THURIBLE CAT

FREQUENCY: rare
NO. APPEARING: 1-2
ARMOR CLASS: 2
MOVE: 6"
HIT DICE: 7
% IN LAIR: 100%
TREASURE TYPE: special
NO. OF ATTACKS: 2
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2-8 / 2-8
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Fragrant ash cloud
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Burning surface
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
INTELLIGENCE: Low (as a well trained dog)
ALIGNMENT: Lawful neutral
SIZE: L
PSlONlC ABILITY: Nil
Attack/Defense Modes: Nil

A construct made of cast iron and in the shape of a portly feline deity, this creature is often found guarding temples and other sacred places. Its hollow body must be regularly (once a week) filled with coal and incense, or it will go dormant. This permament smouldering heats the iron, which is burning to the touch, causing 1-6 damage when the Thurible Cat is attacked with natural weapons. Items in prolonged contact with it need to save versus normal fire or be set ablaze.

The Thurible Cat attacks with both front paws. Its claws have 10% chance of setting fire to organic material, such as cloth or fur, and do another 1-6 damage every round for three rounds unless doused. Twice per day, instead of attacking with its claws, the Thurible Cat can breathe a cloud of ash that smells heavenly but burns lungs for 3-18 damage. Anyone caught in the cloud (2” in diameter) must save versus Poison or remain inside, unaware of the danger, and happy to breathe in the wonderful odours. The cloud dissipates in 2-5 rounds.

The Thurible Cat doesn’t hoard riches, though it often defends sacred treasure rooms. If incense is salvaged from its body and doused, it can be lit again to produce the effects of a Protection from Good, 10’ radius spell as cast by a 7th level Cleric.

This monster was my entry for the Monster Man contest 2017. (This is actually a tea infuser)