Digger

The digger is a smaller version of the mighty bullette, bred by a somewhat unhinged khazad-aul before the rest of his clanmates took the project over. Over generations and after the loss of numerous limbs, the khazad clans began to turn the corner on the beast. Gradually, the project proved fruitful, resulting in an even-tempered, resilient mount suitable for long-term underground hauling and draft work. Given their heritage and their ties to the khazad, they're also prized as mounts, and few clans will allow them to be traded outside of Dun Morden, though exceptions will always be made.

Diggers are notoriously near-sighted though even-tempered, which is not too surprising given they were bred by the khazad. Physically, they resemble their ancient forebearers save for their size, and their front legs are shorter and squatter, made more for slow and steady movement than attacking. When they grow in size, their forearms gain the strength for burrowing.

During war, the digger's jaws may be used to great effect. Their ferocious bite is made all the more deadly when the near-sighted beast is guided by a competent warrior, and many of the most prized are outfitted with even adamantine, which never slows their sturdy, though slow, builds.

Similar to a pony, a khazad may ride even a medium-sized digger, though the more advanced versions are prized as a working and fighting breed. A khazad may invest a considerable amount in his digger mount, crafting expensive, effective heavy armors as these do not slow the creature...or during war, the creature's inevitable advance.

Digger Companions

Starting Statistics: Size Medium; AC +4 natural armor; Speed 20 ft.; Attack savage bite (1d8); Ability Scores Str 14, Dex 14, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 5; Special Qualities near-sighted (-2 perception checks), darkvision, lowlight vision, slow and steady

7th-Level Advancement: Size Large; AC +3 natural armor; Burrow 10ft.; Ability Scores Str +6, Dex –2, Con +4; Special Qualities: Kinship of Stone

Savage Bite (Ex)

A digger's bite is particularly dangerous. It applies 1-1/2 times its Strength modifier to damage inflicted with its bite attack, and threatens a critical hit on a 19–20.

Slow and Steady

Diggers have a base speed of 20 feet, but their speed is never modified by armor or encumbrance.

Kinship of Stone

Over time, the khazad may have introduced earth elementals into the bloodline of this breed. While mounted, the rider may be considered to be "grounded" for the purposes of specific feats.