Rokan - evil, bat-winged, serpent spell-caster (Anti-Coatl)

My inspiration for the Rokan is to be an evil Coatl - a direct threat, not one hiding in the corners inspiring or teaching, but one that is very active in completing its goals. This is a winged serpent creature that uses magic in devious ways, but it has two aspects, as they can switch to a larger, spell-less figure in physical combat. They join evil groups to learn forbidden magic and gain access to magical nexus sites but will not hesitate to flee if a battle turns against them or the organization.

Rokan

Small Size Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 82 hp (11d8 + 33 con)
Initiative: +9 (small), +2 (Large)

Speed: (when small) 20 ft, Fly 60 (Good); 40 ft (Cannot fly when large sized)
AC: 24 (+8 natural, +1 size, +5 Dex), touch 17, flat-footed 18
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+10 (Large form only)
Attack: Bite+11 (2d6+5) (Large Size only)
Special Attack: Grapple +15 (3d6) (Large Size only)
2nd Special Attack: Back Slap +10 (2d8+5)
Base Atk +12 CMB +10 CMD 25 (Small)

Special Attacks: Spells as 12th level Sorcerer (Small Size Only), Turn Undead as 8th level evil Cleric
Special Qualities: Change to Large Size; +15 Constrict 2d8 (Grapple)
Saves: Fort +10 Ref +12 (+8 when large) Will +3

Abilities: Str 11, Con 16, Dex 21, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 20 *Switch Str and Dex scores when they change to large size

Skills: Diplomacy, +12, Knowledge (Arcana) +9, Knowledge (Planes) +9, Perception +12, Move Silently +9, Sense Motive +9, Spellcraft +12, (Escape Artist +20 in small size)
Feats: Eschew Spell Component, Hover, Improved Initiative, Imp Evasion

Environment: Magical Nexi or Evil Temples
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 12

Treasure: Double Standard
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Advancement: by character class (always Sorcerer)

Radiate protection from Good 20 ft radius: Good-aligned characters will suffer a –2 to all of their attacks and saving throws when facing a Rokan.

Aura of Fear: Creatures within 20 ft of a Rokan are affected by a powerful fear effect. Those who fail a will saving throw (DC 18) will suffer the effects of a fear spell. Those who save are not affected. Creatures who pass their saving throw are unaffected by the same Rokan's fear effect for 24 hours.

Large Size: AC 21, Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft., swim 30 ft;

The Rokan is a dual sized creature, it`s primary form is a small bat-winged, serpent with small spike horns that wields spells. It's larger body is between 15 to 20 feet long and three feet wide - it is very good in combat, especially at constricting victims. They have a rough black skin with small barely noticeable yellow triangles. When they expand to their large size, their wings are absorbed into their body and these yellow scales dominate most of its scales. They will not hesitate to take down foes using either strategy.

They often work for evil organizations for high payments, either as a protector or a spell-casting ally. While not cowards, they have a habit of retreating when combat is going against them or their allies. This gives them a horrible reputation. When the going is smooth, there are few mortal spell-casters as beneficial as a Rokan to have on your side.

Combat: Rokan are superb natural sorcerers with a wide variety of spells and other abilities. They have no pre-set plan, as they try to gauge any situation and react quickly to almost any situation. They switch to their large form to inflict heavy damage or to constrict foes. All spells they cast upon themselves in their small form are retained if they switch size. They radiate a protection from good and fear aura within a 20 ft radius in both forms.

They can control undead as an 8th level evil priest in their small size only. Undead still listen to Rokan who have switched size - but they cannot attempt to turn more undead in their large format. One of their primary motivators is magical treasure, so they are always keen not to destroy magical items, especially those they can actually use.

Typical Spells as 12th level Sorcerer; Spells per Day: 6/6/6/6/6/5/3; Spells Known: 9/5/5/4/3/2/1*
1st level: Shield, Obscuring Mist, Ray of Enfeeblement, Colour Spray, Magic Missile
2nd level: Protection from Arrows, Glitterdust, Mirror Image, Blindness, Levitate
3rd level: Dispel Magic, Lightning Bolt, Gaseous Form, Vampiric Touch
4th level: Shout, Bestow Curse, Stoneskin
5th level: Dismissal, Feeblemind
6th level: Disintegrate (item only)

Set Form: Rokan never use magic that manipulates their fform, they take a -8 on skill or spell checks if forced into an alternate form.

Aether Mist

This is inspired by a famous monster in a storybook that I love. I've never used it in a game, as a feared legend. They have a weakness but you need to have read the story...or if you haven't read the story, just make up your own.  

Aether Mist

Large Sized Outsider
Hit Dice: 20d10 (150 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: Fly 50 ft (perfect)
AC: 42 (+30 natural, +2 Dex), 42 touch, 40 flat-footed
Base Attack/Grapple: +19 / +0 (Can not be grappled or tripped)
Attack: Automatic Hit (40-AC dmg)
Full Attack: Automatic Hit (40-AC dmg) or +33 Penetrating Attack (5-50)
Special Attacks: Automatic Damage, Double Damage
Special Qualities: Astral Jaunt, Immunities, Dmg Reduction 20/Adamantite, SR 35
Saves: Fort: -, Ref: +14, Wis: -
Skills: Knowledge (Astral, Magic, Religion) +20, Perception +40
Abilities: Str 28, Dex: 14, Con: -, Int: 10, Wis: 10, Cha: 10
Environment: Deep Ethereal, Aether Domains
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 20
Treasure: None
Alignment: Neutral
Advancement: 25 - 50 HD (Huge)

An immense sized, deeply coloured mist.

These living clouds are approximately 30 feet in radius and 10 feet high. Their origin is somewhere in the deep ethereal. They come to prime worlds when summoned by spell casters using a Monster Summoning VII or greater spell. Spell casters must sacrifice a single magical item worth at least 75,000 g.p.  which is consumed in the casting.

The only other time they can be recruited, is in the minutes after they have successfully completed a mission, they can be requested to stay and complete another mission if a Diplomacy check of DC 30 is made along with the offering of a magic item or gem worth at least 25,000 g.p.

The Ether Mist has never communicated with any other creature. When summoned their instructions must be exactingly precise, or they will interpret it sometimes with dangerous effects. If they have a weakness, it is unknown to scholars.

The colour of its mist determines purpose, when they have a new mission, they change colour.
Grey - guards an item for ten years; they pursue if the item is stolen
Red - Executioner, summoned to execute one creature on that same plane.
Purple - guards a location for ten years unless password is spoken

Combat

An ether mist doesn’t attack, just like a swarm, anytime creatures are in it’s radius, they are automatically crushed.

Swarming: An Ether Mist automatically hits all creatures that is within their radius. They inflict 40 - Victim’s Touch AC every round acting as a +4 weapon. All creatures affected must make a winded check (Fort DC = dmg taken) to remain fully active. If they fail, they are winded and are able to take partial actions for that round and any round they fail their save when in the misty cloud.

Penetrating Attack: This is a focused attack on a single creature, doing 5-50 crushing damage, acting as a +4 weapon. They can take this attack action even if they are using their swarming action, but only one creature is attacked in this manner. Victims cannot be the target of both the penetrating and double damage attack on the same round. A penetrating attack is most done on the second round, if a particular foe seems to have taken less damage than the others,

Double Damage: The Ether Mist on any round can designate any one creature that has taken damage from its swarming as it's primary target. This primary target must save vs a Fort DC 25, or take double damage from its swarming affect. A Red Ether Mist will always use this special attack on their target. They do not stop their crushing until the target is a blood smear.

Astral Jaunt: Ether Mist can re-enter the astral plane as a free action from anywhere. Any creature in the mist at this time must make a Will DC 33 or be transported to the ethereal plane at the same time. Creatures transported do not take swarming damage in the ethereal. It takes one hour for the Ether Mist to come from the astral plane to a material world, and can only be done in specific locations, such as a wizards lab or church with an active obelisk,, etc.

Immunities: Immune to mind-affecting spells, elemental effects, energy effects, poison, sleep, paralysis, stunning, disease, death effects, necromancy spells or any fortitude or wisdom save unless it affects objects. They are not subject to critical hits, subdual damage, ability damage, ability drain, energy drain or massive damage.

Mortal Slaad (Orange Slaad)

Many of the things that I create could potentially be used for PCs, especially in short-term games or one shots but not this one which is purely Monster Material. This is a savage creature, created when the bloody ooze from a slaughtered Red or Blue Slaad infects mortals on Nyssa. Unlike many creatures I create, this one is intended to be infused by chaos or unbalance, so it's not necessarily a "bad guy" just never a nice or fully sane one.

Mortal Slaad (Also called Orange Slaad)

CR 2

NE        

Init +2; Perception +3

DEFENSE

AC 14, touch 12, flat-footed 12 (+2 natural AC, +2 Dex)

hp 13 (2d8+4)

Fort +4, Ref +5, Will -1

OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft.

Melee Claws +4
Damage 1d6 + 2
SR sonic and acid resistance 5

TACTICS

Morale 15

They are wild and savage in combat, taking no time to leap into battle to tear their enemies apart.

STATISTICS

Str 15, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 8, Wis 8, Cha 7

Base Atk +4; CMB +4 CMD 16

Attacks: Claw 1d6+2, or two attacks at +1 attack doing d6+1 each

1d10 skills 1^st to 4^th levels; 1d12 5^th to 7^th; 1d8 points 9-10

Feats: 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 9th, 10th

Feat: multi-attack (claws)

Skills Perception +3, Acrobatics +5, Survival +5, Escape Artist +8 (Bonus +4 to their escape chances due to their oily skins.)

Languages: Choose any two: Minotaur, Dwarf or Common

Environment   Warm Swamps or Deep Caverns
Organization   Gang (4d4) at lower levels (1-2) at higher levels
Treasure          Quarter

Mortal Slaad are things of chaos and madness that should not exist on prime worlds. The few experts who have studied them believe they were previously humans that were warped into this variant of the chaotic slaad by exposure to the slimy ooze containing their microscopic eggs when a Red or Blue Slaad were killed on a mortal plane. Most are hatched in groups of a dozen or more pods, sticking with each other as a frenzied hunting family group. 

They are a disturbing sight, a mixture of a large orange frog with human features. Their eye stalks are high on the head, their arms are too long for their body with stubby legs that are for a far shorter beast. They seem to have multiple hearts and other internal organs visible on the outside of their bodies, most of these are non-functioning but some beat at random points during the day. Their body secretes slime when they are nervous or excited which happens to be most of the time.

These creates exist in wet, slimy spots - usually dungeons and swamps. They often reside in small numbers, usually less than ten. At lower levels, they work together, hunting and collecting things. At higher levels, they rarely work with each other, as jealousy often results in fratricide.

Most seek to get into the outer planes to join their perceived kin. The few who reach the outer planes, usually die quick and alone as the other Slaad barely recognize each other as kin let alone this warped variation.

A few who don't end up on the planes, grow in enough wisdom to seek other goals. Often they ally with non-good and non-lawful creatures for power and to revel in destruction. Higher level slaad use their ability to transform into oozes to sneak into lower dungeon levels or escape if ever cornered.

Racial Level Advancement

Gain +6 skill points every level

Typical Skills: Acrobatics, bluff, craft, disable device, disguise, escape artist, knowledge (planes, dungeons, geography, religion), perception, spellcraft, stealth, survival,

SR: 5 at 2 HD. Gain +1 on SR by HD or character level.

Feat Levels: 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 9th, 10th levels

2 HD +2 to natural AC, sonic and acid resistance 5; Immune to Acid, Claws dmg 1d6; +12 skill points; Str, Dex, Con (+2); Wis & Cha (-2)

3 HD Fast Healing (Swamps, underwater, underground) 1/5 rounds, +1 to AC

4 HD +2 to any 2 abilities; align weapon chaos, Gain Multi-Attack (Gain bite attack); Spray Poison 1 / ten minutes (DC 14, Slimy skin, -4 to physical ability checks), +2 to AC

5 HD +3 on saves vs chaos spells or affects, Infuse confusion by touch -  Fort DC 16 (lasts d8 rounds)

6 HD +7 on CMD, claws 1d8, dmg reduction 7/lawful, +3 to AC

7 HD +2 to any 2 abilities, Transform into lesser ooze 1/2 HD

8 HD Align weapons (claws 2d6 extra dmg, 4/day), Spray Poison 1 / 3 rounds (Fort DC 18, Slimy bones, -7 to attacks, lasts 6 rounds)

9 HD Constant Non-detection, Sonic Resistance 26, Immune to Madness spells and effects, dmg reduction 13/lawful, +2 to AC

10 HD Transform to Greater Ooze; Claws 3d6; align weapons against non-chaotic creatures (claws + 3d8 extra dmg, 4/day); +3 to any 3 abilities, +3 to AC

After 10 HD they increase in fighter, rogue or sorcerer class levels. They cannot take these levels until they are a fully grown Slaad

Lesser Ooze: Medium Sized Puddle, Move 20, AC +6, Atk -, SA Acidic Touch (1d6), SA submersion (3d8 / rnd), Saves: No Change, Two rounds to complete change

Large Greater Ooze: Move 40, AC +12, Atk Pseudopod (touch), SA Acidic Touch (3d6), SA submersion (8d8 / rnd), Saves: +5 to all saves. One round to complete change

Corona Salarius

This was an idea that I was playing around with for a while - an outsider spirit that would inhabit mortal creatures and give them a shimmery golden glow and a bunch of powers. Then I realized it was kind of done before - the Incarnate from the 2nd Planescape Monster Compendium (Second Edition). 

Anyway, this is a neat little way to give players a bump-up without increasing their actual levels for a one-shot adventure.

Corona Salarius

Type                Usually Small Outsider

AC                  As per host

HD                  As per host

Saves               Fort +2 Ref +2 Will +2 (Add to host's base)

Init                   +1                               (Add to host's base)

Speed               --

BAB       --      CMB   --    CMD --

Special Defenses +6 on saves versus alignment affecting spells or affects, Lesser Telepathy

Str   --   Con   --    Dex +2                    (Add to host's base)

Int   --   Wis   +5   Cha +5

Skills: Any five: Acrobatics, Climb, Escape Artist, Intimidate, Knowledge (arcana, history, magic, planes or religion), Sense Motive, Survival, or Use Magic Device plus Perception

Typical Feat Selection: Alignment Channel, Alertness, Blind-Fight*, Channel Smite, Deadly Aim, Dodge, Mobility, Eschew Materials, Extra Channel, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Spell Focus, Spell Penetration

Lesser telepathy: Corona can communicate with mortal creatures that are physically near (within 20 feet) their remains or a piece of jewelry their spirit inhabits.

Best known as a shimmering bright halo that surrounds mortal creatures. These “shining lights” are the remains of souls of former outer planar beings that did not depart when their physical forms were defeated on the mortal planes. The heavenly spectres clung to a dungeon on a physical plane, waiting for help from mortals to complete a mission.

Good aligned Corona usually watch mortals to ensure their potential host have similar views to their own. When finding a match, they will ask if they can inhabit the mortal body to complete a specific goal – explaining in detail what is needed and the risks. They accept the answer even if it's not the one they want. 

A mortal's eyes glow golden when utilizing the spells or feats their guest provides for them. Once the task is completed, most Corona depart for the heavens. It is interesting that Corona gives their host the capacity to turn spirits, but they cannot be turned as their host and them form a bond that is only broken when the Corona wishes to depart.

Evil aligned Corona are summoned to the mortal planes by evil clerics for help in their dark plans. These spirits give their hosts apparent freedom, but don't hesitate to exit a host for another of higher level or more useful to them. Some evil Corona may have alternate magics to the spells listed below. They won't hesitate to inhabit lesser beings if they need to escape.

Most Corona inhabit their host as guests and whisper helpful suggestions. In times of stress, they may take a more active role, their hosts exhibit other forms. For good aligned Corona: they take on Golden Halo, Wings, Angelic Appearance. For evil-aligned ones it is small sharp horns, devilish features, and deep sharp claws.

3 HD Detect Alignment*, Curse, Magic; +15 skill points in only their selected skills; Turn as 3^rd level cleric

4 HD Gain + 2 to any Ability Score; Turn as 4th level cleric; +5 skill points in their selected skills

5 HD Gain Align Weapon, Remove Curse & Disease;+5 skill points in their selected skills

6 HD Gain Circle against Evil & Discern Lies; Turn as 5th level cleric; +5 skill points in their selected skills

7 HD Gain + 2 to any Ability Score; +5 skill points in their selected skills 

8 HD Dispel Magic & Cure Medium Wounds (2/day); Turn as 6th level cleric; +5 skill points selected skills

9 HD Smite (2/day); Turn as 7th level cleric; +5 skill points in their selected skills

10 HD Blade Barrier (2/day); Turn as 8th level cleric; +5 skill points in their selected skills

11 HD Gain + 2 to any 2 Ability Scores; +5 skill points in their selected skills

12 HD Regenerate Other (2/day); Turn as 12th level cleric

Unlike standard creatures, the levels for a Corona do not change. When a Corona and a mortal merge, the mortal gains the level abilities for the HD or level that they are at.  Also, Corona do not increase skill levels beyond their normal maximum point, so they are not added or increases a character's current skill levels. 

*Spells are cast at the Cleric level indicated or the minimum needed to cast the spell

Elder World - Local Outer Plane

Long ago for my gaming, I decided the planar stuff was a little convoluted. I liked the ideas though, and came up with a linked outer planar world that would be the base of most planar excursions. Essentially, this was home to my own version of the Titans or Elders, who were like little gods. They each had their own realm and were in between everything. Mortals came seeking knowledge and equipment, gods came for recruits and magic, and the dead came both as free and bound petitioners.
Each Elder realm was independent with specific rules and rites.

From Scroll Vitae Laenum Nem Xl IIV  -  Elderworld History

The home plane of the Elders (once referred to as Titans) the original offspring of the gods. These immortal beings are feared for being able to tap directly into mystical energies found in every plane. Some scholars call these energies arcane or even divine sources, but for the Elders it is all the same, and is used to power their personal abilities. Even more than the gods, these creatures are spurred by their own personal direction - not a particular idea, religion, faith or view. Thus it is incredibly difficult to gauge them except as individuals. Like the gods, their alignment varies, but, they usually don't interfere with each others plans unless they directly contradict.

It is believed humans were their spawn, and originally lived on the Elderworld. How long mortals were underlings is unknown, but how it changed is recognised due to the actions of one person, a human named Hamja. While perhaps not the first one to discover how to escape, he was the first known individual that left via the magical planar gates.to travel to the lower mortal worlds. Upon realising they could escape, many mortals began the treacherous act of running away from their cruel masters. This enraged the Elders, many began limiting their servant's activities as well as hunting down and destroying the rebellious offspring in the mortal world.

Knowing he was to blame for their suffering, Hamja returned to the Elderworld, demanding to be put on trial for his actions. The Elders tried to immediately attack him, but couldn't, as he was protected by the gods, a singularly rare event on the Elderworld. Agreeing to terms, a trial was held, witnessed by Casna, Lord of Justice.

The trial was quick. Hamja was found guilty of sedition but not for escaping. The humans who escaped were free and the Elders couldn't, by divine decree, recapture them by using force. The gods essentially shut down the planar gates, so the Elders couldn't travel to the lower world. This had a treacherous side-affect,while the knowledge was now recognised, the mortals lost their chance to escape.  (*For Hamja`s fate see Scroll Vitae Laenum Nem XX V ven Q*)

The Elders didn't realise the gods were intending to use the mortals as free and willing servants instead of the slaves as the Elders were using them. Within less than a century after their escape, the humans numbers had exploded and they had found a magical energy that they could utilise, that of the divine faith in the gods.

For their part, Elders, never organised a mass retrieval of the mortals. Some clamped down on their personal servants, others put up more elaborate traps to keep their servants in line and just as many to keep others out. A few learned other lessons, and begin to give their mortal children more freedoms to serve both themselves and their masters equally.

(Linked to Scroll Vitae Laenum Nem OV ven ii*) Most scholars know the Elder World as the mid-level between the Heavens and Mortal Planes. It is now understood that all mortal souls must return to this realm for a mere moment, as they travel to their final destination to the heavens or hells. What is not fully understood is the small number of souls that don`t leave the Elder World but are reborn as petitioners, destined to live a new life here in service to the plane and its needs without memories of their previous mortal existence.

Each individual Elder rules their own realm. Most are the size of a small mortal town; the largest are enormous counties with various races and beasts from across the planes. The spaces between the Elder Realms are wild, with shifting physical features causing near constant danger - while physical travel is possible, usually it is done via linked portals, indirectly from realm to another, often using multiple linked portals,

Many of these communities trade with Outer Planar groups, contact with the mortal realms is rare but a few have connections with High Level Wizards or Clerics. Portals to the High Planes are common and often permanent in the Elders communities. Those to the Lower Mortal Planes are rarer and seemingly uncontrolled, when they appear it is usually in remote areas and are open for short periods of time.

Elder World Random Encounter Table

02  High Petitioner (8th level or higher)
03  Githzen
04  Kyton
05  Reave
06  Yugoloth (Usually Mezzoloth or Nycaloth)
07  Nightmare
08  Night Hag
09  Astral Giant
10  Mortal Travellers (3-18, Levels 3+)
11  Imp (# 2-12)
12  Nightmare
13  Bladeling
14  Einheriar
15  Jackalla
16  Angel
17  Lower Level Elder Petitioner (1-3)
18   Quashi
19  Maelephant
20  Manticore
21  Yeth Hounds
22  Sphinx
23  Lillend
24  Coatl

Cenobite

A horror monster from the 80's, which I have used as a creepy-crawler many times in my games. Often seen as genie-like beings, tempting players with favours and rewards until they risk calling them too many times or are seen as vulnerable, then these figures will turn the table and try to capture one of the party members inside the box.

One idea, if some of your gaming party is away, instead of cancelling a game, players may find themselves inside the Cenob Box, to do missions of rescuing or finding treasures.

Cenobite

Lawful Evil     Medium Outsider
Init +6 Senses Darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +12

 DEFENSE
AC 19 touch 12, flat-footed 17 (+2 Dex, +7 natural)
hp 110hp (13d10+39 con)
Fort +11, Ref +10, Will +6

Defensive Abilities  
DR  10/+1  Immune: Fear, Pain, Blindness, Paralyzation, Petrification  
Resistance: All Elemental 20  

OFFENSE
Speed Fly 50 ft.
Melee Scythe or Whip +16/+11 (1d10+3)
Special Attacks: Hooks of Pain

Spell Like Abilities: Cast as 13th level Necromancer. They are able to use each of their spell-effects once a day. Every time one of their Hooks of Pain contacts, they are able to recast any one of their spells again.

 STATISTICS
Str 16, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 9
Base Atk +13 CMB +16 CMD 28
Feats Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Power Attack
Skill: +9 Bluff , +12 Craft (Armor and Chains) , +15 Knowledge (arcana, planes, religion) , +12 Perception , +10 Sense Motive , +12 Stealth
Languages Dwarf, Minotaur, Kyton, Elf, Common

 ECOLOGY
Environment                             Any Mortal Plane (Always found near a Cenob Box)
Organization                              Small Units (1-3)
Treasure Value                          Half Normal  (Small bits of treasure and magic that can be worn)

 SPECIAL ABILITIES
Spell Like Abilities: Cast as 13th level Priest; Saving Throw (DC 13 + spell level)

Detect: Magic, Invisibility, Illusion (Constant)
Rays of: enfeeblement, paralyze, rusting & fear (all usable 1 / day)
Touches of: Silence, Confusion, Blindness, Polymorph, Electricity (11-20) (all usable 1 / day)

Field of Mercy: Cenobites radiate a 25 foot radius of empathy towards outer-planar beings. Any non-natives that approach a Cenobite on a mortal plane must beat a Will DC 24 to break the field and act normally. However, they are unable to take physical actions or cast spells against a Cenobite until the second round. This effect likewise prevents a Cenobite to take any counter action on planars until the third round. Meaning, on the second round they are totally defenseless against a creature in their field who has made their saving throw. This is a constant effect that they cannot evade. This effects only the Cenobites, not the Cenob Box or their mortal servant.


The Cenobites are outer-planar beings that seek to cause suffering to mortals.  Most were former mortals themselves who manipulated an arcane device called the Cenob Box, which is often used to give physical pleasures, but its main purpose can be used to summon these horrific beings that brings mortals to their world. Most forced into the device, endlessly suffer, but a few are transformed into beings who serve the device, these are the Cenobites. They appear as pale skin humanoids often with visual signs of torture on their bodies, wearing deep-black leather armor. They seem to lack emotion, except for when their sadistic side comes out when interrogating or attacking mortals. Most use scythes or whips, but a small number use other types of weapons.

The Cenob Box is actually a portal to the Demi-Plane of Pain. Cenobites can only come to mortal worlds when summoned through this device. Most who use the devise seek physical pleasure until that sensation is lost - and they are driven to seek the suffering of others. Eventually those who uses the device, can summon the Cenobites, once every 24 hours. While they come to serve the wielder, they always require a "pound of flesh" before they return to the Box. Wielders instinctively know the Cennobites obey the holder of the Cenob Box by attacking, capturing or otherwise destroying an
enemy. When they are able to incapacitate a victim, they drag them into the Cenob Portal and in return the wielder is given a permanent boon 1-3 hp. What few wielders realize is that if they are unsuccessful at finding a victim at least once every ten days, the Cenobites may punish the wielder by permanently draining the wielder 2-5 hp.

While outer-planar, Cenobites prefer the company of mortal beings. They are sometimes seen in medical houses or places or torture, just to hear the screams of victims. They have a deep fear of other Outer planar beings, even those they should have some connection to. They emanate a Field of Mercy which enables them to re-enter the Cenob Box to avoid confrontation. They understand though, if the current mortal wielder is unable to escape, the Cenob box might be found by those they are unable to manipulate.

Hooks of Pain (Su) Cenobites can summon chained hooks to attack a singular victim at +13 to touch attack, inflicting a cumulative 1d6 dmg and a -2 on all rolls (second hook inflicts 2d6 dmg and -4 to rolls, etc.) Each time a chain attaches to a victim, it connects to the nearest hard surface; if the hook does not hit a victim, it disintegrates the next round. When at least three chained hooks are on a victim, the Cenobites can call the victim into the Cenob Box, or whenever they leave. Each of the first three hooks add 20% chance, additional hooks adds +5%. If the victim fails this roll, they are sucked into the Cenob Box. The only way to free the victim is to defeat the Cenobite or destroy the chains holding the victim (AC 30, Requires a +3 weapon, 50 hp).  What many don't realize is that a Cenobite may summon the Hooks even without a Cenob Box, but then it is done merely to inflict suffering.

Cenob Box: A small, intricately carved wooden, bone or metal box with small sliding pieces that when re-positioned change the carvings on the device.  While believed to be a singular artifact, they are in fact several versions in any given mortal plane. These boxes are portals to the Demi-Plane of Pain. By manipulating the pictures, wielders receive happy sensations. The first few times, it is always positive (24 hour +4 bonus to their preferred ability score, rush of happy memories or feelings, etc) but by the fourth time, these leave the wielder wanting something else - usually to inflict pain on others.

Box wielders must then call out the Cenobites at least once every ten days, these beings appear for their sacrifice, and if no one else is there, the Cenobites take their sacrifice from the wielder.  If a wielder is able to go more than 99 days without providing a sacrifice, the Cenobites will either teleport the Box away or begin to tempt another would-be wielder to take it from the current wielder. Once the Cenob Box summons the Cenobite back, it cannot be used again for 24 hours, if they were not successful in having a sacrifice, they must wait 48 hours.

Abandoned (Lost Dabus)

I  love the planescape rules, the ideas of being able to travel and adventure in other worlds and face demons or angels. Here is something I borrowed and used a few times, a lost figure that could represent a pathway for some of your players.

Abandoned  (Lost Dabus)

Size/Type:                 Medium Outsider (Extraplanar)
Hit Dice:                   3d8-3 (14 hp)
Initiative:                  +1
Speed:                       30ft.
Armor Class:              13, touch 11, flat-footed 12 (+1 Dex, +2 natural)
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+4
Attack:                      Masterwok Tool +3 (1d6)
Special Qualities: Hover
Saves:                        Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +4
Abilities:                   Str 11, Dex 13, Con 8, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 9
Skills:         Craft +13, Disable Device +10, Perception +12, Knowledge (The Planes) +8, Climb +10
Feats:                        Skill Focus (Craft), Endurance
Environment:             Any isolated location
Organization:             Solitary
Challenge Rating:       3
Treasure:                   Masterwork Tools
Alignment:                 Chaotic Neutral (30%), Lawful Neutral (50%)
Advancement:            By HD, those higher than 10 have class levels

Tall, slender humanoids, usually dark grey or light yellow in skin colour, with short horns at their side. Many wear faded work uniforms from their previous existence, along with tools or other personal artefacts. Dabus are best known as workers who maintain the Great Portal city, these outcasts are individuals, usually called Abandoned who were banished from their homes, and in their absence are becoming something else entirely. Reknown for the riddle picture flow or rebus that floats above their heads as this is how they communicate with other creatures. When asked about how they came to be Abandoned, they usually show a picture of a circular tube tearing apart.

Abandoned are solitary beings found in virtually any remote place, usually mortal worlds, rarely found with others of their kind. Many collect debris they find, and construct odd physical replicas of places they once knew well. Their absence from their home both makes them sad but it also inspires them to learn to be more than they ever were. The first thing most Abandoned learn is to use their rebus to imitate a physical mouth and imitate the most common language they hear.  They are often seen as local experts, and help to trade or make connections with beings who would otherwise not get along or trade, acting as a middle-man to distinct parties. They seem to have goals that are little understood, collecting items of indecipherable purpose that will help in tasks later on in their or their allies lived.

The Abandoned are not combative creatures but they find and fit into the roles they have found outside their worker existence. They go on adventures both to build up alliances and to find the unseemingly odd objects that they are bound to collect. They fight with weapons they summon, being fully proficient even if they have never touched the weapon before.

4 HD Speak Other, Gain +2 on Ability Scores
5 HD Summon Dagger
6 HD Magic Circle 10 ft, Gain +2 on Ability Scores
7 HD Summon Whip
8 HD Object Reading, Summon Small Objects, Gain +2 on Ability Scores
9 HD Summon Cage
10 HD Summon Sword, Gain +2 on Ability Scores
11 HD Open Travel Portal (30% chance)

Hover (Ex): A dabus floats off the ground, in a manner similar to flight, save that it cannot hover higher than it's natural reach. They are unimpeded by terrain of any type but they are not considered as flying for effects that interact with that (like wind effects).

Speak Other: Can communicate with any one creature using that creature's native language via a small mouth they project. Their rebus copies the speech words, so everyone can understand what is being said.

Summon Weapon (Dagger, Whip or Sword): Weapons are summoned within two feet of the Abandoned. They attack as if proficient with these summoned weapons. If they lose the weapon (such as being disarmed) they are able to revisualize the weapon automatically the next round.

Magic Circle 10 ft: They can project a ten foot circle, gaining a +2 to attacks versus one specific type of creature. It is a ten minute ritual to change the creature their magic circle affects.

Summon Small Objects: They can visualize any item that is worth less than 100 GP and weighs less than 50 pounds, they can then materialize the item out of their picture flow to use the same as their weapons.

Summon Cage: Can summon a 20 X 10 ft cage within fifty feet of themselves. The cage has standard dimensions and weight, and lasts for ten minutes per HD of the summoner. They can summon it once a day.  Once active, anyone inside the cage cannot summon other items or beings. An abandoned can enter the cage, but if they do, they cannot leave unless they end the spell effect.

Open Travel Portal: The Abandoned can automatically open any portal that they are within fifty feet and direct to any known location. They do not need portal keys, they can open them at will.