Draft Horse
Large Beast, unaligned
50 XP
Actions
Hooves
Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d4 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
Draft horses are best used as environmental hazards or obstacles rather than direct combatants. They can serve as pack animals that parties must protect, steal, or herd, adding logistical complexity to encounters. Use them to create dynamic terrain—a spooked horse might charge through ranks or create barriers—or as mounts for bandits and commoners. Their low CR makes them perfect for low-level parties or as reinforcements in larger encounters with more dangerous enemies.
Combat Tactics
Draft horses prioritize fleeing from threats rather than engaging in combat. If forced to fight, they rely on their hooves (dealing 1d4+2 damage) and their bulk to impose difficult terrain. They will attempt to escape or move away from combat, potentially trampling nearby creatures in their panic. A spooked horse is more of an environmental threat than a tactical combatant.
Environment & Setting
Draft horses thrive in rural settings such as farms, trade routes, stables, and villages. Encounters work well in open fields or through towns where the horse's 40 ft. speed can be fully utilized and escape is a viable option. They can also appear in bandit camps, caravan encounters, or as escaped livestock that complicates dungeon approaches.