Rumor, by Aaron Hollingsworth

 The archetypes are finished, but Aaron will still surprise you with this new monster!

This post already appeared for patrons only on my Patreon page. If you wish to see stuff in advance and have access to other rewards, please consider donating!

Rumor

This vaguely-humanoid creature is naturally invisible. Is it really real, or just a terrible lie?

Rumor CR 4

XP 1,200

N Medium construct 

Init +0; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +0

DEFENSE

AC 16, touch 10, flat-footed 16 (+6 natural)

hp 47 (5d10+20)

Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +1

Naturally invisible, construct traits

Weaknesses vulnerability to truth (see next below)

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft.

Melee 2 slams +8 (1d8+3)

Special Attacks 

STATISTICS

Str 16, Dex 10, Con —, Int —, Wis 11, Cha 14

Base Atk +5; CMB +8; CMD 18

SQ 

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Aura of Deceit (Su)

Creatures within 30 feet of a rumor take a -4 penalty to Sense Motive checks and a -2 penalty to Will saves.

Impart Rumor (Su)

A rumor’s touch imparts a false belief in the target’s mind. The false memory implanted by this spell is always the same for each rumor and is usually a formulated lie designed to ruin someone's or something’s reputation. If the victim fails a DC 14 Will save, she has no memory of being touched and is affected by the spell as normal. If a target succeeds in their Will save, they are aware of being touched by something, but nothing else. This is a mind-affecting compulsion effect. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Vulnerability to Truth

If caught in a zone of truth, a rumor takes 3d6 damage per round until it is completely destroyed. 

Rumor

CL 6th; Price 15,500 gp

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

Rumors are composed of several rolls of fine parchment with the same lie elegantly written repeatedly upon its front and back surfaces. It also requires 500 gp in rare flowers and perfumes. 

Requirements Craft Construct, command, false belief, geas/quest, invisibility; Special creator must be caster level 6th; Skill Perform (acting), Perform (storytelling), or Profession (actor) DC 12; Cost 8,000 gp

ECOLOGY

Environment any land, usually highly populated areas

Organization solitary, pair, or gang (3–6)

Treasure none

Animated rumors have no visible form. Spells such as glitterdust only reveal a vague humanoid outline. Animated rumors are usually created for the sole purpose of ruining the reputation of an upstanding figure or organization. Once this purpose is fulfilled, the rumor continues on throughout the ages, ensuring that its imparted memory becomes a part of history. 

In combat, a rumor will first try to flee, as direct violence is not its primary purpose. When exposed and cornered. It will use its slam attacks to defeat enemies in order to escape. It prefers to use its impart rumor ability on unsuspecting prey. 

Animated rumors cannot speak, and they make a rustling sound when they walk.