Ash Angel

*Homebrew Reference Book: The University of Sanbra's Guide to Xenobiology*

*Affiliations: Beasts*

The surface of Sullust is a harsh environment. Volcanic activity is nigh onto constant, with ash and noxious gases continually polluting the atmosphere. Even in such a forbidding place, however, life still flourishes. One of the few creatures that live on the surface of Sullust is the Ash Angel. Ash Angels are avian creatures, who subsist by consuming organic ash. Their bodies absorb the ash, extract the carbon and other nutrients from it, and then shed the white powdery residue through their skin. They gather close to surface entrances to the Sullustese underground cities, living upon the refuse that is dumped there from below.

   Ash Angels are large for avians, standing just less than 1 meter tall and with a wingspan of 2.5 meters. They do not have feathers as avians on other worlds do; instead, they grow translucent, 8-10 centimeter long strips of thin, delicate tissue all over their backs and wings. These strips are loosely attached at the base, so that they can tear away with very little discomfort to the Ash Angel. It is through these strips of skin that the ash residue is shed. They give the Ash Angel an odd appearance, as though it is dressed in strips of fluttering rags. They add considerably to its ability to hide, however, as a resting or hiding Ash Angel can be nearly impossible to pick out of a pile of burnt ash and refuse. They have long thin beaklike structures on their faces that are filled with dozens of needle sharp teeth. While the teeth in the front of the mouth are known to carry the Ash Angels' defensive poison, it's suspected that the rest of the teeth act as a sort of sifter, through which the ash is filtered.

Aside from their dietary habits, little is known about the life cycle of the Ash Angel. They appear to be resistant to heat and fire. Abandoned nests filled with white ash residue believed to belong to Ash Angels have been found near the tops of active volcanoes, leading many to believe that they are perfectly comfortable in such hostile environments. No evidence of eggs or hatching has ever been discovered, pointing to an evidence of live birth. No family groups have been observed, however, leaving Sullustese biologists at a loss to explain the Ash Angels' reproductive cycles.

Ash Angels are not overly aggressive, but they are dangerous. An Ash Angel's idea of defense is to curl up into a small ball and hide. If the threat continues to approach, it will spring up as soon as the threat is within range, attack the possible predator with its Bite while flapping its wings wildly, then fly away if possible as soon as the Poison begins to take effect. If there are other Ash Angels in the vicinity, they will come to the defense of their brethren, leading to the hypothesis of a possible loose pack structure within the species.

 Ash Angel Statistics (CL 5)

Small Airborne Beast 6

**Initiative:** +6; **Senses:** Darkvision, Perception +3

### Defenses

Reflex Defense: 22 (Flat-Footed: 19), Fortitude Defense: 17, Will Defense: 16

Hit Points: 31, Damage Reduction: 10 (vs Energy and Fire), Damage Threshold: 17

### Offense

**Speed:** 2 Squares (Walking), 6 Squares (Flying); Running Attack

**Melee:** Bite +7 (1d4+1) plus Poison

**Fighting Space:** 1 Square; **Reach:** 1 Square

**Base Attack Bonus:** +4, **Grapple:** +2

**Attack Options:** Weapon Finesse

**Species Traits:** Airborne, Damage Reduction 10 (vs Energy and Fire), Darkvision, Natural Armor (+2)

### Base Stats

**Abilities:** Strength 4, Dexterity 17, Constitution 12, Intelligence 3, Wisdom 11, Charisma 3

**Feats:** Running Attack, Skill Training (Stealth), Weapon Finesse

**Skills:** Initiative +11 (may reroll, must take second result), Stealth +16

### Abilities

**Poison:** If the Bite attack of an Ash Angel deals damage to a living target, the target is also poisoned. If the poison succeeds on an attack roll (1d20+8) against the target's Fortitude Defense, the target moves -1 step along the Condition Track. A target moved to the end of the Condition Track by the poison is Immobilized, but not unconscious. The Poison attacks each round until cured with a successful DC 20 Treat Injury check.