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Archives of Nethys

Archives of Nethys

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PFS StandardOrchid Mantis Swarm

Some mantises have unusually strong connections to elemental power. Though they lack the training to cultivate this energy, when orchid mantises gather at a place of abundant food or overflowing natural energy, they can bring trees to bloom in the depths of winter or turn any stretch of ground into a garden. Despite their beauty, gathering in large groups only seems to exacerbate the mantises' tempers. Although the mantises are individually harmless, anyone disturbing the countless false blossoms is likely to be recognized as food, no matter their size.

Recall Knowledge - Animal (Nature): DC 22
Unspecific Lore: DC 20
Specific Lore: DC 17

Elite | Normal | Weak
Proficiency without Level

Orchid Mantis SwarmCreature 6

Large Animal Swarm 
Source Tian Xia World Guide pg. 292
Perception +12; low-light vision
Skills Stealth +16
Str -2, Dex +4, Con +1, Int -5, Wis +2, Cha -4
Floral Camouflage When Hiding, the orchid mantis swarm is concealed by any amount of leaves or petals, even if they aren't thick enough to make other creatures concealed.
AC 24; Fort +13, Ref +16, Will +12
HP 100; Immunities precision, swarm mind; Resistances bludgeoning 2, piercing 5, slashing 5; Weaknesses area damage 5, splash damage 5
Speed 30 feet, climb 20 feet, fly 20 feet
Biting Blossoms [one-action] Each enemy in the swarm's space takes 3d6 piercing damage (DC 24 basic Reflex save). Creatures that fail this save also take 1d4 persistent bleed damage.Drifting Petals [two-actions] (mental, visual) The swarm Flies. Each creature whose space it moves through must attempt a DC 24 Will save or be transfixed by their blossom-like bodies.
Critical Success No effect.
Success The creature is dazzled for 1 round.
Failure The creature is dazzled and stupefied 1 for 1 round.
Critical Failure The creature is blinded and stupefied 2 for 1 round.

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