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Hound Topiary
A majestic hound can be found guarding the entrance to several noble gardens across Avistan, often as a warning sign to raiding goblin parties or a devotional plea for protection from Cayden Cailean or Dispater, depending on the region. In the wild, hound topiaries are found in areas with heavy foliage where they can camouflage their packs. No matter where they're found, they're formed from souls that were extremely loyal and protective of their fellows during life and now seek to ensure the safety of their chosen territories.Recall Knowledge - Plant (Nature): DC 18
Unspecific Lore: DC 16
Specific Lore: DC 13
Elite | Normal | Weak
Proficiency without Level
Hound TopiaryCreature 3
Medium Plant Source Monster Core 2 pg. 214
Perception +6; low-light vision, scent (imprecise) 40 feet
Languages Muan; (can't speak any language)
Skills Athletics +7, Nature +6, Stealth +7
Str +4, Dex +2, Con +3, Int -2, Wis +0, Cha +3
AC 15; Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +3
HP 50; Immunities bleed; Weaknesses fire 5
Speed 30 feet; walk through plants
Melee [one-action] jaws +7 [+2/-3], Damage 1d8+6 piercingMelee [one-action] claw +7 [+3/-1] (agile), Damage 1d6+6 slashingPruning [one-action] (concentrate, manipulate, polymorph) The hound topiary twists and contorts its shape, shedding branches and leaves as needed to change into a topiary of a Medium or smaller animal. Until the next time it acts, the topiary has an automatic result of 30 for Deception checks and DCs to appear as a mundane topiary.Pack Attack The hound topiary deals an extra 1d6 damage to any creature within reach of at least two of its allies.Walk Through Plants The hound topiary ignores difficult terrain caused by dense vegetation.Warning Howl [reaction] (emotion, fear, mental, visual) Trigger The hound topiary rolls for initiative using Stealth; Effect The hound shifts to life and howls, though without breath, no sound comes from its mouth. Creatures within 30 feet must attempt a DC 14 Will save or be frightened 1. They're then immune to all hound topiaries' Warning Howls for 1 hour.
Topiary Packs
Hound topiaries live communally in their chosen wild areas, mostly mimicking the typical actions of canine packs. However, when they come across someone dying and alone, hound topiaries encircle the body, offering comfort in their last moments. Once the soul has passed, the pack will raise their heads in an eerie, silent howl of mourning and remembrance.All Monsters in "Living Topiary"
| Name | Level |
| Hippopotamus Topiary | 11 |
| Hound Topiary | 3 |
| Tiger Topiary | 5 |
Living Topiary
Source Monster Core 2 pg. 214Topiaries are an extremely common sight across Golarion, especially within the gleaming and well-manicured lawns of nobility. Living topiaries develop from the death of a lone soul in an overgrown area of deep primal magic, with the soul exploding into the plants around it and causing them to grow together into the form of an animal, often influenced by the personality of the dying person. Once fully formed, the living topiary lacks their original memories; however, they're filled with the desire to protect the area they were formed in, driving off invaders and those who would do harm to the flora and fauna.
Corrupted Topiaries
Most living topiaries are territorial without being actively malevolent; however, when the creation of a living topiary occurs within an area of intense necromantic energy, the topiary can take on a sinister personality. Stories abound of abandoned manors that have corrupted living topiaries prowling their hedge mazes for hapless victims.
Shelyn's Corner
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The classic look for the Archives of Nethys.
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