Arcanis Watcher
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Size/Type | Small Magical Beast |
| Hit Dice | 1d10+2 (8 hp) |
| Initiative | +1 |
| Speed | 40 ft. (8 squares) |
| Armor Class | 14 (+1 size, +1 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 13 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +1/-1 |
| Attack | Bite +4 melee (1d6+3) |
| Full Attack | Bite +4 melee (1d6+3) |
| Space/Reach | 5 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks | ― |
| Special Qualities | True sight, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, scent |
| Saves | Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +2 |
| Abilities | Str 14, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 4, Wis 14, Cha 7 |
| Skills | Jump +3, Listen +11, Spot +11, Survival +7* |
| Feats | Alertness |
| Environment | Warm plains |
| Organization | Solitary or pack (5–10) |
| Challenge Rating | 1 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always neutral |
| Advancement | 2–4 HD (Small); 5–8 HD (Medium) |
| Level Adjustment | ― |
Description
This lean creature has dog-like features; a shaggy, multi-hued fur coat; oversized hind legs, and a long, thick tail. It appears keenly observant, with dark, glittering eyes, pointed, twitching ears, and a lengthy snout.
These peculiar creatures were bred by wizards to serve as magical watchdogs. Physically they combine the lower body and tail of a wallaby with the head, neck, and front paws of a wild dog. Their shaggy, mottled fur coat is a mixture of patchy black, brown, yellow, and white markings.
The senses of these creatures are exceptionally keen, being at least the equal of the most successful predatory animals. In addition, they are capable of detecting beings that would normally be concealed by magical means or by their ethereal state.
The arcanis watchers originally served as faithful pets and guardians in the towers of their wizard creators, but in time they were also sold to wealthy merchants and became more widespread.
Intended to serve as domesticated beasts, arcanis watchers generally do not reproduce well in the wilderness and will only thrive in a civilized environment. They breed as marsupials, with the female carrying a single infant in her pouch.
Combat
The arcanis watcher is a faithful and courageous guardian who defends its master with a potent bite. When it becomes aware of a threat it will issue a deep growl then begin barking loudly, often summoning more powerful guardians as a result.
True Sight (Su): This ability is identical with true seeing (caster level 10th) except that it constant and has personal range.
Skills: Arcanis watchers have a +4 racial bonus to Spot and Listen checks. *They have a +4 racial bonus on Survival checks when tracking by scent.
Advanced Benefits
In addition to the standard changes due to Hit Dice advancement, arcanis watchers also gain the following special benefits.
- 2–7 HD ― The racial bonuses to Spot and Listen checks increase to +6.
- 4+ HD ― +2 bonus on saving throws against all mind-affecting effects.
- 6+ HD ― Gain Alarm (Su): An arcanis watcher receives a mental alarm each time a creature of Tiny or larger size approaches within a 20-foot-radius, in a manner identical to the alarm spell. This is a constant ability and can not be dispelled or suppressed.
- 8 HD ― The racial bonuses to Spot and Listen checks increase to +8.
Also in this section of the source
Archfiend
Author: Robert J. Hall.
Existence on the dimensional planes of evil is brutal in the extreme, and none can command there who are not utterly ruthless. The most malicious of these villainous beings rise above the rank and file to find positions of power. These superior representatives of their ilk are rewarded with potent abilities granted by the masters of their plane, allowing these chosen ones to dominate their lessors.
The archfiend is an evil-aligned outsider that has demonstrated the type of dominant traits which please their heinous masters. They have committed countless acts of villainy to achieve their infamous status, and have become the very embodiment of pure and unrepentant evil. Their superior abilities are sufficient to give all but the most powerful of rivals cause for fear. Archfiends always possess an obedient following of lesser creatures to serve their bidding.
Sample Archfiend
This example uses a horned devil that has been advanced to 21 HD as the base creature.