New Monster: Deathmask Crawlers

"Will this rain never end?" Nimble yelled as he paused under a rock outcropping.

"Not for another month or so" Feris said, stepping in beside him. "Presuming that I understood the village shaman correctly."

"According to the map, we should be close to the old city, and Allianora."

"How close?"

Rathgar shrugged "Maybe an hour?"

A loud crack above them was the only warning. Looking up Rathgar saw at least 3 skull faced things coming down the side of the rock outcrop. As he drew his sword, the thing in front lifted it's face, revealing a round toothy maw. The face contracted swiftly, and a scream belted out of the monster. The force of it hit the companions, and Rathgar felt himself blackout.

Feris and Nimble grabbed their ears, then their weapons, and jumped from under the outcrop. Feris triggered his wand, sending bolts of electricity coursing up the rockface while Nimble threw poison coated daggers.

Artwork by me!

Deathmask Crawlers
Armor Class: 4
Hit Dice: 2*-4*
Move: 90’ (30’)
Attacks: 1 bite or scream
Damage: 1d6 or special
No. Appearing: 0 (2d4+2)
Save As: F2-4
Morale: 9
Treasure Type: see below
Intelligence: 3
Alignment: Chaotic
XP Value: 25/50/125

Monster Type: Monster (Uncommon)

These monsters are the larval form of Sky Screamers, appearing as 6 legged worms with padded feet, a long tail, and an overlarge ovoid head. The face has markings that appear skull-like. They are voracious eaters, and highly aggressive.While large (weighing between300-600lbs) they are easily able to climb on any surface, including ceilings at their full movement rate.

In combat they will attempt to stun their prey with their scream, and then consume them a chunk at a time. If forced into melee combat they will slam into their prey or whip them with their tail. The scream of the Deathmask Crawler is a Hold Person effect (save vs Dragons Breath to resist) affecting anyone within 20’. Those held will shake off the effect in 3d10 rounds.

Anytime Deathmask Crawlers are encountered, there is a 25% chance that they are already in their cocoon, and mid-transformation into a Sky Screamer. In these instances, the Deathmask Crawlers are helpless and provide no XP. However the cocoon silk is extremely valuable, and can be sold for 5d30gp each.

Terrain: Ruins, Hills, Mountains, Jungle

---

Inspiration for this guy came from a picture of Phyllodes Imperialis.