The Sentient Beard
Diminutive Construct
Hit Dice: 1d10+6 (12)
Initiative: +2 (Dex)
Speed: 20ft
AC: 16 (+2 Dex, +4 size)
Attacks: Slam 1d4-2
Face/Reach: 1ft by 1ft/0ft
Special Attacks: Improved grab, constrict 1d4
Special Qualities: Blindsight, SR15, artistic inspiration, artistic block
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +1
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 15, Con -, Int 10, Wis 13, Cha 12
Skills: -
Feats: -
Climate/Terrain: Any
Organisation: Solitary (but symbiotic with host)
Challenge Rating: 1/4
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 2-4 HD (tiny)
The Sentient Beard (SB) is an ancient entity with magical origins. Originally the beard of the archmage Fistandantilus, many centuries of constant dribbles from magic potions imbibed by its owner somehow built up, until one day when it finally gained sentience. Throughout the centuries, the SB has sometimes helped and other times hindered its hosts, proving that it does indeed have a mind and will of its own.
In the final days before the Cataclysm, the SB knew of its owners intentions (see DL Legends) and sought a way to save itself from what it saw as a foolish and deadly fate. And so, with a massive effort of will, it achieved the ability to remove itself from Fistandantilus's chin. Desperate to save itself from the imminent disaster, it found an elf under the protection of Paladine himself—Loralon. The SB quickly made a deal with the elf and planted itself firmly on his chin. When the Cataclysm occured, the SB was safe in another plane of existence.
After this, not much is known of the SB's whereabouts. One can only imagine the fantastic journeys it must have had. At the present time, the SB has found a home on the chin of a man named Steve Miller. From all reports, it is being well looked after, and has co-authored several Dragonlance game products with its host, including "Heroes of Defiance" and "Citadel of Light." The SB has also helped in the development of a few Ravenloft products, but generally finds the Domain of Dread "a bit too scary."
Combat: Although the SB is of a non-violent nature, it can defend itself when it must. Note however, that the SB can only attack if it is attached to a host, and all attacks must be directed toward the host.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, the SB must hit its host with its slam attack.
Constrict (Ex): The SB deals 1d4 points of damage with a successful grapple check against its host, regardless of the host’s size.
Blindsight (Ex): The SB has no visual organs, but can ascertain all foes within 30ft using vibration.
Artistic Inspiration (Su): Once per day, the SB can provide its host with inspiration for any type of creative endeavour. The host gets +4 to all Craft and Perform skill checks for the next 2d6 hours.
Artistic Block (Su): Once per day, the SB can drain its host of all inspiration for any creative endeavour. The host gets -4 to all Craft and Perform skill checks for the next 2d6 hours.
Habitat/Society: When unattached, the SB usually searches out a worthy person who will take care of it, and then attaches itself to his chin. It is a symbiotic relationship, with the SB giving inspiration in exchange for grooming and food. It is unknown what the SB's lifespan is, but it is suspected to be limitless. If a host mistreats it, the SB will no doubt detach itself while the host is asleep or distracted and go in search of another worthy beardless soul. It cannot attach itself to someone who already has a beard. The SB rarely needs to feed, and gets by on small morsels dropped or dribbled into it by its current host.
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