"A curious little cousin to the feared landsharks, Bulette Ponies are much smaller and significantly less aggressive than their massive counterparts. Their sturdy, armored bodies and innate burrowing abilities make them highly valued as pets, mounts, and living excavation tools. Though not the sharpest creatures, their loyalty and hardworking nature make them excellent companions—if you don’t mind the occasional hole in your backyard."
Medium Beast, Unaligned
Armor Class 14 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 45 (6d8 + 12)
Speed 40 ft., burrow 20 ft.
STR 16 (+3) | DEX 12 (+1) | CON 15 (+2) | INT 4 (-3) | WIS 10 (+0) | CHA 7 (-2)
Saving Throws Strength +5, Constitution +4
Skills Athletics +5, Perception +3
Damage Resistances Bludgeoning
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Tremorsense 30 ft., Passive Perception 13
Languages Understands Common but cannot speak
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Burrowing Beast.
A Bulette Pony can burrow through loose soil, sand, or soft stone, leaving a tunnel behind that is large enough for a Small creature to crawl through. If burrowing through hard stone, it moves at half speed and does not leave a tunnel.
Loyal Excavator.
· Once a Bulette Pony bonds with a creature, it will instinctively assist them with digging. If given basic commands, it can:
· Excavate small tunnels or pits at a rate of 10 feet per round (or double if multiple Bulettes Ponies work together).
· Uncover buried objects or structures with advantage on Perception checks related to underground sensing.
· Make a Strength check to break through weak surfaces (such as wooden walls or thin stone barriers).
Leap and Dig.
As a bonus action, the Bulette Pony can jump up to 15 feet in any direction, including straight up. If it lands on an enemy, that creature must make a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Actions
Bite.
Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Tunneling Charge.
If the Bulette Pony burrows at least 10 feet, it can emerge from the ground and attempt to slam into a target. The creature must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or take 14 (3d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage and be knocked back 5 feet.
Behavior & Roleplaying Notes
· Hardworking but Playful. Bulette Ponies are curious creatures, often digging holes out of boredom or excitement.
· Loyal Once Tamed. Though naturally skittish, a properly trained Bulette Pony will bond for life and protect its owner fiercely.
· Digs First, Asks Later. If startled, a Bulette Pony’s first instinct is to burrow, sometimes accidentally creating sinkholes in settlements or campgrounds.
· Loved by Miners and Rangers. Dwarves and deep-forest rangers sometimes train these creatures to assist in excavations and burrow-based travel.