OSR Superstar Monster Inspirations and the Reject...

The OSR Superstar contest has been underway for some time over at Tenkar's Tavern. I was fortunate enough to pass through the first round of magic item creation. Now, round two is all about monsters and I wanted to share a little of the imagery that inspired my entry... and also share the entry that didn't make it.

Inspirations...

Inukshuk, Foxe Peninsula

Moai, Easter Island

Totem Pole, Pioneer Square 1907

And the reject...

Aradschai

No. Enc.: 1 (Extremely rare)

Alignment: Chaotic

Movement: 15 (Fly, telekinetic)

Armour Class: 0 (for small size and hardness)

Hit Dice: 3d4+2 hp* (number facets of the crystal form)

Attacks: special

Damage: special

Defenses: immune to normal weapons

Save: MU 10

Morale: 10

Hoard Class: varies

XP: 2900

Background: The Aradschai, also called spite crystals, were formed long before the dragons ruled and only a few of them survive today. Spite crystals are highly intelligent, using deception and subterfuge to attain power and wealth. However, the æons have been unkind and now separated and insane the Aradschai seek vengeance over the dragons and elves that destroyed them. Some seek an end to the curse of their kind, as spite crystals are magically compelled to avoid each other.

Ecology: The Aradschai vary in shape (usually tiny and rough edged) and colour (red, purple, blue and black are common). They are chaotic and mad. Spite crystals are repelled by the Shroud - an ancient elven curse which keeps them apart. Unlike naturally formed crystals, SC do not grow in size. Two crystals could "mate" if they can find some way to overcome their curse.

Spite crystals are powerful magical entities and detect as magical and chaotic. They are capable of casting magic-user spells (and cast as 10th level MU). They use Telekinesis and Telepathy as spell-like abilities at will. Their crystalline shape magnifies charms, enchantments and mind control powers; -2 to save vs these spells.

Conjure Elemental (variant): The Aradschai can gather earth to create a protective form. Given enough material, the spite crystal can generate an earth elemental body at a rate of 4HD per round up to 12HD (as a 12 HD Earth Elemental). The Aradschai is completely engulfed and protected, only becoming vulnerable to attack when the elemental body is reduced to half health.

The Aradschai is incredibly hard and suffers no harm from normal weapons. Even magical weapons can only mar or scuff the surfaces of a spite crystal: magic weapons deal only 1 point of damage, breaking or cracking a facet. Artefact weapons or +5 weapons will deal full damage and completely sunder the Aradschai.

Tactics:

• Disguise self as a powerful Ioun Stone.
• Play possum as a small gemstone in a hoard.
• Charm powerful monsters (like dragons) and use them to overpower others.
• Conjure an elemental shape to test powerful adventurers before enslaving their minds.

Images: Inukshuk Moai Totem Pole Sand Golem