Gargoyle
- Size: Medium
- Type: Elemental
- Alignment: Chaotic Evil
- AC: 15
- Initiative: +2 (12)
- HP: 67 (9d8+27)
- Speed: 30 ft, Fly 60 ft .
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 15 | +2 | +2 |
| DEX | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| CON | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| INT | 6 | -2 | -2 |
| WIS | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| CHA | 7 | -2 | -2 |
- Skills: Stealth +4
- Immunities: Poison; Exhaustion, Petrified, Poisoned
- Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.; Passive Perception 10
- Languages: Primordial (Terran)
- CR: 2 (XP 450; PB +2)
Traits
Flyby. The gargoyle doesn't provoke an Opportunity Attack when it flies out of an enemy's reach.
Actions
Multiattack. The gargoyle makes two Claw attacks.
Claw. Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft . Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) Slashing damage.
Lore & Background
Gargoyles are elemental creatures born from the union of earth and air, manifesting as living stone sculptures with the ability to fly. These beings have served as guardians and watchers for millennia, often found perched on the edges of buildings, bridges, and ancient monuments. Their stony appearance allows them to remain motionless for hours or even days, perfectly mimicking decorative stonework until they choose to reveal their true nature.
Originally created by powerful wizards and architects as eternal guardians, many gargoyles have outlived their creators and continue to fulfill their duties out of instinct or ancient programming. Some have developed their own personalities and motivations over the centuries, becoming more than mere constructs. They are drawn to high places and stone structures, feeling most comfortable when they can survey their territory from above.
Combat Tactics
Gargoyles excel at ambush tactics, using their False Appearance ability to remain perfectly still until enemies come within striking distance. They prefer to attack from above, diving down with their claws and bite to catch opponents off guard. Their Damage Resistance to most physical attacks makes them formidable opponents in prolonged combat.
When fighting in groups, gargoyles coordinate their attacks, with some maintaining aerial positions while others engage in melee. They use their flight to stay out of reach of ground-bound enemies, swooping down to attack and then retreating to safety. Their natural armor and resistance to damage allows them to engage in hit-and-run tactics effectively.
Encounter Ideas
The Living Cathedral: A ancient cathedral's gargoyles have awakened after centuries of slumber, attacking anyone who enters the sacred space. The party must discover what has disturbed their rest and find a way to appease or defeat them.
Guardian's Dilemma: A gargoyle bound to protect a noble's estate finds itself conflicted when the noble's heir turns to evil. The creature seeks the party's help in determining whether its duty lies with the family line or the original intent of its protection.
The Sculptor's Revenge: A mad sculptor has been creating gargoyles imbued with the souls of his enemies, trapping them in stone bodies forced to serve as guardians. The party must free these trapped souls while avoiding the sculptor's latest creations.
Rooftop Hunters: Gargoyles have been stalking the city from rooftops, picking off lone travelers at night. The party must track them to their lair and discover what has driven these normally passive guardians to become active predators.
Environmental Effects
Gargoyles have a profound connection to stone and architecture, often causing subtle changes to the buildings they inhabit. Stone surfaces near gargoyles may show signs of weathering or take on more decorative qualities over time. The creatures' presence can strengthen structural integrity of buildings, making them more resistant to damage.
Perching spots favored by gargoyles often develop small grooves and wear patterns from their claws. The air around gargoyles may carry a faint dusty scent, and their movements can cause small pieces of stone debris to fall from their bodies.
Treasure
Gargoyles typically don't hoard treasure in the traditional sense, but they often guard locations that contain valuable items. Architectural elements they've protected might include decorative stonework, carved gems, or precious metal inlays worth significant amounts to collectors.
Items found in gargoyle lairs often reflect their connection to the buildings they guard: ancient keys, building plans, mason's tools, and sculptural implements. Some gargoyles may have small gems or coins embedded in their stone bodies as decorative elements.
Plot Hooks
The Awakening Stone: A new building in the city has been constructed using stone quarried from an ancient site, and the gargoyles carved from this stone are beginning to show signs of life. The party must investigate the source of the stone before the situation gets out of hand.
Gargoyle's Memory: An ancient gargoyle holds the key to a historical mystery, having witnessed events from centuries past. The party must find a way to communicate with the creature and convince it to share its knowledge.
The Flying Thief: A gargoyle has been stealing small objects from around the city, not for their value but because they remind it of its long-lost creator. The party must track down the creature and help it find peace with its past.
Stone Sentinel Network: The party discovers that gargoyles throughout the region are connected in a vast communication network, passing information between cities and settlements. They must decide whether to use this network for their own purposes or protect it from those who would exploit it.