Difference between revisions of "Gargoyle"
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| range = [[Subterranean (range)|subterranean]], [[Urban (range)|urban]] | | range = [[Subterranean (range)|subterranean]], [[Urban (range)|urban]] | ||
| size = 4½–5 ft. tall | | size = 4½–5 ft. tall | ||
| − | | weight = 3, | + | | weight = 3,600 to 4,800 lbs. |
| int = 5 | | int = 5 | ||
| AC = 0 | | AC = 0 | ||
| Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
| THAC0 = 18 | | THAC0 = 18 | ||
| hpdie = d6+d8 | | hpdie = d6+d8 | ||
| − | | attack = [[Claw (attack)| | + | | attack = '''4''': two [[Claw (attack)|claws]]; [[Fangs (attack)|fangs]]; [[Tail (attack)|tail]] |
| − | | dmg = 1–8 | + | | dmg = 1–8 (claw); 2–16 (fangs); 3–10 (tail) |
| special = [[Impregnability|impregnability]], [[Magic to Hit|magic to hit]] | | special = [[Impregnability|impregnability]], [[Magic to Hit|magic to hit]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Gargoyles''' are fantastical stone beings characterized by grotesque, frequently unsettling visages and classically gothic attributes. While a majority of these creatures possess wings, not all of them do. These enigmatic entities are typically encountered within dilapidated ruins and subterranean caves, and some even find their homes adorning cathedrals in the guise of statues. Their presence is exceedingly rare beyond the confines of Europe. | '''Gargoyles''' are fantastical stone beings characterized by grotesque, frequently unsettling visages and classically gothic attributes. While a majority of these creatures possess wings, not all of them do. These enigmatic entities are typically encountered within dilapidated ruins and subterranean caves, and some even find their homes adorning cathedrals in the guise of statues. Their presence is exceedingly rare beyond the confines of Europe. | ||
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[[File:Gargoyle b.jpg|left|420px|thumb]] | [[File:Gargoyle b.jpg|left|420px|thumb]] | ||
__TOC__ | __TOC__ | ||
| − | Their | + | Their appearance can exhibit significant variation, primarily influenced by the artistic choices of their sculptors. Commonly, they feature elements reminiscent of dragons, serpents, lions, and bats. They lack the capacity for reproduction and are susceptible to the natural forces that can degrade, fracture, or even shatter rocks. With the exception of potential destruction, the exact duration of a gargoyle's existence remains a mystery, with the possibility that they could endure for ten or even twenty thousand years. |
== Origin == | == Origin == | ||
| − | Gargoyles | + | Gargoyles originated from mystical experiments conducted during the construction of the [[Abbey|abbey at Cluny]] in the 11th century. The technique for crafting these peculiar creatures gradually spread over the subsequent three centuries. However, it was during the Papal Schism of 1378 to 1417 that gargoyles found themselves embroiled in conflict, aligning with different factions and, in some cases, gaining an unexpected form of self-awareness. While they were initially not particularly intelligent, these events led some gargoyles to develop a rudimentary consciousness and acting independently. |
| + | |||
| + | In 1417, the [[Council of Constance]] issued a decree banning the presence of gargoyles. Since that time, concerted efforts have been made to eliminate these beings. Nevertheless, gargoyles are not inherently malevolent or aggressive, but they have been easily manipulated by malevolent forces. As a result, the association with such negative influences has led to a widespread lack of empathy and trust towards these enigmatic creatures. | ||
| − | Because they are hunted, they will often hide in plain sight among ordinary, inanimate statuary, which they resemble. A gargoyle can remain absolutely still for as long as decades, so that an entire generation may presume that a gargoyle they've observed since childhood is nothing more than a statue. Often, [[Council of Elders|town fathers]] or [[Church Leader|church leaders]] | + | == Behaviour == |
| + | Because they are hunted, they will often hide in plain sight among ordinary, inanimate statuary, which they resemble. A gargoyle can remain absolutely still for as long as decades, so that an entire generation may presume that a gargoyle they've observed since childhood is nothing more than a statue. Often, [[Council of Elders|town fathers]] or [[Church Leader|church leaders]] might deliberately overlook the appearance of a previously unseen gargoyle, adopting and protecting the creature rather than betraying its presence to gargoyle hunters. | ||
| − | + | Occasionally, packs of gargoyles are gathered together by exceptionally intelligent beings, who use the creatures towards their own ends. Gargoyles are susceptible to following command, and under the guidance of such a leader, they can be directed to carry out various tasks and objectives, often serving as a formidable force. | |
== Advantages == | == Advantages == | ||
| + | The substantial weight of these creatures bestows upon them nearly twice number of hit points, for a normal 4 [[Hit Dice|hit dice]] creature. While the majority of gargoyles have the ability to take flight through magical means, their airborne agility is generally not particularly remarkable. | ||
| + | |||
Gargoyles are only '''hit by +1 [[Magic to Hit|magical weapons]]''' or better. Their tremendous weight grants them amany [[Hit Points|hit points]], though they have only 4 [[Hit Dice|hit dice]]. Most gargoyles are able to [[Fly (ability)|fly]] through magic, but these creatures aren't especially agile in the air. | Gargoyles are only '''hit by +1 [[Magic to Hit|magical weapons]]''' or better. Their tremendous weight grants them amany [[Hit Points|hit points]], though they have only 4 [[Hit Dice|hit dice]]. Most gargoyles are able to [[Fly (ability)|fly]] through magic, but these creatures aren't especially agile in the air. | ||
'''Impregnability.''' Gargoyles exhibit remarkable resistance to [[Weapons List|weaponry]] and boast colossal proportions, owing to their composition of [[Magical Animation|animated stone]], which is notably softer than natural stone but substantially harder than human flesh. Striking a gargoyle requires a roll to see if the used weapon breaks, just as it might if the weapon were [[Critical Hits & Fumbles#Fumbles|fumbled]]. | '''Impregnability.''' Gargoyles exhibit remarkable resistance to [[Weapons List|weaponry]] and boast colossal proportions, owing to their composition of [[Magical Animation|animated stone]], which is notably softer than natural stone but substantially harder than human flesh. Striking a gargoyle requires a roll to see if the used weapon breaks, just as it might if the weapon were [[Critical Hits & Fumbles#Fumbles|fumbled]]. | ||
| + | '''Magic to Hit.''' They also possess a formidable resilience and can only be effectively struck by weaponry imbued with a minimum of a +1 enchantment or more. | ||
See [[Bestiary]] | See [[Bestiary]] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category: Reviewed]] |
Revision as of 17:25, 5 October 2023
| Species | construct |
| No. Appearing | 1 |
| Behaviour | solitary |
| Range | subterranean, urban |
| Size | 4½–5 ft. tall |
| Weight | 3,600 to 4,800 lbs. |
| Intelligence | 5 |
| Armour Class | 0 |
| Hit Dice | 4+4 |
| Action Points | 6 |
| Max. Stride | {{{stride}}} |
| THAC0 | 18 |
| Hp/Die | d6+d8 |
| Attack Forms | 4: two claws; fangs; tail |
| Damage | 1–8 (claw); 2–16 (fangs); 3–10 (tail) |
| Special Attacks | impregnability, magic to hit |
Gargoyles are fantastical stone beings characterized by grotesque, frequently unsettling visages and classically gothic attributes. While a majority of these creatures possess wings, not all of them do. These enigmatic entities are typically encountered within dilapidated ruins and subterranean caves, and some even find their homes adorning cathedrals in the guise of statues. Their presence is exceedingly rare beyond the confines of Europe.
Contents
Their appearance can exhibit significant variation, primarily influenced by the artistic choices of their sculptors. Commonly, they feature elements reminiscent of dragons, serpents, lions, and bats. They lack the capacity for reproduction and are susceptible to the natural forces that can degrade, fracture, or even shatter rocks. With the exception of potential destruction, the exact duration of a gargoyle's existence remains a mystery, with the possibility that they could endure for ten or even twenty thousand years.
Origin
Gargoyles originated from mystical experiments conducted during the construction of the abbey at Cluny in the 11th century. The technique for crafting these peculiar creatures gradually spread over the subsequent three centuries. However, it was during the Papal Schism of 1378 to 1417 that gargoyles found themselves embroiled in conflict, aligning with different factions and, in some cases, gaining an unexpected form of self-awareness. While they were initially not particularly intelligent, these events led some gargoyles to develop a rudimentary consciousness and acting independently.
In 1417, the Council of Constance issued a decree banning the presence of gargoyles. Since that time, concerted efforts have been made to eliminate these beings. Nevertheless, gargoyles are not inherently malevolent or aggressive, but they have been easily manipulated by malevolent forces. As a result, the association with such negative influences has led to a widespread lack of empathy and trust towards these enigmatic creatures.
Behaviour
Because they are hunted, they will often hide in plain sight among ordinary, inanimate statuary, which they resemble. A gargoyle can remain absolutely still for as long as decades, so that an entire generation may presume that a gargoyle they've observed since childhood is nothing more than a statue. Often, town fathers or church leaders might deliberately overlook the appearance of a previously unseen gargoyle, adopting and protecting the creature rather than betraying its presence to gargoyle hunters.
Occasionally, packs of gargoyles are gathered together by exceptionally intelligent beings, who use the creatures towards their own ends. Gargoyles are susceptible to following command, and under the guidance of such a leader, they can be directed to carry out various tasks and objectives, often serving as a formidable force.
Advantages
The substantial weight of these creatures bestows upon them nearly twice number of hit points, for a normal 4 hit dice creature. While the majority of gargoyles have the ability to take flight through magical means, their airborne agility is generally not particularly remarkable.
Gargoyles are only hit by +1 magical weapons or better. Their tremendous weight grants them amany hit points, though they have only 4 hit dice. Most gargoyles are able to fly through magic, but these creatures aren't especially agile in the air.
Impregnability. Gargoyles exhibit remarkable resistance to weaponry and boast colossal proportions, owing to their composition of animated stone, which is notably softer than natural stone but substantially harder than human flesh. Striking a gargoyle requires a roll to see if the used weapon breaks, just as it might if the weapon were fumbled.
Magic to Hit. They also possess a formidable resilience and can only be effectively struck by weaponry imbued with a minimum of a +1 enchantment or more.
See Bestiary
