Lamassu
| Species | beast |
| No. Appearing | 1 |
| Behaviour | solitary |
| Range | desert, rainforest, savanna |
| Size | 10 ft. long, 18 ft. wingspan |
| Weight | 2,350 lbs. |
| Intelligence | 17–18 |
| Armour Class | 3 |
| Hit Dice | 7+7 |
| Action Points | 5 |
| Max. Stride | {{{stride}}} |
| THAC0 | 17 |
| Hp/Die | 2d6 |
| Attack Forms | 2: two claws |
| Damage | claw (2–12) |
| Special Attacks | dimension door, holy word, invisibility, magic resistance, protection from malevolence, spellcasting |
Lamassu are protective beasts possessing a human face, with the head and horns of a bull and the body of a lion. They are able to fly with the enormous wings of an eagle. While intrinsically philosophical in nature, their lassitude regarding human affairs has arisen from a sense that humanoid vices leading to corruption and conflict are irredeemable. While they remain kind and willing to help, lamassu have grown weary with human affairs and are rarely willing to become personally involved in conflicts. They live a very long time — three or four thousand years at least — and can remember "the old days." Enervated and apathetic, they are difficult to arouse to action.
History
Perceived as divine beings by the Akkadians lamassu were honoured as guests within the palace of Sargon II. Historical accounts describe as many as seven of these majestic creatures "discoursing and contemplating the matters of politick and well-mindedness" within the royal court. Their presence symbolized wisdom and protection, as they acted as guardians of the Akkadian and Sumerian peoples, revered for their strength and insight.
Over the centuries, however, the lamassu became detached from human affairs. Their influence waned, and their once-active role in society grew obscure. When Sumeria fell to the Gutians — early ogre-like and pre-haruchai peoples — in 2093 BCE, the lamassu were notably absent, offering no aid or intervention during the collapse. Their disappearance marked the end of their prominence in human history.
They re-emerged briefly during the 3rd dynasty of Ur, though in diminished numbers and with a clear disinterest in the affairs of mortals. This fleeting return was followed by their retreat into isolation, where they have remained ever since. It is now believed that fewer than twenty lamassu exist in the world. While these creatures are known to be peaceful by nature, they are highly territorial and resistant to contact, preferring solitude to the company of humans or other beings. Their presence, though rare, continues to evoke awe and mystery, a reminder of their once-great legacy.
Advantages
Through the use of dimension door, they are able to travel vast distances in the blink of an eye, sometimes using such doors to rid themselves of unwanted visitors. If they do not wish to be seen, they may turn invisible at will. They are surrounded by a protection from malevolence, much like a paladin, so that others within two hexes of the lamassu are protected as well. The armour class shown incorporates the +2 bonus of this protection.
As further defense against magic that might be used against them, lamassu also possess a 30% magic resistance. When hard pressed in combat against evil beings, they are able to use a holy word as a natural ability.
They are also the equivalent of an 7th level cleric with an 18 wisdom, granting them spellcasting powers. These are not natural abilities and take time to cast and discharge. These include:
- 1st level: command, create water, cure light wounds, penetrate disguise, remove fear
- 2nd level: detect charm, know intent, slow poison, speak with animals, withdraw
- 3rd level: cure disease, dispel magic, speak with dead
- 4th level: abjure, imbue with spell ability
- 4th level: abjure, imbue with spell ability
Lamassu will look upon interactions with outsiders as an intrusion. Even so, they will use the powers they have to aid or sustain those whose cause is just, in the lamassu's mind. The beasts have no religion, so their use of spells is not limited to "believers."
