Casu Martzu Golem

Large Construct

Hit Dice: 14d10+30 (107 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares)
Armor Class: 23 (–1 size, +1 Dex, +13 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 22
Base Attack/Grapple: +10/+22
Attack: Slam +17 melee (2d10+8 plus infestation)
Full Attack: 2 slams +17 melee (2d10+8 plus infestation)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Infesting slam, larval eruption, living swarm, engulfing colony
Special Qualities: Construct traits, damage reduction 10/slashing, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, colony body, fast healing 5, immunity to cold, scent, softened by heat, swarm affinity
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +4
Abilities: Str 27, Dex 12, Con —, Int —, Wis 11, Cha 1
Skills: —
Feats: —
Environment: Temperate farms, abandoned dairies, caverns, or any land
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 11
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 15–22 HD (Large); 23–32 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: —

Special Attacks

Infesting Slam (Ex)

Every successful slam attack coats the victim with dozens of magically animated cheese-skippers.

The target must succeed on a DC 24 Fortitude save or become infested.

An infested creature suffers:

• 1d6 points of damage at the beginning of each of its turns.
• A –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, and Concentration checks due to the constant movement of the larvae.

The infestation lasts until removed by remove disease, heal, limited wish, wish, or by spending three consecutive full-round actions scraping away the larvae.

The save DC is Strength-based.

Larval Eruption (Ex)

Every 1d4 rounds, the golem may violently rupture portions of its body.

This releases a 15-foot-radius burst of enchanted larvae.

Creatures within the burst take 4d6 points of piercing damage as thousands of tiny jaws bite exposed flesh.

Those failing a DC 24 Reflex save also become infested.

Immediately after using this ability, the golem heals 10 hit points as fresh larvae rapidly reseal the ruptures.

Living Swarm (Su)

Once per day, the casu martzu golem may release part of its body as a Cheese-Skipper Swarm.

Use the statistics for a Spider Swarm with the following changes:

• Type changes to Vermin Swarm.
• Gains construct immunities granted by the golem's magic.
• Deals 2d6 damage.
• Automatically obeys the golem.

If destroyed, the swarm collapses into ordinary cheese within 1 minute.

Engulfing Colony (Ex)

If both slam attacks strike the same opponent during a full attack, the golem may immediately begin a grapple without provoking attacks of opportunity.

On a successful grapple check, the victim becomes trapped within a writhing mass of enchanted cheese and larvae.

While grappled:

• The victim takes 2d6+8 bludgeoning damage and 2d6 infestation damage each round.
• The victim is automatically considered infested.

The golem itself is not considered grappled.

Special Qualities

Construct Traits

A casu martzu golem possesses all construct traits.

Damage Reduction (Ex)

Damage reduction 10/slashing.

Colony Body (Ex)

The golem is sustained by countless enchanted larvae continually rebuilding damaged portions.

Whenever it suffers a critical hit (normally negated by construct traits), instead remove 1 point of natural armor until the end of combat as the colony shifts to repair the damage.

Fast Healing (Ex)

The colony continuously repairs damage.

The golem gains fast healing 5.

Fire damage suppresses this ability for 1 round.

Swarm Affinity (Ex)

All vermin and vermin swarms are automatically indifferent toward the golem unless magically compelled otherwise.

Immunity to Cold (Ex)

Cold merely slows the larvae without harming them.

Scent (Ex)

The pungent aroma grants the scent special quality.

Softened by Heat (Ex)

Whenever the golem takes 10 or more fire damage from a single attack:

For the next 3 rounds:

• Natural armor decreases by 2.
• Fast Healing increases to 10 as the larvae become hyperactive.
• Every creature striking the golem with a natural weapon or unarmed strike must succeed on a DC 22 Reflex save or become infested.

Additional fire damage refreshes the duration.

Description

A casu martzu golem is perhaps the most disturbing creation ever produced by the eccentric tradition of cheesemancy. At first glance it resembles a hulking humanoid sculpted from enormous wheels of pale, partially decomposed cheese, its body sagging in places beneath an oily sheen. Closer inspection reveals that the surface is never truly still. Tiny ripples course beneath the rind, minute fissures open and close of their own accord, and countless enchanted larvae constantly tunnel through the construct before vanishing back beneath its soft exterior.

Unlike other cheese golems, the casu martzu golem is not animated solely by magic infused into dairy. Instead, powerful transmutation binds together the cheese and the colony living within it into a single magical organism. Neither the cheese nor the larvae could survive independently for long, yet together they form a remarkably resilient guardian capable of rebuilding itself even as it fights.

The construct advances with ponderous confidence, seemingly unconcerned by the writhing movement beneath its own skin. Every heavy footstep leaves behind small fragments of cheese that immediately begin crawling back toward the golem, carried by hundreds of determined larvae. Opponents often find the sight more unsettling than the golem's tremendous physical strength.

The most horrifying aspect of a casu martzu golem is the sound. Rather than the grinding of stone or the creaking of wood common to other constructs, it emits a faint, constant rustling punctuated by soft clicking noises from the countless tiny creatures maintaining its body. Those who survive an encounter often claim they continued hearing that sound in their dreams for weeks afterward.

Lore

Among cheesemancers, the creation of a casu martzu golem is widely regarded as the final examination of one's craft. It requires mastery of construct animation, advanced transmutation, vermin handling, and preservation magic, all performed in perfect harmony. Most apprentices wisely choose to specialize in cheddar instead.

Legends claim the first casu martzu golem was created accidentally when a master artificer refused to discard a prized wheel that had become infested during the aging process. Rather than destroy years of careful work, the wizard attempted to preserve both the cheese and its unexpected inhabitants through magic. The resulting construct proved so astonishingly durable that the "mistake" soon became one of the most difficult—and controversial—techniques in cheesemancy.

Opinions differ sharply regarding these creations. Some scholars consider them masterpieces of magical ecology, arguing that they blur the traditional distinction between construct and living colony. Others insist they should never have existed at all, citing their unnerving behavior and uncanny resilience. Even experienced adventurers who have faced dragons and liches often admit that watching chunks of animated cheese crawl back together under the guidance of thousands of tiny larvae ranks among the most unsettling sights they have ever witnessed.

Despite their fearsome reputation, casu martzu golems remain extraordinarily rare. Few artificers possess the patience to cultivate the required colony, and fewer still have the fortitude to stand nearby while performing the months-long ritual of animation. Those who succeed seldom advertise their accomplishment, perhaps wisely recognizing that some masterpieces are best appreciated from a considerable distance.

Limburger Golem

Large Construct

Hit Dice: 11d10+30 (90 hp)
Initiative: –1
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares)
Armor Class: 21 (–1 size, –1 Dex, +13 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 21
Base Attack/Grapple: +8/+19
Attack: Slam +14 melee (2d8+7)
Full Attack: 2 slams +14 melee (2d8+7)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Aura of overwhelming stench, fetid slam, putrid cloud
Special Qualities: Construct traits, damage reduction 10/slashing, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, immunity to cold, scent, softened by heat, vermin magnet
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +3
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 9, Con —, Int —, Wis 11, Cha 1
Skills: —
Feats: —
Environment: Temperate farms, abandoned dairies, sewers, marshes, or any land
Organization: Solitary or creamery (2–3)
Challenge Rating: 9
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 12–20 HD (Large); 21–30 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: —

Special Attacks

Aura of Overwhelming Stench (Ex)

A limburger golem constantly radiates a nauseating odor in a 30-foot radius.

Creatures entering or beginning their turn within the aura must succeed on a DC 21 Fortitude save or become sickened for as long as they remain within the aura and for 1d4 rounds thereafter.

If a creature fails this save by 5 or more, it is instead nauseated for 1 round.

A creature that succeeds is immune to that particular golem's aura for 24 hours.

The save DC is Strength-based.

Fetid Slam (Ex)

Any creature damaged by a slam attack must succeed on a DC 21 Fortitude save or become sickened for 1d6 rounds.

A creature already sickened that fails this save becomes nauseated for 1 round instead.

Putrid Cloud (Ex)

Every 1d4 rounds, the limburger golem may release an explosive cloud of concentrated odor in a 20-foot-radius spread centered on itself.

Creatures within the cloud must make a DC 21 Fortitude save.

Failure results in:

• Nauseated for 1d4 rounds
• Blinded by streaming tears for 1 round

Success results in:

• Sickened for 1 round

The cloud lingers for 3 rounds, providing concealment beyond 5 feet due to watery eyes and swirling vapors.

Special Qualities

Construct Traits

A limburger golem possesses all construct traits.

Damage Reduction (Ex)

Damage reduction 10/slashing.

Vermin Magnet (Ex)

The overwhelming odor naturally attracts scavengers.

Whenever combat lasts longer than 5 rounds, there is a 25% chance each round that 1d4 swarms of rats, dire rats, or other Small vermin (DM's choice) arrive from nearby tunnels or cracks.

These creatures are not controlled by the golem.

Instead, they instinctively attack the nearest living creatures while completely ignoring the limburger golem.

Immunity to Cold (Ex)

Cold simply firms the cheese.

Scent (Ex)

The limburger golem possesses the scent special quality.

Its scent range is doubled.

Softened by Heat (Ex)

Whenever the limburger golem suffers at least 10 points of fire damage from a single source, portions of its body liquefy.

For 3 rounds:

• Natural armor decreases by 2.
• Slam attacks deal +1d6 acid damage, representing burning, semi-liquid cheese.
• The radius of Aura of Overwhelming Stench increases to 40 feet.

Additional fire damage refreshes the duration.

Description

A limburger golem is a massive construct assembled from enormous wheels of heavily aged Limburger cheese reinforced by powerful transmutation magic. Its body is thick and muscular, with rough, uneven surfaces coated in cracked amber rinds that glisten beneath an oily sheen. Faint wisps of vapor seem to perpetually rise from the seams between its massive wedges, carrying with them an odor that many describe as a cross between spoiled milk, damp cellars, fermenting onions, and forgotten gymnasiums.

Unlike the clean appearance of a mozzarella golem or the polished craftsmanship of a cheddar guardian, a limburger golem gives the unsettling impression of slow decay despite remaining perfectly preserved. Tiny droplets continually form along its surface before sliding to the ground, where they leave dark, pungent stains that can linger for weeks.

The construct advances with deliberate confidence, seemingly unaware of the havoc its mere presence inflicts upon nearby creatures. Many battles end before its fists are ever brought to bear, as opponents stagger away retching long before they can mount an effective defense.

Ironically, cheesemakers often regard the aroma with pride rather than disgust. Master artisans recognize it as the unmistakable hallmark of properly matured Limburger, though even they generally prefer to admire the construct from a respectful distance.

Lore

Among cheesemancers, the limburger golem is considered the greatest triumph of psychological warfare ever created. Early prototypes were intended merely to guard cheese vaults, but their creators quickly discovered that intruders often abandoned their theft without a single blow being struck. Word spread rapidly that some treasures were simply not worth smelling.

Legends claim that one famous creamery ended a month-long siege after releasing two limburger golems from its cellar. Contemporary accounts differ wildly on the details, but every version agrees that the besieging army departed in remarkable haste and declined to return, despite suffering almost no physical casualties.

Scholars have long debated whether the odor is entirely mundane or partially supernatural. Alchemical analysis confirms the presence of ordinary aromatic compounds associated with aged Limburger, yet divination magic consistently reveals lingering transmutation and conjuration effects interwoven with the scent. Most conclude that the enchantment amplifies an already formidable natural aroma into something approaching a weapon.

Experienced adventurers often joke that there are only two kinds of people: those who laugh upon first hearing of a limburger golem, and those who have actually fought one. The first group invariably outnumbers the second.

Mozzarella Golem

Large Construct

Hit Dice: 10d10+30 (85 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares)
Armor Class: 20 (–1 size, +11 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+18
Attack: Stretching slam +13 melee (2d8+7)
Full Attack: 2 stretching slams +13 melee (2d8+7)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./15 ft.
Special Attacks: Elastic reach, mozzarella pull, engulfing embrace
Special Qualities: Construct traits, damage reduction 5/slashing, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, elastic body, immunity to cold, scent, softened by heat
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +3
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 10, Con —, Int —, Wis 11, Cha 1
Skills: —
Feats: —
Environment: Temperate farms, dairies, kitchens, or any land
Organization: Solitary, pair, or creamery (2–4)
Challenge Rating: 8
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 11–18 HD (Large); 19–30 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: —

Special Attacks

Elastic Reach (Ex)

The mozzarella golem's arms can stretch to impossible lengths.

Its melee reach with slam attacks is 15 feet, and it may make attacks of opportunity throughout that reach.

Unlike most Large creatures, it may attack adjacent opponents normally.

Mozzarella Pull (Ex)

Whenever the mozzarella golem successfully strikes a creature with a slam attack, it may immediately attempt a bull rush without provoking attacks of opportunity.

Instead of pushing the opponent away, a successful check pulls the victim directly adjacent to the golem.

This movement does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

Engulfing Embrace (Ex)

If both slam attacks hit the same target during a full attack, the mozzarella golem may immediately begin a grapple as a free action without provoking attacks of opportunity.

On a successful grapple check, the target becomes wrapped in thick cords of enchanted mozzarella.

The victim is grappled, while the golem is not considered grappled and may continue attacking other opponents.

A restrained creature takes 2d6+7 points of constriction damage each round at the beginning of the golem's turn.

Escaping requires either:

• winning an opposed grapple check, or
• succeeding on a DC 23 Escape Artist check.

Special Qualities

Construct Traits

A mozzarella golem possesses all construct traits.

Damage Reduction (Ex)

Damage reduction 5/slashing.

Elastic Body (Ex)

The mozzarella golem's enchanted body stretches and rebounds with astonishing resilience.

It gains:

• +4 racial bonus on grapple checks.
• +4 racial bonus against trip attempts.
• Immunity to being entangled.
• Immunity to effects that would reduce its reach.

Immunity to Cold (Ex)

Cold merely firms the mozzarella, causing no additional effect.

Scent (Ex)

The fresh aroma of milk and cream grants the mozzarella golem the scent special quality.

Softened by Heat (Ex)

Fire has an unusual effect.

Whenever the golem suffers at least 10 points of fire damage from a single source, its body becomes extremely soft for 3 rounds.

During this time:

• Natural armor decreases by 2.
• Reach increases to 20 feet.
• Slam attacks deal an additional 1d6 fire damage.
• It gains a +2 bonus on grapple checks.

Additional fire damage refreshes the duration but does not stack.

Description

A mozzarella golem is a towering construct formed from enormous magically preserved wheels of fresh mozzarella layered together into a broad, muscular humanoid shape. Unlike the rigid forms of cheddar or swiss golems, its body appears slightly yielding, with glossy white surfaces that glisten beneath a thin sheen of moisture. Every movement causes subtle stretching between its joints, as though the construct were fashioned from living strands of enchanted cheese rather than solid wheels.

When standing still, the mozzarella golem appears almost statuesque. The illusion vanishes the moment it attacks. Its arms elongate with startling speed, stretching several feet beyond what should be physically possible before snapping back into shape without the slightest sign of damage.

Those unfortunate enough to be seized quickly discover that the golem is less interested in striking than restraining. Thick ribbons of magically elastic mozzarella coil around limbs and torsos, pinning victims in place while the construct calmly turns its attention toward the next intruder.

Many experienced adventurers have underestimated a mozzarella golem because of its pristine appearance. Few make that mistake twice. Once its elastic limbs begin sweeping across an entire chamber, escape becomes surprisingly difficult.

Lore

The mozzarella golem was developed after cheesemancers sought a guardian capable of controlling crowds rather than merely crushing them. Inspired by the famous "stretch" of freshly made mozzarella, artificers devised enchantments that allowed the construct's limbs to extend far beyond their natural proportions without sacrificing strength.

Unlike most animated constructs, the mozzarella golem relies on flexibility rather than sheer durability. Its body continuously redistributes magical tension throughout thousands of enchanted cheese fibers, allowing it to absorb tremendous force before returning to its original shape. Wizards specializing in transmutation often study these principles in hopes of adapting them to living flesh, though such experiments have produced mixed—and frequently embarrassing—results.

Cheesemakers prize mozzarella golems for handling delicate tasks that would challenge heavier constructs. Their elastic limbs can retrieve items from high shelves, lift massive curds without crushing them, and manipulate equipment with surprising precision despite their enormous size.

Stories abound of thieves who believed they had escaped one of these guardians, only to feel a giant white arm snake around a distant corner and casually drag them back into the creamery. Veterans advise that if a mozzarella golem is within sight, it is probably within reach as well.

Swiss Golem

Large Construct

Hit Dice: 9d10+30 (79 hp)
Initiative: –1
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares)
Armor Class: 19 (–1 size, –1 Dex, +11 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 19
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+16
Attack: Slam +11 melee (2d8+6)
Full Attack: 2 slams +11 melee (2d8+6)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Wedge snare, ricochet throw
Special Qualities: Construct traits, damage reduction 5/slashing, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, hole-riddled body, immunity to cold, scent, softened by heat
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +3
Abilities: Str 23, Dex 9, Con —, Int —, Wis 11, Cha 1
Skills: —
Feats: —
Environment: Temperate farms, dairies, kitchens, or any land
Organization: Solitary, pair, or creamery (2–4)
Challenge Rating: 7
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 10–18 HD (Large); 19–27 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: —

Special Attacks

Wedge Snare (Ex)

Whenever a swiss golem hits a Medium or smaller creature with a slam attack, it may immediately attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking attacks of opportunity. It does not move into the target's square.

If the grapple check succeeds, the victim becomes partially wedged inside one or more of the golem's large cavities. The trapped creature is considered grappled, but the swiss golem is not. The golem retains its Dexterity bonus to AC, threatens all adjacent squares, moves normally, and may continue making slam attacks against other opponents.

A trapped creature may escape by winning an opposed grapple check or by succeeding on a DC 21 Escape Artist check as a standard action. Upon escaping, it appears in any unoccupied square adjacent to the swiss golem.

A swiss golem may hold only one Medium creature, two Small creatures, or four Tiny (or smaller) creatures at one time.

Ricochet Throw (Ex)

As a standard action, a swiss golem may tear loose and hurl a fist-sized wheel of magically hardened swiss cheese as a ranged attack with a range increment of 30 feet. The attack deals 2d6+6 points of bludgeoning damage.

If the attack misses its original target by 5 or less, the projectile ricochets unpredictably from walls, floors, ceilings, or other hard surfaces. Immediately make another attack roll against a different creature within 15 feet of the original target. The ricochet cannot target the original creature.

The detached cheese wheel magically regrows after 1 minute.

Special Qualities

Construct Traits

A swiss golem possesses all construct traits.

Damage Reduction (Ex)

Its magically compressed body grants damage reduction 5/slashing.

Hole-Riddled Body (Ex)

The swiss golem's body is filled with magically reinforced cavities that make it unusually difficult to strike cleanly.

• All ranged weapon attacks (including arrows, bolts, sling bullets, thrown weapons, and firearm projectiles, if used) have a 20% miss chance against the swiss golem as they may pass harmlessly through its numerous holes.
• Creatures attempting to grapple the swiss golem take a –2 circumstance penalty on grapple checks, as limbs and weapons continually slip into its cavities.
• The swiss golem gains a +4 racial bonus on checks made to resist bull rush, overrun, and trip attempts, as opponents struggle to gain solid leverage against its irregular frame.

Immunity to Cold (Ex)

Cold damage merely hardens the cheese, causing no additional effect.

Scent (Ex)

The rich, nutty aroma of aged swiss grants the golem the scent special quality.

Softened by Heat (Ex)

Whenever the swiss golem takes 10 or more points of fire damage from a single source, portions of its body soften.

For the next 3 rounds:

• Its natural armor bonus is reduced by 2 (minimum +4).
• Its speed is reduced by 10 feet.
• Its slam attacks deal an additional 1d6 points of fire damage as molten cheese splashes onto its victims.

Additional fire damage resets the duration but does not stack.

Description

A swiss golem is an imposing humanoid construct assembled from enormous wheels of aged swiss cheese strengthened by powerful transmutation magic. Its body is composed of thick wedges and rounded sections riddled with perfectly circular cavities ranging from fist-sized openings to tunnels large enough to swallow an arm. Every surface is protected beneath a smooth coating of golden wax that glistens with tiny beads of fragrant oil.

At first glance, the numerous holes appear to be structural weaknesses. In reality, they are painstakingly engineered components of the construct's design. Missiles frequently whistle harmlessly through empty spaces where a solid body would have been struck, while opponents attempting to seize the golem find their hands disappearing into unexpected openings instead of gaining a proper grip.

Despite its unusual construction, the swiss golem moves with slow confidence and tremendous strength. Each heavy footfall leaves faint oily impressions upon stone floors, accompanied by the unmistakable aroma of an alpine creamery. It advances without hesitation, silently judging intruders through an expression permanently carved into its broad, wedge-shaped face.

The most unnerving aspect of a swiss golem is the way it captures prey. Rather than crushing enemies outright, it calmly wedges struggling victims into its oversized cavities before continuing the fight as though carrying groceries.

Lore

Swiss golems were created by eccentric cheesemancers seeking to improve upon earlier cheddar golem designs. While observing naturally aged swiss cheese, one artificer proposed an outrageous theory: if arrows could pass harmlessly through the holes in a cheese wheel, perhaps they could do the same through an animated construct. Years of experimentation eventually proved the hypothesis surprisingly effective.

Every cavity within a swiss golem is positioned according to complex arcane geometry rather than random aging. The tunnels reinforce one another through magical force, producing a construct that is simultaneously lighter, stronger, and more elusive than its solid-bodied cousins. Many scholars have attempted to duplicate the design using stone or metal, only to discover that enchanted cheese possesses properties no other material can match.

Master cheesemakers value swiss golems as both guardians and conversation pieces. A wealthy noble displaying one in a cellar demonstrates not only considerable magical resources but also a refined appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship. Guests often begin by laughing, only to fall silent once they witness arrows disappearing cleanly through the construct's torso.

Veteran adventurers speak with particular caution regarding the swiss golem's habit of collecting enemies. Tales abound of companions disappearing into the creature's cavernous body while it continued methodically pounding the rest of the party. Survivors often remark that hearing muffled cries emerging from inside a walking wheel of cheese is somehow more disturbing than facing an iron golem itself.

Cheddar Golem

Large Construct

Hit Dice: 8d10+30 (74 hp)
Initiative: –1
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares)
Armor Class: 20 (–1 size, –1 Dex, +12 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+15
Attack: Slam +10 melee (2d8+5)
Full Attack: 2 slams +10 melee (2d8+5)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Crushing embrace, cheesy spray
Special Qualities: Construct traits, damage reduction 5/slashing, darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, immunity to cold, scent, softened by heat
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +1, Will +2
Abilities: Str 21, Dex 9, Con —, Int —, Wis 11, Cha 1
Skills: —
Feats: —
Environment: Temperate farms, dairies, kitchens, or any land
Organization: Solitary, pair, or creamery (3–6)
Challenge Rating: 6
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 9–16 HD (Large); 17–24 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: —

Special Attacks

Cheesy Spray (Ex): Once every 1d4 rounds, a cheddar golem may violently expel molten, semi-liquid cheese in a 20-foot cone. Creatures within the area take 4d6 points of nonlethal damage (Reflex DC 17 half). Those failing the save must also succeed on a DC 17 Reflex save or become entangled for 1d4 rounds as thick cheese clings to their bodies and equipment. The save DCs are Strength-based.

Crushing Embrace (Ex): If both slam attacks hit the same target during a full attack, the cheddar golem automatically attempts to start a grapple without provoking attacks of opportunity. If successful, it deals an additional 2d6+7 points of bludgeoning damage as the victim is compressed into its dense, waxy body.

Special Qualities

Construct Traits: A cheddar golem possesses all the traits of the construct type.

Damage Reduction (Ex): A cheddar golem's dense, wax-coated body grants it damage reduction 5/slashing. Slashing weapons carve away chunks of cheese more effectively than piercing or bludgeoning attacks.

Immunity to Cold (Ex): Cold temperatures merely harden the golem, making it no easier to damage.

Scent (Ex): The rich aroma of aged cheddar grants the golem the scent special quality.

Softened by Heat (Ex): Fire affects a cheddar golem differently than most constructs.

• Whenever it takes at least 10 points of fire damage from a single source, its natural armor bonus is reduced by 2 (minimum +4) for 3 rounds as portions of its body soften and sag.

• During this time its speed is reduced by 10 feet, but its slam attacks deal an additional 1d6 points of fire damage as molten cheese adheres to its fists.

• Multiple applications reset the duration but do not stack.

Description

The cheddar golem resembles a broad-shouldered humanoid sculpted entirely from enormous wheels and blocks of aged cheddar, their surfaces coated in protective wax. Thick seams divide its limbs into distinct wedges, while tiny beads of oil glisten across its body. Each ponderous step leaves behind faint yellow smears and the unmistakable aroma of a well-stocked creamery.

Unlike most golems, a cheddar golem does not inspire fear through grim menace. Instead, most observers are struck by profound confusion, often followed by disbelief as the construct lumbers toward them with surprising determination. That amusement tends to evaporate the instant its massive fists begin reducing stone walls to rubble.

The golem's body is remarkably resilient despite its unusual composition. Layers of compressed, magically hardened cheese possess a density rivaling seasoned hardwood. Interior chambers remain cool and dry through enchantment, preventing spoilage for decades or even centuries.

When seriously threatened, the cheddar golem vents pressurized reservoirs of molten cheese concealed within its torso. These scalding torrents cling stubbornly to armor, clothing, and flesh alike, making escape difficult while filling the battlefield with the smell of baked bread and melted cheddar.

Lore

Legends attribute the first cheddar golems to eccentric dairy wizards who grew tired of thieves raiding their aging cellars. Conventional guardians required food and wages, while animated armor frightened away honest customers. A golem made from enchanted cheese solved neither problem particularly well, but its creator declared the experiment a resounding success anyway.

Master cheesemakers sometimes commission these constructs as both laborers and symbols of prestige. A cheddar golem can roll massive cheese wheels, maintain aging racks, and guard valuable stores without ever tiring. Some have reportedly continued performing their duties centuries after the original creamery collapsed into ruins around them.

Adventurers encountering one deep beneath an abandoned monastery or forgotten dairy often assume it to be harmless until it awakens. Many an overconfident treasure hunter has learned that a construct capable of lifting half-ton cheese wheels is equally capable of hurling armored warriors across a room.

Rumors persist of legendary "Grand Reserve" cheddar golems crafted from magically aged cheese hundreds of years old. These colossal guardians are said to possess golden interiors veined with crystalline salt, and connoisseurs whisper that a single shaving from such a creature is worth more than most gemstones—assuming anyone survives long enough to collect it.

Marehag - Brood Marehag

Marehag

Large Fey

Hit Dice: 8d6+24 (52 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares)
Armor Class: 20 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +9 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 18
Base Attack/Grapple: +4/+15
Attack: Claw +10 melee (1d6+7)
Full Attack: 2 claws +10 melee (1d6+7) and 2 hooves +5 melee (1d8+3)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Spell-like abilities, dreadful conversation
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, damage reduction 10/cold iron, woodland stride, scent
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +8, Will +10
Abilities: Str 24, Dex 15, Con 16, Int 15, Wis 17, Cha 19
Skills: Bluff +15, Diplomacy +8, Disguise +8 (+10 acting), Gather Information +10, Hide +5, Intimidate +15, Knowledge (nature) +8, Listen +14, Sense Motive +14, Spot +14, Survival +14
Feats: Alertness, Ability Focus (Dreadful Conversation), Iron Will
Environment: Temperate forests, ancient roads, haunted moors
Organization: Solitary or Pair
Challenge Rating: 7
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Usually Chaotic Evil
Advancement: 9–16 HD (Large); 17–24 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: —

A marehag resembles an elderly female centaur at first glance, though her proportions are subtly wrong. Her horse body is unnaturally long and lean, while her human torso emerges farther forward than it should. Tangled white hair hangs over a face lined by impossible age, and her arms dangle nearly to the ground, ending in black, iron-hard claws. She carries herself with the weary stoop of an old traveler until the instant she attacks, whereupon she erupts into terrifying speed.

Marehags wander forgotten roads, abandoned villages, and deep forests. Unlike most hags, they rarely keep permanent lairs, preferring to hunt by gaining the trust of travelers before revealing their true nature.

Combat

A marehag delights in weakening her victims emotionally before striking physically. She opens encounters with conversation and subtle enchantments, resorting to her claws only after sowing fear and doubt.

Dreadful Conversation (Su): A marehag possesses an uncanny ability to identify emotional weaknesses. If she converses with a creature capable of understanding her language for at least 1 minute, that creature must succeed on a DC 18 Will save or become shaken for 24 hours whenever it can see or hear the marehag. This is a mind-affecting fear effect. Creatures that successfully save are immune to that marehag's dreadful conversation for 24 hours.

Spell-Like Abilities: Caster level 8th. Save DCs are Charisma-based.

At will - detect thoughts (DC 16), ghost sound (DC 14), minor image (DC 16)

3/day - bestow curse (DC 18), deep slumber (DC 17), suggestion (DC 17)

1/day - hallucinatory terrain (DC 19)

Woodland Stride (Ex)

A marehag may move through natural undergrowth without taking damage or suffering impairment, as the druid ability.

Skills

A marehag gains a +8 racial bonus on Bluff and Sense Motive checks. She may always take 10 on Bluff checks, even when rushed or threatened.

Lore

Most people mistake a marehag for an aged centaur until it is far too late. Travelers tell stories of kindly old women who offered food, directions, or sympathetic ears before revealing themselves as monsters. Those who survive often insist the creature knew things it could never have learned - childhood regrets, forgotten promises, buried guilt.

Centaurs deny any kinship with marehags, though they avoid the forgotten roads where the creatures roam. Entire herds will alter seasonal migrations rather than pass through a marehag's hunting grounds. Whether this fear stems from ancient shame, long-forgotten wars, or some darker shared ancestry remains unknown.

Among hags, however, marehags are treated with uncommon respect. Green hags gather misery, annis hags revel in brutality, and night hags traffic in souls. Marehags are said to specialize in something subtler: breaking hope itself. Even other hags sometimes seek one out to learn the art of unraveling a victim with nothing more than a pleasant smile and patient conversation.

Brood Marehag

Large Fey

Hit Dice: 12d6+48 (90 hp)
Initiative: +3
Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares)
Armor Class: 23 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +11 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+19
Attack: Claw +15 melee (1d6+9)
Full Attack: 2 claws +15 melee (1d6+9) and 2 hooves +10 melee (1d8+4)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Spell-like abilities, dreadful conversation, broodmother's command
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, damage reduction 10/cold iron, woodland stride, scent, spell resistance 20
Saves: Fort +8, Ref +11, Will +13
Abilities: Str 28, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 18, Wis 19, Cha 22
Skills: Bluff +21, Diplomacy +12, Disguise +12 (+14 acting), Gather Information +18, Hide +8, Intimidate +21, Knowledge (nature) +15, Listen +19, Sense Motive +23, Spot +19, Survival +19
Feats: Alertness, Ability Focus (Dreadful Conversation), Combat Casting, Iron Will, Leadership¹
Environment: Temperate forests, ancient roads, forgotten villages
Organization: Solitary or Brood (1 brood marehag plus 2–8 awakened beasts and 2–12 animated scarecrows)
Challenge Rating: 10
Treasure: Double Standard
Alignment: Usually Chaotic Evil
Advancement: 13–20 HD (Large); 21–30 HD (Huge)

¹Leadership is listed for flavor and should not be used by PCs.

A brood marehag is an elder among her kind. While ordinary marehags wander the old roads alone, brood marehags establish domains that slowly become places of whispered dread. Animals cease behaving naturally, scarecrows appear where no fields exist, and lonely travelers begin reporting conversations with an elderly woman who somehow already knew their names.

Within a generation, the entire region belongs to her.

Combat

A brood marehag rarely fights alone. She allows her servants to isolate prey while she watches from the edge of the woods, speaking softly until despair has already taken hold.

Dreadful Conversation (Su): As the marehag.

Broodmother's Command (Su): As a standard action, a brood marehag may command any awakened animal, vermin, plant creature, or animated scarecrow within 300 feet. This functions as mass suggestion (DC 22) but affects only such creatures, which obey without receiving a saving throw if they already serve the brood marehag. This is a mind-affecting compulsion.

Spell-Like Abilities: Caster level 12th.

At will - detect thoughts (DC 17), ghost sound, minor image, speak with animals

3/day - bestow curse (DC 20), deep slumber (DC 19), hallucinatory terrain (DC 21), suggestion (DC 19), tree stride

1/day - animate objects, awaken, veil (DC 22)

The awaken ability functions only once per month and is used exclusively upon beasts that willingly remain in her service.

Ecology

As marehags age, many eventually tire of wandering. Rather than stalking forgotten roads, an elder marehag chooses a place where despair already lingers—a deserted hamlet, an abandoned coaching inn, the ruins of a monastery, or a crossroads where tragedies have become commonplace.

Over decades, the land itself begins to change.

Animals grow unnaturally quiet. Travelers lose their sense of direction. Old footpaths seem to rearrange themselves after sunset, always leading strangers toward the brood marehag's domain. Those who survive an encounter often speak of hearing friendly voices just beyond the trees, only to discover no one was ever there.

A brood marehag rarely serves alone. Ordinary marehags sometimes seek out an elder to learn the subtler arts of manipulation, while bewitched beasts, enchanted servants, and creatures broken by years of psychological torment willingly carry out her wishes. Such followers are not slaves so much as disciples, each believing the brood marehag understands them better than anyone else ever could.

Lair

Unlike younger marehags, a brood marehag eventually settles in one place. Her lair is almost never a hut.

Instead, she claims an abandoned village, ruined monastery, forgotten tollhouse, or crumbling estate swallowed by the forest. Birds nest freely in the rafters. Moss carpets every stone. Animated scarecrows stand motionless among dead gardens.

Travelers often remark that the place doesn't feel evil.

It feels...

lived in.

The Putrescent Sovereign

Medium Fiend (Chaotic, Evil, Extraplanar)

Hit Dice: 32d8+320 (464 hp)

Initiative: +11

Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)

Armor Class: 42 (+7 Dex, +18 natural, +7 profane), touch 24, flat-footed 35

Base Attack/Grapple: +32/+43

Attack: Rotting Slam +43 melee (2d8+11 plus Putrescent Corruption)

Full Attack: 2 Rotting Slams +43 melee (2d8+11 plus Putrescent Corruption)

Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.

Special Attacks: Aura of Hollow Certainty, Corrupting Presence, Infernal Decree, Putrescent Corruption, Spell-Like Abilities, Summon Tanar'ri, Words Become Truth

Special Qualities: Damage reduction 15/good and cold iron, darkvision 120 ft., fast healing 15, frightful presence, immunity to acid, fire and poison, Immortal Vanity, regeneration 10 (suppressed by good-aligned weapons), resistance to cold 20 and electricity 20, spell resistance 36, telepathy 1 mile, tongues, true seeing, unholy aura

Saves: Fort +28, Ref +25, Will +31

Abilities: Str 32, Dex 24, Con 30, Int 28, Wis 30, Cha 38

Skills: Bluff +55, Concentration +45, Diplomacy +53, Disguise +49 (+51 acting), Gather Information +53, Intimidate +55, Knowledge (arcana) +44, Knowledge (history) +44, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) +44, Knowledge (religion) +44, Knowledge (the planes) +44, Listen +42, Perform (oratory) +47, Sense Motive +42, Spellcraft +44, Spot +42, Use Magic Device +47

Feats: Ability Focus (Aura of Hollow Certainty), Awesome Blow, Combat Casting, Empower Spell-Like Ability (suggestion), Greater Spell Penetration, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Leadership, Persuasive, Quicken Spell-Like Ability (charm monster), Skill Focus (Bluff), Skill Focus (Diplomacy), Spell Penetration

Environment: Abyss; any realm consumed by corruption, propaganda or cults of personality

Organization: Solitary; Cabinet (The Putrescent Sovereign plus 4–12 elite fiends); The Greatest Rally Ever (The Putrescent Sovereign plus 50–5,000 fanatical followers)

Challenge Rating: 22

Treasure: Triple Standard

Alignment: Always Chaotic Evil

Advancement: 33–40 HD (Medium); 41–56 HD (Large); 57–72 HD (Huge)

Level Adjustment: —

Special Attacks

• Aura of Hollow Certainty (Su): The Putrescent Sovereign radiates an aura with a 60-foot radius that erodes skepticism and replaces it with unwavering confidence in whatever is asserted most forcefully.

Any non-evil creature entering or beginning its turn within the aura must succeed on a DC 36 Will save or become afflicted for as long as it remains within the aura and for 1d4 rounds thereafter. This is a mind-affecting compulsion effect.

An afflicted creature suffers the following effects:

• It takes a –4 penalty on Sense Motive checks and on opposed checks made to resist Bluff.
• It cannot take 10 or take 20 on Intelligence-based skill checks.
• Whenever it witnesses an obvious contradiction, impossible statement, or demonstrably false claim made by the Putrescent Sovereign or one of his allies, it must immediately attempt a second Will save (same DC). Failure causes the creature to rationalize the contradiction rather than recognize it. Although it retains all memories and sensory perceptions, it instinctively invents explanations that preserve the falsehood's apparent truth.

Whenever the afflicted creature attempts to contradict, publicly challenge, or expose a false statement made by the Putrescent Sovereign, it must first succeed on a DC 36 Will save. Failure causes the creature to lose the action as doubt overwhelms its certainty. It may still take purely defensive or movement actions that round.

A creature that succeeds on its initial saving throw is immune to the Putrescent Sovereign's Aura of Hollow Certainty for 24 hours.

This aura does not force agreement or magical domination. Victims believe they are exercising their own independent judgment even as their ability to critically evaluate information quietly deteriorates.

The save DC is Charisma-based.

• Corrupting Presence (Su): The mere presence of the Putrescent Sovereign slowly erodes compassion, integrity and independent thought. Mortals exposed to him for too long begin to admire cruelty, excuse dishonesty and mistake selfishness for strength.

Any non-evil creature that remains within 120 feet of the Putrescent Sovereign for 3 consecutive rounds must succeed on a DC 36 Will save or become corrupted. This is a mind-affecting enchantment (compulsion) effect.

A corrupted creature suffers the following effects:

• The creature takes a –4 penalty on Diplomacy checks made to improve another creature's attitude unless the interaction directly benefits the corrupted creature.

• The creature becomes immune to morale bonuses granted by allies other than itself or the Putrescent Sovereign.

• Whenever the creature witnesses the Putrescent Sovereign commit an openly cruel, selfish, irrational or self-serving act, it must immediately attempt a second DC 36 Will save. Failure causes the creature to reinterpret the act as justified, necessary or even admirable. This does not alter memories, but instead changes how those memories are emotionally evaluated.

• The creature takes a –4 penalty on saving throws against the Putrescent Sovereign's enchantment and compulsion effects.

Each uninterrupted hour spent within one mile of the Putrescent Sovereign requires another DC 36 Will save. Each failed save imposes one stage of corruption. Remove curse suppresses all stages for 24 hours but does not remove them. Only break enchantment, greater restoration, miracle or wish removes one stage of corruption, while miracle or wish immediately removes all stages.

Stage One - Self-Interest: The creature increasingly prioritizes personal benefit over loyalty or compassion. It takes a –2 penalty on Sense Motive checks made to recognize genuine kindness or self-sacrifice.

Stage Two - Devotion: The creature becomes fanatically defensive of the Putrescent Sovereign. It refuses to willingly act against him unless it succeeds on a DC 36 Will save at the start of its turn.

Stage Three - Hollow Soul: The creature's alignment immediately shifts one step toward chaotic evil. If already chaotic evil, it instead becomes permanently devoted to the Putrescent Sovereign as though affected by a geas/quest that cannot be dispelled while he lives. This is not magical domination; the victim sincerely believes this devotion is entirely self-chosen.

Creatures that successfully save against Corrupting Presence are immune to that ability for 24 hours.

The save DC is Charisma-based.

• Infernal Decree (Su):

Three times per day as a standard action, the Putrescent Sovereign may issue an irresistible proclamation that echoes across the battlefield. This declaration need not be truthful, logical or even possible—it is backed by the weight of infernal authority rather than reason.

All enemies within 120 feet who can hear and understand him must succeed on a DC 36 Will save or immediately become subject to one of the following decrees of the Sovereign's choosing. This is a language-dependent, mind-affecting compulsion effect.

A decree remains in effect for 10 rounds or until the Putrescent Sovereign dismisses it as a free action.

Only one Infernal Decree may be active at a time.

Examples of Infernal Decrees

"You Have Already Lost."

Affected creatures take a –4 penalty on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws against fear effects, and opposed checks made to resist bull rush, disarm, grapple, overrun or trip attempts.

"Your Allies Betray You."

Affected creatures treat all allies as one attitude category less friendly for the duration. They cannot benefit from aid another, flanking, teamwork feats or morale bonuses granted by allies.

"No One Questions Me."

Affected creatures may not ready actions, delay actions, use attacks of opportunity triggered by the Putrescent Sovereign, or attempt counterspells against his spell-like abilities.

"Only I Speak the Truth."

Affected creatures take a –10 penalty on Bluff, Diplomacy, Gather Information and Sense Motive checks. In addition, they cannot provide tactical advice or warnings to allies. Attempts to do so fail as words catch in their throats or emerge hesitant and confused.

"Kneel."

Affected creatures immediately fall prone if standing. Standing from prone while the decree persists requires a successful DC 36 Will save each round; failure wastes the move action as supernatural hesitation overwhelms them.

"You Don't Have the Cards."

Affected creatures become convinced they possess no meaningful leverage against the Putrescent Sovereign. They take a –6 penalty on caster level checks made to overcome his spell resistance and on opposed checks made against him (including bull rush, disarm, grapple, overrun, sunder, and trip). In addition, an affected creature cannot voluntarily use its highest-level spell slot, most powerful spell-like ability, or single-use magical item (such as a scroll, wand charge, or potion) against the Putrescent Sovereign unless it first succeeds on a DC 36 Will save. Failure wastes the action, though any expended spell slot, charge, or use is not consumed. The creature instead instinctively hesitates, convinced that its greatest resources "wouldn't matter anyway."

A creature that successfully saves against Infernal Decree is immune to that specific use of the ability but must save again against future decrees.

The save DC is Charisma-based.

• Putrescent Corruption (Su):

The Putrescent Sovereign's body constantly leaks foul ichor steeped in Abyssal corruption. Any living creature struck by one of his Rotting Slam attacks, or that successfully grapples or is grappled by the Putrescent Sovereign, must succeed on a DC 36 Fortitude save or become afflicted with Putrescent Corruption. This is a supernatural disease, though it is neither a poison nor a natural disease.

The incubation period is instantaneous.

A creature afflicted with Putrescent Corruption takes 1d4 points of Constitution damage and 1d4 points of Charisma damage immediately and again once every 24 hours until cured.

In addition, the victim progresses through the following stages as long as the corruption remains.

Stage One - Cracks Appear:

Fine hairline fissures spread across the creature's skin, accompanied by an unpleasant odor of fermentation and decay. The creature takes a –2 penalty on Diplomacy and Perform checks.

Stage Two - Hollow Vanity:

The creature becomes increasingly defensive, arrogant and incapable of accepting criticism. Whenever another creature successfully uses Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate against it, the victim must succeed on a DC 36 Will save or spend its next turn verbally defending itself rather than taking offensive actions. This is a mind-affecting compulsion effect.

Stage Three - Putrefaction:

Black ichor begins seeping from the widening cracks. The creature's flesh partially assumes the pumpkin-rind appearance of the Putrescent Sovereign. Its fast healing and all magical healing received are reduced by half, as healthy tissue struggles to replace corrupted flesh.

Stage Four - Mirror of the Sovereign:

The creature's alignment shifts one step toward chaotic evil. It becomes immune to the nauseated condition caused by foul odors, filth or decay, regarding such things as strangely comforting. While within 120 feet of the Putrescent Sovereign, it takes a –4 penalty on saving throws against his supernatural and spell-like abilities.

A creature that dies while afflicted by Stage Four dissolves into a pool of black ichor over the course of 1 minute. Unless blessed by hallow, consecrate, miracle, or wish before this transformation completes, the creature cannot be returned to life by raise dead or resurrection. Only true resurrection, miracle, or wish can restore it thereafter.

Putrescent Corruption is extraordinarily resistant to magical cures. Remove disease suppresses the disease for 24 hours but does not eliminate it. Heal removes one stage of corruption and cures the Constitution and Charisma damage already inflicted but does not grant immunity. Greater restoration completely cures the corruption. Miracle or wish immediately ends the effect and restores all lost ability score points.

The save DC is Constitution-based.

• Words Become Truth (Su):

Once per day, as a full-round action, the Putrescent Sovereign may utter a single undeniable proclamation. His words are not themselves reality, but they compel reality to imitate certainty.

The Sovereign chooses one statement from the list below. All creatures within 120 feet that can hear and understand him must succeed on a DC 36 Will save or become bound by the proclamation for 10 rounds. This is a language-dependent, mind-affecting compulsion effect.

Unlike Infernal Decree, a proclamation from Words Become Truth subtly alters reality itself. Its effects persist even if creatures later recognize the statement as false.

Only one proclamation may exist at a time.

Sample Proclamations

"I Was Never Wounded."

All damage currently suffered by the Putrescent Sovereign is reduced by half (maximum 200 hit points restored). This healing cannot restore him above his normal maximum hit points and is not subject to effects that prevent healing.

"You Cannot Harm Me."

For the duration, all successful attacks against the Putrescent Sovereign deal only half damage after all other modifiers. This effect stacks with damage reduction but not with other effects that halve damage.

"There Is No Escape."

Teleportation, plane shift, dimension door, shadow walk, ethereal travel, and similar effects automatically fail within 120 feet of the Putrescent Sovereign. Existing extradimensional effects remain intact, but no creature may enter or leave them.

"I Have the Best Words."

The Putrescent Sovereign's endless torrent of grandiose proclamations drowns out reason, strategy and meaningful communication.

For the duration, affected creatures suffer the following effects:

They cannot cast spells with verbal components unless they first succeed on a DC 36 Concentration check. Failure wastes the action, though the spell is not lost.

They take a –10 penalty on Bluff, Diplomacy, Gather Information, Intimidate, and Perform (oratory) checks.

They cannot use the Aid Another action or grant bonuses through spoken commands, tactical advice, bardic music, marshal auras that require audible commands, or similar language-dependent abilities.

Whenever an affected creature attempts to speak more than a few words, its voice is subconsciously drowned out by the Sovereign's supernatural rhetoric. It must succeed on a DC 36 Will save or its intended message becomes disjointed, repetitive, rambling, or incoherent. The creature believes it expressed itself clearly, but listeners receive only fragments, contradictions, and self-congratulatory nonsense.

This effect is language-dependent and mind-affecting.

"The Crowd Agrees With Me."

Affected creatures cannot benefit from flanking, Aid Another, bardic music, teamwork feats, or any morale bonus granted by allies. Any spell requiring a willing ally automatically fails unless the recipient first succeeds on a DC 36 Will save.

"History Will Remember This Differently."

Affected creatures immediately forget all tactical information learned during the current encounter before this proclamation was spoken. They lose knowledge of previously identified spell-like abilities, damage reduction, energy resistances, vulnerabilities, prepared tactics, and similar observations. This does not erase class abilities or permanent memories, only conclusions reached during the current battle.

• Absolute Falsehood (Su):

Whenever an affected creature directly witnesses a proclamation functioning, it must immediately attempt a second DC 36 Will save.

Failure causes the creature to accept the altered reality without question for the duration. It cannot use divination, logic, or extraordinary abilities to distinguish the proclamation from natural reality until the effect ends.

Success allows the creature to recognize that reality has been unnaturally distorted, though it remains subject to the proclamation's mechanical effects.

A creature that successfully saves against Words Become Truth is immune to that specific proclamation for 24 hours but must save normally against future uses.

The save DC is Charisma-based.

Special Qualities

• Immortal Vanity (Su):

The Putrescent Sovereign's existence is sustained not merely by Abyssal power, but by an absolute conviction of his own perfection. So long as he believes himself destined to rule, reality stubbornly refuses to acknowledge his defeat.

Whenever the Putrescent Sovereign would be reduced to 0 or fewer hit points, destroyed by a death effect, slain through ability damage or drain, or otherwise killed, he instead immediately activates Immortal Vanity, provided this ability has not been used within the previous 24 hours.

The Sovereign immediately regains half of his maximum hit points, all ability damage, ability drain, negative levels, and conditions affecting him are removed, and any severed or destroyed body parts are instantly restored. This restoration is not healing and functions even in areas where magical healing is suppressed.

As he reforms, he loudly declares that he was "never in any danger," that his enemies are "lying," and that he has achieved "the greatest victory anyone has ever seen." This proclamation cannot be prevented by silence, paralysis, or similar effects.

For the next 5 rounds, the Putrescent Sovereign gains the following benefits:

• A +4 profane bonus to Armor Class.
• A +4 profane bonus on attack rolls, saving throws, and caster level checks.
• Fast healing increases to 30.
• He is immune to fear, confusion, and all mind-affecting effects.

At the end of this duration, these bonuses expire, though he remains alive.

If the Putrescent Sovereign is slain again before 24 hours have passed, he dies normally and reforms in his Abyssal domain after 1 year and 1 day, as is typical for a slain demon lord.

A creature that succeeds on a DC 36 Sense Motive check while witnessing Immortal Vanity activate recognizes the truth: the Sovereign is not drawing strength from confidence, but from a profound inability to accept reality. His supernatural narcissism has become the source of his immortality.

Description

The Putrescent Sovereign is a singular horror among the demon princes of the Abyss. Unlike his peers, who delight in bloodshed, pestilence or endless war, the Sovereign wages his campaigns upon the minds of mortals. He has discovered that kingdoms need not be conquered by sword or spell if they can first be convinced to abandon reason. Every lie believed, every uncomfortable truth rejected and every unquestioning follower strengthens his influence throughout the planes.

Though outwardly resembling a grotesque parody of a wealthy noble, the Sovereign's body is little more than a shell. His flesh is composed of cracked pumpkin rind stretched over an interior that has long since surrendered to putrefaction. Black ichor slowly seeps through widening fissures, carrying with it the unmistakable odor of fermentation and decay. Despite the obvious evidence of corruption, the fiend speaks constantly of his own perfection, demanding admiration while insisting that any unpleasant smell originates from those around him.

Resting upon his head is an immense Megalopyge Opercularis, a poisonous caterpillar of impossible size. Whether the creature is a parasite, a crown or a symbiotic familiar remains unknown. It occasionally shifts position of its own accord, releasing clouds of venomous hairs that irritate flesh and cloud judgment. The Sovereign treats the creature as though it were a magnificent coiffure, becoming irrationally offended should anyone suggest otherwise.

His greatest weapon is neither claw nor spell. It is certainty. Every proclamation is delivered with unwavering confidence, no matter how absurd. Those lacking the discipline to question what they hear often find themselves repeating his words moments later, eventually accepting contradiction itself as evidence of his wisdom.

Lore

Few scholars believe the Putrescent Sovereign was born in the conventional sense. Most infernal texts suggest he coalesced within the Abyss wherever vanity, deception and unquestioning devotion became so concentrated that they achieved sentience. Unlike demons spawned from wrath or slaughter, he is nourished by applause, flattery and the surrender of independent thought.

His cults rarely resemble traditional demon worship. Rather than blood sacrifices or dark rituals, his followers gather to repeat his proclamations until repetition replaces understanding. Libraries are neglected. Debate is discouraged. Curiosity is viewed with suspicion. Over time, entire communities cease distinguishing between evidence and assertion, accepting whatever the Sovereign declares as immutable fact.

Even other demon lords regard him with unease. Demons are creatures of chaos, yet most understand the value of strength honestly earned. The Putrescent Sovereign seeks no such thing. He prefers servants who obey without question, defend obvious falsehoods with increasing enthusiasm, and applaud every proclamation no matter how absurd. It is whispered that even the Lords of the Abyss avoid prolonged conversation with him, lest they find themselves agreeing against their better judgment.

Kelwyn Anord, the Red Wizard, records only a single warning concerning the creature:

"Beware not the fiend who announces his intentions with claw and flame. Beware instead the one who convinces you that your own eyes are the true deceivers. Steel may wound the flesh, but certainty without wisdom wounds civilizations."