Mythic Naga, Guardian

Mythic Guardian Naga CR 12/MR 5

XP 19,200
LG Large aberration (mythic, shapechanger)
Init +6; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +23

DEFENSE

AC 29, touch 15, flat-footed 23 (+6 Dex, +14 natural, –1 size)
hp 154 (12d6+100)
Fort +9, Ref +12, Will +12; +5 vs compulsions and fear
Defensive Abilities block attacks, stalwart mind; DR 10/epic

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +14 (2d6+9 plus poison) or (hybrid form) +1 flail +15/+10 (2d6+7) and bite +9 (2d6+3 plus poison)
Ranged spit +14 touch (poison)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. in hybrid form)
Special Attacks guardian’s challenge, mythic magic, mythic power (5/day, surge +1d8)
Spells Known (CL 9th; concentration +13)

• 4th (5/day)—divine power, greater invisibility
• 3rd (7/day)—cure serious wounds, dispel magic, lightning bolt (DC 18)
• 2nd (7/day)—detect thoughts (DC 17), lesser restoration, scorching ray, see invisibility
• 1st (7/day)—cure light wounds, divine favor, expeditious retreat, mage armor, magic missile
• 0 (at will)—daze (DC 15), detect magic, light, mage hand, open/close, ray of frost, read magic, stabilize

STATISTICS

Str 23, Dex 23, Con 20, Int 16, Wis 19, Cha
Base Atk +9; CMB +16; CMD 32 (can’t be tripped)
Feats Alertness, Blind-Fight, Combat Casting, Combat Expertise, Eschew Materials^B, Improved Trip, Lightning Reflexes
Skills Bluff +16, Diplomacy +16, Knowlege (arcana) +18, Perception +23, Sense Motive +20, Spellcraft +18, Stealth +17
Languages Celestial, Common
SQ change shape (human, hybrid, and guardian naga; polymorph)

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Change Shape (Su)

All mythic nagas have the ability to assume three forms—their naga form, a humanoid form, and a hybrid form (the torso, head and arms of a humanoid atop a snake body). Equipment does not meld with the new form between humanoid and hybrid form but does between those forms and naga form. A mythic naga can shift to any of its three forms as a move action. A slain mythic naga reverts to its naga form.

Guardian’s Challenge (Su)

As a move action, a mythic guardian naga can shout a challenge to its foes, causing enemies within 50 feet to become shaken for 2d4 rounds (DC 19 Will negates). Creatures that successfully save cannot be affected by that naga’s challenge for 24 hours. If the naga expends one use of mythic power when activating this ability, creatures failing their saves are frightened rather than shaken, and creatures that successfully save are shaken for 1d4 rounds. This is a sonic, mind-affecting fear effect. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Repel Invaders (Ex)

A mythic guardian naga gets a +4 bonus on attack and damage rolls against any creatures that invade the site they protect or attempt to take or harm items under their protection.

Stalwart Mind (Ex)

A mythic guardian naga gains a bonus equal to its mythic rank on saving throws against compulsions and fear effects. Whenever a mythic guardian naga succeeds at a save against a fear effect or compulsion, the creature that attacked with that effect must succeed at a Will save (at the same DC) or be stunned for 1 round.

ECOLOGY

Environment temperate and warm plains
Organization solitary, pair, or nest (3-6)
Treasure standard (+1 flail, other treasure)

A contemplative humanoid face framed by a cobra-like hood adorns the body of this long, brightly colored serpent.

Although ferocious in shape, with radiant scales, cobra-like hoods, and powerful serpentine bodies, guardian nagas serve as dutiful protectors of places of fundamental power and sanctity. Their scales often bear elaborate patterns similar to those of exotic jungle snakes. A typical guardian naga stretches 14 feet long and weighs approximately 350 pounds.

While many guardian nagas adhere to the exotic practices of ancient or forgotten faiths, others are merely drawn to sites of innate wonder—towering waterfalls, natural spires, mountaintop temples— minding them out of their own senses of duty and reverence.

Often these nagas join a living faith, serving as protectors of sanctuaries or ancient treasures. A guardian naga protecting a ruin or temple may be the latest a line of sentinels stretching back centuries.

Such sentinels often take the same name as their forebears to appear as a single, exceptionally long-lived figure.