Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Grognard's Grimoire: Termaxian Necrolyte

The stat block of this monster is hereby designated as Open Game Content via the Open Game License.

Termaxian Necrolyte
Number Appearing: 1
% in Lair: 90%
Alignment: Neutral
Armor Class: 3
Move: 6
Hit Dice: 7
Attacks: 1 touch (1d8), Spells
Save: M7
Morale: 10
Hoard Class: XVII
XP: 570

A Termaxian necrolyte is a magic-user of the cult of Turms Termax, who, by means of various secret rituals and enchantments, has become undying. Despite its skeletal appearance, it is not technically a type of undead, at least not as the term is usual understood. Clerics have no power over necrolytes and thus cannot turn them. Like true undead, though, a necrolyte is immune to sleep, charm, and hold spells. The cold touch of a necrolyte deals 1d8 points of damage and all of these creatures can cast spells as if they were 7th-level magic-users. Many are also equipped with offensive magic items, such as wands.

In return for the gift of immortality, necrolytes typically serve as guardians of locations of particular importance to the cult of Turms Termax. While acting as such, they are free to continue their researches into magic and occult lore, unfettered from the weaknesses to which all flesh is prone. Those who serve the cult well might one day gain access to more powerful rituals that set them further down the path to apotheosis.

6 comments:

  1. Nice design, though the name makes me think of "Necomancer Lite." :)

    It has a good potential for horror, too, which is a element I always liked in my games.

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  2. Very cool. I'm enjoying your pseudo-undead creations like these and the black metal skeletons. Its also nice to have a Lich-type baddie to throw at lower level parties. :)

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  3. Hmmm...Thurston "Thursty" Brewers eventual fate should he survive Dwimmermount? (with all those crazy dwarves and goblins in his party, it might not be long)

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  4. I had a Necrolite in my room when I was a kid.


    I didn't get much sleep.

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  5. Hey! Lesser Liches! Interesting.

    Brunomac, if Thurston becomes an undead,he would not be able to enjoy any alcoholic beberages anymore! Think about the consecuencies!

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  6. I like it. Do these guys come with a bunch of retainers or flunkies?

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