New Monster: Burning Skeleton

Rathgar ran his fingers across the stone wall of the dungeon, and they came back covered in fine soot. "We're getting close. The villagers said that the creatures threw fire at them."

"Further down the dark corridor then?" Allianora waved Rathgar on.

"So it seems." Rathgar looked into the darkness. "Don't bunch up."

At the end of the corridor was a wide arched doorway. Beyond the corridor opened up into a cavernous hall. Shadowy figures seemed to lurk just out of Rathgar's light.

"Feris, a little light please?"

Feris drew a copper coin from his belt, whispered "Lux" and watched it begin to glow, giving off a warm light. He passed the coin to Rathgar, who tossed it into the room. The figures resolved into robed and armored skeletons. What could be seen of each of their bones was covered completely in carvings, though it was hard to tell if it was runes, or something more decorative. All but one of the skeletons shifted to face the door. The one looked first at the coin. It then stepped out of the group toward the arch. It flexed its hands, which flickered with a flame that spread all over its unholy body.

Burning Skeleton
Armor Class: 7 or 4
Hit Dice: 2+2* (M)
Move: 120' (40')
Attacks: burning claw or flame
Damage: 1d6
No. Appearing 1d6 (2d4)
Save As: MU3
Morale: 12
Treasure Type: B
Intelligence: 7
Alignment: Chaotic
XP Value: 35

Burning Skeletons are often created from the bodies of apprentice mages. They arise very rarely, and never intentionally. When they are created they usually will take command of any other skeletons in the area, and so they are always found with a normal compliment of skeletons (3d4 or 3d10).

In combat, burning skeletons can throw balls of magical fire up to 30' every round. The fire will burn for 2 rounds if it hits. Burning skeletons are usually found in tattered robes, but sometimes they're encountered in ancient armor. In either case, they never use weapons, even if they carry them, preferring instead to rely upon their fire. They covet magic, and will refrain from burning wizards, instead attempting to capture them, and more importantly, their spell books.

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Blazing Skeleton by EgonRiz