Pyre Wyrm

Description

This creature resembles a giant reptile with a heavy tail and a double row of triangular plates down its back. It has a coal-black hide with a low reddish-orange glow between each of the scales. The orange-hued eyes glare with malice, and yellow flames leak out from the long, fanged jaw.

The pyre wyrm dwells on the fire elemental plane, where over time it has blended the qualities of a dragon with a fire elemental. It is flightless and moves about on four heavy, slightly bent legs. A double row of triangular plates down the back protect it against attack. A pair of small, vestigial wings lie fold across the back, providing additional armor protection.

The pair of horns on the head are used more for display and mating rituals than for attack. Instead the pyre wyrm relies upon its powerful fanged jaws. The breath weapon has atropied into a weaker, but still potent ability to spit burning globules that cling to the flesh and continue to butn for up to a minute.

Pyre wyrms are not particularly intelligent creatures, and spend most of their time hunting prey or guarding their treasure horde. It is none too particular about what it eats, but will avoid cold or water-based life forms. Pyre wyrms can consume both fire elemental beings and more mundane creatures.

Unlike most dragons, a pyre wyrm does not horde precious metals like silver and gold. Instead it prefers to collect precious gems and valuable objects that can withstand extreme heat.

A few pyre wyrms can speak a crude form of Ignan.

Combat

Pyre wyrms charge recklessly into combat, flailing about madly with its fanged mouth, claws, and heavy tail. It only employs its fire spit against creatures that are not native to the plane of fire.

Spit Fire (Ex): Once every 3 rounds, as a ranged touch attack a pyre wyrm can spit a burning globule at a target within 80 feet. On the first round the burning globule deals 4d6 points of fire damage, then an additional 2d6 points of fire damage for the next 2 rounds (Reflex DC 21 half). The targeted creature can remove the burning glob as a full round action. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Heat (Ex): Merely touching or being touched by a pyre wyrm will inflict 1d8 points of fire damage.

Burn (Ex): When a pyre wyrm hits with a bite, claw, or tail lash attack, the opponent must succeed on a DC 21 Reflex save or catch fire. The save DC is Constitution-based. The flame burns for 1d4 rounds if not put out sooner.

Fury (Ex): Whenever a pyre wyrm has been dealt damage, it must succeed on a DC 20 Will save or become enraged for 2d6 rounds. The pyre wyrm gains a +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution, a +1 morale bonus to Will saves, and a -2 penalty to AC. It can not voluntarily end its rage, but is not exhausted once the condition ends.

Skills: A pyre wyrm has a +4 racial bonus on Jump, Listen, and Spot checks.

Advanced Benefits

In addition to the standard changes due to Hit Dice advancement, pyre wyrms also gain the following special benefits.

• The save DC of the spit fire ability is equal to 10 + ½ HD + Constitution modifier.
• The save DC of the burn ability is equal to 10 + ½ HD + Constitution modifier.
• The spit fire inflicts additional damage for 1 round per 4 HD.
• 17+ HD ― The heat ability deals 2d6 points of fire damage.