Fantasy Monster: Waxen Scholar

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Waxen Scholar

An anthropomorphic figure made of wax, clad in linen robes, with a flame where its head should be.

CR 6; XP 2,400
LN Medium Construct

Init +6; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +12

Defense
AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 17 (+4 armor, +3 deflection, +2 Dex)
hp 75 (10d10+20); fast healing 5
Fort +5; Ref +9; Will +7

Immune construct traits

Weakness vulnerable to fire

Offense
Speed 30 ft.

Melee 2 slams +10 (1d6 plus 1d6 fire)

Ranged 2 scorching rays +12 touch (4d6 fire)

Special Attacks flickering flame, waxen splash

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 10th, concentration +13)

Constant—comprehend languages, greater resistance (+2 resistance bonus to saving throws, already included in the stat block), mage armor, shield of faith

At Will—detect magic, scorching ray

3/day—quench

Statistics
Str 10, Dex 15, Con —, Int 15, Wis 15, Cha 16
Base Atk +10; CMB +10; CMD 25

Feats Acrobatic Step, Combat Casting, Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Nimble Moves

Skills Knowledge (arcana) +12, Perception +12, Spellcraft +12, Use Magic Device +13

Languages understands all languages, does not speak

Ecology
Environment ruins
Organization solitary, pair, or college (3—10)
Treasure standard

Special Abilities

Flickering Flame (Su) A waxen scholar can change the color of its flame as a swift action, the sudden flare up dazzling anyone seeing the waxen scholar for 1 round, and shifting the damage type of the waxen scholar's scorching ray and slam energy attacks, as well as vulnerability bestowed by waxen splash between fire (the default red flame), cold (blue flame), and electricity (bright yellow flame). As a weird side-effect, a waxen scholar can lit or extinguish any number of candles, torches, censers, and lamps within its line of sight when using this ability, and all the invisible, incorporeal, and ethereal creatures within line of sight are outlined with a glow for 1d4+1 rounds.

Waxen Splash (Su) As a standard action, a waxen scholar can spray molten wax in a 20-ft. cone or 10-ft. radius spread. The wax acts as a difficult terrain and bestows vulnerability to fire to all creatures standing within until it cools down within 1d4+1 rounds.

Waxen scholars tend to crumbling libraries and archives of ancient kingdoms, going through the motions of ancient protocols and academic traditions, lashing against those who would disturb their work and their collections. While not innately hostile, they are unpredictably rigid in their customs and adherence to their perceived duties, and they clearly fail to grasp that the world moved on—any attempts to gain their help, or at least non-interference, require playing along.

Groups of waxen scholars seem to be able to rebuilt their destroyed colleagues out of melted wax and linens in a few hours, though it is likely they can't replace those that were disintegrated or taken away.