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Thursday 14 March 2019

The Beast without Beauty


Have been doing fey write-ups for a while. This isn't one I've used, but will slip into one of my games as a cursed Lord. In my game world, he has met a "Beauty" many times, but one hasn't fallen for him yet, so he is cursed to continue doing his duty - protecting the nearby villages.


The Beast CR 10
XP 9,600
LE (LG) Medium outsider (native, shapechanger)
Init +9; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +14

DEFENSE
AC 25, touch 16, flat-footed 19 (+5 Dex, +1 dodge, +9 natural)
hp 115 (10d10+60)
Fort +9, Ref +12, Will +8
DR 10/Blessed Silver; SR 25

OFFENSE
Speed 40 ft., Running on all fours - 50 ft
Melee Two Claws +16/+11 (1d10+4/ X3, 15–20)
Special Attacks Detect thoughts, Cursed Charm

Spells Known (CL 7th, Sorcerer)
3rd (5/day)—lightning bolt (DC 16), suggestion (DC 16)
2nd (7/day)—web, invisibility, minor image
1st (7/day)—charm person (DC 14), mage armor, magic missile, shield, silent image
0—dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound (DC 13), mage hand, mending, message, prestidigitation

STATISTICS
Str 16, Dex 20, Con 22, Int 13, Wis 13, Cha 17  /  5 (see below)
Base Atk +10; CMB +13; CMD 29
Feats Combat Expertise, Dodge, Improved Critical (Claws), Improved Initiative, Power Attack

Skills Bluff +20, Diplomacy +16, Knowledge (Local) +24, Perception +14, Perform +16, Sense Motive +14, Stealth +18;  Racial Modifiers +4 Bluff, +8 Knowledge
Languages Common, Infernal, Undercommon, Angelus
SQ change shape (true self, animal form)

ECOLOGY

Environment Property
Organization solitary
Treasure Triple (art, gems, other treasure)

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Detect Thoughts (Su) The Beast can detect thoughts as per the spell of the same name (CL 18th). He can suppress or resume this ability as a free action. When he uses this ability, on his property, it always functions as if it had spent three rounds concentrating and thus gains the maximum amount of information possible. A creature can resist this effect with a DC 18 Will save. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Cursed Charm (Su) When near either females or anyone he has an attraction towards, the beast loses all charm and civility, as he can do little but roar out words and commands. If forced into a conversation treat the Beast as having a 5 in charisma. Attraction is used not just sexually, but those he either wants something from or is obligated to.

Change shape: The Beast has three forms, human, as a humanoid beast similar to a werewolf and a wolfhound. He has no control of what he changes into. Normally he will patrol as a wolf for speed, but if he needs to confront foes, he will change to the werewolf form. Only alone, does he change back into human.

*    *    *    *    *    *     
The Beast is a cursed liege who is doomed to protect his crumbling castle and lands from invaders. Once thought that the kiss of a beautiful woman could cure the curse, but this has failed many times. He has lived at least three lifetimes, and none remember his true name, most just call him The Beast or Lord. He appears as a hairy beastly monstrosity, with horns, long ears, sharpened claws and fur.

He still feels the call of his homeland, and every night he patrols the small villages around his keep. Outsiders he believes is a threat he will tear apart. In these nights, away from his keep he radiates a Lawful Evil alignment. Yet, when inside his keep and is peaceful, he has a good alignment. Those who know his tale believe this was his original alignment, as he doesn't hurt anyone unless they try to steal or hurt those under his protection.

What few realize is that inside his castle, he transforms back into his human self until he is called back into action. He does not communicate with anyone, and if he is seen or spoken to, he will change back into his Beast form in a mere moment. On occasion he will use his magic to animate dishes or other household items so that he can amuse himself or guests. While he does not engage visitors, he will sometimes allow visitors to stay a night or two in the castle, as long as they don't steal or break the many artefacts inside. If ever asked why he was turned into the Beast, he simply says that he failed, with no further details.

Even if the Beast is killed in battle, he re-appears back at his castle within two weeks. There is something keeping his spirit bound to the land. He is given respect by fey and outsiders that go through his property. He has access to a teleportation circle, magical labs and prison.


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