Ghoul, Abyssal (CR 10)
Medium Undead
Alignment: Always chaotic evil
Initiative: +7 (Dex); Senses: blindsight
Languages: Abyssal
AC: 27 (+3 Dex, +14 natural), touch 13, flat-footed 24
Hit Dice: 16d12 (104 hp)
Fort +5, Ref +10, Will +12
Speed: 40 ft.
Space: 5 ft./5 ft.
Base Attack +8; Grapple +4
Attack: 2 front claws +15 melee and rear claws +13 melee
Full Attack: 2 front claws +15 melee and rear claws +13 melee
Damage: Front claw 1d4+7 plus disease, rear claws 2d4+3 plus disease
Special Attacks/Actions: Disease, improved grab, sneak attack +5d6, Wisdom drain 1d6
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 16, Con -, Int 14, Wis 15, Cha 18
Special Qualities: Acid resistance 20, cold resistance 20, deathwatch, electricity immunity, fire resistance 20, SR 20, uncanny dodge (Dex bonus to AC, cant be flanked), undead traits
Feats: Dodge; Improved Initiative; Lightning Reflexes; Mobility; Multiattack; Spring Attack
Skills: Balance +21, Climb +15, Hide +11, Jump +25, Move Silently +11, and Tumble +21
Advancement: 17-24 HD (Medium-size); 25-48 HD (Large)
Climate/Terrain: Any land and underground
Organization: Solitary, pair, gang (3-5), or swarm (6-12)
Treasure/Possessions: None
Source:
City of the Spider Queen
Disease (Su): Any creature hit by an abyssal ghoul's front claw or rear claw attack must succeed at a Fortitude save (DC 18 or contract demon fever. After an incubation period of 1 day, the disease deals 1d6 points of Constitution damage. Each day after contracting demon fever, the creature must succeed at another Fortitude save (DC 18) or take the same damage. Each time it is damaged by the disease, the creature must immediately succeed at another Fortitude save (DC 18) or 1 point of the Constitution damage taken becomes Constitution drain instead: After making a successful Fortitude save against the Constitution damage on each of two consecutive days, the creature recovers.
Improved Grab (Ex): If an abyssal ghoul hits an opponent its own size or smaller with both front claws, it deals normal damage and attempts to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity grapple bonus +15). If it gets a hold, it can attempt to pin and use its Wisdom drain ability on its next grapple check. Alternatively, the abyssal ghoul has the option to conduct the grapple normally, or simply use its front claws to hold the opponent (-20 penalty on grapple check, but the ghoul is not considered grappled). In either case, each successful grapple check it makes during successive rounds automatically deals damage from both front claws.
Sneak Attack (Ex): Any time the abyssal ghoul's target is denied a Dexterity bonus, or when it is flanked by the abyssal ghoul the latter deals an additional +5d6 points of damage on a successful melee attack.
Wisdom Drain (Su): If an abyssal ghoul successfully pins a living opponent, it can drain 1d6 points of Wisdom with its smoky tongue on the same action. Each round thereafter that the pin is maintained, it automatically drains an additional 1d6 points of Wisdom. A creature reduced to 0 Wisdom by an abyssal ghoul becomes unconscious until at least 1 point of Wisdom is restored.
Blindsight (Ex): An abyssal ghoul is blind, but it maneuvers and fights as well as a sighted creature by using scent and vibration to ascertain its surroundings. This ability enables it to discern objects and creatures within 90 feet. The abyssal ghoul usually does not need to make Spot or Listen checks to notice creatures within range of its blindsight.
Deathwatch (Sp): This ability functions like the deathwatch spell, except that it is always active and the abyssal ghoul always knows how near death all creatures within 90 feet of it are. Because of this knowledge, it often pauses to kill fragile creatures (those with 3 or fewer hit points before moving on to attack healthier foes.
Uncanny Dodge (Ex): An abyssal ghoul retains its Dexterity bonus to AC even when flat-footed or struck by an attacker it can't perceive. In addition, it cannot be flanked except by a rogue of 20th level or higher.
An abyssal ghoul enters combat slashing with its claws. Its strange tongue allows it to suck mental energy from prey it has pinned.
Despite their apparent bestial nature, abyssal ghouls are quite intelligent and they show considerable cunning in battle. In groups, they always try to flank opponents so that they can take advantage of sneak attack opportunities.
Vile minions of Kiaransalee, abyssal ghouls are twisted undead creatures with fiendish characteristics. Their abyssal connections make them far more formidable opponents than common ghouls.
An abyssal ghoul looks similar to a common ghoul in that it is a warped humanoid figure with bestial features. Its skin is scaly and tough, and its fingers and toes end in fearsome claws several inches in length. Its teeth are equally fearsome, and a foot-long tongue dangles from its mouth, trailing into smoky incorporeality at its tip. Though an abyssal ghoul is blind, its other senses allow it to perceive prey around it.