Page 163 - Lords of Madness: The Book of Aberrations

Combat Spell Resistance (Ex): A pseudonatural creature gains spell
A pseudonatural hippogriff dives at its prey and strikes with resistance equal to 10 + the base creature’s HD (maximum 25).
its clawed forelegs. When it cannot dive, it slashes with claws Abilities: Same as the base creature, but Intelligence is
and beak. at least 3.
Alternate Form (Su): As a standard action, a pseudonatural Environment: Any land and underground.
hippogriff can take the form of a grotesque, tentacled mass Challenge Rating: Up to 3 HD, as base creature; 4
(though this alien appearance has no effect on the creature’s abili- HD to 11 HD, as base creature +1; 12 or more HD, as base
ties). Other creatures receive a –1 morale penalty on their attack creature +2.
rolls against the creature when it is in this alternate form. PSURLON
True Strike (Su): Once per day, a pseudonatural hippogriff
CHAPTER 8 NEW MONSTERS can gain a +20 insight bonus on a single attack roll. In addition, Psurlons are wormlike creatures with formidable mental
the creature suffers no miss chance against a target that has
powers. They dwell in the deep desert and pose a consid-
concealment or total concealment when making this attack.
erable threat to passing travelers or nearby settlements.
Skills: Hippogriffs have a +4 racial bonus on Spot checks.
CREATING A Psurlons detest humanoids of any sort, and go to considerable
lengths to kill or drive off any they come across. From time
PSEUDONATURAL CREATURE to time, they seek to foment trouble by manipulating lead-
“Pseudonatural” is an acquired template that can be added ers, dealing with evil folk who are willing to accommodate
to any corporeal creature (referred to hereafter as the base the psurlons’ wishes in exchange for psurlon assistance, or
creature). duping weak-minded creatures such as goblinoids or gnolls

A pseudonatural creature uses all the base creature’s statistics into fighting for them.
and abilities except as noted here. Even though the creature’s A psurlon has a long, tubular, pink body divided into subtle
type changes, do not recalculate Hit Dice, base attack bonus, rings or segments, just like an earthworm’s body. It also has
or skill points. two arms and two legs, also segmented. The psurlon’s head is
Size and Type: The creature’s type changes to outsider. Size little more than a blunt end to its tubular body. Its only facial
is unchanged. feature is a large, circular mouth filled with gnashing teeth.

Special Attacks: A pseudonatural creature retains all the It has visual organs (for darkvision) spaced evenly around the
special attacks of the base creature and also gains the following head. The typical psurlon wears a decorative or utilitarian
attack. belt fitted with straps and hooks to carry items, but no other

True Strike (Su): Once per day, a pseudonatural creature can clothing or armor.
gain a +20 insight bonus on a single attack roll. In addition, Psurlons are clever, malicious, and deceitful. While their
the creature suffers no miss chance against a target that has psionic powers are telekinetic in nature and offer little abil-
concealment or total concealment when making this attack. ity to directly control an enemy’s mind, they are skillful liars
Special Qualities: A pseudonatural creature retains all that inveigle the unwary. They always seek to misinform and
the special qualities of the base creature and also gains the mislead their enemies, and delight in arranging for their foes

following special qualities. to fight one another.
Resistance (Ex): A pseudonatural creature has resistance to Psurlons choose to live solitary lives, but sometimes form
acid and electricity based on the base creature’s Hit Dice (see small communities called clusters. The most powerful elder in
the table below). a psurlon cluster leads the group, although elders are frequently
Damage Reduction (Ex): A pseudonatural creature gains replaced by younger, more ambitious psurlons when their plans
damage reduction based on the base creature’s Hit Dice (see go awry.
the table below). Psurlons can speak Undercommon but rarely do so. Instead,
they rely on their natural telepathic powers.
Acid, Electricity
Hit Dice Resistance Damage Reduction COMBAT
1–3 5 — Psurlons never use melee weapons. They can fight with their

4–7 5 5/magic
8–11 10 5/magic bare claws and teeth, but they are not particularly formidable in
12 or more 15 10/magic melee combat. Instead, they attack with their psionic powers,
battering foes with telekinetic blasts or immobilizing them
Alternate Form (Su): As a standard action, a pseudonatural with mental energy.
creature can take the form of a grotesque, tentacled mass Blindsight (Ex): A psurlon can ascertain its surroundings
(or another appropriately gruesome form, as determined by by sensing sound, scent, heat, and vibration. This ability enables
the DM). Despite the alien appearance, its abilities remain it to discern objects and creatures within 60 feet. The psurlon
unchanged. Other creatures receive a –1 morale penalty on does not need to make Spot or Listen checks to notice creatures
their attack rolls against a pseudonatural creature when it is within range of its blindsight.
162 in this alternate form.