Hero Killer Creature (CR +5)[3pp]

A hero killer creature discovers a strange gem which transforms it from its humble original form into a virtual engine of destruction. The gem also imparts an overwhelming desire in the creature: destroy great heroes of the land. It can sense the greatest living legend within hundreds of miles, and it will track this creature resolutely, brooking no interruptions to its destiny. If the hero killer creature encounters a group of adventurers which counts its target as a member, the creature will casually cast aside all obstacles to achieve its overriding goal.

Creating a Hero Killer Creature

“Hero killer” is an acquired template that can be added to a corporeal creature, which must be CR 6 or higher.

A hero killer creature uses all the base creature’s statistics and abilities except as noted here.

CR: +5

Armor Class: A hero killer creature’s natural armor bonus, deflection bonus, and insight bonus to AC (if any) increase by 50% (rounded down). The creature also gains additional bonuses from eyes on the prize (see below).

Defenses/Qualities: DR 10/magic (increase to 15/magic if the hero killer creature’s CR is 15 or higher). SR equal to 11 + CR; Immune eyes on the prize (see below).

Spell-like Abilities: at will-fear (non-target only), locate creature (target only). CL equals twice the creature’s Hit Dice (maximum 20th).

Speed: All movement rates increase by 10 feet. Additionally, the creature receives a movement mode it doesn’t already have (typically, fly or swim) at a rate equal to the base creature’s land speed.

Melee/Ranged: A hero killer creature’s melee and ranged attacks increase their threat range by 1. This does not stack with Improved Critical or any keen weapon the creature possesses.

Special Abilities: The creature gains the following special abilities.

Eyes on the Prize (Ex)

The gem empowering the hero killer hones its abilities to the fullest in pursuit of its goal. As a side effect, the creature gains incredible power when dealing with all “distractions.” For any creature other than its target, the hero killer doubles its armor, deflection, and insight bonuses (effectively tripling the base creature’s bonuses); its DR becomes 5/- (or 10/- for CR 15 or higher creatures); it gains a +8 circumstance bonus to its CMD; and the creature benefits from improved evasion and improved uncanny dodge (as if it were a barbarian or rogue with levels equal to its Hit Dice). Finally, the hero killer gains immunity to any mind-affecting effects, regardless of the source.

Once the creature has attempted to collect its target (see below), it loses all the above benefits until it fixes upon a new target 24 hours later. Additionally, any victim of the hero killer who has returned to life after the creature has attempted to collect it treats the creature as if it didn’t benefit from eyes on the prize.

Trophy collector (Su)

If a hero killer deals the killing blow to its target, it casts soul bind as an immediate action. The Will save DC is Charisma-based. The creature may only collect victims with a total number of Hit Dice equal to 4 times its Hit Dice. If the target creature has too many Hit Dice, soul bind automatically fails.

Abilities: Increase from the base creature as follows: Str +12 (+6 to attack and damage, +6 to Climb and Swim skill checks, +6 to CMB checks, and +6 to CMD), Dex +4 (+2 to Init, ranged attack rolls, AC, touch AC, and Ref saves; +2 to Acrobatics, Disable Device, Escape Artist, Fly, Ride, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth skill checks; +2 to Dexterity-based DCs), Con +12 (+6 hp per HD, +6 to Fortitude saves, and +6 to any of the base creature’s Constitution-based DCs), Int +6 (minimum 15; +3 extra skill points per HD, +3 to Appraise, Craft, Knowledge, Linguistics, and Spellcraft skill checks; +3 to Intelligence-based DCs), Wis +6 (+3 to Will save; +3 to Heal, Perception, Profession, Sense Motive and Survival skill checks; +3 to any Wisdom-based DCs), Cha +10 (+5 to Bluff, Diplomacy, Disguise, Handle Animal, Intimidate, Perform, and Use Magic Device; attempts to influence others; and any of the creature’s Charisma-based DCs).

Feats: Gain Ability Focus for any applicable special ability which doesn’t already benefit from the feat. Gain Improved Initiative.

Skills: The hero killer gains a +8 bonus on Perception and Sense Motive checks.

Languages: The creature gains Common if it didn’t already speak it, and it gains the ability to speak any languages it already knows but couldn’t speak.

Treasure: Base creature’s treasure plus double standard (embedded gem).

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Pathways Bestiary (c) 2017, Rite Publishing LLC.; Author: Steven D. Russell.

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