Returning Creature

Returning Creature Pattern (+2 CR)

Subtype: add Returning to subtypes

Returning Creature is a pattern that can be added to any creature to give them a nasty defensive capability. The Returning ability can mean many different things. Perhaps the Drow Maidens have enchanted shields given to their favored males that return attacks, or that shimmering Purple Worm has super-shiny scutes that bounce back attacks. Maybe that Specter raises the spirit of the attack just made and sends it, screaming in ectoplasmic fury, back to the attacker. Perhaps illusory attacks originate from dark-blessed armor, or psychic echoes ripple outward, or maybe the monster catches the attacks on their weapons and just 'scoops' some of it back toward their attacker.

There are a thousand ways the GM can use this pattern to create monsters that are dangerous simply to oppose, and the players will have to find new tactics and methods, or just endure the punishment.

This creature seems especially wary and vigilant against foes it cannot reach, and its demeanor suggests it can do something about them if they try anything.

General

Init: +1 CRs greater than base creature.

Ambush Chance: +1 (worse at ambushes)

Senses:

Perception: +2 CRs greater than base creature.

Movement Types:

• Increase all move speeds by 10 ft.

Defense

AC: +1 CRs greater than base creature.

Special Defenses:

Strong Against:

Weak Against:

Offense

Space / Reach: - / -

To-Hits: +2 CRs greater than base creature.

Damage: +2 CRs greater than base creature.

Maneuver Offense: +2 CRs greater than base creature.

Save DC's: +1 CRs greater than base creature.

Statistics

Str:     Dex:     Con:     Int:     Wis:     Cha:

Feats:

Skills:

Languages:

Special Abilities

Returning (Su; Returning Creature Pattern)

Once per round, per attacking creature, when struck by any source of damage originated by an enemy located outside their melee reach, a Returning creature may Return that damage to the attacking creature. This cuts the damage they would take, from that one attack only, by half (Hardened aganst that attack only), and also Returns some of that damage back toward the attacker.

This Return requires line of sight and line of effect, although that is usually not an issue since attacks made against the creature usually require line of sight and line of effect to be made in the first place. This Returned damage hits automatically, and may or may not allow a saving throw depending on whether the source of the damage required a saving throw. Returning only inflicts damage, it does not lay status conditions, even if the triggering attack did so. If any attack is only a status condition, this power has no effect.

Regardless of the strength of the triggering attack, this power inflicts 1d4 points of damage each time it is used. If the triggering attack allows a save, a save of the same nature (Fort, Refl, or Will) can be made versus a DC of 14 to take half damage. This power inflicts the same sort of damage as the incoming attack, in all cases. Note that this power only affects the originator of an attack, even if the attack was area of effect. If a single attack hits multiple Returning creatures, only one of them may Return that attack, although if the aggressor attacks again, a second Return can be made by a different struck target.