This is a creature I worked on a while ago that I am eager to present. It was one of those born of me trawling the internet, looking for pictures of monsters to be inspired by. Once I found a suitably cool picture, I would then work backwards to create a monster based off of that artwork. Such was the case with this demonic manipulator - the reskaril!
As a demon born from evil souls that drained their victims of everything and relished in it, I liked the idea of them even stealing away blood. With this idea reinforced by the picture's whip, I decided to play up that aspect. Now, I'll to admit, I might have gone a mite overboard with the blood spells, but, in the end, I feel that they all ended up being thematic and a fun fit for the creature. I ended up building this creature to be sort of like a magus with the ability to mix combat and spellcasting with little trouble - though with its In the Blood ability, its gonna want foes to be bleeding before it starts slinging spells at them.
Pathfinder 1e Version:
I struggled with the 2e version a bit because all 2e demons have some sort of virtuous vulnerability, and coming up with exactly what way I wanted to take the reskaril was difficult. I'm ultimately content with what I landed on but still sometimes wonder if there wasn't a better choice for this covetous demon. Another issue I ran into was the lack of fitting spells though I'll admit that none of his spells felt iconic enough to transfer as an ability of some sort. I personally flavor the grim tendrils that he creates as being formed from blood in an attempt to capture that idea a bit, but the others just felt like a good array of spells for a schemer and manipulator.
Pathfinder 2e Version:
Blue's D&D 5e Version (https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/XSVlrnPq):
ENCOUNTERS
Wicked Ways: A reskaril that has escaped to the material plane has set his eyes on one of the more virtuous heroes, favoring a paladin or cleric when possible or maybe an ally of the party. Using its powers, the reskaril seeks to undermine this paragon of good before using its ability to change shape to begin frame them for heinous crimes. Once these crimes are leveled at the reskaril's victim, it approaches in another guise to help them escape the blame of these crimes, but only intends to lead him down a darker path. The heroes must uncover the reskaril's schemes before it can imperil their friend's soul.
Blood Money: A great treasure has recently been uncovered in a trap-laden lair and while many have tried, none have claimed it. In fact, those that have ventured into the dungeon have yet to return by the time the heroes decide to try to seek out this treasure. The truth is, while the treasure is real, a reskaril has taken up residence within the dungeon and has been driving allies against each other. Those that don't fall to the traps end up turning on each other due to the reskaril's machinations and maybe a slight curse upon the treasure when they finally reach it. As the heroes delve into the deadly dungeon, they must contend with deadly traps, devious manipulations, and a demon who seeks to break their bonds.
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Have a Monstrous Monday!
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