Crackling Skull Swarm

This mass of floating skulls lingers in the air with a haunting presence. A constant clattering emanates from the dreadful mass.

Crackling Skull Swarm CR 10

XP 9,600
NE Tiny undead (swarm)
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +1

DEFENSE

AC 22, touch 15, flat-footed 19 (+3 Dex, +7 natural, +2 size)
hp 127 (15d8+60)
Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +10
Defensive Abilities swarm traitsImmune undead traits

OFFENSE

Speed fly 40 ft. (perfect)
Melee swarm (3d6 plus distraction)
Space 10 ft., Reach 0 ft.
Special Attacks bone shards, chattering teeth, distraction (DC 21), frightening scream

STATISTICS

Str 5, Dex 16, Con —, Int —, Wis 13, Cha 19
Base Atk +11; CMB +6; CMD 19 (can’t be tripped)
Skills Fly +15

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Bone Shards (Su)

When a clacking skull swarm is reduced to 0 hit points, it unleashes an explosion of foul energy and bone fragments. Creatures within 30 feet of the clacking skull swarm take 8d8 points of damage (Reflex DC 21 half). Half of this damage is piercing damage, and half is negative energy damage. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Chattering Teeth (Su)

As a free action, a clacking skull swarm can begin emitting a cacophony of chattering. Each creature within 60 feet must succeed at a DC 21 Will save or be confused for 1 round. A creature that successfully saves cannot be affected by the same clacking skull swarm’s chattering teeth for 24 hours. The clacking skull swarm can stop this ability as a free action. This is a sonic, mind-affecting, compulsion effect. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Frightening Scream (Su)

A clacking skull swarm can emit a terrifying scream as a free action once every 1d4 rounds. Each creature within 30 feet must succeed at a DC 21 Will save or be shaken for 1d4 rounds. A clacking skull swarm can’t scream while using its chattering teeth. This is a sonic, mind-affecting, fear effect. The save DC is Charisma-based.

ECOLOGY

Environment any
Organization solitary, horde (2–3), or clatter (4–8)
Treasure standard

Clacking skulls are a unique type of beheaded that constantly chatter. This incessant noise can cause other skulls to rise as clacking skulls.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Pathfinder Adventure Path #141: Last Watch © 2019, Paizo Inc.; Authors: Larry Wilhelm, with Alexander Augunas, Mike Headley, Isabelle Lee, Meagan Maricle, Patchen Mortimer, Kendra Leigh Speedling, and Greg A. Vaughan.

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