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Cadaverous RakeCreature 8


UncommonMediumChaoticEvilUndeadUnholy
Source Pathfinder Book of the Dead
Perception +16 (darkvision)
Languages Common, Necril
Skills Acrobatics +18, Athletics +19, Deception +16, Intimidation +18, Thievery +16
Str +5, Dex +6, Con +4, Int +3, Wis +2, Cha +4

AC 27 29 with Parry Dance; Fort +16; Reflex +20; Will +12;
HP 125 (void healing)
Speed 30 feet
Immunities bleed, death effects, disease, paralyzed, poison, unconscious

Rapier One Action +20 (+15, +10) to hit (deadly d8, disarm, finesse, magical) 2d6+8 Piercing

+18 to InitiativeRepartee Riposte Reaction (emotion, mental)

Trigger A creature within the cadaverous rake's reach critically fails at a melee Strike against the rake


Effect The cadaverous rake attempts a Strike against the creature, firing back a witty retort. If this Strike succeeds, the creature is Frightened 1, or Frightened 2 on a critical success.

Void Healing

A creature with void healing draws health from void energy rather than vitality energy. It is damaged by vitality damage and is not healed by vitality healing effects. It does not take void damage, and it is healed by void effects that heal undead.

Parry Dance One Action

The cadaverous rake makes a melee Strike, then Steps, positioning their blade defensively. They gain a +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the end of their next turn.

Effect: Parry Dance

Shadow Rapier One Action (magical, void)

The rake shrouds their sword in void energy, changing the damage type to void. This shadow-shrouded rapier has a reach of 30 feet. The effect lasts until the end of the rake's turn.

Effect: Shadow Rapier

The Upper Hand One Action

Requirements The cadaverous rake's last action was a melee Strike that critically succeeded


Effect The cadaverous rake Disarms the creature they hit, as a critical success on a Disarm attempt. The weapon falls to the ground in a space adjacent to the creature (rake's choice).


When a skilled duelist is killed, on occasion they rise as a cadaverous rake, refusing to let death get in the way of daring deeds. Appearing as a corpse-like version of their living form, a cadaverous rake retains their memories and much of their personality. The first act of many cadaverous rakes is to pay a surprise visit to family and friends, unveiling their revival. If they're met with revulsion or attempts to lay them to rest, the rake typically lashes out at the perceived betrayal or departs in offended confusion. Cadaverous rakes who are appropriately feted by friends and family often retain an affection and attachment, becoming undying protectors. This isn't necessarily a good thing, however, as the cadaverous rake's undead worldview creates impossible demands. The transition to undeath corrupts previously benevolent individuals, and their single-minded focus on finding more opponents to duel cuts a bloody swath across stretches of countryside they once protected. Rarely, those who were especially virtuous retain some of their moral code, though even then their dispositions are mercurial. All, however, retain the flamboyance and swagger that made them notable in life, as quick with a quip as they are with a blade. The impulse to toy with their opponents becomes the undoing of many an overconfident rake.

Though most cadaverous rakes rise after losing a duel, especially those that involved foul play, any cause of death can suffice, save for a peaceful passing in old age.


Traits

Uncommon

Something of uncommon rarity requires special training or comes from a particular culture or part of the world. Some character choices give access to uncommon options, and the GM can choose to allow access for anyone. Less is known about uncommon creatures than common creatures. They typically can't be summoned. The DC of Recall Knowledge checks related to these creature is increased by 2.

Undead

Once living, these creatures were infused after death with void energy and soul-corrupting unholy magic. When reduced to 0 Hit Points, an undead creature is destroyed. Undead creatures are damaged by vitality energy and are healed by void energy, and don't benefit from healing vitality effects.

Unholy

Effects with the unholy trait are tied to powerful magical forces of cruelty and sin. They often have stronger effects on holy creatures. Creatures with this trait are strongly devoted to unholy causes, and often have weakness to holy. If a creature with weakness to unholy uses an unholy item or effect, it takes damage from its weakness.