Cat Sphinx

A common inhabitant of the desert buildings in my fantasy lands. They are ever vigilant to the cause of protecting the home, but still exhibit other cat-like traits.

Cat Sphinx

CR 2

NG Small Animal

Init +4; Perception + 5

DEFENSE

AC 18, touch 16, flat-footed 14 (+2 size, +4 dexterity, +2 natural)

hp 18 (3d8+6)

Fort +4, Ref +10, Will +2 **

OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft.

Melee Claws +5 / +5 (1d3)

TACTICS

Morale 11

STATISTICS

Str 5 Dex 19 Con 14 Int 9 Wis 13 Cha 12

Base Atk +1; CMB 2 CMD 13

Feats: Double attack, Weapon Finesse

Skills Perception +15, Acrobatics +5, Survival +5

ECOLOGY
Environment: Phastian Desert
Organization: Solitary or mated pair
Treasure: None

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Special ability: Scent

Spells: Detect Poison, Purify Food, Excite or Fear (2/day); Cast as 5^th level Druid.

Phastian or sphinx cats have long been bred by multiple inhabitants of the desert to be house companions and protectors. Their role is much like a watch dog kept in a house or temple, to both keep it free from vermin and to carefully watch and alert their owners when trouble appears. They appear as an small androsphinx with the traditional head ware to show their status.

It is important for the inhabitants of a building to understand these sphinxes are not owned or controlled as these animals are smart enough to disobey if mistreated. They serve a role and as such they desire certain amenities as restitution for their services, which if they are not provided will make them abandon their post. While not exactly rare, cat sphinxes are highly prized and few phastian households would abandon or cause grief to their beloved house protectors.

Cat Spinxes are incredibly long lived some noted to have lived more than 300 years and none have ever been seen to have died a natural death. At a certain point, a cat sphinx will abandon their house to enter the desert sands and never be seen again. There are some that believe these elder sphinxes emerge as larger sphinxes, or reincarnate as a humanoid, while others believe their final form is a cat statue, found at many desert oasis. 

Wooren - Heavily Furred, Strong Armed, Noble Savage

Last, at least for now, of my Star Wars bastardization for my planned game; Wooren are rip-offs of Wookies. These are tree climbing, bow using hippies that want to be left alone but will get involved in a greater cause if the shared threat is significant enough.

Wooren

Wooren                              CR 3

NG Monstrous humanoid (Jungle & Desert)

Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.

DEFENSE

AC 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10

hp 19 (3d8+3)

Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +1

OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft.

Melee: Bow +3 (1d8+3) or Fists +6 (1d4+3)

Rage: Gain +4 Strength & Constitution for 1d4+1 rounds otherwise as per Barbarian's 1st level Rage.

STATISTICS

Str 17 Dex 10 Con 12 Int 9 Wis 13 Cha 8

Base Atk +3; CMB +6; CMD 16

Feats Skill Power Attack, Improved Unarmed Strike (Combat)

Minor Skills: Acrobatics, Disable Device, Knowledge (Nature, Local), Perception +2

Major Skills:Climb & Intimidate +5

Feat Choices: Point Blank Shot, Far Shot, Precise Shot (Range Feats always With Crossbow), Cleave, Imp Bull Rush, Extra Rage, Overrun, Imp Sunder, Weapon Specialization

Languages Wooren plus one of Elven, Dwarven or Common

ECOLOGY

Environment: Desert or Jungle

Organization: Scouting Party (3-6), War Party (10-30)

Treasure Half

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Wooren gain these advanced abilities in replacement of class levels. They may stop advancing in these and gain a class level at any time, but once they do they are unable to gain new racial levels.

Advancement as Fighter for Saving Throws, and BAB

4 HD +4 in skills; Gain 1 Feat; +1 in Natural AC; Advance Unarmed Dmg (+d4)

5 HD +2 to Any Ability Score; +4 in skills; Jump +5; Advance Unarmed Dmg (+d6)

6 HD Gain 1 Feat; +4 in skills; +1 in Natural AC, Gain 5 ft base movement

7 HD +2 to Any Ability Score; +4 in skills; Advance Unarmed Dmg (+d8)

8 HD +1 in Natural AC; +4 in skills; Gain 1 Feat; Jump +5; Track

9 HD +2 to Any Ability Score; +4 in skills; Gain 1 Feat, Advance Unarmed Dmg (+d10)

10 HD +1 in Natural AC; +4 in skills; Gain 1 Feat; Gain 5 ft base movement

11 HD +2 to Any Ability Score; +4 in skills; Advance Unarmed Dmg (+2d6); ; Jump +5

12 HD +4 / +4 to any two ability Scores; +8 in skills, +3 in Natural AC; Gain 1 Feat

Wooren are large, hairy ferocious humanoids that reside in the jungles that fringe much of Phastian desert. They are legendary for both their ferocity to enemies and their softer side for smaller creatures. For a long time they were thought of as legendary figures on the edges of Phastian civilization, but around 800 years ago they were first captured and enslaved as an a manual labour force in the building of Pyramid cities. However, subsequent rulers released them, as their rage and strength meant they were incredibly difficult to control them.

They are an eternal force in the Wooren jungles. While many times they are dismissed as mindless, savages this has been proven wrong for those who come to know them. They reject the trappings of modern, magical ways. Though their society is a wild one, Wooren never come to blows with each other or their allies. They accept that even the best intended allies will not always agree with each other, as sometimes one must walk away and keep their honour intact.

It has long rumoured that wooren are non-magical, but this is not exactly true, they reject arcane traditions but they have a small druidic one in their tribes that is ready to aid their tribe.They maintain a balanced equilibrium with the land and their fellow forest inhabitants. They usually reside in tree huts, high above the jungle floors. While they do not care to control territory, they do maintain excellent patrols to ensure they are never enslaved or surprised again.

Wooren rarely learn Phastian or other human languages. The only language they sometimes learn is elvish though mostly they learn just enough to get by. They tend to avoid armor, because they like to be able to climb up and down trees quickly, but those who are adventurers may wear any type but tend to chose medium or less heavier armor.

Gammorec - green-skinned, heavy-set, brutish pig-like thugs

Gammorec - green-skinned, heavy-set, brutish pig-like thugs

My fantasy version of the piggish Gammorean Guard from Star Wars, though originally in a desert environment, are found virtually everywhere. Though dangerous they are too lazy too be too much of a menace, kept around to do the dirty duties that few other creatures dare to do. These have been my default orc creatures for a long time.

Gammorec CR 2
CN Monstrous humanoid (Desert)
Init +0; Senses darkvision 60 ft.

DEFENSE

AC 14, touch 11, flat-footed 13 (+ 1 natural, +3 Studded Leather)
hp 13 (2d8+2)
Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +0

OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft.
Melee: Battle Axe +5 (1d8+3)

STATISTICS

Str 15 Dex 9 Con 13 Int 7 Wis 9 Cha 8
Base Atk +2; CMB +4; CMD 14
Feats Skill Power Attack, Weapon Focus (Axes)
Minor Skills: Handle Animal, Knowledge (Dungeoneering), Profession, Survival +2
Major Skills:Intimidation +5
Feat Choices: Point Blank Shot, Far Shot, Precise Shot (Range Feats always With Throwing Axe), Power Attack, Cleave, Imp Bull Rush, Overrun, Imp Sunder, Weapon Specialization
Languages Orc, Dwarven or Common

ECOLOGY
Environment: Desert or Spire
Organization: Guarding Group (1-4) or Scouting Party (5-12)
Treasure Half

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Magical Rejection: Gain 10 + Bonuses as Magical Resistance (MR). Roll agaisnt this even for positive magical spells or affects such as healing spells. Gammorec cannot lower their resistance, but it is still effective even if they are asleep or unaware.

Advancement as Fighter for Saving Throws, and BAB
3 HD +3 in skills; Gain 1 Feat; +1 in Natural AC; Gain +1 in MR
4 HD +2 to Str or Con score; +3 in skills; +1 in MR Bonus; Gain +1 in MR
5 HD Gain 1 Feat; +3 in skills; +1 in Natural AC; Gain +1 in MR
6 HD +2 to Str or Con score; +3 in skills; Intimidating Presence; Gain +1 in MR
7 HD +1 in Natural AC; Gain 1 Feat; +1 in MR Bonus; Gain Gain +1 in MR
8 HD +2 to Str or Con score; Gain 1 Feat, Gain Desert Adaption; Gain +1 in MR
9 HD +1 in Natural AC; +3 in skills; Gain 1 Feat; Gain +1 in MR
10 HD +4 to Str and Con score; +5 in skills, +3 in Natural AC; Gain 1 Feat; Gain +3 in MR

Intimidating Presence: Gain a bonus to intimidation checks equivalent to their HD if they are either physically taller (medium or smaller) or have higher strength score (more than +3 ranks or higher) to creatures that are 4 HD or fewer.

The Gammorec are heavy-set, green-skinned, brutes that naturally reside in desert areas. While they can scavenge with fair success, they have long utilized brute strength to force their way into uneasy pacts with reluctant allies. In a cosmopolitan fantasy society, few dare turn these creatures away, as you might not like them but your armies could always use extra arms to wield another weapon. One of the primary reasons for being accepted into many societies is their utter lack of magical finesse thus they may make adequate warriors. Under a strong, decisive leaders they can become fair at their duties. Under sloppy or mean ones, they tend to match in those tendencies.

Having low morale and quick to flee is matched by their boorish, mean tempered attitudes almost everywhere else. They make poor workers in non-combat fields, as they tend to shirk duties to go drinking or gambling or even just falling asleep. If they have a strong leader that is involved with them on a daily basis they can be motivated to be a tolerable military force. Because of their resistance to magic, rogues are a bigger threat to them as opposed to spells.

Eighty percent of their population is male. Females enter fertile stages around a half dozen times in their lives; when they give birth to litters of five to ten births are common. Otherwise the females are barely better then slaves, kept as servants and birthing conduits. Not all tribes are this brutal, some have fairly equal partnerships.

Oddly they have fairly stable relationships with each other, as long as the clan leaders are obviously dominant and successful. Challenge for position is uncommon but happens when failure brings potential hardship to the clan.

While generally seen as savage, there is a very small number in stable, harmonious relationships with both nature and each other. These are essentially druids that reside in remote areas and in small numbers.

Guessmith - Master of Riddles and Ryhmes

This was from a forum contest on the giantitp website a few years ago.

Guessmiths

Uname looked at the gynosphinx as if she had three heads. The riddle she had rhymed off made no sense to him. If only the bugger had horns instead of the upper body of a woman, he could be justified in striking the beast down. But she had given him a reasonable request to pass into the pyramid, and as much as he would have liked to, he could not bash her head in. This was her duty, just as it was his to find and return the scepter.

Uname left the sphinx and the pyramid for another day. Returning to Lomer, the city on the edge of the desert took most of the gold in his pack. All the time, he repeated the riddle to himself. He hated the desert almost as much as his steed Rashop, but he promised the Lady Monique that he would retrieve the scepter inside the pyramid.

Asking around, while none of his comrades could give him an answer to the riddle, they did direct him to a small gnomish pub far from the hectic market place. After cleaning himself off, he ventured in. While it was in a gnomish section in town, there were many others here, including dwarves, elves and halflings. All of them sat around with half-empty tankards either rolling the bones, playing cards or hunched over a piece of paper repeating simple riddles to themselves. A harmless lot, Uname thought.

A serving lady came over to ask him what he wanted, "Umm, I need help with a riddle." The entire crowd in the pub seemingly stood still, as two dozen faces turned towards him. A young gnome raised his hand and approached, "Yes, Wastelander, how can we help?"

Uname looked at the gnome strangely, without any apparent weapon or holy symbol, who had seemingly guessed at his little recognized heritage. "How did you...?" Uname's question was left unsaid as the gnome both finished his question and answered it at the same time:

"Heritage, oh that's easy, your hair colour for one. Most desert people don't have red hair, besides your weapons seem to have a slight greenish tinge to them, an often noted side effect from the cold tempering used in the cold wasteland. Geography is one of my many interests."

After a brief introduction Uname learned that Bromsby, this gnome, was one of the guessmiths, a group of riddle and lore masters who gathered here at the Laughing Lass pub to test each other in games of chance and riddles. Explaining his predicament, Bromsby eagerly volunteered to accompany the elderly Wastelander into the desert.

Less than a week later, Bromsby and Uname were back at the pyramid.
“So,” said the large imposing gynosphinx, “I see you are back, and brought a friend.”
Uname nodded.

“I ask thee again: What runs all day, but never walks. Often murmurs, never talks...”
In the middle of the riddle, Bromsby joined with perfect harmony with the sphinx, “Has a bed, but never sleeps. Has a mouth, but never eats?”

Rather than saying a word, the little gnome threw a waterskin up to her, she easily caught it with her claw, and opened it, letting a stream of water flow into her mouth.

“What you need here in the desert; the answer is a river, my lady.”

The gynosphinx roared with laughter, “How right you are little one!”

Seven hours later, as Uname emerged from the pyramid with a scepter in hand as well as newly found cuts and bruises from the undead inside the tomb, he saw the gnome and gynosphinx still in conversation, sharing riddles and laughing at glee in one another in a friendly game of one-up-manship.

Guessmith: Prestige Class

A guessmith is a student of riddles and games of chance. While they have no formal training or organization, their shared love of riddles and guessing games unites them in a loose circle of friends. While some may use these talents for riches, most are intrigued more by the challenge than wealth.

Most who take this class are rogues or bards, but a smattering of others can take this prestige class if they can qualify. Barbarians because of their starting illiteracy are extremely rare.

Hit Dice: d6

Requirements: To qualify to become a guessmith, a character must fulfill all the following criteria: Decipher Script 6 Ranks, Any two Knowledge skills +3
Special: Must be able to read and speak in a minimum of three languages

Class Skills: Appraise, Bluff, Concentration, Decipher Script, Diplomacy, Disguise, Escape Artist, Gather Information, Hide, Jump, Knowledge (all), Listen, Move Silently, Perform, Profession, Sense Motive, Sleight of Hand, Speak Language, Spellcraft, Swim and Use Magic Device.

Skill Points at Each Level: 6 + Int modifier.

Class Features

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A guessmith gains no additional proficiency with any weapon or armor.

Special Abilities

Minor Trivia (Ex): A guessmith excels in being able to remember things they have previously read or heard. They add their class level to any one knowledge check, chosen at first level; once chosen this is based on their charisma does not change.

Skill Focus (Limericks) (Ex): Since many riddles are in the form of limericks, a guessmith learns to repeat all kinds of limericks or jokes in an entertaining way.

Friends of the Game (Ex): Because most guessmiths are not motivated purely by wealth, they can easily make friends of other creatures who also enjoy games of chance or riddles, such as gynosphinxes, fey or any other creature the DM designates. On these creatures, a guessmith has a +6 charisma bonus.

Second Guess (Su): Once a day, a guessmith can make a second try at guessing an answer without repercussion, even if a second attempt would normally negatively affect the outcome. This may be in regards to any trained intelligence or charisma based skill check or any type of riddle.

Major Trivia (Ex): Like minor trivia, except they add their class level to any two additional knowledge skills. This does not stack with minor trivia, so there is no benefit in choosing the same knowledge skill twice.

Second Chance (Su): Like Second Guess, except this re-roll applies to any skill check or saving throw. They must use this ability immediately after the failed roll. They can use this ability as many times as their charisma bonus.

Level	BAB	FORT	REF	WILL	Special	Casting Level
1st	+0	+0	+0	+2	Minor Trivia, Skill Focus	+1 Effective level
2nd	+1	+0	+1	+3	Friends of the Game	+1 Effective level
3rd	+1	+1	+1	+4	Second Guess	+1 Effective level
4th	+1	+2	+2	+4	Major Trivia	+1 Effective level
5th	+1	+2	+2	+5	Second Chance	+1 Effective level

Jawatha - Desert Dwarven wanderers & bandits

Jawas from Star Wars were always a favorite creature of mine. A friend and I had created our own language and made so many jokes about their size, demeanor and cuteness. They were always seen by me as dwarf or gnome-kin when I thought of them in the fantasy gaming genre, so here is the fantasy version.

Jawatha

Sand Dwarves (Jawatha) CR 3

CN Small monstrous humanoid (Desert)

Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +2

DEFENSE

AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+2 Dex, + 2 natural, +2 leather)

hp 16 (3d8+3)

Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +1

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft.

Melee: Dagger +2 (1d4)

STATISTICS

Str 8 Dex 14 Con 13 Int 13 Wis 10 Cha 8

Base Atk +2; CMB +0; CMD 12

Feats Skill Combat Expertise, Imp Trip

Minor Skills: Appraise, Diplomacy, Knowledge (Magic), Knowledge (Desert), Handle Animal, Stealth +2

Major Skills: Disable Device +5, Use Magic Device +5

Languages Dwarven, Elven, Tenderfoot, Any 3 others

ECOLOGY

Environment: Desert

Organization: Scouting Party (1-6), Caravan (100-300)

Treasure Normal

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Stone Immersion: With one round of concentration, a Jawatha can temporarily merge themselves with stone or sand. They cannot travel or walk through the stone, merely step into it. They can perceive their surroundings with 75% reduction in range. They are able to stay in the stone for ten minutes per point of constitution.

Immortality: A Javatha`s spirit upon physical death leaves their body and returns to their spirit crypt, and if family has raised their stone copy, they are reborn. It takes ten days after rebirth for them to have full control and emerge from their stone crypt. There is a 75% + 2% / level chance that any Jawatha will have their stone copy ready. Reduce this by 25% if they had died in the three months previously.

One of the first generations born in the Phastian desert, they are unique because they are considered both mortal AND planar beings. Shorter and thinner than regular dwarves, they cover themselves in heavy robes, usually only their hands and glowing eyes can be seen. They cannot grow beards and no one can ever recall seeing any female Jawatha, they do exist but seem to be at most 20% of the population.

As planar beings, they are technically immortal as they do not die from either starvation or from old age.

They erect stone statues that perfectly imitate one of their kin, when that specific person is killed their spirit is reborn; but if their statue is not ready, their spirit is lost forever. Sometimes, one will awaken though it is not a old spirit, this very infrequent event is treated the same as a birth. 

They do not eat or drink in a traditional manner, they absorb their nutrients via touch, usually during the hour before sunrise or sunset. This is a highly personal act that they rarely share with outsiders. While many stories are told of them swimming in pools of refuse, this is untrue, they merely need to touch the food with any part of their skin, usually the hands or in the company of non-kin with mouths. While they do not starve, when overwhelmed by their surroundings, they go into a comatose state emerging when the environment is safer. 

Wonderful carvers, fighters, singers with a curiosity around magic especially crafted items. For the most part, these dwarves live in caves far from civilization. A smaller number roam the desert in caravans, eternally searching for items to buy and sell.

Advancement as Humanoid for Saving Throws, and BAB

4 HD +2 to any ability score; +3 in skills; +2 to Desert Reaction

5 HD Gain Any 1 Minor Feat; +3 in skills; +1 in Natural AC

6 HD +2 to any ability score; +3 in skills; +2 to Desert Reaction

7 HD +1 in Natural AC; Gain Desert Adaption

8 HD +2 to any ability score; +2 to Desert Reaction

9 HD Gain Any 1 Minor Feat; +3 in skills

10 HD +2 to any ability score; +3 in skills, +1 in Natural AC; Gain Any 1 Major Feat

11 HD Bypass Magical Traps or Locks, +2 to Desert Reaction

12 HD Gain Any 1 Minor Feat; +3 in skills, +1 in Natural AC, Magic Resistance 20 on traps

12 HD +8 in skills; +1 in Natural AC; Gain Any 1 Major Feat **

14 HD +4 to any two ability scores; +3 in Natural AC;

Desert Inhabitants Bonus Reaction: Jawatha's have terrible initial reactions from desert inhabitants, as their fame for scrounging for food, magic or simply their curiosity leave many feeling upset at just the sight of these scavengers. However, as they age and gain experience, they learn how to temper their unseemly ways and to reach out to others. These reaction bonuses are the daily total bonuses from desert creatures that are aware of the Jawatha's. Thus a 10 HD Jawatha can use one +10 reason bonus once a day, or any combination, so two +5 bonues, etc.

Minor Feats:

Speak with Stone: as per the spell, twice a day

Stone Teleport Level I: Twice a day during their stone immersion, they can jump from one stone to another as long as it is within 100 feet.

Stone Teleport Level II: Five times a day they can jump from one stone to another within 500 feet

Walk thru Stone: After stone immersion they can walk through stone at ten feet a round. They can stay moving in the stone 1 round per 3 points of constitution. They can do this once a day

Stone Elemental Minor Resistance: 10

Major Feats

*Stone Shape: Able to change stone shape as per spell of the same name three times a day

*Stone Familiar: Create an animal familiar that lasts for 10 minutes. As base animal, except may have one unusual feature: +5 AC, Fly (Speed 30), Attack +2, Dmg +4

*Stone Elemental Resistance 20

Stone Teleport III: Twice a day during a stone immersion they can teleport themselves and allies within twenty feet of them to another stone within 100 miles.(Require ST I & II)

Tuthken - Desert Humanoid Nomads, Scavengers, Raiders and sometimes Reluctant Heroes

This is my take on the Tusken Raiders found in the desert parts of my fantasy world. Not cruel, just hungry and desperate that are well know for their attacking anyone that approaches "their territory." They can make temporary allies, if the other group keeps their word and has something the Tuthken need. In the desert, they are a constant threat, in the pyramids, they maintain a delicate treaty to ensure things are better left undisturbed.

Tuthken CR 2
LN (Tend to LE) Medium monstrous humanoid (Desert)
Init +2; Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +5

DEFENSE

AC 13, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+2 Dex, +1 natural)
hp 13 (2d8+4)
Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +0

OFFENSE

Speed: 30 ft.
Melee: Gaffe Club +3 (1d6+1)
Group Back Stab: +1d6

STATISTICS

Str 13, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 7
Base Atk +3; CMB +3; CMD 15
Feats Skill Power Attack. Combat Expertise
Minor Skills: Acrobatics +2, Climb +2, Ride +2
Major Skills:  Intimidate +5, Perception +5
Languages Phastian (Local Humanoid Language)

ECOLOGY
Environment: Desert
Organization: Patrol (3–6), Hunting Party (11-16)
Treasure: Half

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Grouped Back Stab Attack: A Tuthken if apart of a team of group surrounding a foe in melee combat, can inflict back stabbing bonus of +1d6.  Another Tuthken must succeed on an attack, then if another scores a hit in the same round, treat as a back stab. This can happen only once every round, regardless of how many Tuthken surround or attack their victim. This increases to +2d6 at 6HD and +3d6 at 10HD.

Advancement as Humanoid for Saving Throws, and BAB otherwise as below
3 HD   +2 Str or Con; +6 in skills; +1 Damage Reduction
4 HD Gain Any 1 Minor Feat; +1 in Natural AC
5 HD +2 Dex or Con; +6 in skills; +2 Damage  Reduction
6 HD Gain Desert Adaption; Gain Double Damage with Back Stab
7 HD Gain Any 1 Minor Feat;  +3 Damage  Reduction
8 HD +2 Str or Dex or Con; +1 in Natural AC; Gain Any 1 Major Feat
9 HD +6 in skills; Increase Gaffe Club Threat Range (18-20), +5 Damage Reduction
10 HD Gain Any 1 Minor Feat; Gain Triple Damage with Back Stab
11 HD +6 in skills; Gain Any 1 Major Feat **
12  HD +4 Str & Con; +3 in Natural AC;

Lesser Feats:
Imp Disarm, Natural Armor (+2) Imp Feint, Imp Trip, Improved Initiative, Gaffe Club Proficiency (+2 to hit)

Advanced Feats (Higher than 7 HD)
Imp Natural armor (+2), Critical, Stunning Head-Butt, Greater Combat Adv - Gaffe Club (+4/+2 dmg)

Tuthken are powerful and despotic desert raiders who prey on any other travelers that are smaller in numbers that they believe they can defeat. Similar to humans in appearance, but they cover themselves in grey or sand-colored rags both to conceal themselves and protect themselves from the harsh desert winds. Their body is covered by brutally horrid scars that occasionally erupt in pus if exposed to extreme heat. If they start to suffer, they are helpless for long periods to their infections, it is their hands and faces that continually breakout. For the few who reach higher age and skills, they become immune (Desert Adaption at 6 HD)

They have a strong clan type of organization that welcomes any singular Tuth, but those who join are treated terribly until they prove themselves. Any adult male can be sent out on hunting expeditions that has only one rule - do not come back empty handed. While they use keen tactics to hunt fearsome beasts, they sometimes must rely on raiding towns or caravans to ensure they are not punished or shamed by their clansmen.

They have multiple tactics that they reuse such as rigging a bridge, or stalking a road with pits, they time their attacks when victims will be most disadvantaged. Tuthken are smart enough to scavenge anything that falls into their clutches, often sold again to other raiders, they sometimes make exceptions for weapons or magic. They are often seen trailing caravans, and many experienced desert folk attack these raiders on sight.

When they make contracts they keep their promises. In most instances they are extremely favorable for them. If they believe the other side is not keeping their word, will look for a chance for revenge at an opportune time.

While many stories tell of their dark appetites, fortunately these are mostly jube-tails, told to inspire fear. They attack for profit and slaves are not their preferred spoils; usually they prefer to end fights by letting individuals flee. These nomads never enter the Phastian pyramids scattered throughout the desert except in dangerous times when they have no other option. Their tales tell of horrible monstrosities that if disturbed would bring misery to the world.

Casna : Lord of law, Master of Order, the Eternal Enforcer, Giver and Keeper of Justice

Casna  

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Follower's Alignment: Any non-chaotic

Associated Colour: Purple

Holy Days: Every Month (15 times a year)

Sacrifice: Tithe (20%) or one day of service a month

Familiar Form: Avian (Owl)

Domains: Law, Community, Protection, Nobility

Oaths: Obedience, Loyalty, Minor Faith, Challenge

Priests: usually referred to as Lords or Lawgiver

This force or Ultimate Order is known by many titles: the Lord of law, Master of Order, the Eternal Enforcer. God of Justice; Casna is the force of justice and truth in a cruel unjust land. He is the patron of Sash Knights and others who struggle against chaos and maintain order in remote communities.

Casna is one of the oldest and most well respected gods of the south; his followers can make allies with both ends of good and evil, as long as they obey the laws. He is a fair god, eternally steady as long as order is maintained and everyone is equal under the eyes of the law. He is patron to many orders of monks, also to sash knight and the legion warriors. They stand vigilant; unbending to cries of goodness or to cruelty; they ensure the laws are obeyed regardless of the cost.

Yet, most people knowing the cost of being thrown out of the town are quick to obey the edicts of the law-makers. While cynics say that the laws are obeyed only as long as the Casnian knights are watching, the knights are beholden to their word, knowing that to punish the law-breakers they must catch them. His few wizard followers are almost always urban ones, often experts in matter of law, time and divination. Many of his clerics are assigned to rural areas to maintain peace and good relations with others of the lawful demeanor.

                                                                                                             

The colour purple is greatly associated with this god; and many creatures created to serve the enforcers have this colour for their fur, skin scale or eyes. The two most well-known servants are the purple beholder and purple dragons that are extremely loyal to the faithful. However the most common are the watcher (a purple owl) and a sniffer (psionic weasel) that are continually helping to defend the urban faithful. Priests usually wear purple vestments; while knights commonly use purple shields.

His familiar form is usually the owl; that keeps an ever-present eye on spell-casters who break the law or who unlawfully summon creatures. Few obelisks in urban areas do not have at least a dozen of these animals.

His avatar form is a Sash Knight who comes to fight the forces of chaos. Unlike most other avatars, he is commonly found fighting great threats with the armies from other faiths, especially those of Japeth, Quanna and Keran. Chaos and destruction are the foes Casna and his faithful despise and they will work with other lawful groups to eliminate these threats. During these troubling times, his knights and priests gather to meditate, pray or work to ensure their success.

Casna’s Code

No one is above

The law stands firm

All else means naught

Illusion and fantasy will fail

For Truth is absolute

Justice unbending

Order is the goal

And the method is our trial

Respect & obedience are our tools

Primal - Racial Animal Humanoid

My Primal racial class is a mix of human and animals. I've always thought that lycanthropes are a mixed bag, but this was a way to avoid the whole curse-thing attached to them. These are beasts that are driven to adventure, trying to stay true to both their animalistic natures as well as the adventurer. Were-creatures always have the impending doom of their insatiable hungers and preying on the weak. Primals should be the opposite of that. Yes, they are trying to keep their presence quiet, but they don't represent a threat of carrying a curse.

Primal (Bear)

CR 2
Align: N Humanoid
Init +0; Perception + 5

DEFENSE
AC 14, touch 10, flat-footed 12 (+2 natural)
hp 9 (2d10-2)
Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +3

OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee Short Sword +4 (1d8+2) or Claws +4 (d4+2)

TACTICS
Morale 12

STATISTICS
Str 14, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 9, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +2; CMB 4; CMD 14
Feats Iron Will
Skills Acrobatics +5, Survival +6, Handle Animal +5, Intimidate +5,
Weapons: Short Sword or Dagger (Typical)
Languages Elven & Common

Primals appear as furred humanoid animals, mixing animal traits and physical features with humanoid intelligence. Some foolish urban folk believe these are lycanthropes but were-beasts do not naturally exist on Nyssa. Instead these wild beings inhabit a primal existence. Many exist on the fringes of human society and are spoken of in whispers if at all. Their closest allies are usually rangers or druids, those like themselves that balance both the wild and civilized aspects of their nature.

They have communities in wild places, unknown to all but a few allies. They prefer to live naturally in balance with the land, a majority are hunters or farmers, but some are called on  to action to help protect their homes and kin. Many Elven villages have small numbers of these wild-ones, as they fit into most societies if given a chance.

The four most common primal varieties are listed but others are possible. Their communities are usually consisting of one primal species, but they always harbor any exile, especially their own kin.

Racial Levels

Base 2 HD
Attack and save as rangers of the same level
6 points every level for skill points
+2 to natural AC, track, natural attack ; Plus as noted below.

Tiger: +4 strength, Claws: 1d4 dmg; Racial Modifiers +4 Acrobatics, +4 Stealth
Bear: +2 Strength, +2 Constitution; Claws: 1d4 dmg; Racial Modifiers +4 Perception, +4 Survival
Wolf, +2 Strength, +2 Constitution; Bite 1d4 dmg;  Racial Modifiers +4 Perception, +4 Survival
Rat +4  Dexterity; Immune to Natural Disease; Racial Modifiers +4 Climb +4 Survival

3 HD   Calm Animals; Resist Elements 5; Ferocity
4 HD   Control animals; Evasion, Ability Boost, Beast Shape I
5 HD   Summon Animals (2-4 of their own kind, 3/day); +2 on natural AC; Resist Elements 10
6 HD   Increased Ferocity 2, Ability Boost, Beast Shape II
7 HD   Dominate Non-Intelligent animals & monsters; +2 on natural AC
8 HD   Increased Ferocity 3; SR 10, Ability Boost; Resist Elements 15
9 HD   Beast Shape III; +2 on natural AC, Summon Pack (1/day; 5-15 members)
10 HD  Increased Ferocity 4, Ability Boost; Resist Elements 20

Calm Animals: Able to put animals and other low intelligent creatures at ease with their calming presence, and have them not attack the Primal or their allies. If the Primal or any of their ally takes an aggressive action, the effect is immediately dispelled. If there is an obvious advantage for the attacking side, no saving throw is needed. Otherwise, use Will DC 13+ Wisdom Bonus+ HD of caster to avoid the effect

Ability Boost: +2 to any ability score

Control animals: Able to give a basic command in a language that animals understand that lasts for five founds + one round / level of the Primal. Will DC 14+ Wisdom Bonus+ HD of caster to avoid command

Dominate Non-Intelligent animals & monsters: Give orders to animal and low level creatures. The more the targets understand the primal. the better commands are given. Some are base instructions (stay, help, etc) but much more advanced and detailed orders can be given if they share a language. The effects last for up to 24 hours. Saving Throw: Will DC 16+ Wisdom Bonus+HD of caster

Increased Ferocity
Ferocity Level 1; Gain an extra 1/2 strength damage when using their natural weapons
Ferocity Level 2: Increase base damage to 1d6+ Hit Silver
Ferocity Level 3: Increase base damage to 1d8 Able to hit +1 plus double natural strength bonus
Ferocity Level 4: Increase base damage to 2d6 + Hit +2

Primals are able to either take their natural HD abilities or class levels. Once they take a class level they are unable to increase further in their natural creature levels.

Preferred Classes: Barbarian, Druid, Fighter, Ranger, Rogue or Sorceror

Nyssian Leprechaun

In celebration of the day, the Leprechaun the way I run them in my game world. The biggest difference is that these sprites have found a way to force peace between themselves and others. They still trick anyone, but they do so for fun and not profit. Many evil creatures avoid contact with a Leprechaun, as they know they simply can do no violent action after meeting one.

Nyssian Leprechaun CR 2
XP 600
Any Non-Evil or Non Lawful; Small fey
Init +5; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7

DEFENSE
AC 14, touch 14, flat-footed 11 (+3 Dex, +1 size)
hp 8 (2d6+2)
Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +6
DR 1/cold iron; SR 15

OFFENSE
Speed 20 ft.
Melee club +4 (1d8–1)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 4th; concentration +7)

Spells: Gain +1 to casting level for every level gained
Options: dancing lights, ghost sound (DC 13), invisibility (self only), mage hand, major image (visual and auditory elements only, DC 16), prestidigitation, ventriloquism (DC 14)

STATISTICS
Str 7, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 14, Wis 15, Cha 16 (Typical)
Base Atk +2; CMB –1; CMD 12
Base Feats Improved Initiative, Weapon Finesse
Skills: They gain +1 on every major skill rank every level, +1 on their minor ranks every second level
Major Skills: Any four; Minor any six
Typical skills: Bluff,  Escape Artist,  Knowledge (nature), Knowledge (religion), Perception, Perform (comedy), Perform (dance), Sense Motive, Sleight of Hand , Stealth,
Racial Modifiers +4 Perception, +4 Sleight of Hand
Languages Common, Elven, Halfling, Sylvan, Faerie, Elemental
SQ leprechaun magic

SPECIAL ABILITIES

2nd: Shillelagh (at will), SR 15,
3rd; At will: Choose 3 new minor spells; DR 3; Peace of the Goblet, Gain Feat
4th At will: Choose any 4 new minor spells; Gain +4 (total) to any three ability scores (Dex, Int, Wis, Cha)
5th: Colour Spray; DR 5; Speed 30; Peace of the Path, Gain Feat
6th: Immune to Intoxication or Charms; Gain +4 (total) to any three ability scores (Dex, Int, Wis, Cha)
7th: Fabricate; DR 7; Speed 40; Faerie Peace; Luck (1 / day), Gain Feat
8th: Major Creation, Find Treasure; Peace of the Forest, Gain Feat
9th: Trade Luck (3 / day):  DR 10; Speed 50; Gain +6 (total) to any three ability scores (Dex, Int, Wis, Cha), Gain Feat

Peace of the Goblet: Leprechaun are mischievous creatures, but they are never intentionally cruel. Their peace abilities are sometimes used to trick opponents, but they NEVER cheat or attack someone that even another leprechaun has made a peace pact with. Their initial ability comes into place if they share fare with another traveler and make an offer, if it is accepted, then the leprechaun and their partner(s) are into a non-aggression pact. If their `friend`wishes to  attack or take an aggressive action, they must beat a Will DC 20.  This effect lasts for one day.

Peace of the Path: Like PotG, except the peace pact is extended to anyone that shares a small beneficial action to any other faerie traveler. Warning of weather or pirates, getting out of the way, the smallest act creates a peaceable intent between the leprechaun and other travelers. Their would be foes must beat a Will DC 25 to break the peace.  This effect lasts for one day.

Faerie Peace: Like PotG except it is automatically extended to all faeries, elven folk or those who visit faerie communities. So, while Leprechauns are notorious for their tricks, they are always allies with their faerie kin.

Peace of the Forest: Like Faerie Peace, except this extends to the entire forest. Anyone that is an ally, or that has been helped by elves, cannot take harmful action. This extends to everyone in a group. So if there is even one faerie ally, none would be able to find or deliberately take harmful action; if they try they must beat a Will DC 30.  This effect lasts for one day after the peaceable ally is still in a group.

Luck: Add + 20 on any individual saving throw in the next 12 hours

Trade Luck: Like luck, except they can give individual instances of luck to someone else.  The recipient can wait no more than 24 hours before utilizing this given luck. Most times they give this luck for a favour or gift.

Quanna - High Goddess, Queen of Light, Mistress of Flight, She who Soars

Quanna 

Goddess of Light, Mistress of Flight, Queen of the Gods

Alignment: Lawful Good
Follower's Alignment: Any non-evil
Associated Colour: Gold or Bright Yellow
Holy Days: Every Week
Sacrifice: Tithe (10%) or two hours of service
Familiar Form: Avian (dove)
Domains: Air, Good, Healing, Protection, Sun
Followers: All, Good Aligned people, Tenderfeet, City Folk, Farmers
Rank: Usually called Sisters, Most places only ordain female priestess. Males that are in command position are often Paladins or Knights

The Shining One, the light-bringer, the one holy sun. Her faith is simple and unquestionable, just as the light is. She looks down upon all the mortal children and blesses them with her wisdom, her heat, her light and her glory. Unlike many other faiths, hers does not have a specific focus as the other good holy gods, instead.hers is the center, the ideal, which unites all good aligned beings to a common cause.

Her followers fight evil in all its many forms: injustice, social impropriety, prejudice, and greed. She strives to establish peace and community to all beings, regardless of origin. Yet because of their broad range of activity they rarely fall into the constructs of battle. Often the Quannian preacher will go into an evilly aligned community and talk of peace, harmony and fellowship. Or they may work against unjust laws to rectify a constraint against a particular race. They struggle to defeat enemies without shedding blood, for all beings are children under the sun. And the loss of life is an unhappy, unjoyous act that is to be avoided if possible. This does not mean they are simple pacifists, they understand the danger of leaving oneself open to attacks. The church uses members of all races and professions, including openly professed wizards and thieves in their employ.

Since they operate in so many levels all across the domain, they are also despised by evil; sought out by evil creatures to be executed and tortured. The dark-magi understands what the light means to the people and they will always work against her to dim if not extinguish the light. They fear the hope her faith brings, and the church’s ability to bring all people and all races together to defeat a common foe.

Bright yellow is the colour of her priest’s vestments. They will also use gold, silver, blue and green as their edge. Quannians wear amulets or robes adorned with avians for they believe birds to be blessed, able to get nearer to the heaven, and thus closer to their Queen. Her familiar form is an avian, usually a golden hawk or eagle, flying high above, its shimmer hidden by the glow of the sun itself. It comes toward the faithful to show a true path, straight towards either the sought after foe or a safe haven. Many Wastelander Charr revere the golden dove a symbol of gentle passiveness, always leading the charr towards a sanctuary from the cold.

Her avatar form is usually a devout priest or soldier dressed in chain mail with a shield and mace of honour, always a precursor to battle. They come to give good aligned peoples a chance to prepare. If the foes attack, the avatar will hold off the enemy to give the faithful enough time to prepare their defenses. In fact, a lone cleric approaching a town or spire with a single raven or other carrion circling the rider is seen as an ominous sign of oncoming battle. Quanna is the eye and she sees all and will always give her people time to prepare.

Like many other Nyssian deities, the Quannian faithful do not have an official list of rules they must follow. Instead they have a code that they learn to recite in times of danger; this guides them to make the correct decision. Individuals may interpret the code differently. However as long as they truly and faithfully follow their heart, they are true to their Queen.

Quanna’s Code
The light shines
On all her children
All her equal
All are born to be free
Let no injustice
Fall on any of her children
For you must protect them
As they will protect you
The evil can never overcome
The light and the faith
You have in your hearts
Do good,
In your thoughts, actions and beliefs
And you too will have her blessing