Skeleton, Fearborn
Skeleton, Fearborn
XP 600
NE Medium undead
Init +6; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +0
AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16 (+2 armor, +2 Dex, +4 natural)
hp 9 (2d8)
Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +2
DR 5/bludgeoning; Immune cold, undead traits
Speed 40 ft.
Melee broken longsword +5 (1d6+3) or 2 claws +2 (1d4+3)
Str 16, Dex 14, Con —, Int —, Wis 10, Cha 10
Base Atk +1; CMB +3; CMD 15
Skills Perception +0, Stealth +11; Racial Modifiers +5 Stealth in areas of low light.
Feats Improved Initiative, Weapon Focus (Longsword)
Gear broken chain shirt, broken longsword
Skeletal Impale: As a standard action the Fearborn Skeleton can attempt to impale a target on its claw or sword, dealing double weapon damage on a successful hit and causing the target to bleed for 1d4 damage per round until healed.
Blood Frenzy: Once per day, the dread skeleton can enter a frenzy when a creature within 30 ft. is bleeding for 1d4+1 rounds, gaining an extra attack each round at its highest base attack bonus. In addition it gains a +1 on Attack if the target is bleeding.
Shadow Strike: In dim light or darkness, the Fearborn skeleton's attacks gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and deal an extra 1d6 damage.
Environment underground or desecrated areas.
Organization solitary, pair, or squad (3-10)
Treasure standard
The Fearborn Skeleton is a nightmarish creation, often arising in places saturated with intense terror or despair. Unlike typical skeletons, which are merely animated bones, Fearborn Skeletons are infused with the residual essence of fear from their previous life or the environment where they were raised. This gives them a ghastly appearance, with their bones appearing twisted and contorted into grotesque forms, sometimes with remnants of ethereal, ghostly tissue clinging to them.
These skeletons are not just animated by necromantic energy; they are also driven by the terror they once experienced or absorbed. This makes them more unpredictable and dangerous than their regular counterparts. Their eyes often glow with a faint, eerie light, and they emit chilling whispers or moans that can unnerve even the bravest of adventurers.
Fearborn Skeletons possess an uncanny ability to sense fear in their opponents, making them relentless in their pursuit. They use this fear to their advantage, often employing tactics that are designed to terrify their victims before moving in for the kill. In combat, they are known to suddenly appear from shadows or seemingly materialize out of thin air, adding an element of surprise to their attacks.
A Fearborn Skeleton's presence is often an omen of a tragic past or a lingering curse. Their existence is a testament to the powerful and corrupting influence of fear, serving as a grim reminder that sometimes, the most horrifying monsters are born from the very emotions that plague the living.