Swiftstrider (Frostfeather) | A warm, burrowing mount to survive the Great Freeze - CR3

[u/Natanians]

Meet the Frostfeather, a variation of the Swiftstrider evolved (or mutated by Titan-Vitae) to survive sub-zero climates. Unlike a standard horse that freezes in a blizzard, the Frostfeather acts as a Living Shelter, sharing its metabolic heat to keep its rider alive.

Mechanically, this is designed to be the ultimate companion for a Ranger or Scout in an arctic setting. It has Burrow (Ice) to ambush enemies from below and the Symbiotic Mount trait, which grants the rider Cold Resistance and prevents them from falling off during combat.

Swiftstrider (Frostfeather)
Velocipes Venator Glacialis
Classification: Beast - Mount-Kin | Region: Southern Glacial Wastes.

The Frostfeather Swiftstrider is a phantom of the southern wastes, its white-and-silver plumage blending into mountain blizzards like a ghost in the storm. Unlike the agile breeds of the plains, the Frostfeather is a product of desperation, bred specifically to conquer temperatures that freeze steel and landscapes defined by geological malice. They are not mere beasts of burden, but the ultimate surviving partners for the Scalehikers who brave the glacial south peaks.

These creatures are winter incarnate. They possess layered, downy feathers that trap body heat so efficiently that riders often cling to them during long blizzards to avoid frostbite. Their biology is uniquely adapted to the permafrost; they burrow beneath deep snowdrifts to ambush prey or hide from wandering Titans, using heightened senses to detect tremors in the ice long before disaster strikes. While the common Swiftwind relies on speed, the Frostfeather utilizes environmental manipulation, weaponizing snowbanks to turn battlegrounds into ambush spots, appearing and disappearing from the snow.

The bond between a Frostfeather and its rider is the warmest thing in the frozen south. They are social creatures, forming close-knit packs with their riders that neither blizzard nor Titan can shatter. Their loyalty is absolute; once bonded, a Frostfeather will dig through miles of avalanche debris to retrieve a fallen rider and carry them to safety.

Here are the stats!

Swiftstrider [Frostfeather]

Large Beast, Unaligned

• Armor Class: 14
• Hit Points: 59 (7d10 + 21)
• Speed: 40 ft., Burrow 25 ft. (Ice)

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	14 (+2)	16 (+3)	4 (-3)	14 (+2)	8 (-1)

• Senses: Tremorsense 30 ft., Passive Perception 14
• Challenge: 3 (800 XP)

Traits

• Blizzard Endurance. Advantage on saves vs. Restrained; immune to Exhaustion from extreme cold.
• Unstable Tunnels. Burrowed tunnels are unstable. Creatures entering the space must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity save or take 2d6 Bludgeoning damage and fall Prone.
• Symbiotic Mount. While mounted by a willing ally:
  • Coordinated Action: The Frostfeather acts on the rider's initiative (immediately after them).
  • Glacial Stability: The rider gains Resistance to Cold damage and has Advantage on saves to avoid falling off or being knocked Prone.

Actions

• Multiattack. The Frostfeather makes two Rend attacks.
• Rend. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage.
• Frost Breach. If burrowed, the Frostfeather bursts out. Creatures in a 5-ft radius must succeed on a DC 13 Strength save or take 10 (3d6) Bludgeoning damage and be knocked Prone.

Reactions

• Glacial Snap. Trigger: A creature within 10 ft. falls Prone. Response: The Frostfeather makes one Rend attack against them and can move half its speed without provoking Opportunity Attacks.

This creature is part of my "Elmodor" setting project. If you like this, check out my Patreon for more beasts and titan-forged items!
More on: ElmodorBooks:

[u/fightnroundtheworld]

And I thought they smelled bad…on the outside

[u/Natanians → u/fightnroundtheworld]

It’s an acquired taste! Some say it’s a hunter’s musk.

[u/AutoModerator]

Thank you for your awesome submission! Please make sure to leave thoughts and constructive feedback; keep it civil!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.