Dog, Saint Bernard
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Climate/Terrain | arctic, subarctic, mountain or Any |
| Frequency | Common |
| Organization | Solitary or Pack |
| Activity Cycle | Any |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Intelligence | Semi- (2-4) |
| Treasure | Nil |
| Alignment | Neutral Good |
| No. Appearing | Variable |
| Armor Class | 6 |
| Movement | 12 |
| Hit Dice | 2+2 |
| THAC0 | 19 |
| No. of Attacks | 1 |
| Damage/Attack | 2-8 (2d4) |
| Special Attacks | Nil |
| Special Defenses | Nil |
| Magic Resistance | Nil |
| Size | M |
| Morale | Average (9-10) |
| XP Value | 65 |
Description
The Saint Bernard is a large intelligent dog that has become famous for rescuing lost travelers. The dog gets its name from the fact that it was developed by a group of monks in the monastery of Saint Bernard, in the Alps of Switzerland. Travel in the Alps was mainly foot travel. Travelers often lost their way, or became buried in sudden snowdrifts or snowstorms. The Saint Bernard was trained to rescue such persons. With its wonderful sense of smell, the Saint Bernard could find persons who were buried several feet under the snow. After it had found the lost traveler, it called out for help by barking loudly. After the rescuers came, the Saint Bernard led them back to the monastery.
Any AD&D world could have Saint Bernards serve the same function as they did on Earth. A monastery of clerics found in an arctic, subarctic, or mountain climate and terrain could be developed to rescue travelers. Also, Saint Bernards can be valued watchdogs for anybody. Furthermore, they are excellent guide dogs and pets.
Saint Bernards don't always go by this name amongst the various worlds especially in similar situations (i.e. snowy area where clerics/monks of a monastery help travelers with the use of the dogs). Some alternate names are:
| Name | World | Campaign | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Cuthbert | Oerth | Greyhawk | the name alone says it all |
| Fharlanghn | Oerth | Greyhawk | god of travel |
| Ilmater | Realms | Forgotten Realms | crying god of suffering |
| Majere | Krynn | DragonLance | favorite god of monks |
| Mishakal | Krynn | DragonLance | goddess of healing |
If used as a rescuer, a Saint Bernard is generally equipped with a small barrel tied around its neck. The barrel tends to contain strong alcohol, usually brandy, to warm the endangered person. Some clerics have created a special potion that cures serious wounds while still keeping the strong alcohol taste and effects.
A Saint Bernard is strong and very tall, measuring two to two and a half feet from the shoulder to the ground. It weighs from 140 to 220 pounds, and is one of the heaviest of all dogs. The dog has a red and white body with some black at the head. Its fur may be long but typically it is short. The Saint Bernard has a large, square head, a short muzzle, and a short strong neck. It has a loud, frightening bark.
Combat
When confronted in combat, a Saint Bernard bites for 2d4 points of damage.
Habit/Society
The Saint Bernard is very loyal and very gentle, particularly to children and the helpless. But it can be the fierce watchdog and protector at the same time.
The sad-looking Saint Bernard is a large, burly dog, noted for its gentle disposition. The main problem of a Saint Bernard is its appetite. A Saint Bernard's daily snack includes as much of six pounds of meat.
Ecology
Saint Bernards are omnivorous combining hunting with forging. They are typical of the dog family.