Difference between revisions of "Gargoyle"

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| species = construct
 
| species = construct
 
| noapp = 1
 
| noapp = 1
| behaviour = solitary
+
| behaviour = [[Solitary Behaviour|solitary]]
 
| 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 = 3,600–4,800 lbs.
+
| weight = 3,600 to 4,800 lbs.
 
| int = 5
 
| int = 5
 
| AC = 0
 
| AC = 0
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| THAC0 = 18
 
| THAC0 = 18
 
| hpdie = d6+d8
 
| hpdie = d6+d8
| attack = [[claw (attack)|claw]]/claw, bite, tail
+
| attack = '''4''': two [[Claw (attack)|claws]]; [[Fangs (attack)|fangs]]; [[Tail (attack)|tail]]
| dmg = 1–8/1–8, 2–16, 3–10
+
| dmg = 2–12 (claw); 2–16 (fangs); 4–10 (tail)
| special = [[Magic to Hit|magic to hit]]
+
| special = [[Impregnability|impregnability]], [[Magic to Hit|magic to hit]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''Gargoyles''' are magical stone monsters with distorted, often hideous faces and traditionally gothic features. These creatures may or may not have wings — though most do. They are found in ruins and caves; some are also known to attach themselves to cathedrals as statues. They are very rarely found outside of Europe. Gargoyles are highly resistant to [[Weapons List|weapons]] and are enormously massive, being made of [[Magical Animation|animated]] stone (the qualities of which are softer than stone but much, much harder than flesh).
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'''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]]
 +
__TOC__
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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.
  
[[File:Gargoyle.jpg|left|420px|thumb]]
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== Origin ==
Their form can vary considerably, depending upon the sculptor, but draconic, serpentine, lion-like and bat-like features are the most common. The creatures cannot reproduce and are somewhat subject the same effects that would erode, break or shatter rocks. Except for their possible destruction, the length of a gargoyle's [[Aging|lifetime]] is unknown; they might conceivably survive for ten or twenty thousand years.
+
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.
  
== Origin ==
+
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.
Gargoyles were created by magical experimentation during the development of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cluny_Abbey Abbey at Cluny], sometime in the 11th century, the method for sculpting gargoyles became widespread over the next 300 years.  During the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Schism Papal Schism of 1378 to 1417], gargoyles fought for both sides, producing the consequence that many gargoyles — hardly intelligent to begin with — became self-aware and began to fight for themselves.  The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Constance Council of Constance] banned gargoyles in 1417 ... and since that time there have been efforts to exterminate the creatures. However, gargoyles are not especially malevolent or aggressive but they have been easily used by malevolent forces, the consequences of which have soured empathy for these 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, [[Elders|town fathers]] or [[Church Leader|church leaders]] will deliberately overlook the appearance of a gargoyle, adopting and protecting the creature rather than betraying its presence to gargoyle hunters.
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== 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.
  
Packs of gargoyles are sometimes organized by highly intelligent creatures who have made the effort to gather these creatures togetherThey are highly susceptible to obeying a powerful, intelligent master.
+
Occasionally, packs of gargoyles are gathered together by exceptionally intelligent beings, who use the creatures towards their own endsGargoyles 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 ==
Gargoyles are only '''hit by +1 [[Magic Weapons|magical weapons]]''' or better. Their tremendous weight grants them a large number of [[Hit Points|hit points]], despite having only 4 [[Hit Dice|hit dice]].  Most gargoyles are able to [[Flying|fly]], but these creatures are not especially agile in the air.
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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.
 +
 
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'''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 fleshStriking 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]].
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 +
'''Magic to Hit.''' Gargoyles are only hit by [[Magic to Hit|+1 magical weapons]] or better.
  
  
 
See [[Bestiary]]
 
See [[Bestiary]]
  
[[Category: Don't Review until 2022]]
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[[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 01:46, 18 October 2023

Gargoyle
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 2–12 (claw); 2–16 (fangs); 4–10 (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.

Gargoyle b.jpg

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.

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. Gargoyles are only hit by +1 magical weapons or better.


See Bestiary