Valdeen

Description

A sheet-like apparition resembling a velvety curtain hangs in mid-air, its form held suspended by rapid, fluttering ripples that pass from one side to the other. It has a single solid hue throughout.

This odd creature resembles a fine fabric curtain hanging in mid-air. Ripples constantly flow across its body, giving the appearance of a banner fluttering in the wind. These fluttering motions give the valdeen a depth that the sheet-like form would otherwise lack, although the creature does possess a slight thickness to its body. Overall a valdeen is featureless, but can appear in a variety of darker hues, including crimson, viridian and turquoise.

The valdeen were formed in a dimensional realm quite distinct from our own, where the world possessed unique traits that favored this flying, sheet-like creature. It is a marginally intelligent creature that often gathers in groups of its own kind for reasons that can only be imagined. A valdeen is capable of communicating verbally with other creatures, but its voice sounds like the snapping of a sheet in the wind.

A typical valdeen is six to eight feet in maximum dimension, and weighs about ten to fifteen pounds. They have their own distinct language, and the more intelligent also speak Auran.

Combat

A valdeen rapidly closes and attempts to smother its opponent. They are almost never found alone, and will attack in a coordinated group, seeking to overwhelm opponents and quickly smother spell-using foes first.

Constrict (Ex): A valdeen deals 1d6+2 points of damage with a successful grapple check. In addition, creatures smaller than the valdeen are considered smothered and are unable to breathe. (See suffocation and drowning in the Core Rulebook II.) Constricting uses the entire body, so a valdeen cannot take any move actions when constricting.

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a valdeen must hit with its slam attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can constrict.

Awesome Dodge (Ex): A valdeen can not be flanked, and can react to opponents on either side as easily as it can react to a single attacker. This defense denies a rogue the ability to sneak attack the valdeen by flanking it. In addition, the valdeen gains a +2 Dodge bonus to its Armor Class.

Sheet-like Body (Ex): The body of the valdeen is exceptionally thin. It is affected by a permanent feather fall effect (as the spell) with personal range. When subject to a Bull Rush or a strong wind, treat the valdeen as a creature two size categories smaller. It can squeeze through openings as small as 1 foot by 1 inch.

Skills: Valdeen have a +8 racial bonus on Move Silently checks. When lying stationary against a solid surface, a valdeen gains a +8 racial bonus on Hide checks.

Advanced Benefits

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

• The Dodge bonus to Armor Class is equal to half the number of Hit Dice.
• 7–11 HD ― Fly speed improves to 70 ft.
• 9+ HD ― Damage reduction improves to 10/slashing.
• 12+ HD ― Fly speed improves to 80 ft.

Also in this section of the source

Verge

By Robert J. Hall

In the empty void of pristine vacuum are beings so utterly strange that they can barely be called life forms. Their body exists in a condition entirely different from the environment we understand, as their exterior surface marks a boundary between our world and a mysterious realm ruled by unique laws. Matter, energy, space, and even time are incomprehensibly different within this volume, even assuming that such principles of physics exist within these beings. Yet the periphery of these exotic shapes is fully capable of interacting with our world.

Verge creatures are magically constructed at the boundary between normal space and those exotic realms where alternate rules of existence hold sway. The energies found at the periphery of this discontinuity continually warp and shift in form. On occasion they stabilize into the shapes of common creatures, perhaps responding to latent templates of life energy found in the void. Yet these are clearly unique beings, forming a skin of coruscating energies that constantly shift and change their visual appearance.

These strange beings do not have the same metabolic requirements as mundane life, meaning they have no need to eat, sleep, or breathe. Yet they are highly imitative of the creatures that they duplicate, copying the same behaviors, motivations, and abilities. Verge creatures are also quite capable of learning additional skills, training in combat, gaining unique motivations, and even forming social communities.

Sample Verge Creature

This creature has the appearance of a giant squid, with a sleek form, two huge unblinking eyes, and trailing a massive bundle of tentacles. The body is roughly 30 ft. in length, powerfully muscled, and covered in a dark, glistening hide.

This example uses a kraken as the base creature.