Froststalker
Froststalkers are a Gremlin subspecies, the corrupted form of Lesser Psyiads. Like their untainted cousins, Froststalkers inhabit the cold tundras in the far northern and southern reaches of the world. They can be found in the barren plains or cold fir forests of these regions.
A Froststalker will never kill a lone individual outright, as this would limit its opportunity to feed. In fact, in an ironic twist, they have been known to secretly assist sole survivors in their journeys - thus allowing them to continue feeding on the negative emotions of that hapless soul.
Froststalkers are immune to effects of normal cold, and resistant to effects of unnatural (magical) cold. They are, however, extremely susceptible to damage by fire, heat, and acid. Like their Psyiad cousins, they have the ability to regenerate damage as long as they are in contact with a frozen surface or frost-covered ground.
PF2E-compatible Statblock
Unlike the Psyiads they are derived from, Froststalkers are not limited to a single geographic location; though they are weakened by warm temperatures should they stray too far from the biomes in which they were first Awakened.
Physically, Froststalkers very closely resemble the Psyiads from whence they came. Corizzea corruptions did not alter their physical appearance very much at all. In fact the only visual characteristic that distinguishes the two is the mouth full of sharp, pointed teeth that a Frostwalker possesses, as opposed to the "normal" dentition of a Psyiad.
Demeanor is a different matter. Froststalkers seem to feed on fear. Their attacks upon remote communities and bands of travellers certainly do not end well for the victims, these assaults are executed so as to induce terror of impending doom upon the survivors. Tales of merchant caravans crossing the barrern tundra about being pursued, with single members being ravaged by an undetected enemy every couple of days gave the Froststalker its name.
Name
Froststalker
Type
Fey, Gremlin
Original Nymph
Lesser Psyiad
Size
SizeClass, 5.5ft (165cm)
Habitat
Common: tundra, permafrost plain, cold fir forest
Magical abilities are another area where Froststalkers are notably different from that of their uncorrupted cousins. While the Psyiad's magical nature appears to be limited to the ability to affect the fortune of others, Froststalkers have several innate magical abilities at their disposal. Most notable is their ability to "frost step". In much the same manner as a dryad can "step into" its home tree, a Froststalker can melt into any area of permafrost, solid ice, or even layer of rime coating a surface, thus becoming undetectable. The creature retains full awareness of its surroundings, though; it can see, hear, and sense the fear of anyone around it while hidden in the frost. Instantaneous travel over short distances is also possible. They use this ability to stealthily attack victims, and then linger around to enjoy the atmosphere of fear generated by survivors.Physically, Froststalkers very closely resemble the Psyiads from whence they came. Corizzea corruptions did not alter their physical appearance very much at all. In fact the only visual characteristic that distinguishes the two is the mouth full of sharp, pointed teeth that a Frostwalker possesses, as opposed to the "normal" dentition of a Psyiad.
Demeanor is a different matter. Froststalkers seem to feed on fear. Their attacks upon remote communities and bands of travellers certainly do not end well for the victims, these assaults are executed so as to induce terror of impending doom upon the survivors. Tales of merchant caravans crossing the barrern tundra about being pursued, with single members being ravaged by an undetected enemy every couple of days gave the Froststalker its name.
Gamemaster Notes
Froststalkers are relatively rare even in the tundras. They are solitary; they are never encountered in groups. When found at all, they will likely either be near a village, or they will be stalking a merchant caravan or travelling band of adventurers. Typically, their first attack will be swift, targeting a single individual who ends up isolated from the group. It will then use its Frost Step ability to meld into the terrain and enjoy the atmosphere of fear and terror that accompanies the discovery of the attack. It may not appear to attack again for days, depending on how long the survivors demonstrate their fear of an impending second strike. Only when they let their guard down will the creature attack once more. This pattern has been known to go on for weeks with large merchant caravans. The ability to Detect Magic may be able to sense the nearby presence of the creature, but only vaguely.A Froststalker will never kill a lone individual outright, as this would limit its opportunity to feed. In fact, in an ironic twist, they have been known to secretly assist sole survivors in their journeys - thus allowing them to continue feeding on the negative emotions of that hapless soul.
Froststalkers are immune to effects of normal cold, and resistant to effects of unnatural (magical) cold. They are, however, extremely susceptible to damage by fire, heat, and acid. Like their Psyiad cousins, they have the ability to regenerate damage as long as they are in contact with a frozen surface or frost-covered ground.
PF2E-compatible Statblock
Froststalker - Creature 4
UNCOMMMONLEMEDIUMFEYGREMLIN
| Froststalkers are the gremlin corruption of Lesser Psyiads. Like their untainted cousins, Froststalkers inhabit the cold tundras in the far northern and southern reaches of the world. They can be found in the barren plains or cold fir forests of these regions. When seen at all, they also resemble their cousins, often mistaken for an Elf or Half-Elf, with features that suggest a long, hard life in the cold winds of the tundra. Though they do not need it for protection, they wear cold-weather gear taken from past victims to complete the illusion that they are of the Folk. | |
| Perception | +13; Darkvision |
| Languages | Common, Gremlin |
| Skills | Deception+6, Intimidation+6, Stealth+11, Survival+10, Thievery+11 |
STR +2 , DEX +3 , CON +3 , INT +2 , WIS +3 , CHA +0 | |
| AC | 21 |
| Saving Throws | Fort +13, Ref +11, Will +11 |
| HP | 70 - Immunities cold - Weaknesses fire 10, acid 5 - Resistances magical cold 5 |
| Speed | 30ft |
| Melee |  Claw: +9 / +5 / +1, Damage 1d6+2 Bite: +9 / +5 / +1, Damage 2d6+2 |
| Special Abilities | Frost Step The Froststalker can use its action to merge into any surface that is frozen solid, including permafrost soil, or which is covered with a layer of rime (frost). While merged, the Froststalker is fully aware of its surroundings, and can still sense (and feed on) the fear and terror of those nearby. Furthermore, the Froststalker can take an action to emerge from the frost anywhere within 400ft (125m) provided the frozen areas are connected. |
| Spells | Cause Fear |
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