the same Move as a Human or Elf. Curious by nature, Buccas Burglars are capable of using their teeth for the fine tasks necessary to use the Thievery skill when picking locks or disarming traps. In addition, all Bucca are natural climbers and capable of extraordinary feats of balance. As long as they can find a hoofhold or perch, Buccas can climb and cross narrow passages as long as they move at once half their normal Move.
Shocked and Startled: Bucca receive Advantage whenever they roll Initiative and are only surprised by a 1 on 1d12 under normal circumstances. In addition, whenever a Bucca would suffer a Grievous Wound they must make a Weal-based Saving Throw. If this Saving Throw is successful, they faint instead of suffering a Grievous Wound. They remain stiff and still, appearing for all purposes to be dead, for the next 1d6x10 minutes. They then awaken, recovering 1d4 Endurance. If they are injured while in their fainted state, they are slain.
Baying Bleet: Bucca cannot speak in the language of humans, but can understand it. They can, however, speak the language of natural cloven-hoofed animals and most common farm animals. This includes other goats, cows, deer, pigs, and sheep. They are, however, capable of an extremely loud scream that can be heard upwards of a mile away, provided the sound is not obstructed.
Intestinal Fortitude: Bucca receive Advantage on all Saving Throws made to resist poison. In addition, they can ingest a wide variety of scrub, brush, and even garbage for sustenance..
Bucca and Professions
Bucca do not normally have a profession (see page 13 of The Hero’s Journey, Second Edition) and almost all are Unskilled. If the Narrator wishes to allow Bucca to have a profession, then they should reference Table 1-3: Bucca Professions. Regardless of their profession, Bucca do not begin play with any equipment or gold.
Table 1-3: Bucca Professions
This is awesome! Is there a supplement with heirlooms for it?
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