TYPES, SUBTYPES, & SPECIAL ABILITIES
Aberration Type: An aberration has a bizarre anatomy, strange abilities, an alien mindset, or any combination of the three.
Features: An aberration has the following features.
-Good Will saves.
-Skill points equal to (2 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die.
Traits: An aberration possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-Proficient with its
natural weapons. If generally humanoid in form, proficient with all simple weapons and any weapon it is described as using.
-Proficient with whatever type of armor (
light, medium, or heavy) it is described as wearing, as well as all lighter types. Aberrations not indicated as wearing armor are not proficient with armor. Aberrations are proficient with shields if they are proficient with any form of armor.
-Aberrations eat,
sleep, and breathe.
Ability Score Loss (Su): Some attacks reduce the opponent's score in one or more abilities. This loss can be temporary (ability
damage) or permanent (ability drain).
Ability Damage: This attack damages an opponent's ability score. The creature's
descriptive text gives
the ability and the amount of
damage. If an attack that causes ability
damage scores a critical hit, it deals twice the indicated amount of
damage (if the
damage is expressed as a die range, roll two
dice). Ability
damage returns at the rate of 1 point per day for each affected ability.
Ability Drain: This effect permanently reduces a living opponent's ability score when the creature hits with a melee attack. The creature's
descriptive text gives
the ability and the amount drained. If an attack that causes ability drain scores a critical hit, it drains twice the indicated amount (if the
damage is expressed as a die range, roll two
dice). Unless otherwise specified in the creature's description, a draining creature gains 5
temporary hit points (10 on a critical hit) whenever it drains an ability score no matter how many points it drains.
Temporary hit points gained in this fashion last for a maximum of 1 hour.
Some ability drain attacks allow a Fortitude save (DC 10 + 1/2 draining creature's racial HD + draining creature's Cha modifier; the exact DC is given in the creature's
descriptive text). If no
saving throw is mentioned, none is allowed.
Alternate Form (Su): A creature with this special quality has
the ability to assume one or more specific
alternate forms. This ability works much like the
polymorph spell, except that the creature is limited to the forms specified, and does not regain any
hit points for changing its form. Assuming an
alternate form results in the following changes to the creature:
-The creature retains the type and subtype of its original form. It gains the size of its new form.
-The creature retains the special qualities of its original form. It does not gain any special qualities of its new form.
-The creature retains the
spell-like abilities and supernatural attacks of its old form (except for
breath weapons and
gaze attacks). It does not gain the
spell-like abilities or supernatural attacks of its new form.
-The creature gains the physical ability scores (Str, Dex, Con) of its new form. It retains the mental ability scores (Int, Wis, Cha) of its original form.
-The creature retains its
hit points and save bonuses, although its save modifiers may change due to a change in ability scores.
-The creature retains any spellcasting ability it had in its original form, although it must be able to speak intelligibly to cast
spells with verbal components and it must have humanlike hands to cast
spells with somatic components.
-The creature is effectively camouflaged as a creature of its new form, and it gains a +10 bonus on
Disguise checks if it uses this ability to create a
disguise.
Air Subtype: This subtype usually is used for elementals and outsiders with a connection to the
Elemental Plane Air. Air creatures always have
fly speeds and usually have perfect maneuverability.
Angel Subtype: Angels are a race of celestials, or good outsiders, native to the good-aligned Outer Planes.
Traits: An
angel possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
- +4 racial bonus on saves against
poison.
Animal Type: An
animal is a living, nonhuman creature, usually a vertebrate with no magical abilities and no innate capacity for language or culture.
Features: An
animal has the following features (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-Good Fortitude and Reflex saves (certain
animals have different good saves).
-Skill points equal to (2 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die.
Traits: An
animal possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-Intelligence score of 1 or 2 (no creature with an Intelligence score of 3 or higher can be an
animal).
-Proficient with no armor unless trained for war.
Aquatic Subtype: These creatures always have
swim speeds and thus can move in water without making
Swim checks. An aquatic creature can breathe underwater. It cannot also breathe air unless it has the amphibious special quality.
Archon Subtype: Archons are a race of celestials, or good outsiders, native to
lawful good-aligned Outer Planes.
Traits: An
archon possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-Aura of Menace (Su): A righteous aura surrounds archons that fight or get angry. Any hostile creature within a 20-foot radius of an
archon must succeed on a Will save to resist its effects. The save DC varies with the type of
archon, is Charisma-based, and includes a +2 racial bonus. Those who fail take a -2 penalty on attacks, AC, and saves for 24 hours or until they successfully hit the
archon that generated the aura. A creature that has resisted or broken the effect cannot be affected again by the same
archon's aura for 24 hours.
- +4 racial bonus on saves against
poison.
-
Tongues (Su): All archons can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using a
tongues spell (
caster level 14th). This ability is always active.
Augmented Subtype: A creature receives this subtype whenever something happens to change its original type. Some creatures (those with an inherited
template) are born with this subtype; others acquire it when they take on an acquired
template. The
augmented subtype is always paired with the creature's original type. A creature with the
augmented subtype usually has the traits of its current type, but the features of its original type.
Blindsense (Ex): Using nonvisual senses, such as acute smell or hearing, a creature with
blindsense notices things it cannot see. The creature usually does not need to make
Spot or
Listen checks to pinpoint the location of a creature within range of its
blindsense ability, provided that it has line of effect to that creature. Any opponent the creature cannot see still has total
concealment against the creature with
blindsense, and the creature still has the normal miss chance when attacking foes that have
concealment. Visibility still affects the
movement of a creature with
blindsense. A creature with
blindsense is still denied its Dexterity bonus to
Armor Class against attacks from creatures it cannot see.
Blindsight (Ex): This ability is similar to
blindsense, but is far more discerning. Using nonvisual senses, such as sensitivity to vibrations, keen smell, acute hearing, or echolocation, a creature with
blindsight maneuvers and fights as well as a sighted creature.
Invisibility,
darkness, and most kinds of
concealment are irrelevant, though the creature must have line of effect to a creature or object to discern that creature or object.
The ability's range is specified in the creature's
descriptive text. The creature usually does not need to make
Spot or
Listen checks to notice creatures within range of its
blindsight ability. Unless noted otherwise,
blindsight is continuous, and the creature need do nothing to use it. Some forms of
blindsight, however, must be triggered as a
free action. If so, this is noted in the creature's description. If a creature must trigger its
blindsight ability, the creature gains the benefits of
blindsight only during its turn.
Breath Weapon (Su): A
breath weapon attack usually deals
damage and is often based on some type of energy.
Such
breath weapons allow a Reflex save for half
damage (DC 10 + 1/2 breathing creature's racial HD + breathing creature's Con modifier; the exact DC is given in the creature's
descriptive text). A creature is immune to its own
breath weapon unless otherwise noted. Some
breath weapons allow a Fortitude save or a Will save instead of a Reflex save.
Change Shape (Su): A creature with this special quality has
the ability to assume the appearance of a specific creature or type of creature (usually a humanoid), but retains most of its own physical qualities. A creature cannot
change shape to a form more than one size category smaller or larger than its original form. Changing shape results in the following changes to the creature:
-The creature retains the type and subtype of its original form. It gains the size of its new form.
-The creature retains
the ability scores of its original form.
-The creature retains any spellcasting ability it had in its original form, although it must be able to speak intelligibly to cast
spells with verbal components and it must have humanlike hands to cast
spells with somatic components.
-The creature is effectively camouflaged as a creature of its new form, and gains a +10 bonus on
Disguise checks if it uses this ability to create a
disguise.
Chaotic Subtype: A subtype usually applied only to outsiders native to the chaotic-aligned Outer Planes. Most creatures that have this subtype also have chaotic alignments; however, if their alignments change they still retain the subtype. Any effect that depends on
alignment affects a creature with this subtype as if the creature has a chaotic
alignment, no matter what its
alignment actually is. The creature also suffers effects according to its actual
alignment. A creature with the
chaotic subtype overcomes
damage reduction as if its
natural weapons and any weapons it wields were chaotic-aligned (see
Damage Reduction, below).
Cold Subtype: A creature with the
cold subtype has immunity to cold. It has vulnerability to fire, which means it takes half again as much (+50%)
damage as normal from fire, regardless of whether a
saving throw is allowed, or if the save is a success or failure.
Constrict (Ex): A creature with this
special attack can crush an opponent, dealing bludgeoning
damage, after making a successful
grapple check. The amount of
damage is given in the creature's entry. If the creature also has the
improved grab ability it deals constriction
damage in addition to
damage dealt by the weapon used to grab.
Construct Type: A construct is an
animated object or artificially constructed creature.
Features: A construct has the following features.
-Skill points equal to (2 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die, if the construct has an Intelligence score. However, most constructs are
mindless and gain no skill points or feats.
Traits: A construct possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-No Constitution score.
-Immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects).
-Cannot
heal damage on their own, but often can be repaired by exposing them to a certain kind of effect (see the creature's description for details) or through the use of the
Craft Construct feat. A construct with the
fast healing special quality still benefits from that quality.
-Immunity to any effect that requires a Fortitude save (unless the effect also works on objects, or is harmless).
-Not at risk of death from massive
damage. Immediately destroyed when reduced to 0
hit points or less.
-Since it was never alive, a construct cannot be raised or resurrected.
-Because its body is a mass of unliving matter, a construct is hard to destroy. It gains bonus
hit points based on size, as shown on the following table.
|
Construct Size
|
Bonus Hit Points
|
Construct Size
|
Bonus Hit Points
|
| Fine |
-
|
Large |
30
|
| Diminutive |
-
|
Huge |
40
|
| Tiny |
-
|
Gargantuan |
60
|
| Small |
10
|
Colossal |
80
|
| Medium |
20
|
|
|
-Proficient with its
natural weapons only, unless generally humanoid in form, in which case proficient with any weapon mentioned in its entry.
-Proficient with no armor.
-Constructs do not eat,
sleep, or breathe.
Damage Reduction (Ex or Su): A creature with this special quality ignores
damage from most weapons and natural attacks. Wounds
heal immediately, or the weapon bounces off harmlessly (in either case, the opponent knows the attack was ineffective). The creature takes normal
damage from energy attacks (even nonmagical ones),
spells, spell-like abilities, and supernatural abilities. A certain kind of weapon can sometimes
damage the creature normally, as noted below.
The entry indicates the amount of
damage ignored (usually 5 to 15 points) and the type of weapon that negates
the ability.
Some
monsters are vulnerable to piercing, bludgeoning, or slashing
damage.
Some
monsters are vulnerable to certain materials, such as alchemical silver, adamantine, or cold-forged iron. Attacks from weapons that are not made of the correct material have their
damage reduced, even if the weapon has an enhancement bonus.
A few creatures are harmed by more than one kind of weapon. A weapon of either type overcomes this
damage reduction.
A few other creatures require combinations of different types of attacks to overcome their
damage reduction. A weapon must be both types to overcome this
damage reduction. A weapon that is only one type is still subject to
damage reduction.
Dragon Type: A dragon is a reptilelike creature, usually winged, with magical or unusual abilities.
Features: A dragon has the following features.
-Good Fortitude, Reflex, and Will saves.
-Skill points equal to (6 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die.
Traits: A dragon possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in the description of a particular kind).
-Proficient with its
natural weapons only unless humanoid in form (or capable of assuming humanoid form), in which case proficient with all simple weapons and any weapons mentioned in its entry.
-Proficient with no armor.
-Dragons eat,
sleep, and breathe.
Earth Subtype: This subtype usually is used for elementals and outsiders with a connection to the
Elemental Plane of Earth. Earth creatures usually have burrow speeds, and most earth creatures can burrow through solid rock.
Elemental Type: An
elemental is a being composed of one of the four classical elements: air, earth, fire, or water.
Features: An
elemental has the following features.
-Good saves depend on the element: Fortitude (earth, water) or Reflex (air, fire).
-Skill points equal to (2 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die.
Traits: An
elemental possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-Not subject to critical hits or
flanking.
-Unlike most other living creatures, an
elemental does not have a dual nature-its soul and body form one unit. When an
elemental is slain, no soul is set loose.
Spells that restore souls to their bodies, such as
raise dead, reincarnate, and
resurrection, don't work on an
elemental. It takes a different magical effect, such as
limited wish, wish, miracle, or
true resurrection, to restore it to life.
-Proficient with
natural weapons only, unless generally humanoid in form, in which case proficient with all simple weapons and any weapons mentioned in its entry.
-Proficient with whatever type of armor (
light, medium, or heavy) that it is described as wearing, as well as all lighter types. Elementals not indicated as wearing armor are not proficient with armor. Elementals are proficient with shields if they are proficient with any form of armor.
-Elementals do not eat,
sleep, or breathe.
Energy Drain (Su): This attack saps a living opponent's vital energy and happens automatically when a melee or ranged attack hits. Each successful
energy drain bestows one or more negative levels (the creature's description specifies how many). If an attack that includes an
energy drain scores a critical hit, it drains twice the given amount. Unless otherwise specified in the creature's description, a draining creature gains 5
temporary hit points (10 on a critical hit) for each negative level it bestows on an opponent. These
temporary hit points last for a maximum of 1 hour. An affected opponent takes a -1 penalty on all
skill checks and
ability checks,
attack rolls, and
saving throws, and loses one effective level or Hit Die (whenever level is used in a die roll or calculation) for each negative level. A spellcaster loses one spell slot of the highest level of
spells she can cast and (if applicable) one prepared spell of that level; this loss persists until the negative level is removed. Negative levels remain until 24 hours have passed or until they are removed with a spell, such as
restoration. If a negative level is not removed before 24 hours have passed, the affected creature must attempt a Fortitude save (DC 10 + 1/2 draining creature's racial HD + draining creature's Cha modifier; the exact DC is given in the creature's
descriptive text). On a success, the negative level goes away with no
harm to the creature. On a failure, the negative level goes away, but the creature's level is also reduced by one. A separate
saving throw is required for each negative level.
Evil Subtype: A subtype usually applied only to outsiders native to the evil-aligned Outer Planes. Evil outsiders are also called fiends. Most creatures that have this subtype also have evil alignments; however, if their alignments change, they still retain the subtype. Any effect that depends on
alignment affects a creature with this subtype as if the creature has an evil
alignment, no matter what its
alignment actually is. The creature also suffers effects according to its actual
alignment. A creature with the
evil subtype overcomes
damage reduction as if its
natural weapons and any weapons it wields were evil-aligned (see
Damage Reduction, above).
Fast Healing (Ex): A creature with the
fast healing special quality regains
hit points at an exceptionally fast rate, usually 1 or more
hit points per round, as given in the creature's entry. Except where noted here,
fast healing is just like natural healing.
Fast healing does not restore
hit points lost from starvation, thirst, or
suffocation, and it does not allow a creature to regrow lost body parts. Unless otherwise stated, it does not allow lost body parts to be reattached.
Fear (Su or Sp): Fear attacks can have various effects.
Fear Aura (Su): The use of this ability is a
free action. The aura can freeze an opponent (such as a
mummy's despair) or function like the
fear spell. Other effects are possible. A
fear aura is an area effect. The
descriptive text gives the size and kind of area.
If a
fear effect allows a
saving throw, it is a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 fearsome creature's racial HD + creature's Cha modifier; the exact DC is given in the creature's
descriptive text). All
fear attacks are mind-affecting
fear effects.
Fey Type: A fey is a creature with supernatural abilities and connections to nature or to some other force or place. Fey are usually
human-shaped.
Features: A fey has the following features.
-Good Reflex and Will saves.
-Skill points equal to (6 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die.
Traits: A fey possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-Proficient with all simple weapons and any weapons mentioned in its entry.
-Proficient with whatever type of armor (
light, medium, or heavy) that it is described as wearing, as well as all lighter types. Fey not indicated as wearing armor are not proficient with armor. Fey are proficient with shields if they are proficient with any form of armor.
-Fey eat,
sleep, and breathe.
Fire Subtype: A creature with the
fire subtype has immunity to fire. It has vulnerability to cold, which means it takes half again as much (+50%)
damage as normal from cold, regardless of whether a
saving throw is allowed, or if the save is a success or failure.
Flight (Ex or Su): A creature with this ability can cease or resume
flight as a
free action. If
the ability is supernatural, it becomes ineffective in an
antimagic field, and the creature loses its ability to
fly for as long as the antimagic effect persists.
Frightful Presence (Ex): This special quality makes a creature's very presence unsettling to foes. It takes effect automatically when the creature performs some sort of dramatic action (such as charging, attacking, or snarling). Opponents within range who witness the action may become frightened or shaken. Actions required to trigger
the ability are given in the creature's
descriptive text. The range is usually 30 feet, and the duration is usually 5d6 rounds. This ability affects only opponents with fewer Hit
Dice or levels than the creature has. An affected opponent can resist the effects with a successful Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 frightful creature's racial HD + frightful creature's Cha modifier; the exact DC is given in the creature's
descriptive text). An opponent that succeeds on the
saving throw is immune to that same creature's
frightful presence for 24 hours.
Frightful presence is a mind-affecting
fear effect.
Gaze (Su): A
gaze special attack takes effect when opponents look at the creature's eyes. The attack can have almost any sort of effect:
petrification, death, charm, and so on. The typical range is 30 feet, but check the creature's entry for details. The type of
saving throw for a
gaze attack varies, but it is usually a Will or Fortitude save (DC 10 + 1/2 gazing creature's racial HD + gazing creature's Cha modifier; the exact DC is given in the creature's
descriptive text). A successful
saving throw negates the effect. A
monster's
gaze attack is described in abbreviated form in its description. Each opponent within range of a
gaze attack must attempt a
saving throw each round at the beginning of his or her turn in the
initiative order. Only looking directly at a creature with a
gaze attack leaves an opponent vulnerable. Opponents can avoid the need to make the
saving throw by not looking at the creature, in one of two ways.
Averting Eyes: The opponent avoids looking at the creature's face, instead looking at its body, watching its
shadow, tracking it in a reflective surface, and so on. Each round, the opponent has a 50% chance to not need to make a
saving throw against the
gaze attack. The creature with the
gaze attack, however, gains
concealment against that opponent.
Wearing a Blindfold: The opponent cannot see the creature at all (also possible to achieve by turning one's back on the creature or shutting one's eyes). The creature with the
gaze attack gains total
concealment against the opponent.
A creature with a
gaze attack can actively gaze as an attack action by choosing a target within range. That opponent must attempt a
saving throw but can try to avoid this as described above. Thus, it is possible for an opponent to save against a creature's gaze twice during the same round, once before the opponent's action and once during the creature's turn.
Gaze attacks can affect ethereal opponents. A creature is immune to
gaze attacks of others of its kind unless otherwise noted.
Allies of a creature with a
gaze attack might be affected. All the creature's allies are considered to be averting their eyes from the creature with the
gaze attack, and have a 50% chance to not need to make a
saving throw against the
gaze attack each round. The creature also can
veil its eyes, thus negating its gaze ability.
Giant Type: A
giant is a humanoid-shaped creature of great strength, usually of at least Large size.
Features: A
giant has the following features.
-Good Fortitude saves.
-Skill points equal to (2 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die.
Traits: A
giant possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-Proficient with all simple and martial weapons, as well as any
natural weapons.
-Proficient with whatever type of armor (
light, medium or heavy) it is described as wearing, as well as all lighter types. Giants not described as wearing armor are not proficient with armor. Giants are proficient with shields if they are proficient with any form of armor.
-Giants eat,
sleep, and breathe.
Goblinoid Subtype: Goblinoids are
stealthy humanoids who live by hunting and raiding and who all speak
Goblin.
Good Subtype: A subtype usually applied only to outsiders native to the good-aligned Outer Planes. Most creatures that have this subtype also have good alignments; however, if their alignments change, they still retain the subtype. Any effect that depends on
alignment affects a creature with this subtype as if the creature has a good
alignment, no matter what its
alignment actually is. The creature also suffers effects according to its actual
alignment. A creature with the
good subtype overcomes
damage reduction as if its
natural weapons and any weapons it wields were good-aligned (see
Damage Reduction, above).
Humanoid Type: A humanoid usually has two arms, two legs, and one head, or a humanlike torso, arms, and a head. Humanoids have few or no supernatural or extraordinary abilities, but most can speak and usually have well-developed societies. They usually are Small or Medium. Every humanoid creature also has a subtype.
Humanoids with 1 Hit Die exchange the features of their humanoid Hit Die for the class features of a PC or NPC class. Humanoids of this sort are presented as 1st-level warriors, which means that they have average
combat ability and poor
saving throws.
Humanoids with more than 1 Hit Die are the only humanoids who make use of the features of the
humanoid type.
Features: A humanoid has the following features (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-8-sided Hit
Dice, or by character class.
-Good Reflex saves (usually; a humanoid's good save varies).
-Skill points equal to (2 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die, or by character class.
Traits: A humanoid possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-Proficient with all simple weapons, or by character class.
-Proficient with whatever type of armor (
light, medium, or heavy) it is described as wearing, or by character class. If a humanoid does not have a class and wears armor, it is proficient with that type of armor and all lighter types. Humanoids not indicated as wearing armor are not proficient with armor. Humanoids are proficient with shields if they are proficient with any form of armor.
-Humanoids breathe, eat, and
sleep.
Improved Grab (Ex): If a creature with this
special attack hits with a melee weapon (usually a claw or bite attack), it deals normal
damage and attempts to start a
grapple as a
free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. No initial touch attack is required. Unless otherwise noted,
improved grab works only against opponents at least one size category smaller than the creature. The creature has the option to conduct the
grapple normally, or simply use the part of its body it used in the
improved grab to hold the opponent. If it chooses to do the latter, it takes a -20 penalty on
grapple checks, but is not considered grappled itself; the creature does not lose its Dexterity bonus to AC, still threatens an area, and can use its remaining attacks against other opponents. A successful hold does not deal any extra
damage unless the creature also has the
constrict special attack. If the creature does not
constrict, each successful
grapple check it makes during successive rounds automatically deals the
damage indicated for the attack that established the hold. Otherwise, it deals constriction
damage as well (the amount is given in the creature's
descriptive text). When a creature gets a hold after an
improved grab attack, it pulls the opponent into its space. This act does not provoke
attacks of opportunity. It can even move (possibly carrying away the opponent), provided it can drag the opponent's weight.
Incorporeal Subtype: An incorporeal creature has no physical body. It can be harmed only by other incorporeal creatures,
magic weapons or creatures that strike as
magic weapons, and
spells, spell-like abilities, or supernatural abilities. It is immune to all nonmagical attack forms. Even when hit by
spells or
magic weapons, it has a 50% chance to ignore any
damage from a corporeal source (except for positive energy, negative energy, force effects such as
magic missile, or attacks made with
ghost touch weapons). Although it is not a magical attack, holy water can affect incorporeal undead, but a hit with holy water has a 50% chance of not affecting an incorporeal creature.
An incorporeal creature has no natural armor bonus but has a deflection bonus equal to its Charisma bonus (always at least +1, even if the creature's Charisma score does not normally provide a bonus).
An incorporeal creature can enter or pass through solid objects, but must remain adjacent to the object's exterior, and so cannot pass entirely through an object whose space is larger than its own. It can sense the presence of creatures or objects within a square adjacent to its current location, but enemies have total
concealment (50% miss chance) from an incorporeal creature that is inside an object. In order to see farther from the object it is in and attack normally, the incorporeal creature must emerge. An incorporeal creature inside an object has total
cover, but when it attacks a creature outside the object it only has
cover, so a creature outside with a readied action could strike at it as it attacks. An incorporeal creature cannot pass through a force effect.
An incorporeal creature's attacks pass through (ignore) natural armor, armor, and shields, although deflection bonuses and force effects (such as
mage armor) work normally against it. Incorporeal creatures pass through and operate in water as easily as they do in air. Incorporeal creatures cannot fall or take
falling damage. Incorporeal creatures cannot make
trip or
grapple attacks, nor can they be tripped or grappled. In fact, they cannot take any physical action that would move or manipulate an opponent or its equipment, nor are they subject to such actions. Incorporeal creatures have no weight and do not set off
traps that are triggered by weight.
An incorporeal creature moves silently and cannot be heard with
Listen checks if it doesn't
wish to be. It has no Strength score, so its Dexterity modifier applies to both its melee attacks and its ranged attacks. Nonvisual senses, such as
scent and
blindsight, are either ineffective or only partly effective with regard to incorporeal creatures. Incorporeal creatures have an innate sense of direction and can move at full
speed even when they cannot see.
Lawful: A subtype usually applied only to outsiders native to the
lawful-aligned Outer Planes. Most creatures that have this subtype also have
lawful alignments; however, if their alignments change, they still retain the subtype. Any effect that depends on
alignment affects a creature with this subtype as if the creature has a
lawful alignment, no matter what its
alignment actually is. The creature also suffers effects according to its actual
alignment. A creature with the
lawful subtype overcomes
damage reduction as if its
natural weapons and any weapons it wields were
lawful-aligned (see
Damage Reduction, above).
Magical Beast Type: Magical beasts are similar to
animals but can have Intelligence scores higher than 2. Magical beasts usually have supernatural or extraordinary abilities, but sometimes are merely bizarre in appearance or habits.
Features: A magical beast has the following features.
-Good Fortitude and Reflex saves.
-Skill points equal to (2 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die.
Traits: A magical beast possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-Proficient with no armor.
-Magical beasts eat,
sleep, and breathe.
Manufactured Weapons: Some
monsters employ
manufactured weapons when they attack. Creatures that use swords, bows, spears, and the like follow the same rules as characters, including those for additional attacks from a high base
attack bonus and
two-weapon fighting penalties. This category also includes "found items," such as rocks and logs, that a creature wields in
combat- in essence, any weapon that is not intrinsic to the creature.
Some creatures combine attacks with natural and
manufactured weapons when they make a full attack. When they do so, the
manufactured weapon attack is considered the primary attack unless the creature's description indicates otherwise and any
natural weapons the creature also uses are considered secondary natural attacks. These secondary attacks do not interfere with the primary attack as attacking with an off-hand weapon does, but they take the usual -5 penalty (or -2 with the
Multiattack feat) for such attacks, even if the
natural weapon used is normally the creature's primary
natural weapon.
Monstrous Humanoid Type: Monstrous humanoids are similar to humanoids, but with monstrous or animalistic features. They often have magical abilities as well.
Features: A monstrous humanoid has the following features.
-Good Reflex and Will saves.
-Skill points equal to (2 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die.
Traits: A monstrous humanoid possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-Proficient with all simple weapons and any weapons mentioned in its entry.
-Proficient with whatever type of armor (
light, medium, or heavy) it is described as wearing, as well as all lighter types. Monstrous humanoids not indicated as wearing armor are not proficient with armor. Monstrous humanoids are proficient with shields if they are proficient with any form of armor.
-Monstrous humanoids eat,
sleep, and breathe.
Movement Modes: Creatures may have modes of
movement other than walking and running. These are natural, not magical, unless specifically noted in a
monster description.
Burrow: A creature with a burrow
speed can tunnel through dirt, but not through rock unless the
descriptive text says otherwise. Creatures cannot
charge or
run while burrowing. Most burrowing creatures do not leave behind tunnels other creatures can use (either because the material they tunnel through fills in behind them or because they do not actually dislocate any material when burrowing); see the individual creature descriptions for details.
Climb: A creature with a
climb speed has a +8 racial bonus on all
Climb checks. The creature must make a
Climb check to
climb any
wall or slope with a DC of more than 0, but it always can choose to take 10 even if rushed or threatened while climbing. The creature climbs at the given
speed while climbing. If it chooses an accelerated
climb it moves at double the given
climb speed (or its base land
speed, whichever is lower) and makes a single
Climb check at a -5 penalty. Creatures cannot
run while climbing. A creature retains its Dexterity bonus to
Armor Class (if any) while climbing, and opponents get no special bonus on their attacks against a climbing creature.
Fly: A creature with a
fly speed can move through the air at the indicated
speed if carrying no more than a
light load. (Note that medium armor does not necessarily constitute a medium load.) All
fly speeds include a parenthetical note indicating maneuverability, as follows:
-Perfect: The creature can
perform almost any aerial maneuver it wishes. It moves through the air as well as a
human moves over smooth ground.
-Good: The creature is very
agile in the air (like a housefly or a hummingbird), but cannot change direction as readily as those with perfect maneuverability.
-Average: The creature can
fly as adroitly as a small bird.
-Poor: The creature flies as well as a very large bird.
-Clumsy: The creature can barely maneuver at all.
A creature that flies can make dive attacks. A dive attack works just like a
charge, but the diving creature must move a minimum of 30 feet and descend at least 10 feet. It can make only claw or talon attacks, but these deal double
damage. A creature can use the
run action while flying, provided it flies in a straight line.
Swim: A creature with a
swim speed can move through water at its
swim speed without making
Swim checks. It has a +8 racial bonus on any
Swim check to
perform some special action or avoid a hazard. The creature can always can choose to take 10 on a
Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. The creature can use the
run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line.
Native Subtype: A subtype applied only to outsiders. These creatures have mortal ancestors or a strong connection to
the Material Plane and can be raised, reincarnated, or resurrected just as other living creatures can be. Creatures with this subtype are native to
the Material Plane (hence the subtype's name). Unlike true outsiders, native outsiders need to eat and
sleep.
Natural Weapons: Natural weapons are weapons that are physically a part of a creature. A creature making a melee attack with a
natural weapon is considered armed and does not provoke
attacks of opportunity. Likewise, it threatens any space it can reach. Creatures do not receive additional attacks from a high base
attack bonus when using
natural weapons. The number of attacks a creature can make with its
natural weapons depends on the type of the attack-generally, a creature can make one bite attack, one attack per claw or tentacle, one gore attack, one sting attack, or one slam attack (although Large creatures with arms or arm-like limbs can make a slam attack with each arm). Refer to the individual
monster descriptions.
When a creature has more than one
natural weapon, one of them (or sometimes a pair or set of them) is the primary weapon. All the creature's remaining
natural weapons are secondary.
The primary weapon is given in the creature's Attack entry, and the primary weapon or weapons is given first in the creature's Full Attack entry. A creature's primary
natural weapon is its most effective natural attack, usually by
virtue of the creature's physiology, training, or innate talent with the weapon. An attack with a primary
natural weapon uses the creature's full
attack bonus. Attacks with secondary
natural weapons are less effective and are made with a -5 penalty on the
attack roll, no matter how many there are. (Creatures with the
Multiattack feat take only a -2 penalty on secondary attacks.) This penalty applies even when the creature makes a single attack with the secondary weapon as part of the attack action or as an attack of opportunity.
Natural weapons have types just as other weapons do. The most common are summarized below.
Bite: The creature attacks with its mouth, dealing piercing, slashing, and bludgeoning
damage.
Claw or Talon: The creature rips with a sharp appendage, dealing piercing and slashing
damage.
Gore: The creature spears the opponent with an antler, horn, or similar appendage, dealing piercing
damage.
Slap or Slam: The creature batters opponents with an appendage, dealing bludgeoning
damage.
Tentacle: The creature flails at opponents with a powerful tentacle, dealing bludgeoning (and sometimes slashing)
damage.
Nonabilities: Some creatures lack certain ability scores. These creatures do not have an ability score of 0-they lack
the ability altogether. The modifier for a nonability is +0. Other effects of
nonabilities are detailed below.
Strength: Any creature that can physically manipulate other objects has at least 1 point of Strength. A creature with no Strength score can't exert force, usually because it has no physical body or because it doesn't move. The creature automatically fails Strength checks. If the creature can attack, it applies its Dexterity modifier to its base
attack bonus instead of a Strength modifier.
Dexterity: Any creature that can move has at least 1 point of Dexterity. A creature with no Dexterity score can't move. If it can
perform actions (such as
casting spells), it applies its Intelligence modifier to
initiative checks instead of a Dexterity modifier. The creature automatically fails Reflex saves and Dexterity checks.
Constitution: Any living creature has at least 1 point of Constitution. A creature with no Constitution has no body or no metabolism. It is immune to any effect that requires a Fortitude save unless the effect works on objects or is harmless. The creature is also immune to ability
damage, ability drain, and
energy drain, and automatically fails Constitution checks. A creature with no Constitution cannot tire and thus can
run indefinitely without tiring (unless the creature's description says it cannot
run).
Intelligence: Any creature that can think, learn, or remember has at least 1 point of Intelligence. A creature with no Intelligence score is
mindless, an automaton operating on simple instincts or programmed instructions. It has immunity to mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects) and automatically fails Intelligence checks.
Mindless creatures do not gain feats or skills, although they may have bonus feats or racial skill bonuses.
Wisdom: Any creature that can perceive its environment in any fashion has at least 1 point of Wisdom. Anything with no Wisdom score is an object, not a creature. Anything without a Wisdom score also has no Charisma score.
Charisma: Any creature capable of telling the difference between itself and things that are not itself has at least 1 point of Charisma. Anything with no Charisma score is an object, not a creature. Anything without a Charisma score also has no Wisdom score.
Ooze Type: An
ooze is an amorphous or mutable creature, usually
mindless.
Features: An
ooze has the following features.
-Skill points equal to (2 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die, if the
ooze has an Intelligence score. However, most oozes are
mindless and gain no skill points or feats.
Traits: An
ooze possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-
Mindless: No Intelligence score, and immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects).
-Blind (but have the
blindsight special quality), with immunity to
gaze attacks, visual effects, illusions, and other attack forms that rely on sight.
-Some oozes have
the ability to deal acid
damage to objects. In such a case, the amount of
damage is equal to 10 + 1/2
ooze's HD +
ooze's Con modifier per full round of contact.
-Not subject to critical hits or
flanking.
-Proficient with no armor.
-Oozes eat and breathe, but do not
sleep.
Outsider Type: An outsider is at least partially composed of the essence (but not necessarily the material) of some plane other than
the Material Plane. Some creatures start out as some other type and become outsiders when they attain a higher (or lower) state of spiritual existence.
Features: An outsider has the following features.
-Good Fortitude, Reflex, and Will saves.
-Skill points equal to (8 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die.
Traits: An outsider possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-Unlike most other living creatures, an outsider does not have a dual nature-its soul and body form one unit. When an outsider is slain, no soul is set loose.
Spells that restore souls to their bodies, such as
raise dead, reincarnate, and
resurrection, don't work on an outsider. It takes a different magical effect, such as
limited wish, wish, miracle, or
true resurrection to restore it to life. An outsider with the
native subtype can be raised, reincarnated, or resurrected just as other living creatures can be.
-Proficient with all simple and martial weapons and any weapons mentioned in its entry.
-Proficient with whatever type of armor (
light, medium, or heavy) it is described as wearing, as well as all lighter types. Outsiders not indicated as wearing armor are not proficient with armor. Outsiders are proficient with shields if they are proficient with any form of armor.
-Outsiders breathe, but do not need to eat or
sleep (although they can do so if they
wish). Native outsiders breathe, eat, and
sleep.
Paralysis (Ex or Su): This
special attack renders the victim immobile. Paralyzed creatures cannot move, speak, or take any physical actions. The creature is rooted to the
spot, frozen and helpless.
Paralysis works on the body, and a character can usually resist it with a Fortitude
saving throw (the DC is given in the creature's description). Unlike
hold person and similar effects, a
paralysis effect does not allow a new save each round. A winged creature flying in the air at the time that it is paralyzed cannot flap its wings and falls. A swimmer can't
swim and may drown.
Plant Type: This type comprises vegetable creatures. Note that regular plants, such as one finds growing in gardens and fields, lack Wisdom and Charisma scores (see
Nonabilities, above) and are not creatures, but objects, even though they are alive.
Features: A plant creature has the following features.
-Good Fortitude saves.
-Skill points equal to (2 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die, if the plant creature has an Intelligence score. However, some plant creatures are
mindless and gain no skill points or feats.
Traits: A plant creature possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-Immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects).
-Not subject to critical hits.
-Proficient with no armor.
-Plants breathe and eat, but do not
sleep.
Poison (Ex): Poison attacks deal initial
damage, such as ability
damage (see page 305) or some other effect, to the opponent on a failed Fortitude save. Unless otherwise noted, another
saving throw is required 1 minute later (regardless of the first save's result) to avoid secondary
damage. A creature's
descriptive text provides the details.
A creature with a
poison attack is immune to its own
poison and the
poison of others of its kind.
The Fortitude save DC against a
poison attack is equal to 10 + 1/2 poisoning creature's racial HD + poisoning creature's Con modifier (the exact DC is given in the creature's
descriptive text).
A successful save avoids (negates) the
damage.
Pounce (Ex): When a creature with this
special attack makes a
charge, it can follow with a full attack-including
rake attacks if the creature also has the
rake ability.
Powerful Charge (Ex): When a creature with this
special attack makes a
charge, its attack deals extra
damage in addition to the normal benefits and hazards of a
charge. The amount of
damage from the attack is given in the creature's description.
Psionics (Sp): These are
spell-like abilities that a creature generates with the power of its mind.
Psionic abilities are usually usable at will.
Rake (Ex): A creature with this
special attack gains extra natural attacks when it grapples its foe. Normally, a
monster can attack with only one of its
natural weapons while grappling, but a
monster with the
rake ability usually gains two additional claw attacks that it can use only against a grappled foe.
Rake attacks are not subject to the usual -4 penalty for attacking with a
natural weapon in a
grapple.
Regeneration (Ex): A creature with this ability is difficult to kill.
Damage dealt to the creature is treated as
nonlethal damage. The creature automatically heals
nonlethal damage at a fixed rate per round, as given in the entry. Certain attack forms, typically fire and acid, deal lethal damage to the creature, which doesn't go away. The creature's
descriptive text describes the details. A regenerating creature that has been rendered unconscious through
nonlethal damage can be killed with a coup de grace. The attack cannot be of a type that automatically converts to
nonlethal damage.
A creature must have a Constitution score to have the
regeneration ability.
Reptilian Subtype: These creatures are scaly and usually coldblooded. The
reptilian subtype is only used to describe a set of humanoid races, not all
animals and
monsters that are truly reptiles.
Resistance to Energy (Ex): A creature with this special quality ignores some
damage of the indicated type each time it takes
damage of that kind (commonly acid, cold, fire, or electricity). The entry indicates the amount and type of
damage ignored.
Scent (Ex): This special quality allows a creature to detect approaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and
track by sense of smell. Creatures with the
scent ability can
identify familiar odors just as
humans do familiar sights.
The creature can detect opponents within 30 feet by sense of smell. If the opponent is upwind, the range increases to 60 feet; if downwind, it drops to 15 feet. Strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, can be detected at twice the ranges noted above. Overpowering scents, such as skunk musk or
troglodyte stench, can be detected at triple normal range.
When a creature detects a
scent, the exact location of the source is not revealed-only its presence somewhere within range. The creature can take a
move action to note the direction of the
scent.
Whenever the creature comes within 5 feet of the source, the creature pinpoints the source's location.
A creature with the
Track feat and the
scent ability can follow tracks by smell, making a Wisdom (or
Survival) check to find or follow a
track. The typical DC for a fresh trail is 10 (no matter what kind of surface holds the
scent). This DC increases or decreases depending on how strong the quarry's odor is, the number of creatures, and the
age of the trail. For each hour that the trail is cold, the DC increases by 2.
The ability otherwise follows the rules for the
Track feat. Creatures tracking by
scent ignore the effects of surface
conditions and poor visibility.
Traits: A shapechanger possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-Proficient with its
natural weapons, with simple weapons, and with any weapons mentioned in the creature's description.
-Proficient with any armor mentioned in the creature's description, as well as all lighter forms. If no form of armor is mentioned, the shapechanger is not proficient with armor. A shapechanger is proficient with shields if it is proficient with any type of armor.
Sonic Attacks (Su): Unless otherwise noted, a
sonic attack follows the rules for spreads. The range of the spread is measured from the creature using the
sonic attack. Once a
sonic attack has taken effect, deafening the subject or stopping its ears does not end the effect. Stopping one's ears ahead of time allows opponents to avoid having to make
saving throws against mind-affecting
sonic attacks, but not other kinds of
sonic attacks (such as those that deal
damage). Stopping one's ears is a
full-round action and requires wax or other soundproof material to stuff into the ears.
Special Abilities: A
special ability is either extraordinary (Ex),
spell-like (Sp), or supernatural (Su).
Extraordinary: Extraordinary abilities are nonmagical, don't become ineffective in an
antimagic field, and are not subject to any effect that disrupts magic. Using an extraordinary ability is a
free action unless otherwise noted.
A
spell-like ability usually has a limit on how often it can be used. A
spell-like ability that can be used at will has no use limit. Using a
spell-like ability is a
standard action unless noted otherwise, and doing so while threatened provokes
attacks of opportunity. It is possible to make a
Concentration check to use a
spell-like ability defensively and avoid provoking an attack of opportunity, just as when casting a
spell. A
spell-like ability can be disrupted just as a
spell can be.
Spell-like abilities cannot be used to
counterspell, nor can they be counterspelled.
For creatures with
spell-like abilities, a designated
caster level defines how difficult it is to dispel their
spell-like effects and to define any level-dependent variables (such as range and duration)
the abilities might have. The creature's
caster level never affects which
spell-like abilities the creature has; sometimes the given
caster level is lower than the level a spellcasting character would need to cast the
spell of the same name. If no
caster level is specified, the
caster level is equal to the creature's Hit
Dice. The
saving throw (if any) against a
spell-like ability is 10 + the level of the
spell the ability resembles or duplicates + the creature's Cha modifier.
Supernatural: Supernatural abilities are magical and go away in an
antimagic field but are not subject to
spell resistance. Supernatural abilities cannot be dispelled. Using a supernatural ability is a
standard action unless noted otherwise. Supernatural abilities may have a use limit or be usable at will, just like spell-like abilities. However, supernatural abilities do not provoke
attacks of opportunity and never require
Concentration checks. Unless otherwise noted, a supernatural ability has an effective
caster level equal to the creature's Hit
Dice. The
saving throw (if any) against a supernatural ability is 10 + 1/2 the creature's HD + the creature's
ability modifier (usually Charisma).
Spells: Sometimes a creature can cast arcane or
divine spells just as a member of a spellcasting class can (and can activate magic items accordingly). Such creatures are subject to the same spellcasting rules that characters are, except as follows.
A spellcasting creature that lacks hands or arms can provide any somatic component a spell might require by moving its body. Such a creature also does need material components for its
spells. The creature can cast the spell by either touching the required component (but not if the component is in another creature's possession) or having the required component on its person. Sometimes spellcasting creatures utilize the
Eschew Materials feat to avoid fussing with noncostly components.
A spellcasting creature is not actually a member of a class unless its entry says so, and it does not gain any class abilities. A creature with access to
cleric spells must prepare them in the normal manner and receives domain
spells if noted, but it does not receive domain granted powers unless it has at least one level in the
cleric class.
Summon
(Sp): A creature with the
summon ability can summon specific other creatures of its kind much as though casting a
summon monster spell, but it usually has only a limited chance of success (as specified in the creature's entry). Roll d%: On a failure, no creature answers the summons. Summoned creatures automatically return whence they came after 1 hour. A creature that has just been summoned cannot use its own summon ability for 1 hour. Most creatures with
the ability to summon do not use it lightly, since it leaves them beholden to the summoned creature. In general, they use it only when necessary to save their own lives. An appropriate
spell level is given for each summoning ability for purposes of
Concentration checks and attempts to dispel the summoned creature. No experience points are awarded for summoned
monsters.
Swallow Whole (Ex): If a creature with this
special attack begins its turn with an opponent held in its mouth (see
Improved Grab), it can attempt a new
grapple check (as though attempting to pin the opponent). If it succeeds, it swallows its prey, and the opponent takes bite
damage. Unless otherwise noted, the opponent can be up to one size category smaller than the swallowing creature. Being swallowed has various consequences, depending on the creature doing the swallowing. A swallowed creature is considered to be grappled, while the creature that did the swallowing is not. A swallowed creature can try to cut its way free with any
light slashing or piercing weapon (the amount of cutting
damage required to get free is noted in the creature description), or it can just try to escape the
grapple. The
Armor Class of the interior of a creature that swallows whole is normally 10 + 1/2 its natural armor bonus, with no modifiers for size or Dexterity. If the swallowed creature escapes the
grapple, success puts it back in the attacker's mouth, where it may be bitten or swallowed again.
Swarm Subtype: A
swarm is a collection of Fine, Diminutive, or Tiny creatures that acts as a single creature. A
swarm has the characteristics of its type, except as noted here. A
swarm has a single pool of Hit
Dice and
hit points, a single
initiative modifier, a single
speed, and a single
Armor Class. A
swarm makes
saving throws as a single creature. A single
swarm occupies a square (if it is made up of nonflying creatures) or a cube (of flying creatures) 10 feet on a side, but its reach is 0 feet, like its component creatures. In order to attack, it moves into an opponent's space, which provokes an
attack of opportunity. It can occupy the same space as a creature of any size, since it crawls all over its prey. A
swarm can move through squares occupied by enemies and vice versa without impediment, although the
swarm provokes an
attack of opportunity if it does so. A
swarm can move through cracks or holes large enough for its component creatures.
A
swarm of Tiny creatures consists of 300 nonflying creatures or 1,000 flying creatures. A
swarm of Diminutive creatures consists of 1,500 nonflying creatures or 5,000 flying creatures. A
swarm of Fine creatures consists of 10,000 creatures, whether they are flying or not. Swarms of nonflying creatures include many more creatures than could normally fit in a 10-foot square based on their normal space, because creatures in a
swarm are packed tightly together and generally crawl over each other and their prey when moving or attacking. Larger swarms are represented by multiples of single swarms. The area occupied by a large
swarm is completely shapeable, though the
swarm usually remains in contiguous squares.
Traits: A
swarm has no clear front or back and no discernable anatomy, so it is not subject to critical hits or
flanking. A
swarm made up of Tiny creatures takes half
damage from slashing and piercing weapons. A
swarm composed of Fine or Diminutive creatures is immune to all weapon
damage. Reducing a
swarm to 0
hit points or lower causes it to break up, though
damage taken until that point does not degrade its ability to attack or resist attack. Swarms are never staggered or reduced to a dying state by
damage. Also, they cannot be tripped, grappled, or bull rushed, and they cannot
grapple an opponent.
A
swarm is immune to any spell or effect that targets a specific number of creatures (including single-target
spells such as
disintegrate), with the exception of mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects) if the
swarm has an Intelligence score and a hive mind. A
swarm takes half again as much
damage (+50%) from
spells or effects that affect an area, such as splash weapons and many evocation
spells.
Swarms made up of Diminutive or Fine creatures are susceptible to high winds such as that created by a
gust of wind spell. For purposes of determining the effects of wind on a
swarm, treat the
swarm as a creature of the same size as its constituent creatures. A
swarm rendered unconscious by means of
nonlethal damage becomes disorganized and dispersed, and does not reform until its
hit points exceed its
nonlethal damage.
|
Swarm HD
|
Swarm Base Damage
|
| 1-5 |
1d6
|
| 6-10 |
2d6
|
| 11-15 |
3d6
|
| 16-20 |
4d6
|
| 21 or more |
5d6
|
Swarms do not threaten creatures in their square, and do not make
attacks of opportunity with their
swarm attack. However, they distract foes whose squares they occupy, as described below.
Telepathy (Su): A creature with this ability can communicate telepathically with any other creature within a certain range (specified in the creature's entry, usually 100 feet) that has a language. It is possible to address multiple creatures at once telepathically, although maintaining a telepathic conversation with more than one creature at a time is just as difficult as simultaneously speaking and listening to multiple people at the same time.
Some creatures have a limited form of
telepathy, while others have a more powerful form of
the ability.
Trample (Ex): As a
full-round action, a creature with this
special attack can move up to twice its
speed and literally
run over any opponents at least one size category smaller than itself. The creature merely has to move over the opponents in its path; any creature whose space is completely covered by the trampling creature's space is subject to the
trample attack. If a target's space is larger than 5 feet, it is only considered trampled if the trampling creature moves over all the squares it occupies. If the trampling creature moves over only some of a target's space, the target can make an
attack of opportunity against the trampling creature at a -4 penalty. A trampling creature that accidentally ends its
movement in an illegal space returns to the last legal position it occupied, or the closest legal position, if there's a legal position that's closer.
The save DC against a creature's
trample attack is 10 + 1/2 creature's HD + creature's Str modifier (the exact DC is given in the creature's
descriptive text). A trampling creature can only deal trampling
damage to each target once per round, no matter how many times its
movement takes it over a target creature.
Tremorsense (Ex): A creature with
tremorsense is sensitive to vibrations in the ground and can automatically pinpoint the location of anything that is in contact with the ground. Aquatic creatures with
tremorsense can also sense the location of creatures moving through water.
The ability's range is specified in the creature's
descriptive text.
Treasure: This entry in a
monster description describes how much wealth a creature owns. In most cases, a creature keeps valuables in its home or lair and has no
treasure with it when it travels. Intelligent creatures that own useful, portable
treasure (such as magic items) tend to carry and use these, leaving bulky items at home.
Treasure can include
coins, goods, and items. Creatures can have varying amounts of each, as follows.
Standard: Refer to the
treasure tables
and roll d% once for each type of
treasure (
Coins, Goods, Items) on the Level section of the table that corresponds to the creature's Challenge Rating (for groups of creatures, use the Encounter Level for the encounter instead). Some creatures have double, triple, or even quadruple standard
treasure; in these cases, roll for each type of
treasure two, three, or four times.
None: The creature collects no
treasure of its own.
Nonstandard: Some creatures have quirks or habits that affect the types of
treasure they collect. These creatures use the same
treasure tables, but with special adjustments.
Fractional Coins: Roll on the
Coins column in the section corresponding to the creature's Challenge Rating, but divide the result as indicated.
% Goods or Items: The creature has goods or items only some of the time. Before checking for goods or items, roll d% against the given percentage. On a success, make a normal roll on the appropriate Goods or Items column (which may still result in no goods or items).
Double Goods or Items: Roll twice on the appropriate Goods or Items column.
Parenthetical Notes: Some entries for goods or items include notes that limit the types of
treasure a creature collects.
When a note includes the word "no," it means the creature does not collect or cannot keep that thing. If a random roll generates such a result, treat the result as "none" instead.
When a note includes the word "only," the creature goes out of its way to collect
treasure of the indicated type. Treat all results from that column as the indicated type of
treasure.
It's sometimes necessary to reroll until the right sort of item appears.
Turn Resistance (Ex): A creature with this special quality (usually an undead) is less easily affected by
clerics or paladins. When resolving a turn, rebuke,
command, or bolster attempt, add the indicated number to the creature's Hit
Dice total.
Undead Type: Undead are once-living creatures animated by spiritual or supernatural forces.
Features: An undead creature has the following features.
-Good Will saves.
-Skill points equal to (4 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die, if the undead creature has an Intelligence score. However, many undead are
mindless and gain no skill points or feats.
Traits: An undead creature possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-No Constitution score.
-Immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects).
-Not subject to critical hits,
nonlethal damage, ability drain, or
energy drain. Immune to damage to its physical ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution), as well as to fatigue and exhaustion effects.
-Cannot
heal damage on its own if it has no Intelligence score, although it can be healed. Negative energy (such as an
inflict spell) can
heal undead creatures. The
fast healing special quality works regardless of the creature's Intelligence score.
-Immunity to any effect that requires a Fortitude save (unless the effect also works on objects or is harmless).
-Not at risk of death from massive
damage, but when reduced to 0
hit points or less, it is immediately destroyed.
-Proficient with its
natural weapons, all simple weapons, and any weapons mentioned in its entry.
-Proficient with whatever type of armor (
light, medium, or heavy) it is described as wearing, as well as all lighter types. Undead not indicated as wearing armor are not proficient with armor. Undead are proficient with shields if they are proficient with any form of armor.
-Undead do not breathe, eat, or
sleep.
Vermin Type: This type includes insects, arachnids, other arthropods, worms, and similar invertebrates.
Features:
Vermin have the following features.
-Good Fortitude saves.
-Skill points equal to (2 + Int modifier, minimum 1) per Hit Die, with quadruple skill points for the first Hit Die, if the
vermin has an Intelligence score. However, most
vermin are
mindless and gain no skill points or feats.
Traits:
Vermin possess the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).
-
Mindless: No Intelligence score, and immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects).
-Proficient with no armor.
Vulnerability to Energy: Some creatures have vulnerability to a certain kind of energy effect (typically either cold or fire). Such a creature takes half again as much (+50%)
damage as normal from the effect, regardless of whether a
saving throw is allowed, or if the save is a success or failure.
Water Subtype: This subtype usually is used for elementals and outsiders with a connection to the
Elemental Plane of Water. Creatures with the
water subtype always have
swim speeds and can move in water without making
Swim checks. A water creature can breathe underwater and usually can breathe air as well.