Monster Geographica - Marsh & Aquatic.pdf - The Secrets of the ...
Monster Geographica - Marsh & Aquatic.pdf - The Secrets of the ...
Monster Geographica - Marsh & Aquatic.pdf - The Secrets of the ...
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A rootbeast is little more than a bundle <strong>of</strong><br />
twisted roots, roughly shaped like a four-legged<br />
animal. In reality, rootbeasts are mobile, aggressive,<br />
carnivorous fungal sprouts with psionic ability. It<br />
is speculated that a rootbeast forms when fungal<br />
spores feed on <strong>the</strong> corpse <strong>of</strong> a psionic individual,<br />
which drastically alters <strong>the</strong> developmental path <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> spores into something altoge<strong>the</strong>r new.<br />
Rootbeasts are fierce hunters that tire <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
prey in <strong>the</strong> chase and move in for <strong>the</strong> kill. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
completely consume every organic part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
prey, and create no bodily waste <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own.<br />
Combat<br />
A rootbeast typically begins combat by<br />
manifesting its bi<strong>of</strong>eedback and syn<strong>the</strong>s<strong>the</strong>te psi-like<br />
abilities. Since it lacks any sense <strong>of</strong> sight, hearing, or<br />
smell, it perceives its surroundings primary via its<br />
psi-like abilities.<br />
When attacking as a group, rootbeasts usually<br />
lead <strong>of</strong>f with psionic attacks, and <strong>the</strong>n manifest a few<br />
defensive psi-like abilities (including bi<strong>of</strong>eedback<br />
Samebito<br />
Large Monstrous Humanoid (<strong>Aquatic</strong>)<br />
Hit Dice: 7d8+35 (66 hp)<br />
Initiative: +2<br />
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), swim 40 ft. (8 squares)<br />
Armor Class: 23 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +12 natural),<br />
touch 11, flat-footed 21<br />
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+14<br />
Attack: Bite +10 melee (1d8+4)<br />
Full Attack: Bite +10 melee (1d8+4)<br />
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.<br />
Special Attacks: —<br />
Special Qualities: Amphibious, darkvision 60 ft.,<br />
keen scent<br />
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +6<br />
Samebito are turtle people <strong>of</strong>ten used by<br />
aquatic communities are scouts and guards. <strong>The</strong>ir<br />
skin is dark green or black with a beak-like maw,<br />
webbed hands and feet, and glowing green eyes.<br />
Samebito never stop growing, some becoming so<br />
large <strong>the</strong>y can no longer leave <strong>the</strong> ocean and embark<br />
on land. It is rumored that <strong>the</strong> tears <strong>of</strong> samebito (rare<br />
indeed) become gems.<br />
Combat<br />
Despite <strong>the</strong>ir apparent size and ferocity,<br />
samebito are cowards. Once <strong>the</strong>ir prey is wounded,<br />
a group <strong>of</strong> samebito will attack en masse, but none<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m want to be <strong>the</strong> first to strike. A good bluff or<br />
a powerful charge can send <strong>the</strong>m scattering. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
are much more hesitant fighters on land than in<br />
<strong>the</strong> water. A Huge samebito cannot walk on land,<br />
because its mass is too much for its frame to carry.<br />
77<br />
and syn<strong>the</strong>s<strong>the</strong>te) and charge into melee.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y use no advanced tactics, and <strong>the</strong>y rarely<br />
notice if <strong>the</strong>ir opponents have an ambush ready.<br />
Psi-Like Abilities: At will—bi<strong>of</strong>eedback (DR<br />
3/—*), empty mind (+5 to Will saves*), synes<strong>the</strong>te;<br />
3/day—energy stun (5d6, DC 16*); 1/day—mental<br />
barrier (3 rounds*), mind thrust (ML 4th, 4d10,<br />
DC 13*). Manifester level 7th. <strong>The</strong> save DCs are<br />
Charisma-based.<br />
*Includes augmentation for <strong>the</strong> rootbeast’s<br />
manifester level.<br />
Strange Tracks (Ex): With <strong>the</strong>ir oddly shaped<br />
feet and complete lack <strong>of</strong> bodily waste, rootbeasts<br />
are difficult to track. <strong>The</strong> DC <strong>of</strong> a Survival check<br />
made to track a rootbeast is increased by +5.<br />
Skills: A rootbeast has a +8 racial bonus on<br />
any Swim check to perform some special action or<br />
avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on<br />
a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It<br />
can use <strong>the</strong> run action while swimming, provided it<br />
swims in a straight line.<br />
Abilities: Str 17, Dex 15, Con 20, Int 11, Wis 12,<br />
Cha 8<br />
Skills: Listen +3, Search +8, Sense Motive +2,<br />
Spot +5, Survival +5*, Swim +11<br />
Feats: Alertness, Swim-by Attack B , Track,<br />
Weapon Focus (bite)<br />
Environment: Any aquatic or warm marsh<br />
Organization: Solitary, school (2-5), or pack<br />
(5-10)<br />
Challenge Rating: 4<br />
Treasure: Standard<br />
Alignment: Usually chaotic neutral<br />
Advancement: 8-14 HD (Large), 15-21 HD<br />
(Huge)<br />
Level Adjustment: +3<br />
Keen Scent (Ex): A samebito can notice<br />
creatures by scent in a 120-foot radius in <strong>the</strong> water,<br />
or in a 90-foot radius on land. It can smell blood in<br />
<strong>the</strong> water at ranges <strong>of</strong> up to a half mile on water, and<br />
up to 100 yards on land.<br />
Skills: A samebito has a +8 racial bonus on<br />
any Swim check to perform some special action or<br />
avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on<br />
a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It<br />
can use <strong>the</strong> run action while swimming, provided it<br />
swims in a straight line.<br />
* A samebito has a +4 racial bonus on Survival<br />
checks when tracking by scent.<br />
Swim-by Attack: (See page 167)<br />
Shark Mounts: Especially favored samebito<br />
ride huge sharks as mounts undersea, but this is rare.<br />
In <strong>the</strong>se situations, <strong>the</strong>y <strong>of</strong>ten use lances just as if<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were mounted samurai on land.<br />
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