Creature
Black Wolf of Cerberus
Medium animal, summon and polymorph template
The black wolf is the common predator of Cerberus's forests. Alone, it avoids humans; in a pack, it can empty a hamlet of livestock in one night. Hunters say it never fights before counting its brothers, and they are right: one black wolf flees, while three surround.
A Black Wolf is a natural Medium animal and becomes available with Summon or Polymorph Level 2. Higher-level versions remain Medium and recognizably natural, but become visibly stronger, faster, and closer to a perfect specimen.
Black Wolf of Cerberus (Polymorph & Summon Template)
Choose a known profile whose listed level is no higher than the level of Summon or Polymorph actually cast. Generate its body from the locked Spell DC; see Magical Creature Templates.
Combat Profile
| Characteristic | Level 2 | Level 4 | Level 6 | Level 8 | Level 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| STR multiplier | ×0.35 | ×0.50 | ×0.65 | ×0.75 | ×1.00 |
| DEX multiplier | ×0.65 | ×0.80 | ×1.00 | ×1.25 | ×1.75 |
| HP per STR | 6 | 12 | 24 | 48 | 96 |
| Attacks | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 |
| Spell Actions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| General Actions | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Dedicated Dodges | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Reach | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| DR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The wolf's Ground Speed follows the standard 30 ft + 2 ft per DEX formula. The largest action reserve determines its Action Board normally. Its anatomy still limits what it can place on that board: a wolf can run, rise, track, carry something in its mouth, pull a creature by its clothing, or operate a simple object, but it has no hands.
Attacks and Traits
Bite. The wolf deals 1d8 + the higher of STR or DEX.
Pack Hunting. When at least two wolves threaten the same target, each adds +20% to its damage against that target.
Trip. Once per round, the wolf can replace one attack with an attempt to knock its target prone through grapple; see Martial Combat and Defenses. A prone target takes −5 on Reflex contests and cannot evade the pack through movement until it rises.
Nose and Ears. Scent and hearing are very favorable factors when the wolf detects or follows a creature. In a forest, it normally follows an ordinary trail without a roll. Rain, water, magic, a deliberately masked scent, or an exceptionally old trail may still require one.
An Animal Mind
A summoned Black Wolf thinks like a wolf at every spell level. Greater magical power strengthens its body, not its intelligence. It recognizes creatures, scents, places, routes, signals, and learned behaviors, and can solve concrete problems. Abstract judgment and plans built from ideas it cannot perceive remain beyond it.
A caster using Polymorph retains their own mind. The wolf's animal intelligence therefore limits a summon, not a sorcerer wearing its form.