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Archives of Nethys

Archives of Nethys

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PFS StandardGiant Orchid Mantis

These mantises have grown to an unusual size, which makes their camouflage less effective in most environments. As such, they're usually found in areas where a blossom the size of an adult human could pass as normal, in the lushest rainforests, or in lands where rare medicinal herbs are cultivated. Tame giant orchid mantises can also be found protecting those rich enough to afford such decorative guards.

Recall Knowledge - Animal (Nature): DC 16
Unspecific Lore: DC 14
Specific Lore: DC 11

Elite | Normal | Weak
Proficiency without Level

Giant Orchid MantisCreature 2

Medium Animal 
Source Tian Xia World Guide pg. 292
Perception +6; low-light vision
Skills Acrobatics +8, Athletics +7, Stealth +10
Str +3, Dex +4, Con +3, Int -5, Wis +2, Cha -4
Floral Camouflage When Hiding, the giant orchid mantis is concealed by any amount of leaves or petals, even if they aren't thick enough to make other creatures concealed.
AC 18; Fort +9, Ref +10, Will +6
HP 30
Speed 40 feet, climb 20 feet, fly 20 feet
Melee [one-action] mandibles +11 [+6/+1] (finesse), Damage 1d10+3 piercingMelee [one-action] leg +11 [+7/+3] (agile, finesse), Damage 1d8+3 piercingBarbed Limbs [two-actions] The giant orchid mantis makes two leg Strikes. If it hits the same creature with both attacks, that creature is grabbed until the end of the mantis's next turn.Sudden Strike In the first round of combat, creatures that haven't acted are off-guard to the orchid mantis.

All Monsters in "Orchid Mantis"

NameLevel
Five-Color Orchid Mantis9
Giant Orchid Mantis2
Orchid Mantis Swarm6

Orchid Mantis

Source Tian Xia World Guide pg. 292
Few creatures appear as beautiful as the orchid mantises. Their elegant form and coloration resemble flowers, and many people adopt the delicate creatures as short-lived pets. While these mundane insects aren't dangerous to humanoids, they can still bring down prey several times their own size. Unfolding from their flowery pose, orchid mantises lash out with blinding speed, even chasing foraging butterflies with their sharp-toothed arms and powerful bite.

Animal Masters

While many sapient beings like to put themselves above the animal kingdom, the gap can be closer than many realize and catch the arrogant off guard. Tian stories abound with tales of masters learning mystic or martial arts from animals, though many scholars dismiss these creatures as powerful beings simply taking animal form. The five-color mantis is a strong counterargument to the latter claims, as are animals who undergo the transformation into yaoguai. Rarer tales speak of mimic birds who cast spells that they overhear or larvae that cocoon themselves into artifact shells and pupate into living weapons.

Sidebar - Additional Lore Colorful Companions

Orchid mantises are common choices for familiars, even beyond their natural range. At the GM's discretion, such familiars can take the plant form familiar ability, despite not being plants themselves, to represent and enhance their exceptional camouflage.

Sidebar - Advice and Rules Elemental Blossoms

Undisturbed forests, forgotten valleys, and medicinal gardens hide plants that carry elemental or magical essences. Hiding among these flowers, mantises grow stronger with the rich environment, preying on the other fabulous creatures living among the blossoms, such as apothecary bees