Smaling Meadow Trotter
Smaling Meadow Trotter
"Clover knows when the harvest is coming before we do. She gets excited. The whole family gets excited with her."
— Smaling farmer, Windward, Irna
IDENTITY
- Common Name: Smaling Meadow Trotter
- Plural Form: Meadow Trotters
- Classification: Beast
- Alternate Names: Smaling Trotter, Windward Pony, Meadow Horse
DESCRIPTION
The Smaling Meadow Trotter is a small, sturdy horse standing no taller than 13 hands — specifically bred by the smaling community of Windward in [Irna](Irna/Welcome to Irna) to match their riders in scale and disposition. It has a thick, wavy mane and tail, a dappled or softly colored coat (greys, chestnuts, and pale golds predominate), and the most distinguishing feature of its face: large, gentle eyes with an expression of patient, good-natured attentiveness that even non-riders find disarming. Despite its modest size, it is surprisingly strong for a smaling mount, and its compact build navigates farm terrain and hedge-paths without damaging the crops on either side.
- Size: Medium — roughly pony-sized, ideal for small or halfling-sized riders
- Distinguishing Traits: Gentle expression, unusually thick wavy mane, ability to move through crops and meadow terrain without damage, warm and sociable personality
HABITAT & RANGE
Bred in and around Windward in [Irna](Irna/Welcome to Irna), in the fertile breadbasket region of the continent. Found throughout Irna's smaling communities and increasingly popular among gnome riders in nearby regions. These horses do not thrive in harsh terrain — they are meadow animals by breeding and become anxious in mountain or desert environments.
BEHAVIOR
Friendly, sociable, and family-oriented — Meadow Trotters are bred to integrate into community life rather than purely serve as working animals. They respond well to children and novice riders, make the training process as much relationship-building as skill acquisition, and form affectionate bonds with entire households rather than just primary handlers. They are genuinely happy animals in the right environment, and their mood is noticeably contagious.
THREAT & DEFENSE
Essentially no threat profile — the Meadow Trotter is a family companion and farm animal. Its hoof is a last resort only. Its speed makes escape viable in open meadow terrain. It is not suited to combat, danger zones, or harsh travel.
Price: 60 gp in smaling settlements; 100 gp outside smaling settlements
WORLD CONTEXT
In Windward and throughout [Irna](Irna/Welcome to Irna)'s smaling communities, the Meadow Trotter is woven into daily life — it participates in local festivals, assists in farm work, and appears in smaling folklore and children's songs. The legendary first Trotter, named Clover, is said to have guided smalings to the sweetest grass and clearest water during a hard season, and the name "Clover" is still the most common name given to female Trotters in Windward.
Note: Only Small-sized riders can comfortably ride this mount.
STAT BLOCK
Medium Beast, Unaligned
Armor Class 11
Hit Points 19 (3d8 + 6)
Speed 50 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 (+2) | 14 (+2) | 14 (+2) | 2 (-4) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages —
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Traits
- Nimble Movement: Can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than it without penalty.
- Earthen Bond (1/Day): Can communicate simple emotions or concepts with plants and animals native to meadows and fields.
- Sure-Footed: Advantage on Strength and Dexterity saving throws against effects that would knock it prone.
- Small Rider: Only Small-sized riders can ride this mount comfortably.
Actions
- Hoof: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) bludgeoning damage.