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Archives of Nethys

Archives of Nethys

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Xulgath Ravening

Strength and hunger drive most xulgath societies, reinforced by the tenets of their abyssal patron Zevgavizeb. A powerful leader can seize control of a xulgath community and direct their followers to fight as a unit, but formation fighting isn't something most xulgaths practice. This mob mentality often results in overzealous warriors tripping over or even biting each other. Suitably, these mobs have earned the name “ravenings,” a term also used when describing Zevgavizeb's carnivorous rampages and referring to the millennia of xulgath infighting and social decline.

Recall Knowledge - Humanoid (Society): DC 24
Unspecific Lore: DC 22
Specific Lore: DC 19

Elite | Normal | Weak
Proficiency without Level

Xulgath RaveningCreature 4

Rare CE Gargantuan Humanoid Troop Xulgath 
Source Pathfinder #193: Mantle of Gold pg. 91
Perception +11; darkvision
Languages Draconic, Undercommon
Skills Athletics +11, Intimidation +10, Stealth +7
Str +5, Dex +1, Con +3, Int -1, Wis +1, Cha +2
AC 20; Fort +14, Ref +12, Will +8
HP 72 (16 squares); Thresholds 48 (12 squares), 24 (8 squares); Weaknesses area damage 5, splash damage 2
Stench (aura, olfactory) 30 feet. A creature that enters the area must attempt a DC 21 Fortitude save. On a failure, the creature is sickened 1, and on a critical failure, the creature also takes a –5 status penalty to its Speeds for 1 round. While within the aura, the creature takes a –2 circumstance penalty to saves to recover from the sickened condition. A creature that succeeds at its save is temporarily immune to all xulgaths stenches for 1 minute.Troop Defenses
Speed 25 feet; troop movement
Troop Movement Whenever a troop Strides, it first Forms Up as a free action to condense into a 20-foot-by–20- foot area (minus any missing squares), then moves up to its Speed. This works just like a Gargantuan creature moving; for instance, if any square of the troop enters difficult terrain, the extra movement cost applies to the whole troop.Fang and Claw Frequency once per round Effect The xulgath ravening lashes out at enemies within 5 feet (DC 21 basic Reflex save). The damage depends on the number of actions. [one-action] 1d6 slashing damage [two-actions] 1d6+5 slashing damage [three-actions] 2d6+5 slashing damageForm Up Infected Wounds (poison) The xulgaths' Fang and Claw deals an additional 1d6 poison damage to any creature sickened by a xulgath's stench.Sharpened Advance The troop fires a ranged attack in the form of a 5-foot burst within 50 feet that deals 3d6 piercing damage (DC 18 basic Reflex save), then the troop either Steps or Strides up to 15 feet toward the area they attacked.

Sidebar - Additional Lore The Power of Suggestion

Xulgath ravening are most common in clutches controlled by spiritual leaders using some combination of cult behavior, group ritual, and even a little enchantment magic. By convincing participants that they're possessed by Zevgavizeb or a similar force, the leader then identifies a target and hopes for the best. Instilling secular doubt or incapacitating the leader can shatter a ravening's focus, causing its members to scatter or even turn on their leader.

All Monsters in "Xulgath"

NameLevel
Xulgath Bilebearer2
Xulgath Deepmouth12
Xulgath Gutrager10
Xulgath Leader3
Xulgath Ravening4
Xulgath Skulker2
Xulgath Spinesnapper5
Xulgath Stoneliege8
Xulgath Thoughtmaw15
Xulgath Warrior1

Xulgath

Source Bestiary pg. 336
Reptilian humanoids who live in the uppermost reaches of the Darklands, xulgaths (known as troglodytes to many surface-dwelling folk) often attack intruders in their territory on sight. They live in simple familial communities, battling rival groups and other aggressive Darklands inhabitants in order to survive. They occasionally raid surface settlements, usually at the behest of cruel, bloodthirsty leaders who are often themselves in the thrall of more powerful creatures like nagas or demons. A typical xulgath has dull gray, dark gray, or ashen scales, with a long tail and bony protrusions that run the length of its spine. A typical xulgath is 5 feet tall and weighs 150 pounds.

Although today the xulgaths are brutal and scattered, they were one of the first intelligent humanoids to rise in the primeval world, once ruling over a mighty empire that stretched throughout the Darklands. Today, all that remains of this era are ruins of massive stone ziggurats and crumbling cities found within some of the larger caverns. Some groups of xulgaths continue to live among these ruins, venerating their ancestors’ accomplishments, while others consider these areas taboo and leave them to become infested with Darklands vermin. Sages don’t agree on why the ancient xulgath civilization fell. Some suspect it was the result of a loss of several wars waged against serpentfolk, while others suggest that the corruptive influence of demon worship rotted their culture from within.

Certainly, many xulgath settlements continue to worship demons to this day, paying homage and offering live sacrifices to terrible creatures from the Abyss. Occasionally, a xulgath shaman can call forth and bind a lesser demon to help serve the group, but a shaman who delves too deep into occultism might summon a more powerful fiend that either tears the xulgaths to pieces or enslaves them.

Sidebar - Additional Lore Other Xulgath Religions

Zevgavizeb is the most popular deity among xulgaths—particularly in the largest and most successful clutches—but other demon lords and deities are worshipped as well. Among Golarion's major gods, Pharasma, Rovagug, and even Erastil are known to answer the prayers of xulgath devotees.

Sidebar - Additional Lore Xulgath Society

Xulgaths respect strength, and the leader of a community is usually the strongest of all of them. The leader’s dominance is rarely questioned until a potentially stronger xulgath believes it’s time for a change in rulership. The two xulgaths then face off in a fight to the death, with the victor claiming rule.

Sidebar - Treasure and Rewards Xulgath Treasure

Xulgaths are relatively primitive, using tools and weapons of stone and other materials scavenged from the surface. These can replicate most simple and a few martial melee weapons, as well as simple thrown ranged weapons. An advanced tribe of xulgaths might be able to craft low-level magical talismans, such as a potency crystal or a returning clasp.