Chimera

Chimera

This winged monster has the body of a lion, though two more heads flank its central feline one-a dragon and a horned goat.

XP 3,200

CE Large magical beast

Init +5; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, scent; Perception +10

DEFENSE

AC 19, touch 10, flat-footed 18 (+1 Dex, +9 natural, -1 size)

hp 85 (9d10+36)

Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +6

OFFENSE

Spd 30 ft., fly 50 ft. (poor)

Melee bite +12 (2d6+4), bite +12 (1d8+4), gore +12 (1d8+4), 2 claws +12 (1d6+4)

Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.

Special Attacks breath weapon

STATISTICS

Str 19, Dex 12, Con 17, Int 4, Wis 13, Cha 10

Base Atk +9; CMB +14; CMD 25 (29 vs. trip)

Feats Hover, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Skill Focus (Perception), Toughness

Skills Fly +2, Perception +10, Stealth +4 (+8 in scrubland or brush); Racial Modifiers +2 Perception, +4 Stealth in scrubland or brush

Languages Draconic

ECOLOGY

Environment temperate hills

Organization solitary, pair, pride (3-6), or flight (7-12)

Treasure standard

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Breath Weapon (Su) A chimera's breath weapon depends on the color of its dragon head, as summarized on the table below. Regardless of its type, a chimera's breath weapon is usable once every 1d4 rounds, deals 6d8 points of damage, and allows a DC 17 Reflex save for half damage. The save DC is Constitution-based. To determine a chimera's head color and breath weapon randomly, roll 1d10 and consult the table below.

d10	Head Color	Breath Weapon
1-2	Black	40-foot line of acid
3-4	Blue	40-foot line of lightning
5-6	Green	20-foot cone of acid
7-8	Red	20-foot cone of fire
9-10	White	20-foot cone of cold

Chimeras are monstrous creatures born of primordial evil. Hateful and hungry, they hunt on the ground or in the air. A chimera's dragon head may be of any evil dragon type, with the corresponding breath weapon, and its wings usually match the scales on its head. Chimeras speak with three overlapping voices, but rarely do so, typically only when playing toady to a more powerful creature. A chimera is 5 feet tall at the shoulder, nearly 10 feet long, and weighs 700 pounds.

Chimeras prefer meat but can subsist on vegetable matter if necessary (although being forced to do so generally leaves the beasts more ill-tempered than usual). Their flight means they can pick and choose their prey, and they usually hunt a large area in search of easy food. They are too stupid and belligerent to acquire followers, though sometimes a tribe of kobolds might give them offerings.

Conversely, they are just intelligent and stubborn enough that they make poor pets, and only a significantly more powerful creature can keep them submissive. They may form equal partnerships with a respectful humanoid or similar creature, and even consent to be used as a mount.

A pride of chimeras is very leonine in its hierarchy, with a dominant male leading the group and most of the hunting done by the females. A solitary chimera may be a young male or a female with cubs nearby.