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Archives of Nethys

Archives of Nethys

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PFS StandardGrappling Spirit

When a great gladiator or wrestler meets their demise, their soul can sometimes linger out of a love for combat and sport. Every grappling spirit manifests a mask that represents the legacy of the warrior they were during their life.

Recall Knowledge - Spirit (Occultism): DC 28
Recall Knowledge - Undead (Religion): DC 28
Unspecific Lore: DC 26
Specific Lore: DC 23

Elite | Normal | Weak
Proficiency without Level

Grappling SpiritCreature 9

Legacy Content

Uncommon LN Medium Incorporeal Spirit Undead 
Source Book of the Dead pg. 107
Perception +17; darkvision
Languages Common
Skills Acrobatics +19, Athletics +21, Diplomacy +18, Gladiatorial Lore +15, Intimidation +20, Performance +20
Str -5, Dex +6, Con +4, Int +0, Wis +2, Cha +5
AC 27; Fort +19, Ref +19, Will +15
HP 125 (negative healing); Immunities death effects, disease, paralyzed, poison, precision, sleep; Resistances all damage 10 (except force, ghost touch, or positive; double resistance vs. non-magical)
Warrior's Mask A grappling spirit wears a mask that allows them to abandon their original form and become a warrior focused solely on combat. This mask is quasi-corporeal, allowing it to be manipulated by both corporeal and incorporeal creatures. A creature who has the grappling spirit grabbed or restrained can remove the mask as an Interact action by succeeding at an Athletics check against the grappling spirit's Fortitude DC. Removing a grappling spirit's mask causes the spirit to fly into a frenzy. The grappling spirit becomes quickened and can use their extra action to Fly, Grapple, or Strike. They also gain a +4 status bonus to damage rolls, and they take a –4 status penalty to AC and Reflex saving throws. If the mask is put back on, the grappling spirit ends their frenzy.
Speed fly 60 feet
Melee [one-action] ghostly hand +21 [+17/+13] (agile, finesse, magical, nonlethal), Damage 2d10+12 negative plus Improved GrabGhostly Grasp A grappling spirit can Grapple corporeal creatures despite being incorporeal. The grappling spirit uses their Athletics check to Grapple as normal but can't use Athletics for other actions that require corporeal contact, like Force Open or Trip.Submission Lock [two-actions] (nonlethal) Requirements The grappling spirit has a creature grabbed or restrained; Effect The spirit saps their opponent's strength with a supernatural grip. The grappling spirit attempts an Athletics check to Grapple a creature they have grabbed or restrained, also adding 4d10+12 negative damage, depending on the result.
Critical Success The creature takes double damage. If it's already enfeebled, it falls unconscious. If not, it is enfeebled 2 until the end of its next turn and enfeebled 1 for 1 minute.
Success The creature takes full damage and is enfeebled 1 until the end of its next turn.Teleporting Clothesline [two-actions] (conjuration, occult, teleportation) Requirements The grappling spirit has a creature grabbed or restrained; Effect The grappling spirit pushes the creature 15 feet in a straight line. The spirit immediately teleports 20 feet to intercept. They make a ghostly hand Strike against the creature. On a hit, the creature is knocked prone, and on a critical hit, it also takes an additional 2d6 bludgeoning damage as it's driven to the ground.Victory Celebration If a spirit knocks a creature unconscious, each creature within 60 feet that witnesses the victory is targeted with a DC 26 roaring applause spell. The spirit must spend all their actions until the end of the turn celebrating, and a new medal or belt appears on the spirit.

Sidebar - Locations Lands of Champions

While a grappling spirit can be found almost anywhere notable combats are held, a few regions on Golarion are known for their prominence. The Hold of Belkzen is home to orc grapplers who become grappling spirits, while the wrestlers of Arcadia and Iblydos tend to return for one last glorious match. Grappling spirits are particularly common in the Lands of Second Souls in southern Arcadia.

Sidebar - Additional Lore Retiring a Grappling Spirit

The means of appeasing each grappling spirit, allowing it to pass on, vary. Some seek one last match worthy of their skill, while others wish to win a major bout in front of an adoring crowd or even suffer an epic defeat at the hands of a worthy successor. They tend not to be malicious, just entirely dedicated to competition.