Fossil Cryptic¶
The cave-diving humans who first found fossil cryptics initially thought they were the fossilized reanimated skeletons of creatures predating recorded history. When the explorers' priest presented a holy symbol and attempted to turn the cryptics, he learned these fossilized bones aren't mindless undead—and seconds later, he wound up crushed to death by a pillar of stone.
Primal Sentries¶
In truth, these living fossil amalgamations are inhabited by elemental spirits. Fossil cryptics are found in places of otherworldly beauty with a connection to an elemental plane of Quintessence, often in caves that have remained untouched for eons or whose tunnels are laced with veins of priceless metal in exquisite fractal patterns. Elemental spirits from that plane inhabit the fossils of creatures who once protected the site, carrying on their legacy. Archaeologists, miners, and others who disturb a cryptic's domain are ground into dust and subsumed into the creature's own form.
Bones of the Earth¶
Though fossil cryptics vary wildly in their chosen shape and form, all contain a central cluster of fossils atop a churning column of rock and metal. With malleable limbs extending from their earthy core, cryptics move with unsettling speed.
Ancient Intelligence¶
Fossil cryptics often warn trespassers to leave their domains, speaking threats in ancient languages before attacking. Should trespassers persist, cryptics weaponize columns of stone at range and can manipulate the ground around them, pushing and pulling friend and foe alike into the best positions for battle.
Fossil Cryptic Languages¶
Many fossil cryptics speak Phorialtic, but they are known to also use the ancient languages of the ruins they inhabit.
Fossil Cryptic
- Solo MonsterTrait
- Churning TrunkTrait
- Seismic StepTrait
- Sand SlamMain actionSignature
- Stone Bone StormMain action
- StoneshiftManeuver
- DissipateTriggered action1 Malice
- ShatterstoneTriggered action5 Malice
- First Warning QuakeVillain Action 1
- Final Warning FissureVillain Action 2
- No EscapeVillain Action 3