Yakushge

On dry land, this creature appears as a stolid black courser with a perpetually wild, matted mane and tail. The clever traveler may claim such a powerful creature for his own, finding its seat phenomenal for riding; its gait both powerful and tireless. Alas, he may also find himself a tragic end should he come too close to a river or lake. On dry land, the yakushge is quite docile, however, the mere sight of water while a rider is astride may drive it mad - and when submerged, it becomes nothing less than a slavering beast with a craving for blood and flesh. Its jaw and mouth grow longer and open to reveal multiple rows of sharp teeth and fangs, its hooves become cloven and sharp at the pointed tips, akin to talons. The skin of its neck pulls back to reveal what appear to be gills and spiny fins are unveiled beneath the mess of its mane, tail, and feathers. Yakushge have been known to leave their favored lakes or ponds only after consuming every living creature within, and may be lured away from dead waters by blood or easy prey nearby.
Image	Stats	Special Qualities
	Health: 9 Vigor: 8 Physical Defense: 6 (6 dodge); 2 Damage Reduction Magical Defense: 4; 2 Magical Damage Reduction Magic Resistance: 11d10 Attack: 11d10 (+3d10, +2AP transformed) Initiative: +1 Speed: 21	Great Size, +1 Reach Amphibious* Demon of the Lake** Treacherous Mount*** Deluge, Rank 4
* The yakushge is a magical creature that can breathe and move in the water just as well as it does on land. ** When submerged in water up to its chest, the Yakushge is forced into a sorcerous transformation as its next available Fast Action. Its attack rolls may benefit from +3d10, +2AP Natural Weapons. While transformed, it also gains an Aura of the Depths, bending plant life within 9 yards to its will such that they will ensnare targets that end a turn within reach with a 10d10 grapple roll vs. the target’s Unarmed (Grappling) or Escape Artist. Being removed from the water immediately ends the transformation and the aura. *** Astride a Yakushge, the rider is treated as though they have the Rank 2 Mounted Combat benefit and may not be unseated against her will. While on dry land, a Yakushge is compelled to follow its rider’s instructions even at detriment to itself, and offers no resistance or complaint. However, if the Yakushge is brought close enough to a river, lake, or coastline (within sight or 100 yards out of sight), the Yakushge immediately charges for the water line as though possessed, suddenly ignoring any commands from its rider. To dismount during a Yakushge’s Treacherous Charge, the rider must succeed on a Mental Magic Resistance roll vs. 11d10. If the rider fails, she is compelled to remain atop the creature’s back, unable to act, and will be carried toward the water, where the Yakushge will subsequently leap in, dislodging the rider in the water before trying to drown and devour her.