Page 95 - Lords of Madness: The Book of Aberrations

found, they build below ground, where they can more easily The creature’s diminutive size is no indication of its power. A
manage both of those factors through engineering. dwarf neogi is among the most dangerous of all its kind. What
Neogi do wear clothing of sorts, but in everyday use, its it lacks in physical size, it makes up for in enhanced mental
function is entirely decorative. Their dress consists of what powers. A dwarf neogi can crush the spirit and sap the will of
could be considered (for lack of better labels) aprons, scarves, most creatures from a safe distance. It always strikes from the
and shawls. Like the neogi themselves, these tend to be dyed shadows or while safely ensconced behind a protective wall of
in bright primary colors or muted but unusual colors. Intricate umber hulks.
stitching, fringe, tassels, beadwork, and quilting are common. A dwarf neogi is a prized possession among neogi. Few of
A typical article of neogi clothing would be little more than them live as free creatures; they are usually slaves of other
a kerchief to a human-sized creature, so they can well afford
neogi. In some cases, dwarf neogi have been mistaken for an
CHAPTER 5 THE SLAVE TAKERS the best. unknown kind of homunculus familiar.
Dwarf neogi are also widely considered to be the worst
In extreme cases, they don heavy furs and cloaks to protect
themselves against the cold, but they always have problems
of a bad lot. They are, as a rule, crueler, more ruthless, and
protecting their legs. These limbs are so thin that they lose
more evil than the average neogi. Perhaps because they have
heat rapidly even when insulated with furs. If a neogi is forced
to venture outside in frigid conditions, it is likely to keep the more tools at their disposal for capturing slaves, dwarf neogi
are known to sometimes murder captives outright, without
trip short and to bundle itself up with its legs folded inside an even preserving them for food—something no other neogi
insulated bag that can be strapped to an umber hulk’s back. would do.
Dwarf neogi are quite rare. Fewer than one in a hundred
REPRODUCTION AND neogi is a dwarf.
DEVELOPMENT
Neogi spawn grow to adulthood in about a year. They can Dwarf Neogi: CR 4; Tiny aberration; HD 3d8–3; hp 10; Init
expect to live 60 to 80 years as adults before their minds begin +4; Spd 20 ft., climb 20 ft.; AC 19, touch 16, flat-footed 15; Base

to lose their grip on reality. At that point, a neogi becomes a Atk +2; Grp –9; Atk or Full Atk +8 melee (1d3–3 plus poison,
Illus. by M. Phillippi over its slaves. When this happens, one of two fates awaits a abilities; SQ darkvision 60 ft., neogi traits; AL LE; SV Fort +0,
danger to itself and others because it cannot maintain control
bite); Space/Reach 2-1/2 ft./0 ft.; SA enslave, poison, spell-like
neogi. Most commonly, it is set upon suddenly by other neogi
Ref +5, Will +5; Str 4, Dex 19, Con 9, Int 17, Wis 14, Cha 16.
Skills and Feats: Balance +8, Climb +12, Disable Device +8,
and devoured on the spot.
In some cases, other neogi attack and poison the victim. A
Hide +15, Intimidate +7, Jump +3, Move Silently +8, Search
massive dose of neogi poison causes the victim’s body to swell
B
Languages: Common, Undercommon, Terran, Infernal,
to over ten times its original volume. Within days, the victim +7, Spot +6; Dodge, Mobility, Weapon Finesse .
becomes a bloated, insane, nearly helpless blob of tissue—a Goblin.
“great old master,” in the hypocritical terminology of the neogi. Enslave (Su): Three times a day, a dwarf neogi can try to
Other neogi then deposit eggs into the immobilized creature. enslave any one living creature within 30 feet. This ability
After a short period of incubation, the eggs hatch. The spawn functions similarly to a dominate monster spell (caster level
devour the great old master and scatter into the dark corners 16th; Will DC 14). For more details, see the enslave ability
of the neogi community, where they live by scavenging and description on page 91.
preying upon one another until some few reach adulthood. Poison (Ex): Injury, Fortitude DC 13, initial damage 1d4 Dex,
secondary damage 1d4 Wis.
NEOGI VARIANTS Spell-Like Abilities: 3/day—crushing despair, daze monster, deep
Neogi do not possess any specialized subraces or variants that slumber, suggestion; 1/day—charm monster, fear, feeblemind. Caster
live apart from the rest of the race. However, rare neogi are level 12th.
born with a mutation that results in an adult of smaller size
but greater magical power than others of their kind. These
are known as dwarf neogi. Neogi defilers, slavemasters, and pqqqqqqqqqrs

sorcerers represent typical neogi variations.
SPIT POISON
A creature with this feat can spit its poison as a ranged touch
Dwarf Neogi attack.
A dwarf neogi is the most extreme of the regularly appearing Prerequisites: Base attack bonus +3, Ability Focus (poison),
birth mutations. It is indistinguishable from other neogi spawn Dex 17, poison special attack delivered by bite.
at birth, but the difference becomes apparent before long. Benefit: As a standard action, the creature can spit its poison
at a single target within 30 feet. The creature must succeed
While other spawn gain size and strength quickly, a dwarf
on a ranged touch attack to hit with its poison. The poison af-
neogi grows very slowly, if at all. By the time it is full grown, fects a hit target just as if the creature had succeeded on a bite
it still stands no more than 2 feet tall and weighs 10 pounds attack. The poison is somewhat weakened when spit out, and
or fewer, due to its spindliness. the poison’s save DC is reduced by 2.
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