Monster: Phantom Cloak

The Source Inspiration: "He looked absently around the cellar as he waited for the pitcher to fill, and suddenly his eye was caught by the fluttering of an old cloak hanging on a wooden peg. And in that instant Prospero got the odd notion that the cloak was not his, and might not be a cloak at all. He stared intently at it as the fluttering of the garment became more agitated. And then it turned to meet him. With empty flopping arms it floated across the cellar floor, swaying in a sickening nightmare rhythm. Prospero clenched his fist and felt his pulse beating in his palms; he fought the rising fear as the cloak flapped nearer, for with all his heart he did not want it close to him. As it closed the gap between them, all the spells against apparitions ran through his mind, but he had the queasy feeling that none of them would work. The thing was about six feet from him, its cold musty-cellar breath faintly brushing his face . . ." – John Bellairs, The Face in the Frost.

Phantom Cloak

Hit Dice: 1
Armor Class: 7 [12]
Attacks: 1 [touch, 1d4 + paralyze]
Move: 12
Save: 17
Alignment: Chaotic
CL/XP: 3/60
Special: Ambush [3 in 6 chance to surprise]; touch paralyzes victim for 1d4 rounds [save allowed, elves immune]

Phantom Cloaks are often found hanging about in old musty wardrobes and closets, hidden among more mundane articles of clothing. They are a form of undead that generally lie dormant until touched, at which point they spring into motion, attacking the individual who disturbed them. When attacking, they are likely to surprise their target (3 in 6 chance), and in addition to normal damage, their touch may temporarily paralyze the target with fear for 1d4 rounds if the target fails a saving throw. Elves are immune to the paralyzing effect of Phantom Cloaks.