This week's Crucible takes a look at a new demon to be introduced in the upcoming Dark Words and Dark Sails installment of the Plight of the Tuatha adventure path.
Demons can take on many different roles in a game. They can be sources of corruption, fear, destruction.... most any negative adjective can be used as a source of inspiration for a demons theme. This is a common starting point for demon creation in many of my games. Pick a theme, and the stats sometimes fall right out.
The Oathbreaker Demon is a good example. The theme of "Treachery" was chosen as the guiding influence. This theme provided much grist for the creative mill. After choosing the general guiding theme, the next step was to close in on specific acts of treachery; in this case acting against one's allies on the battlefield.
The result is quite devious.
The Oathbreaker Demon radiates its faults into nearby mortals. Weak-willed heroes set upon by such a creature may find themselves guided towards the same actions that damned the demon to an existence of torment. A theme that, once introduced, may follow a PC for some time in your story.
We at Mór Games would love to hear what you think of this corrupting and vile addition to the ranks of demons. Please email us at imperiumscs@gmail.com or leave a comment below. We always look forward to hearing from you; your thoughts help us create better creatures for the Imperiums Campaign Setting.
Demon, Oathbreaker CR 5
Pale rubbery skin hangs loosely on the humanoid frame of this tortured spirit. The skins thickness gives the figure a bulbous appearance which wobbles grotesquely as the creature staggers forward.
XP 1,600
CE Medium outsider (chaotic, demon, evil, extraplanar)
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +8
Aura Aura of Treachery (20 ft., DC 11)
DEFENSE
AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14 (+4 Dex, +4 natural)
HP 45 (6d10+12)
Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +1
Defensive Abilities DR 3/cold iron or good; Immune electricity, poison; Resist acid 10, cold 10, fire 10; SR 16
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.
Melee slam +11 (2d6+4 plus Loosen Armor), gnashing teeth +7 (1d10+4)
Space 5 ft.; Reach ## ft.
Special Attacks gaze of regret, loosen armor
STATISTICS
Str 19, Dex 18, Con 15, Int 12, Wis 5, Cha 15
Base Atk +6; CMB +10; CMD 24
Feats Deceitful, Great Fortitude, Weapon Focus (fists)
Skills Bluff +13, Knowledge (Choose any one) +10, Knowledge (Planes) +10, Intimidate +11, Perception +8, Sense Motive +5, Stealth +8, Swim +21; Racial Modifiers +8 Swim
Languages Abyssal, Celestial, Draconic, Choose any one humanoid language; telepathy 100 ft.
SQ aura of treachery
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Aura of Treachery (Su): Any target must make a successful Will Save each round they are in the aura or they are unable to provide any aid to their allies for the round. Aid includes healing of any kind, providing bonuses from flanking or aid another, providing equipment to their ally, or other such helpful actions. Targets may still choose targets they wish to attack without hindrance and they may also aid themselves. Targets will not attack their allies while under this influence, the will merely not provide aid.
Gaze of Regret (Su): The gaze of the Oathbreaker Demon evokes a profound sense of regret in its target. This gaze attack has a range of 30 feet and causes its target to make an attack at their highest attack bonus upon an ally this turn or take 2d10 points of damage plus 1d2 points of Wisdom damage. If the target succeeds on a DC 15 Will save they can choose to make the attack or take 1d6 damage and no wisdom damage.
Loosen Armor (Ex): After a successful slam attack, an Oathbreaker Demon will grab onto its target's armor and jerk viciously snapping straps and loosening the pieces of armor. The target of the successful bash must succeed on a DC 12 Reflex save or reduce their armor bonus by -1. Target can be affected by this ability multiple times until their armor bonus is reduced by +1. The armor is not permanently damaged but the target will then need to spend time donning their armor again to regain their normal armor bonus.
An Oathbreaker Demon is a grotesque that few should wish to behold. The thick dead skin upon the punished’s frame appear as though the body has begun decomposing in a watery grave. Tulhesa’s blood still sloshes within this spirits body and is easily heard when the creature moves. Oftentimes even the slightest puncture of the skin will allow gallons of the foul liquid to pour out onto the ground beneath.
Interactions: An Oathbreaker Demon is the spiritual remains of one sent to the plane of Tulhesa as punishment for their treacherous ways. Their torment has reduced most to insanity, begging for the help of any who could end their suffering. They will promise and claim anything to anyone if given the chance to escape or offer of aid. Their nature will reveal itself most quickly however and the Oathbreaker Demon will take the first chance to betray every oath though it would mean their destruction.