Fantasy Monster: Strung Poppet

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Strung Poppet

A human-sized, featureless marionette made of polished wood and silver wires.

CR 4; XP 1,200
CN Medium Construct

Init +7; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +6

Defense
AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 Dex, +4 natural)
hp 45 (5d10+20)
Fort +2; Ref +7; Will +3

Offense
Speed 30 ft.

Melee 2 slams +8 (1d6+3)

Ranged 4 strings +8 touch (puppetry)

Special Attacks puppetry (DC 17)

Statistics
Str 16, Dex 16, Con —, Int 11, Wis 13, Cha 19
Base Atk +5; CMB +8; CMD 21

Feats Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Run

Skills Acrobatics +8, Perception +6

Ecology
Environment urban, ruins
Organization solitary or pair
Treasure standard

Special Abilities

Puppetry (Su) When a strung poppet moves (including forced move), all the Large or smaller creatures attached by its strings move exactly the same distance and direction (effectively keeping their relative position to the strung poppet) unless blocked by impassable obstacles. A successful Will saving throw (DC 17) negates this movement. A strung poppet can reposition one Large or smaller creature attached by its strings up to 30 feet as a swift action unless that creature succeeds a Will saving throw. The saving throw DC is Charisma-based.

Strings (Su) A strung poppet can fire single string as a standard action, or up to its maximum four strings as a full attack, attaching them to corporeal targets up to 60 feet away (no range increment) with successful ranged touch attacks. Large or smaller creatures attempting any move (including a 5-ft. step) with one or more strings attached have to succeed a Will saving throw (DC 17) or the attempted move immediately ends, wasting the action involved, and they can't move beyond 100 feet of the poppet. Removing a single string takes a standard action and a successful grapple or Escape Artist check against the strung poppet's CMD. Using an immovable obstacle in the way of string as a lever grants +4 bonus to either check. Another person can either provide aid or attempt to remove the string with their own grapple check. A successful dispel magic (DC 15) detaches the string as well, as does freedom of movement, teleportation, or anything that would render the victim incorporeal, gaseous, or otherwise immune to grapple. Cutting the strings doesn't help as they mend immediately. The strung poppet can release any number of attached targets as a free action. The saving throw is Charisma-based.

Whereas marionettes are controlled with their strings, a strung poppet turns it around, controling others to move as its animating spirit capriciously desires, even if there doesn't seem to be a deeper purpose, a deeper plan beyond its actions, aside of exerting control for the thrill of it.