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.

Tsotha's Blossoms

A nasty little creature inspired by a scene from Robert E. Howard's "The Scarlet Citadel."

Tsotha's Blossoms

Number Appearing: 1
Number in Lair: 1
Armor Class: 5*
Move: 0"
Hit Dice: 5-10
Damage: see below
Special: see below
Treasure Type: None
Alignment: Chaotic

   Tsotha's Blossoms are a demonic, soul-eating plant. The plant's tendrils of thick vine grow up through even the most solid stone of dungeon floors. The vines are covered with strangely pointed leaves and red blossoms. The blossoms do not have the satin-like appearance of normal red flower petals, but rather a violent, unnatural crimson. Whenever a humanoid moves within 30' of it, the plant gives off a universal pheromone. Any male or female humanoid within the 30' radius must save vs. spells or be mesmerized and drawn in to the plant.
   One great blossom on the end of a tendril will then hover near the victim's mouth, as if to kiss him. This first "kiss" from the plant empties the victim's mind of all thought except that of a continuous, painful nightmare. Other tendrils strip the victim of all armor, gear and clothing, and then wind around his body and limbs, caressing them and covering them with lustful, ardent kisses from the flowers. These kisses draw the life energy from the victim, draining 1 hp per day.
   The victim dies upon reaching 0 hp, and his soul then passes through the roots of the plant, where it is transformed into a minor demonic minion. Once the transformation is complete, the newly created minion is deposited by the roots into the underworld to serve for all eternity the first greater demon it encounters.
   The plant has three tendrils per HD, and can take a maximum of one victim per HD. If more victims are present than the plant can handle, the plant will not release its pheromone and attack.

*AC 14 if you play a system with ascending AC.