Gingwatzim (Creature)

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Entities of synthetic origin, gingwatzim are blobs of raw life force. Those few that escaped their creator (a prime by the name of Castanamir) now reside on the Ethereal. There are rumored to be up to six gingwatzim variations, with each sort in possession of differing powers; however, only one type has prospered on the Ethereal. Apparently the lesser varieties didn't stand the test of time (a common ending for synthetic magical creatures).
Gingwatzim can take three different forms: free form, animate creature, and inanimate object. Free form is a gingwatzim's rest state, resembling a red-orange glowing sphere of swirling gas some 15 feet in diameter. In animate creature and inanimate object form, a gingwatzim exactly resembles that which it mimics, though a true seeing or similar effect reveals the charade. A gingwatzim can shift between forms once every 24-hour period.
In free form, the gingwatzim attempts to envelop its prey and drain its Strength. Apparently, their creator once bound gingwatzim into doorways as guardians to obtain just this effect on those who willingly walked into the colorful haze filling a portal.
In animate creature form, a gingwatzim can only take on the appearance of creatures it's actually encountered in the past. Some gingwatzim that wear humanoid forms have actually learned to cast spells!
In inanimate object form, gingwatzim serve as magical items, such as weapons (this was probably another attribute for which the gingwatzim was created, though gingwatzim apparently later learned to use this power to mimic an animate creature as described above). The exact power of the gingwatzim weapons varies from creature to creature; however, usually only gingwatzim bound into service can be found in this configuration. (Greyhawk Ruins)
==Combat==
The gingwatzim's attacks depend on its current form as described below.
SA-Free form: The gingwatzim envelops its prey on a successful attack roll. If the victim fails a save vs. paralyzation, his Strength drains into the gingwatzim. The next round, the victim is ejected unconscious from the gingwatzim, waking 1d20 rounds later with a Strength of 2. Lost Strength returns at a rate of one point per day. Note that in free form, gingwatzim do not possess the ability to damage foes physically (likewise, in its two alternate physical forms, a gingwatzim cannot drain Strength).
Animate creature form: A gingwatzim retains its own hit points, THAC0, and damage potential (5d6) but takes on the mimicked creature's appearance, AC, and movement rate.
Inanimate creature form: The gingwatzim mimics a magical weapon as determined by the DM.
Category:Creatures
Category:A Guide to the Ethereal Plane Creatures