Deep in the deserts, hidden by isolation and their natural camouflage, the cactuars roam. The cactuar is a plant creature, considered by some to be an intelligent species though researchers have not yet confirmed this hypothesis. Cactuars are small, growing no taller than 3 feet on average, and their appearance is that of a humanoid-shaped cactus plant with arms and legs but no discernible hands or feet (their limbs end in rounded stumps). One might pass unknowingly by a nest of sleeping cactuar, mistaking them for cactus.
Cactuars are typically docile unless provoked, preferring to avoid encounters with other creatures if possible. They can sometimes be territorial, especially if they have made their home near a water source such as a spring or oasis with no other source within miles. An angry cactuar is often the nightmare of the unfortunate adventurer that does not heed warnings about these creatures. Harried survivors of battles with cactuars tell of the unusual speed at which these critters move and their devastating “thousand needles” attack, in which they shoot deadly clouds of cactus-like needles at their foes.
Cactuar
Level 3 Lurker
Small natural humanoid (plant)
Initiative +9
Senses: Perception +8
XP 150
HP 40; Bloodied 20
AC 19; Fortitude 16, Reflex 17, Will 15
Speed 7
Needle Punch (melee; standard; at-will)
+5 vs. AC; 1d6 + 3 damage.
Thousand Needles (melee; standard; encounter)
Close burst or blast 3; +8 vs. Reflex; 2d10 + 3 damage; Miss: Half damage.
Evasive Reaction (immediate interrupt)
A cactuar can shift up to 2 squares after being hit by an attack unless the attack slows it or prevents it from moving.
Alignment: Unaligned
Languages: —
Skills: Perception +8, Stealth +9
Str 7 (-1) Dex 18 (+5) Wis 14 (+3)
Con 16 (+4) Int 4 (-2) Cha 11 (+1)
Cactuar Lore
A character knows the following information with a successful Arcana or Nature check.
- DC 15: The cactuar fights defensively, using hit and run tactics while trying to escape if it is alone or has few allies. If encountered in a large group however, the entire group will attempt to surround all enemies, establishing a kill zone, and then relentlessly unleash their needles until the threat to their safety has been eliminated.
- DC 20: One in every thousand cactuar blooms a special flower on its head. This incredibly rare flower is prized by merchants and collectors. It is rumored that the flower is the key ingredient in an elixir of longevity that would allow the imbiber to live an extra thousand years.
- DC 25: Among the cactuar, the cactuar flower is a symbol of prestige and authority. The entire nest of cactuar will always protect the “leader” with the flower, fighting to the death if necessary.