Verity

In Curse Of Strahd, Ghalwin of the Grove swore an oath to "the Ancients" of Barovia. The land rewarded him with a Familiar in the form of a mystical golden Elk, who appeared wandering from the Svalich Woods. Ghalwin named this steed "Verity" as they emerged from the trees, both as a representation of the land's trust in the paladin and Ghalwin's fundamental commitment to his oath.

As Verity was a fey spirit borne from the land itself, they could not truly die. When killed, they disappeared only until Ghalwin used the land's magic again to re-summon them. The elk escorted Ghalwin through his journeys with the Pack while his party rode Sesame, Bagel, and Lox, but differed from the other mounts. Though Beast-like in form, Verity had a quiet and intelligent presence, and intuitively understood Ghalwin's instructions. Ghalwin could see through his steed's eyes up to a limited range, and could communicate with them, though not through language.

Verity possessed uncommonly thick antlers for an elk, which aided Ghalwin in combat by allowing them to charge down opponents. Given the level of danger the adventurers faced, however, Verity was mostly employed for transport as Ghalwin took on their foe head-on or to escort others away. Ghalwin's ability to summon the elk at any moment meant he could charge down fleeing foes or escape, and used Verity to save Lydia Petrovna's life during the Riots Of The Blazing Sun.

When the Pack was wiped out in Berez by Baba Lysaga, Rudolph van Richten begged Ghalwin to escape on Verity and use The Abbot's miracles to revive them. As Ghalwin escaped, Yrrga tried to take over the paladin, but he rejected her at the cost of his eyes. In a miracle, the Ladies Three sent Shredder to protect Verity, and the two were able to carry Ghalwin over the course of days to the Vistani Camp.

When Ghalwin regained fighting ability, Verity supplemented as his eyes alongside Pip. They eventually encountered other adventurers and became the Heralds of Dawn, rescuing Ezmerelda D'Avenir and riding alongside her Vardo. Though Verity was still mainly used for transport, they did participate in combat, killing a Bodak that ambushed the party in the night.

Ghalwin sent Verity to help protect Ezmerelda as she escaped from Castle Ravenloft to their new base of Argynvostholt; the elk was able to kill a Vampire Spawn. Though they were eventually defeated, their death provided Ghalwin insight into Ez's status and location. Knowing her location and survival allowed them to go to Berez, get revenge on Baba Lysaga, and fend off Strahd von Zarovich at Argynvostholt.

Alongside Pony Danza, Whinny Houston, and Sarah Jessica Parker, Verity pulled a watercraft across Lake Zarovich after having a water-walking spell cast on them by Tobias Villie Broadnose Cogsmith. They accompanied the Heralds as they Consecrated the fanes of the Ladies Three, which was instrumental in the Slaying Of Strahd.