Boreal Creature

Since Baba Yaga's invasion, many creatures native to the eastern Linnorm Kingdoms have died out, unable to adapt to a land now dominated by ceaseless supernatural winter. However, despite this dramatic change in climate, a few particularly strong and hardy specimens managed to survive, and over the centuries the magical forces holding this realm in its grip have aided the evolution of species better suited to this harsh environment.

Boreal Creature (CR 7)

Large Monstrous Humanoid (Cold)
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Initiative: +1
Senses: Darkvision 60 feet; Perception +13

Speed: 30 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 20, touch 10, flat-footed 19 (+1 Dex, +10 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 73 (7d10+35)
Saving Throws: Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +6
Damage Reduction: 5/bludgeoning
Immunity: cold
Spell Resistance: 17
Weaknesses: vulnerability to fire

Offense

Melee: bite +14 (1d6+8 plus 1d6 cold), 2 claws +14 (1d6+8 plus 1d6 cold)
Reach: 10 feet

Special Attacks: Rend (2 claws, 1d6+12)

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 7th; Concentration +7):

• 3/day- Alter Self, Fog Cloud

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
27 (+8)	12 (+1)	20 (+5)	13 (+1)	13 (+1)	10 (+0)

Base Attack Bonus: +7
CMB +16
CMD 26

Feats: Alertness, Blind-Fight, Great Fortitude, Intimidating Prowess

Skills: Bluff +7, Diplomacy +7, Intimidate +18, Perception +13, Sense Motive +3, Stealth +7 (+11 in snow)

• Racial Modifiers: +4 Stealth (in snow), +4 Survival (in snow)

Languages: Common, Giant

Special Qualities: trackless step

Special Abilities

Trackless Step (Ex)

A boreal annis hag does not leave a trail in snow and cannot be tracked. She can choose to leave a trail if she so desires.

Ecology

Environment: Cold Marshes
Organization: solitary of coven (3 hags of any kind)
Treasure: standard


Though boreal creatures mostly resemble their temperate kin, the effects of sorcerous winter have bolstered them, making them stronger and much more dangerous. In basic shape and form they appear similar to their ancestors, but other characteristics reveal the creatures' altered nature. Their fur and skin are much paler, often shades of blue, gray, or simply white, and it is not uncommon for parts of these creatures to be cloaked in frost, especially their jagged claws and shaggy hair.

Creating a Boreal Creature

\"Boreal\" is an inherited template that can be added to any Huge or smaller corporeal creature. This template cannot be applied to a creature with the fire subtype.

Challenge Rating: Same as the base creature +1.

Type: The creature gains the cold subtype. If applied to a creature with the animal or vermin type, the creature's type changes to magical beast. Do not recalculate its Hit Dice, base attack bonus, saves, or skill points.

Attacks: A boreal creature's natural attacks deal an additional 1d6 points of cold damage.

Abilities: Str +2, Con +2.

Skills: The creature receives a +4 bonus on Stealth and Survival checks in snow. An aquatic boreal creature receives a +4 racial bonus on Stealth and Survival checks at all times in frigid waters (its natural habit), instead of in snow.

Environment: The creature's natural environment changes to a cold climate.

Special Qualities: A boreal creature gains the following special quality.

Trackless Step (Ex): A boreal creature does not leave a trail in snow and cannot be tracked. It can choose to leave a trail, if it so desires. This special quality does not apply to aquatic boreal creatures.