Cats (domestic)

A domestic cat can be charmed and used as a scout.

Occasionally found in settlements, these furry pets have been known to prey on rodent pests, but otherwise threaten no one. Keep them away from waterfalls if you don't want to make a particular non-player character cry. Cats, like other animals, can be charmed and used as buffers. If you put them out in front of your party, monsters will attack them prior to assaulting your party.

A stray chicken (in blue circle) wanders dangerously close to a trigger-happy party.

Chickens

Unlike Fallout 2, which featured a very special "chicken," Baldur's Gate features the real deal. No finger-licking goodness for stomping these domestic critters, however, but they will explode into a ball of feathers. These plucky critters are particularly vulnerable to a strain of rabies infesting Baldur's Gate.

You won't get much interaction from these beasts of burden. No need to purchase a saddle.

Cows and Horses

These native beasts provide sustenance and assistance to the populace of the Sword Coast region, and certainly won't attack you unless you initiate an assault. Unlike other animals, charming these creatures won't be of much help to your party as they are unable to move. There's a sinister cheat code available that'll allow you to pop cows like balloons....

Wild Dogs are the weakest canine enemies you'll face.

Dogs

Rover move over, here comes man's best friend, and he's out for blood. All of the dogs you'll encounter in the Sword Coast are unfriendly (with one notable exception), and their tendency to hunt in packs makes them almost as dangerous as their wolf cousins.

Blink Dogs are a disruptive opponent, as their constant teleporting makes them difficult to hit and to defend against.

Wild Dogs (9 hp, 35 xp); War Dogs (17 hp, 65 xp) - A more dangerous wild dog, these pack animals can be trained to defend certain areas, and are also found wandering the Sword Coast.

Blink Dogs (32 hp, 270 xp) - These dogs are as intelligent as average humans and are able to teleport in a seemingly random fashion, making them difficult opponents to target.

Doom Guards

(64 hp, 2,000 xp) - Powerful, mystical melee opponents, these foes often serve powerful mages as guardians. Exceptionally dangerous in close quarters, doom guards lack a ranged attack, making them vulnerable to a party well equipped with bows and other missile weapons.

Next: Monsters and Animal Types, continued
 

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