Large beast (animal), unaligned
Armor Class 10
Hit Points 13 (2d10+2)
Speed 50 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +2
Proficiency Bonus +2 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 2 (-4) | 10 (+0) | 6 (-2) |
Senses passive Perception 10
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Charge. If the elk moves at least 20 ft. straight toward a target and then hits it with a ram attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
ACTIONS
- Ram. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
- Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one prone creature. Hit: (2d4 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
DESCRIPTION
Elk are large, herbivorous mammals that resemble deer, but with larger antlers and a thicker coat. They have a brownish-gray fur, with a darker mane around their neck and a lighter patch on their rump. Their antlers are branched and can grow up to 4 feet long.
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, elk are also found in other planes of existence, such as the Feywild and the Beastlands. Some legends say that elk are favored by certain gods, who sometimes take their form when visiting the Material Plane. Elk are revered by many cultures as symbols of strength, grace, and wisdom.
COMBAT
Elk are not aggressive creatures, but they will defend themselves and their herd if threatened. They use their powerful hooves and antlers to ram and trample their enemies. If an elk charges at least 20 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a ram attack, the target takes extra damage and may be knocked prone. A prone creature is vulnerable to the elk’s hooves, which can inflict more damage.
Elk are fast and agile, capable of running at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. They can also leap over obstacles and swim across rivers. Elk have keen senses of smell and hearing, but they have poor eyesight. They rely on their herd for safety and communication.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
Elk live in a variety of habitats, from forests to plains to mountains. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation and water sources. Elk are migratory animals, moving to higher elevations in the summer and lower elevations in the winter. They follow established routes that have been used for generations.
Elk are social animals that live in groups called herds. Herds are often quite large, with 200 or more members. Some herds have over 400 members. The herd is often segregated by gender, with males staying in one group and females in another. Though segregated, herds are matriarchal, which means they are led by a single female.
During the mating season, which occurs in the fall, elk form smaller groups called harems. A dominant male will have a harem of around six females and their yearlings. The male will defend his territory around the females until the mating season is over . He will also challenge other males for dominance by bugling, a loud and distinctive call that can be heard for miles. The males will sometimes fight with their antlers, but usually avoid serious injury.
ECOLOGY
Elk are herbivores that feed on grasses, leaves, bark, and twigs. They can consume up to 20 pounds of vegetation per day. Elk have four-chambered stomachs that allow them to digest tough plant matter. They regurgitate their food and chew it again as cud.
Elk have few natural predators, but they may be hunted by wolves, bears, cougars, or humans. Elk are also susceptible to diseases such as chronic wasting disease, which affects their nervous system and causes weight loss, behavioral changes, and death.
Elk play an important role in their ecosystem as prey, competitors, and modifiers. As prey, they provide food for other animals. As competitors, they affect the availability of resources for other herbivores. As modifiers, they influence the structure and composition of vegetation by browsing and trampling.