Darkseed Creature (CR +2)

Darkseed creatures are undead who are defined by the intense kernel of negative energy they carry within themselves. Whether through divine interference, or some metaphysical quirk of necromancy, each darkseed creature has a strong and unnatural connection to the Negative Energy Plane. Walking planar portals, these monsters literally pulse with dangerous energies and are endemic to all life.

Creating a Darkseed Creature

Darkseed Creature is an acquired template that can be added to any undead creature. The term darkseed refers most properly to the kernel of negative energy that burns in an undead with this template. Sometimes when an undead rises within an area ripe with negative energy it immediately gains the darkseed template. Likewise, some undead bring forth a darkseed within themselves after spending time in such negatively charged zones. More common, however, are those undead who receive a darkseed from a malevolent deity with necromantic dominions.

CR: +2

Type: Regardless of alignment, the creature gains the chaotic subtype.

Defenses/Qualities: lifesense 60 ft. (as blindsight); fast healing (equal to 1 plus there Charisma modifier [minimum 1]); darklight aura

Attack: The negative energy coursing through the body of the darkseed creature acts as a poison to those attacked by the creature. Any attack made by the creature (natural and weapon) add Necrotic Poison to its damage.

Special Abilities: A darkseed gains the following special abilities.

Animate Dead (Su): The mere presence of the darkseed can bring the dead from their graves. A darkseed creature can animate dead a number of times per day equal to 1 plus there Charisma modifier (minimum 1) as a swift action.

Channel Negative Energy (Su): As a free action, the darkseed creature can channel negative energy (as a cleric character level equal to the darkseed creature’s CR) a number of times per day equal to 3+ the darkseed’s Charisma modifier. This ability stacks with any classes that grant the channeling ability (such as the Cleric).

Darklight (Su): The negative energies pulsing from the creature act as a continual deeper darkness, centered on the darkseed, providing total concealment for the creature against attacks made from further than 30 ft. away (area attacks are not affected). However, such is the strength of the creature's negative aura that any living thing within 30 ft. can absolutely and unerringly locate the creature, regardless of vision. Intelligent undead can suppress the field of darkness at will, but not the ability of the living to target them.

Darkseed (Su): Tightly wound negative energies burn within the darkseed creature, fueling their abilities and constantly knitting their wounds. When the creature is 'slain' the slim bindings holding this energy together are undone, resulting in an explosion of negative energy. Living creatures within 30 ft. of the exploding darkseed take 5 points of negative energy damage per HD of the slain undead (Reflex halves). Undead within the same area receive a like amount of temporary hit points.

Necrotic Poison: Type injury; Save Fort (DC 10 + ½ base creature’s HD + darkseed’s Charisma modifier); frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; effect 1 Con damage plus the base creatures natural drain damage (if any); cure 1 save.

Abilities: Increase from the base creature as follows: Increase from the base creature as follows: Str +4 (+2 to attack and damage, +2 to Climb and Swim skill checks, +2 to Strength, and CMB checks, +2 to CMD, add +2 to any of the base creature’s Strength-based DCs), Dex +4 (+2 to Ranged attack rolls; AC and touch AC, and Ref saves. +2 to Acrobatics, Disable Device, Escape Artist, Fly, Ride, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth checks, add +2 to any of the base creature’s Dexterity-based DCs), Cha +6 (+3 to Bluff, Diplomacy, Disguise, Handle Animal, Intimidate, Perform, and Use Magic Device; +3 to attempts to influence others and Channel Energy, +3 to DC of Necrotic Poison, add +3 to any of the base creature’s other Charisma-based DCs)

Feats: Gain Toughness as a bonus feat.

Environment: As base creature plus negative energy plane

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