Kushite Elephant Warrior (Character Kit)

Kushite elephant warriors 
Description: Elephant warriors are the fearsome masters of war elephants in the East African kingdom of Kush. They are Kush's main fighting force, which is second in strength only to the Egyptians and their war chariots (Egypt is on the kingdom's northern border). 
Role: The elephant warriors are fearsome in war and, when mounted, severely outclass most warriors. These warriors have developed very little in the ways of other martial talents because of their reliance on their awesome steeds. They tend to be confident, arrogant, boastful, proud, and determined. They also revere and respect elephants as intelligent companions as well as mounts. 
Weapon Proficiencies:
* Required: bow, spear, or sling; 
* Recommended: dagger, short sword, knife. 
Nonweapon Proficiencies:
* Required: land-based riding (elephant only); 
* Recommended: animal handling (elephant), animal training (elephant). 
Special Benefits: The only benefit an elephant warrior receives is an obvious one. He starts play with a loyal, trained, adult war elephant as a mount. 
Special Hindrances: Elephants are their own hindrances (a proverb from Nepal says, "If you want to take revenge on your enemy, give him an elephant"). They must be watered regularly—twice a day for at least two gallons each time—and bathed at least once a week, twice a week in arid, desertlike conditions (it takes at least 15 gallons of water to wet down an elephant). They eat up to 300 lbs. of hay or grass daily; the majority of the elephants' days are spent grazing if hay is not provided. Also, elephants have great trouble traveling through heavy jungles (onequarter speed, and attack at -4 to hit). They will not usually venture into the desert, as they need watering too regularly for any extended journey there. Elephant warriors are also the employees of the king of Kush, and as such may have to perform duties and missions for him even if his kingdom is not at war. Further details on elephants and their use in AD&D campaigns may be found in DRAGON issue #177, "Think Big." Note that elephants are reasonably intelligent and could be extraordinarily helpful as well as dangerous fighters.
Category:Character Kit
Category:Character Kit Dragon Magazine