Moonbeast (3pp)

Moonbeast CR 2

An unnatural scent invades your nostrils as a cluster of pink, wormlike sensory tendrils writhes from the nose of this hefty, eyeless, gray toad-like being. It tastes the air, making tiny sucking sounds that leave you simultaneously terrified and nauseous.

XP 600
CE Medium aberration
Init +5; Senses blindsight 30 ft., darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +8

DEFENSE

AC 14, touch 11, flat-footed 13 (+1 Dex, +3 natural)
hp 19 (3d8+6)
Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +5
Defensive Abilities amorphous; DR 5/slashing; Immune cold

OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft.
Melee mwk spear +6 (1d8+4/x3)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 2nd; concentration +7)

3/daycause fear (DC 12)
1/daymage armor, daze monster (DC 13), detect thoughts (DC 13)

STATISTICS

Str 16, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 15, Cha 13
Base Atk +2; CMB +5; CMD 16
Feats Improved Initiative, Power Attack
Skills Intimidate +7, Knowledge (arcana) +4, Profession (Yog-Sothothery philosopher) +7, Perception +8, Stealth +7
Languages Aklo
SQ spellcasting prodigy

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Spellcasting Prodigy (Ex)

Moonbeasts have an uncanny knack for spellcasting, be it arcane, divine, or psychic in nature. A moonbeast that takes levels in a spellcasting class gains a bonus skill rank for each level possessed, but this bonus rank must be spent on Knowledge (arcana), Spellcraft, or Use Magic Device. Once per day, a moonbeast with at least one level in a spellcasting class can cast a known or prepared spell without losing it or a spell slot. A moonbeast gains a +4 insight bonus on all concentration checks and caster level checks.

ECOLOGY

Environment any
Organization solitary, pair, or warband (3–12)
Treasure standard (masterwork spear, other treasure)

Moonbeasts dwell in lunar cities, but they are unlikely to have originated there. Moonbeasts serve the Great Old Ones in exchange for their foul favors, and at times engage in the conquest of other races. Innately cruel, they take pleasure in—and actual sustenance from—the agonies of those they capture and torment.

The forms of moonbeasts are mutable to an extent, allowing them to change their general aspect and proportions, but they are not true shapeshifters. Their pink nose-tentacles enable them to comprehend their environs in a complete lack of light. They are large, up to 400-600 pounds, and typically at least 4-6 feet in height and often of a similar breadth.

When the moonbeasts take over a land, they typically enslave those species which are most compatible with their own evil agendas. Those unable to subject themselves fully on an emotional and mental level to the horrors the moonbeasts cause are eaten or otherwise exterminated. Thus, if moonbeasts were to become masters of a region of a classic fantasy realm, dark elves and orcs would become their slaves, while elves and most humans would be annihilated.

Moonbeasts do not wholly focus on warlike activities, and pleasing the Great Old Ones is always at the forefront of their will. They also engage in trade, espionage, and other interactions like any other civilization, though because of their hideous appearance, they use go-betweens for such efforts.

Moonbeasts are fully capable of using weapons but prefer to rely on soldiers drawn from their hordes of slaves. Many moonbeasts advance personally as spellcasters, for they have a natural affinity for magic.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Sandy Petersen’s Cthulhu Mythos, © 2017, Petersen Games; Authors: Sandy Petersen, Arthur Petersen, Ian Starcher.

scroll to top