Planar NPC: Strahomir

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Strahomir Chrobroslavovitch

A handsome, well built young man with black hair, and green eyes. He wears an embroidered tunic and a princely golden chain on his neck.

CR 1; XP 400
Male Human Aristocrat 5
LG Medium Humanoid (human, shapechanger)
Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +11

Defense
AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +2 Dex, +1 dodge)
hp 36 (5d8+10)
Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +7; –4 in combat or other significant danger
Weakness the curse

Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Melee mwk short sword –1 (1d6–3, 19–20/x2)
Ranged mwk light crossbow +1 (1d8–2, 19–20/2)

Statistics
Str 11, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 18
Base Atk +3; CMB +3; CMD 15
Feats Alertness, Diehard, Dodge, Endurance
Skills Bluff +12, Diplomacy +12, Knowledge (geography) +10, Knowledge (history) +10, Knowledge (nobility) +10, Linguistics +10, Perception +11, Sense Motive +11
Language Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Giant, Goblin, Orc, Sylvan
SQ change shape (squirrel)

Ecology
Environment any
Organization unique
Treasure double standard (including ring of resistance +2)

Special Abilities

Change Shape (Su) Strahomir can change his shape into a harmless squirrel at will. In such form his AC becomes 17 (+4 Dex, +1 dodge, +2 size), Reflex saving throw becomes +7, he gains climb speed of 30 feet, and his Climb and Stealth skills have total bonuses of +12 each.

The Curse (Su) Strahomir curse triggers whenever he is in danger, including combat. For the duration of the danger and for 1d4 rounds thereafter he is stricken with shaken, sickened, and fatigued conditions, suffering significant penalties and being unable to move fast. The curse effects are suspended while he is in the squirrel form... Attempts to break enchantment or remove curse can only suspend the curse for 1d4 rounds, anyone casting such spell on Strahomir is immediately targeted with baleful polymorph, however and and changed into a squirrel on a failed saving throw (DC 20).


Strahomir is a sole son of duke Chrobroslav. When he was born, a witch in the employ of his uncle Gnyevosh put a powerful curse on him that was revealed when the boy reach the age of training for the sword and the horse. Because dukes are required to be capable in body as well as in mind—leading the warriors on the field during the skirmishes and wars is one of their primary roles—his uncle made sure that the news of his nephew's inability to rule is well known. When the boy came of age, it was Gnyevosh who gave him his adult name meaning "fearful peace" or "respectful of fear". Despite the popular love for the duke's son, both among the common people, and his father's warriors, it's painfully obvious that the warrior's assembly will be simply unable to approve him taking the ducal crown when his father passes. This not only assures that he won't challenge Gnyevosh for the crown of the duchy, but also means he will be omitted later in favor of Gnyevosh's own sons.

When the curse first revealed, Chrobroslav promised a royal reward to anyone who would break the curse, significantly increasing number of squirrels in the ducal gardens. After some trial and errors, the number of petty magicians trying to undo the spell significantly dropped. A more wary sage managed to divine that the curse could be broken if the duke's son would kill a mighty dragon, a prospect unlikely with the weakness the curse bestows on Strahomir in combat.

Despite this terrible flaw, Strahomir is a cheerful, compassionate fellow. He still looks for a way to undo his curse, of which he speaks freely, though he keeps his ability to turn into a squirrel a secret. He is not a hero and he knows it, accepting help when he needs it and providing whatever limited help he is capable of.