Chaos-Shaped Creature template

“Chaos-shaped creature” can mean two different things, though the two are similar.The first is a creature that has undergone extensive modifications due to chaositech and chaos surgery.Frequently,a chaos cult will capture and modify a creature in this way,or a power-mad tyrant will employ a chaositechnician† to modify those who serve him. The process involves opening up the creature and manipulating its musculature,its nervous system,and sometimes even its skeletal structure.Frequently whole new limbs or body parts are attached (usually with crude stitching or metal staples).Modifying a creature in this way requires a Chaos Surgery† check (DC 28) as well as the checks required for its implants.It costs 200 gp per Hit Die in materials,as well as halfthe price ofthe implants and builtin device the template requires (see below).

The other type ofchaos-shaped creature is one that has been created entirely through chaositech procedures.The creator can copy any creature he knows about,then make his own changes ifhe wishes.Ifhe needs a flying spy,he can create a bird,and ifhe needs a powerful bodyguard he can copy a troll.These creatures are typically grown in vats,their appearance entirely redesigned by the creator.These creatures look less crude than those that have simply been modified,but always wholly unnatural.While there is only rarely scarring or stitching,a created creature betrays its creator’s imperfect hand in its always (at least) slightly misshapen form and its unnatural countenance.Creating a chaosshaped creature whole cloth costs 2,000 gp per Hit Die in materials,as well as halfthe price ofthe implants and builtin device the template requires (see below).

Chaos-shaped creatures are sometimes modified (more often created) to become the recipients ofbrain transfers using a mind transference apparatus†.Mostly,however,they are used as guardians or soldiers in the service ofchaos.The created or modified creature owes no special allegiance to its creator—in fact,it most likely hates him for the painful and horrific procedures.An allegiance implant† is a wise choice for most creators.

Chaos-shaped creatures are almost always ugly,misshapen abominations that owe their current existence to something other than nature.

Creating a Chaos-Shaped Creature

“Chaos-shaped creature” is a template that one can add to any living,corporeal creature.A chaos-shaped creature uses all the base creature’s statistics and special abilities,except as noted here.

Size and Type: The creature’s type changes to aberration. Do not recalculate the creature’s Hit Dice,base attack bonus, or saves.Size goes unchanged.

Speed: Ifthe base creature’s speed is higher than 30, reduce it by 10 feet.Flying maneuverability rating (ifany) worsens by one category.

Armor Class: Increase the base creature’s natural armor bonus by +2.

Special Attacks: A chaos-shaped creature retains all the base creature’s special attacks and also gains the following special abilities: • Built-In Chaositech: The chaos-shaped creature can have any one non-intrinsic chaositech device that costs less than 20,000 gp built into its body (making it an intrinsic device).This device cannot be a one-use device,like a bomb.It can be a weapon or armor.It runs offthe energy in the creature’s body,so one does not need to make chaotic failure checks for it.The device is permanently destroyed ifremoved from the creature’s body or ifthe creature dies. • Implant: The chaos-shaped creature can have any one implant that costs less than 100,000 gp. • Mind Implant: The chaos-shaped creature can have any one mind implant† that costs less than 20,000 gp.Frequently,this is an allegiance implant†.

Special Qualities: A chaos-shaped creature has all the base creature’s special qualities.

Abilities*: Alter the base creature’s as follows:Strength +4, Dexterity +2,Constitution +2,Intelligence –4,Wisdom –4, and Charisma –4.

Challenge Rating: As base creature’s +2

Alignment: Always chaotic (any)

Level Adjustment: As base creature’s +2

* Any ofthe creature’s ability scores can be lower than those listed ifthe character creating or modifying the creature so wishes it.Also,implants may modify ability scores even further.An ability score has a minimum of1 unless the creator or modifier wants it to be 0.

Sample Chaos-Shaped Creature

As an example ofthe chaos-shaped creature template,here’s a new creature based on the owlbear to drop into your game.

Chaos-Shaped (Modified) Owlbear

Large Aberration Hit Dice: 5d10 + 30 + 20 (77 hp) Initiative: +1 Speed: 30 feet

Chapter Five: Chaos Slaves 85 Armor Class: 18 (–1 size,+2 Dexterity,+7 natural),touch 10,flat-footed 14

Base Attack/Grapple: +5/+17

Attack: Claw +12 melee (1d6+8)

Full Attack: 2 claws +12 melee (1d6+8) and bite +6 melee (1d8+4) Space/Reach: 10 feet/5 feet (Face/Reach 5 feet × 5 feet/5 feet) Special Attacks: Improved grab,blinding ray Special Qualities: Scent Saves: Fortitude +10,Reflex +6,Will +2 Abilities: Strength 27,Dexterity 14,Constitution 23, Intelligence 1,Wisdom 8,Charisma 6 Skills: Listen +6,Spot +6 Feats: Alertness,Track

Environment: Temperate forests Organization: Solitary

Challenge Rating: 6

Treasure: None Alignment: Always neutral Advancement: 6–8 HD (Large);9–15 HD (Huge) Level Adjustment: —

Owlbears are extraordinarily vicious predators with a reputation for ferocity,aggression,and sheer ill temper.A chaos-shaped (modified) owlbear is,ifanything, even more ill tempered and vicious.It attacks anything that moves without provocation. A chaos-shaped owlbear’s beak is a dull ivory color.Scars, scorch marks,and a quiltwork ofstitched-together flesh cover its body.A full-grown male can stand as tall as 8 feet and weigh up to 1,800 lbs.

COMBAT Chaos-shaped owlbears attack on sight,always fighting to the death.They slash with claws and beak,trying to grab their prey and rip it apart.

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability,a chaos-shaped owlbear must hit with a claw attack.It then can attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack ofopportunity. Built-In Blinding Ray Emitter† (Ex): The chaosshaped owlbear can fire rays from one claw with a 200-foot range.Ifthe target struck fails a Fortitude saving throw (DC 14),it is struck blind for 3d6 minutes. Bone-Lacing† (Ex): The chaos-shaped owlbear gains a +2 bonus to Strength and 20 bonus hit points. Allegiance Implant †(Ex): The chaos-shaped owlbear will not attack its creator.It obeys his or her commands.