Metamorphosis [Creature]

[The Demented One]

Samsa
Size/Type: Medium Magical Beast (Psionic)
Hit Dice: 4d10+12 (34 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 17 (+1 Dex, +6 natural), touch 11, flatfooted 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +4/+6
Attack: Bite +7 melee (1d6+3)
Full Attack: Bite +7 melee (1d6+3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Energy crystals
Special Qualities: Blindsense 20 ft., darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, resistance to cold 5, electricity 5, fire 5, and sonic 5, scent
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +0
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 6, Wis 8, Cha 14
Skills: Concentration +5, Listen +3, Spot +5
Feats: Psionic Fist, Psionic Body
Environment: Underground
Organization: Solitary or brood (4-12)
Challenge Rating: 2
Treasure: None
Alignment: Usually True Neutral
Advancement: 5-7 HD (Medium), 8-14 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: +2 (cohort)

Samsas, also known as Gregoritic Dromites, are large beetle-like creatures with psionic powers. It is commonly believed that they are either progenitors or distant cousins of the Dromite race, and the two do tend to have a close relation. Samsas resemble cockroaches, about the size of a large dog, with a carapace encrusted in glittering crystals.

Energy Crystals (Ps)
Whenever a Samsa takes 5 or more points of damage from a single attack, one of the crystals on its carapace shatters, unleashing a shockwave of energy. This a 20 ft. radius burst, centered on the Samsa, that deals 2d6 points of damage to all creatures caught within it except the Samsa, Reflex DC 14 for half damage. The damage may be cold, electricity, fire, or sonic damage, at the Samsa’s choice. The save is Cha based.

Skills
A Samsa’s compound eyes give it a +6 racial bonus on Spot checks.

Crysmals and Samsas
Occasionally, a group of Crysmals will band together to kill a Samsa, and create their progeny from its crystalline carapace. Crysmals created from the carapace of a Samsa are completely normal for their kind, except that they gain the Samsa’s energy crystals ability. Each Samsa’s shell has enough crystalline material for 1d6+4 Crysmals to be created from.

[Fax Celestis]

The only thing I don't like is the variance on "1d10 Crysmals" in the last bit. Perhaps something smaller ranged, like 2d4+2 (4-10), 3d3+1 (4-10), 1d4+6 (7-10), or 1d6+4 (5-10).

[The Demented One]

The only thing I don't like is the variance on "1d10 Crysmals" in the last bit. Perhaps something smaller ranged, like 2d4+2 (4-10), 3d3+1 (4-10), 1d4+6 (7-10), or 1d6+4 (5-10).

Seems reasonable.

[Thomar_of_Uointer]

The energy crystals ability is nonstandard. Psionic abilities that use the four common energy types have different dice and abilities based on how common resistance is. Specifically:
Cold and fire: 1d6+1 per die
Electricity: 1d6 and +3 to attack or +2 to save DC
Sonic: 1d6-1 and ignore hardness of objects

[martyboy74]

Shouldn't this have construct traits?

[The Demented One]

Shouldn't this have construct traits?

Why? It's not made of crystal, is just has a carapace covered in crystal. Anyway, if dromites evolved from constructs, then something is very, very wrong.

[asromta]

I don't know too much about CR, but isn't this creature a little strong for CR 2? It has 34 hps, a high attack bonus, and when you try to kill it it damages you.

[Zeal]

Dromites resemble cockroaches, about the size of a large dog, with a carapace encrusted in glittering crystals.

Just thought I'd point this out, don't know if it's intentional or a typo.

[The Demented One]

Just thought I'd point this out, don't know if it's intentional or a typo.

Thanks, getting the two mixed up.

[martyboy74]

On that thought, do the crystals break for all attacks that deal over 5 points of damage, or only ones that cause physical harm? I just can't see a mind thrust, per say, breaking aything.

[illathid]

Been reading some Kafka? ;)

I don't know if i'd ever use it but it looks good.