Gargoyle Stoneguard (3.5e Racial Paragon Class)

Gargoyle Stoneguard
The gargoyle stoneguard awakens the inner potential of a gargoyle to full bloom, granting them the power to mimic, and then practically become, statues themselves. They are strong and cunning, and able to bend earth to their whim in order to protect their homes from invasion.

Making a Gargoyle Stoneguard
Abilities: A gargoyle stoneguard favors physical abilities over mental, though they do use Charisma for a few spell-like abilities.

Races: Gargoyle.

Alignment: Any.

Class Features
All of the following are class features of the Gargoyle Stoneguard.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A gargoyle stoneguard is proficient with simple weapons and martial weapons. They are also proficient with light and medium armor and with shields (but not tower shields).

At 3rd level, he gains a +2 bonus to Strength. At 4th level, he gains a +2 bonus to Constitution.

 : A Gargoyle Stoneguard can hold himself so still he appears to be a statue. An observer must succeed on a Spot check (DC equal to the result of the Gargoyle's Bluff or Disguise check, minimum 20) to notice the Gargoyle is really alive. Freezing takes a standard action and lasts only while the Stoneguard remains perfectly still. Beginning at 4th level, the Gargoyle Stoneguard also takes on the solidity of stone while freezing, gaining hardness 8.

' :''' Due to their connection with the earth, Gargoyle Stoneguards can call upon minor magical abilities. These spell-like abilities can only be used while in contact with unworked earth or stone or while in contact with a stone structure that is, itself, connected to the ground. The Stoneguard can use guidance, know direction, resistance, and virtue at will in such circumstances. The caster level for these spell-like abilities is equal to the Gargoyle's character level, and the save DCs are Charisma-based.

 / : A Gargoyle Stoneguard becomes even more stone-like. He gains a natural armor bonus equal to his class level. Beginning at 2nd level, the Gargoyle also gains DR/magic equal to his character level (maximum DR 10/magic), thus also allowing his natural attacks to bypass damage reduction as though they were magical. This improves to DR/adamantine and magic once his character level becomes 11 or greater.

Beginning at 2nd level, the Stoneguard gains a secondary bite attack dealing 1d6 damage. Gargoyle Stoneguards of larger or smaller size than medium deal appropriately greater or lesser damage.

' :''' As the Gargoyle Stoneguard's connection with the earth improves, so too does the blessings the earth bestows him. These spell-like abilities can only be used while in contact with unworked earth or stone or while in contact with a stone structure that is, itself, connected to the ground. Beginning at 2nd level, the Stoneguard can use detect snares and pits, magic fang, and magic stone, each of which consumes 1 daily use of this ability. Beginning at 3rd level, he can also use soften earth and stone and stone shape, each of which consumes 2 daily use of this ability. A Gargoyle Stoneguard of 4th level or higher can use greater magic fang and stone tell, each of which consumes 4 daily uses of this ability. The caster level for these spell-like abilities is equal to the Gargoyle's character level, and the save DCs are Charisma-based. A Gargoyle Stoneguard can use this ability a number of times per day equal to his class level plus his character level (class level effectively counts twice).

 : Starting at 3rd level, whenever a Gargoyle Stoneguard damages a flat-footed opponent with one of its natural attacks, that creature must make a Fort save (DC 10 + 1/2 the Gargoyle's character level + the Gargoyle's Constitution modifier) or be turned to stone (as flesh to stone) for 1 round. Creatures that are unaffected by flesh to stone are also immune to this ability.

Beginning at 4th level, the Stoneguard gains a secondary gore attack dealing 1d6 damage. Gargoyle Stoneguards of larger or smaller size than medium deal appropriately greater or lesser damage.

Playing a Gargoyle Stoneguard
Religion: Although a gargoyle is not particular to any form of worship, those that take roost around churches may end up adopting their beliefs and protecting their halls zealously.

Other Classes: Other classes likely react less to the choice of class of a gargoyle stoneguard, and more to the fact they are a gargoyle. Appearances usually generate a negative reaction, but if shown to be an ally few could ask for a greater and more stalwart defender.

Combat: Gargoyle Stoneguards are masters of the ambush. They can pose as a harmless statue, then bring death from above. They may benefit from charging feats, sneak attack, or anything useful as a first strike ability.

Advancement: Gargoyle Stoneguards are very fighter-oriented, and many will level in melee classes or classes which optimize their ambush abilities.

Gargoyle Stoneguards in the World
"It is the nature of humankind to fear what they do not understand. Their ways are not our ways."

Daily Life: A gargoyle stoneguard typically stands as guardian to an area, content to live existance as an immortal statue until the time is ripe. When beings encroach on its territory, it comes to life and proceeds the stalk. Sometimes even a gargoyle may need to stretch its legs and so it generally lives the night life, sailing the night skies like a bat.

Notables: Legend has it a small collective of gargoyles still exist in modern cities, resting upon the imposing skyscrapers of old.

Organizations: Gargoyles rarely assemble, except as colonies which happen to guard the same area. These groups can work together with terrifying tactical effectiveness to achieve their goals.

NPC Reactions: How would you react to see a statue come to life, much less one that looks like the devil itself? Needless to say, commoners don't really understand or get along with gargoyles.

Gargoyle Stoneguard Lore
Characters with ranks in Knowledge History can research gargoyle stoneguards to learn more about them. When a character makes a skill check, read or paraphrase the following, including information from lower DCs.

Gargoyle Stoneguard in the Game
Sample Encounter: The old church is said to be haunted! But the truth is... a gargoyle has taken roost and he wants people out of his home!

EL 4: PENDING