Gargoyles
Gargoyles
Gargoyles are sinister, winged predators carved from stone and brought to life by ancient magic. Perfectly still when lurking among ruins or perched atop castle battlements, these creatures blend seamlessly with statues and masonry—only revealing their monstrous nature when they spring into violent action. Their bodies are rugged, angular, and demon-like, with powerful claws, fanged maws, and magical wings that grant both strength and flight.
Physical Description
A typical gargoyle stands as a medium-sized humanoid figure, crafted to inspire dread. Its rough, earthen skin mimics weathered stone, with twisted horns or angular spikes adding to its unsettling silhouette. The muscular wings, though stony in appearance, allow the creature to fly with unexpected agility. Gargoyles are tireless: they do not require food, drink, sleep, or even air, and can remain frozen in place indefinitely, indistinguishable from ordinary statues.
Combat Behavior
Gargoyles are ambush predators with uncanny patience, using their trait of False Appearance to surprise intruders or prey. Once revealed, they attack ferociously, striking with both bite and claws in swift multiattacks. Each attack deals moderate damage, but the gargoyle’s greatest strength lies in its resilience and ability to aerially reposition, swooping down from above or retreating out of reach. In combat, they soak up punishment, chipping away at their opponents and forcing adventurers to expend precious resources before more dangerous foes arrive.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Mobility: 30 ft. ground speed, 60 ft. flying speed, allowing for both rapid advances and tactical retreats.
Resistances: Bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical weapons (unless adamantine immune to poison damage and several conditions such as exhaustion, petrification, and poisoning.
False Appearance: Perfectly motionless gargoyles are indistinguishable from stone statues until they move, making them exceptional ambushers.
Resistances: Bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical weapons (unless adamantine immune to poison damage and several conditions such as exhaustion, petrification, and poisoning.
False Appearance: Perfectly motionless gargoyles are indistinguishable from stone statues until they move, making them exceptional ambushers.
Ecology and Habitats
Gargoyles are most commonly found guarding ancient buildings, temples, or tombs, placed as wardens or traps for the unwary. Born of elemental earth magic, they are often loyal to powerful spellcasters or placed as sentinels to protect treasures or sacred places. Their motives are simple: destroy intruders, disrupt explorers, and serve those who command them. Gargoyles do not reproduce, grow, or speak, living only to guard and hunt until destroyed.
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