Nyssian Choker

I have always loved the choker creature, as it seems to be the most typical dungeon creeper: looking for food and scraps of treasure, never overly dangerous, but something that fits into the underground lurker theme so well. But I dislike their small size and bare intelligence, Mine is adjusted for levels and size, you can scale the HD to use them not just as threats for the lowest levels. Good stand alone protector, willing to hide until the time is right to strike.  

Nyssian Choker

NE Small Aberration
Init +6 Senses Darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +X

 DEFENSE

AC 17 touch 13, flat-footed 15 (+2 Dex, +4 natural, +1 size)
hp 16hp (3d8+3 con)
Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4

 OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft. Climb 10 ft
Melee 2 Tentacles +6 (1d4+3)

 STATISTICS

Str 16, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 6, Wis 13, Cha 7
Base Atk +2 CMB +4 CMD 16
Feats Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Stealth)
Skills Climb +16,Stealth + 13
Languages Undercommon, 50% understand local common

 ECOLOGY

Environment  Any non Extreme (Garden or Urban)

Organization  Solitary or Pair 

Treasure Value Half Standard

Advancement Typically Monster / HD or rogue levels

Appear identical to the standard creature, but increases to a medium size at 4 HD. They are also much smarter then typical chokers found on many other worlds. This doesn't mean their primary tactics are vastly different but they do have an escape route ready if the attack fails. They are anti-social, preferring to be left alone to do their work, guarding small areas, either in dungeons or locations next to them.

Unlike their kin, they often work for others, as part of lair defenses to protect an area. they kill weaker creatures and capture others so they can be questioned. They follow simple orders, as they have problems with anything too complex. Stories abound over city revolutions, where one group is deposed and another coming into power, and they still don't even know where the choker guards or their safe words to get through dangerous passageways protected by these critters.

HD Advancement Table

4 HD +6 skills, Feat, Increase to Medium Size, +1 natural AC, Increase Dmg (1d6+3)*

5 HD +6 skills, Increase Tentacle Dmg (1d6+Double Strength Dmg)

6 HD. +2/+2 to any 2 Ability Scores, +6 skills, Feat, +1 natural AC

7 HD +6 skills, Increase Tentacle Dmg (1d8+Double Strength Dmg)

8 HD Gain +2/+2 to any 2 Ability Scores, +6 skills, Feat, +1 natural AC

9 HD +6 skills, Increase Tentacle Dmg (1d10+Triple Strength Dmg), +1 natural AC

+HD Natural AC increase every other HD, +6 skills, Increase choking multiplier dmg every +3 HD

Monster HD increase is the most typical route for advancement but the rare few will gain rogue levels. Once they take non-HD levels they are unable to gain additional Monster HD.

*Only one tentacle does maximum damage, the other is one damage level down. Normally if the first attack is successful that one inflicts max damage. If the second one hits, it does the higher damage capacity.

Clockwork Clicker (Winder)

I like clock-works. In a fantasy world, this is the only type of low-level construct that is common place in my setting. I created the default one as the (N)PC humanoid one awhile ago. This one presented here will most likely be the small tinker one. It can be done for a larger, strong base, but it so works like a wind-up toy.


Clockwork Clicker CR 1
N Small construct (clockwork)
Init +1; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +2

DEFENSE

AC 13, touch 12, flat-footed 12 (+1 Dex, +1 natural, +1 size)
hp 21hp (2d10+10 size)
Fort +0, Ref +1, Will -1
DR 5 Clockwork traits; Resist cold 10, fire 10

OFFENSE

Speed Flight 30 ft.,  (Average)
Melee Peck +3 (1d3)

STATISTICS

Str 5, Dex 13, Con 10, Int 3, Wis 9, Cha 5
Base Atk +2; CMB -1; CMD 10
Feats Weapon Finesse
Skills Perception +2
Languages Common (Understand - can not speak)
SQ winding

ECOLOGY
Environment any (Usually urban)
Organization solitary
Treasure none

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Winding (Ex) Clockwork winders need to be wound up in order to be active. The standard model has 12 hours of operation per HD after winding. They form a temporary bond with whoever wound them up. Once their time ends, they cease operating. They do not die from not being wound-up, they are just inactive. If left inactive for long periods of time, their mechanical parts break and they can no longer be wound into action.

Mechanical Tricks (Ex): works similarly to the Teach an Animal a Trick process found in the PHB. Every clockwork can be coded with one trick per two HD by a Mechanist who can code the clockwork with a Knowledge (Clockwork) skill check.

This small metallic creature is shaped like a raven, tiny gears connecting its metal plates. An even smaller wind-up mechanism is at the base.

A typical clockwork clicker or winder is roughly the shape of a small doll or animal, usually 2 feet tall or long and weighs 10 pounds. The stat block here represents an avian companion, but other animal forms and movements are possible.  They originated from clerics of Zathera, and became a collectors items. Eventually some mechanist found a way to instill them with a semblance of life-energy, and have been used as mechanical servants ever since.

Most clickers are used to scout or send messages but many have been taught almost any craft skill. They have limited intelligence, but as they are active and experience life, they learn, and this increases their intelligence. Typically their intelligence score is equal to their 1+HD, a few are even higher due to upgrades. Despite their intelligence, they cannot speak. Assume they learn a new language for every +2 intelligence score higher than 10.

Mechanical Skills: Acrobatics, Climb, Craft, Disable Device, Fly, Knowledge (Clockwork, Engineering, local), Perception, Stealth, Swim,

For every additional HD gained:
Gain +4 skill points & +1 to their intelligence score  (Int 20 Max)
Gain feat and an +2 increase in two ability scores every second even-numbered HD.
Add +1 to their natural AC and DR every odd-numbered HD.

Upgrade: Every 5 HD they get a +2 to any one of the following: Natural Armor, one skill check, +5 on any movement type, attack with one weapon, damage with one weapon or gain a new feat if they have all of the qualifications.

Clickers, as mechanized objects, do not grow in size. Only experience will enable them to gain HD levels. The object presented in the primary block, started as a 1 HD clockwork. The starting number of tricks = half DC. The DC to create a new clicker clockwork is noted below.

1 HD    = Small Size; Knowledge (Clockwork DC 10); Cost 100 exp points, 200 gold pieces
5 HD    = Medium Size; Knowledge (Clockwork DC 15); Cost 1000 exp points, 2,000 gold pieces
10 HD  = Medium Size; Knowledge (Clockwork DC 25); Cost 10,000 exp points, 10,000 gold pieces
15 HD  = Large Size; Knowledge (Clockwork DC 35); Cost 250000 exp points, 30.000 gold pieces

1 HD = Small Weapon (Base 1d3)
5 HD  = Medium Weapon (Base 1d6)
10 HD  = Two Medium Weapon (Base 1d6) or Heavier Weapon (1d10)
15 HD   = Two Large Weapons (Base 1d10) or Single Significant Weapon (Base 3d6)

Free willed Clickers (those with Int & Wis = 10 or higher) can choose to gain class levels. When they are free willed, they no longer gain mechanical tricks as listed in the primary entry.

Clockwork Traits: Immune to poison, sleep, paralysis, disease, death effects, necromancy spells or any fortitude save unless it affects objects.  They are immune to emotion based spells (fear) but other enchantment charm spells work normally. They are subject to critical hits but not bleeding effects. They gain no constitution bonus. Healing spells, such as Cure Light Wound, have no affect on them but restoration spells or effects (make whole or rapid repair) do work. Potions and magical items that fit humanoids (boots, hats, rings, etc) also do not work or fit them. 

They do not sleep. They repair themselves at a rate of 1 hp/hour if they are fully active and take no other action. If they are not wound up, even at full hit points, they cease functioning. When below 0 hit points, they are staggered, and lose 1 hit point for every day they are not repaired. At -20 hit points, they cease operating. At -50 hit points they are damaged beyond repair and can not be repaired short of a wish spell. 

If at -20 to 0 HP, a knowledge check (clockwork DC 20 or engineering DC 30) will repair a clock work to one hit point. If active this can repair the clockworks for 1d6 hit points once a day. This takes 6 hours to complete.

If under -20 HP, a knowledge check (clockwork DC 25 or engineering DC 35)  will reactivate the clockwork, bringing it to 1 hit point. This takes 24 hours to complete and 100 gold pieces per hit point below -20 for replacement parts.

Candibodies (Candy Antibody Swarm)

Candibodies   (Candy Antibody)

NG Tiny vermin (extraplanar, swarm)                       CR 4
Int+10; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +4

DEFENSE
AC 21, touch 21, flat-footed 14 (+6 Dex, +1 dodge, +4 size)
hp 50 (6d8+36)
Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +4
DR 10/Evil; Immune swarm traits, weapon damage

OFFENSE
Speed Fly 40 ft. (good)
Melee swarm (3d6 plus distraction)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 0 ft.
Special Attacks distraction (DC 15), Candy Ray

STATISTICS
Str 1, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 6, Wis 13, Cha 13
Base Atk +5; CMB —; CMD —
Feats Dodge, Improved Initiative
Skills Fly +21, Perception +8
Languages Candinesse (understand, can not speak)

ECOLOGY
Environment Candyland
Organization solitary, pair, or pack (3–6)
Treasure None

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Candy Ray (Ex) Each candy in a Candibody swarm is equipped with a singular ray, able to inflict a small amount of damage. Each swarm can shoot in any number of directions a single time a round. The ray is a bright coloured jumble of colours, inflicting 1d4 damage to outsiders. (Treat as Magic Missile for defenses, etc)

Borrow Body (Ex): Though rare, sometimes a candibody swarm will inhabit a corpse in order to physically move the body to prevent further damage to it. During this time, they can also experience very recent memories of the fallen.

Appear as mass of small circular flying candies, its outside wrapper acting as wings, with one unblinking eye in front. They arise when outsiders cause damage to either the land, visitors or the fey inhabitants in Candyland. Each can shoot a colorful blast of energy, equivalent to a magic missile once a round. Act as a warning system more then a defense mechanism.

If the land is sprouting these candies to ward off a foe, then the land considers whatever it is to be a threat. All fae and their allies will treat a candibody as a trusted ally, and will do everything they can to assist a candibody in repelling the threat. Since nobody has ever seen a candibody except during times of crisis, everyone treats it such, and will do what they can to assist.

 Phaetox, Advanced Creautre Class

The Phaetox is one of my oldest playable PC races, used as a flying bastion of strict order in a world of chaos and destruction. My version is loosely based on the Phaeton from the Dragon Lance setting, which itself was based on the Greek myth of the same name. While they have a significant benefit - flight, the harsh penalty of not being able to lie in even the smallest way was a great trade off to minimize power-gaming. 

This is a chance for me to adjust this creature to my new base. I am now leaning most non-player class options to specialized monster levels instead of class ones. When players pick a creature like a Phaetox, they choose whether to advance as the creature or as a class, but if they are an NPC they are always advanced as the creature class.

 PhaetoxThese humanoids appear the same as a human, except on concentration they can sprout flame wings as part of their devotion to their heavenly patron – the Eternal Mother of Order, Lady Phoenix. They are the epitome of order, as they instinctively follow rules even if they don't understand or agree with them.


Personality: They are great believers in discipline but others describe them as sour and serious. Most are peaceful, spending most of their lives in simple work and simple pleasures, such as music, art, sports. They defer to others in areas of specialty (such as magic or legal issues) and avoid conflict with most others in philosophy, but are open to friendly discussions with friends.


Physical Description: Phaetox appear as five feet tall, humans with white, blond or red hair. Most wear simple tunics; if armed they usually use a dagger, cross-bow or staff, Their warriors often use small one-handed crossbows. They avoid heavy armor as it can gives movement penalties. When in danger, they can sprout flame wings from their back. The average citizen use their flame wings to quickly avoid dangers but the warrior caste use their wings as many others use a sword.


Relations: Phaetox view elves, jahlen, and halflings with some suspicion, as these races often bring disruption to Phaetox society. They see the dwarves as a potential ally but rarely have formalized relations. They have no pre-set opinion on humans, though individuals who are bound to Law or their heavenly patron are well received. Unless visitors are known fugitives, they are welcomed to their cities, but no one is above Phaetox laws or customs. Likewise, even if one of the chaotic races, once you've proven your loyalty they will show respect and gratitude.


Alignment: They tend towards both law and neutrality. These peaceful people are highly organized and have followed ceremonial laws for millennium.


Lands: Their territories are mountain regions, spires and the cloud isles, preferring cities to rural areas. They do a mix of hunting and harvesting, and trade with other races when they can.


Religion: Their devotion is to the Phoenix, their living connection with the Mother of Order. Phaetox clerics do not exist, but druids, rangers and monks sometimes act as a center piece of their faith through their actions not their words. Though rare, Paladins exist, as they balance roles of both crusader and custodian of laws.


Language: Phaetox & the common tongue. At higher levels they also learn Avian, the language of common flying beasts.


Adventurers:  The most common reason why Phaetox adventure it is the chosen path for those who fail the ritual of ascension. They depart from their communities to dedicate themselves to a lawful purpose and learn their personal path along the way. Well over eighty percent of those who leave, return and do so with their faith reinvigorated and ready to ascend into unity with the phoenix. A few however are permanently changed, these exiles are usually evil and are bared from re-entry into Phaetox communities.


Phaetox Racial Traits+2 wisdom, +2 charisma, -2 strength
+2 diplomacy, +2 knowledge (religion), +2 Fly
Flame Wings for 1 minute per point of constitution (15 con = 15 minutes)Speed: Fly 30 (Clumsy), Better movement, fly capacity as fight time increases
Racial Hit Dice: 1d6 / level
Attack and saving throws as Cleric; + 6 skill points per HD
Natural Attack: Flame Wings (1d4 dmg), does not gain bonuses for high strength. If creatures are immune to flame, take only one point of damage. At higher levels, quarter the maximum to determine the damage flame wings will do to flame resistant creatures.


Disadvantage: Unable to lie or tell any falsehoods; can not take ranks in disguise or bluff

HD Adjustment Table 
2 HD Radiate Law, Feat, Speak Avian
3 HD Resolve, Law Domain (1st), Feat
4 HD Law Domain (2nd), + 2 Wis & Con, Speak Elemental
5 HD Flame Wings, +2 to wing attacks, 1d8 Damage; Duration (5 min / Con)
6 HD Protection from Chaos - Spells (Constant), Feat, Law Domain (3rd)
7 HD Greater Resolve; + 2 Wis & Con, Speak Elder Lawful
8 HD Flame Wings, +4 to wing attacks, 1d12 damage; Duration (10 min / Con),  Law Domain (4th)
9 HD Protection from Chaos 40 ft Radius (3/day), Feat, Law Domain (5th)
10 HD Absolute Resolve, + 2 Wis & Con; Flame Wings, 2d10 damage (at will), Law Domain (6th)

Phaetox cannot deviate from their creature class features until they reach 5 HD. If they change to gain standard classes, they cannot gain their higher level natural class features at a later point.


Radiate Law: +2 reaction bonus from lawful creatures; -4 from chaotic creatures


Flame Wings are considered a magical touch attack. They inflict damage on creatures that suffer from damage from fire or from a lawful aligned weapon. Their flames are temporary in nature, they do not cause material items such as wood or paper to be consumed. Phaetox can take weapon feats to gain additional specialty or abilities when using their wings in combat.


Resolve: Gain Wis or Cha bonus on saves vs illusions or falsehoods
Greater Resolve; Gain HD bonus + Wis / Cha bonus on saves vs illusions or falsehoods
Absolute Resolve: Immune to falsehoods and illusions


Speak Lawful Languages: While appearing very similar to humans, they are in fact closer to planar beings. As they adventure, they learn to speak avian, then elemental, and finally a lawful dialect that all lawfully aligned creatures understand


Law Domain: Cast Spells from this domain, Can use either their wisdom or charisma score to determine highest level and saving throws same as other spell-casters. Domain Spells: 1st—protection from chaos, 2nd—align weapon (law only), 3rd—magic circle against chaos, 4th—order's wrath, 5th—dispel chaos, 6th—hold monster


Core Racial Skills: Craft (any), Diplomacy, Heal, Knowledge (local, geography, history, religion), Perception, Perform (Any), Sense Motive, Stealth, Survival


Preferred Classes: Fighter, Monk, Ranger, Sorcerer,


Restricted Classes: Barbarian and Cleric


Phaetar In some locations there is a lawful evil variation called the Phaetar that have pale white skin and their wings are pitch black flames. As they gain levels, they gain protection from good instead of chaos. These are individuals that failed or chose not to ascend. They have chosen another path, one where they lead instead of following laws. Most of these exiles try to gin levels in wizard cabals or evil churches (usually Keran) for power, but a cavalier or ranger options are fairly popular as well. While Phaetar seek power, comfort and personal wealth, they try to take these things from others, as few have the confidence to face their kin as they rarely return to their native lands.