Scarecrow (3pp)

This automaton is constructed of wood and ropes and stuffed with straw and grass. Its head appears to be a straw-stuffed bag with holes cut in it to serve as eyes.

Scarecrow CR 4

XP 1,200
N Medium construct
Init +0; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +0

DEFENSE

AC 16, touch 10, flat-footed 16 (+6 natural)
hp 47 (5d10+20)
Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +1
Immune cold, construct traits
Weaknesses vulnerability to fire

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft.
Melee 2 slams +8 (1d6+3 plus fear)
Special Attacks fascinating gaze

STATISTICS

Str 16, Dex 10, Con –, Int –, Wis 11, Cha 14
Base Atk +5; CMB +8; CMD 18

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Fascinating Gaze (Su)

Target is fascinated, 30 feet, Will DC 14 negates. Fascination lasts as long as the scarecrow is “alive” or remains within 300 feet of the fascinated creature. Note that the approach or animation of the scarecrow does not count as an obvious threat to the victim of this particular fascination effect (although the scarecrow’s attack does count as an obvious threat and ends the fascination). This is a mind-affecting effect. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Fear (Su)

The touch of a scarecrow infuses its target with overwhelming waves of fear. If the victim fails a DC 14 Will save, he is cowering and can take no actions other than attempting a new DC 14 Will save at the end of the following round (and each round thereafter) to throw off the effects of this fear. A successful save leaves the victim shaken for 1 round. This is a mind-affecting fear effect. The Save DC is Charisma-based.

ECOLOGY

Environment any
Organization solitary
Treasure none

The animated scarecrow is nearly indistinguishable from a normal scarecrow. Close examination, however, reveals a tiny spark of red light in its eyes (DC 15 Perception check to notice). Each scarecrow is unique in construction and design, but most are about 6 feet tall, constructed of wood and ropes, and stuffed with straw or grass. Scarecrows are most often used as guardians to keep out would-be treasure hunters or trespassers.

A scarecrow attempts to fascinate the most powerful opponent it faces using its gaze attack. If it succeeds, it pummels that foe with its fists until the opponent is dead. It does not completely ignore other combatants as it uses its gaze attack to charm them so it can deal with them once its primary foe is dead.

Construction

Each scarecrow varies in appearance: one may have a stuffed straw head, for example, while another may have a pumpkin for its head. Whatever the differences, scarecrows do have some elements in common: their bodies and all limbs are constructed of wood and bound by ropes; their clothes are almost always dirty and ragged; and most scarecrows are stuffed with straw or grass. Regardless of the materials used, unguents and special powders totaling 500 gp are also required.

CL 6th; Price 15,500 gp

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

Feats Craft Construct, animate objects, cause fear, command, geas/quest, hold person; Special creator must be caster level 6th; Skill Craft (carpentry or sculptures) DC 12; Cost 8,000 gp

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Scarecrow from the Tome of Horrors Complete, Copyright 2011, Necromancer Games, Inc., published and distributed by Frog God Games; Author Scott Greene, based on original material by Roger Musson.

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