Stonescales

**Size:**

Same as before the curse.

**Weight:**

Same as before the curse.

**Average Life Span:**

Unknown. It depends on the afflicted force of will to not give over and allow themselves to be completely consumed by stone.

**Appearance:**

Stonescales look much as their name may imply. Their skin becoming paler and bearing a stone texture. This becoming more and more prominent depending on their current state.

**Original Religion:**

They all worship Laduguer upon receiving their curse.

**General Culture:**

There are stories among the dwarves speaking of a dark curse that has, on rare occassion, afflicted their bretheran. Often afflicting those guilty of terrible crimes against their kin. It is as if the mountain seeks to reclaim the evil doer, as their skin gradually becomes more and more like stone. They are forced to flee their home and loved ones.

The gray paler of their skin, the rough stoney quality a clear give away of their misdeeds. The only thing that keeps them from becoming trapped with in the stoney husk of their own body for eternity is feeding upon the gifts of their mountain homes. Rocks, precious metals, gems ..regardless of the form it takes, must be consumed or they will gradually harden and cease to move. Often before this happens, a starving Stonescale will go on a frenzy to feed, eating even armor  if that is all that's available.

There is no known cure for the affliction. Whatever unforgivable thing the dwarf had done remains a permanent mark upon their soul that they must live with for the remains of their days.

Requirements:

**Race: Dwarf.**

* Class: Cannot qualify for any other Racial Prestige Class and cannot be a Paragon.
* Special: Character must have had a close call of death by being buried under a pile of rock rubble and pledge their soul to Laduguer in exchange for their live.

**Class Specifics:**

* New Race: Construct.
* Hit Die: d12.
* Armor proficiencies: None.
* Shield proficiencies: Small, Large, and Tower.
* Weapon proficiencies: None.
* Skill Points: 4 + Int Modifier.
* High Saves: Fortitude, Reflex, and Will.
* BAB progression: +1.
* A stonescale ls.

**Level by level breakdown:**

* 1: +2 CON, Armor Skin, Ultravision, Consume Material.
* 2: Harden Form.
* 3: Fortified Form.

**Special Abilities:**

* Ultravision: Stonescales are able to see in normal or magical darkness.
* Consume Material: A stonescale can make a special attack that reduces the victim's armor class by the stonescale's level. Alternatively, a stonescale can consume minerals or metals to sate their hunger.
* Hardened Form: Upon entering this form, a stonescale's skin grays taking on more stone-like hues as their skin hardens gaining a damage reduction of 6/- that stacks with any damage reduction the stonescale already has. As a result of this hardening, the stonescale also takes a -5 penalty to attack bonus and an 50% reduction in movement speed.
* Fortified Form: Upon entering this form, a stonescale's skin hardens even more gaining an additional +2 CON, a damage reduction of 9/- that stacks with any damage reduction the stonescale already has, and becomes immune to critical hits. As a result of this hardening, the stonescale also becomes incapable of attacking and almost immobile taking a 99% reduction in movement speed.
* Antagonizing Aura: When in the hardened or fortified forms, stonscales have an aura about them that causes all hostile creatures around them to focus on them.

Note: Stonescales who do not feed at least once every day start to feel a compulsive need to do so.  This need results in a -1 to all physical ability scores, and attack bonus. It also causes a -2 penalty to armor class, 9% reduction in moment speed, 10% to frenzy thus losing control and attacking the nearest structure they can find. These penalties stack for every hour the stonescale remains in a starved state.