| Barghest | |
|---|---|
| (Creature) | |
| Type | Outsider (evil, extraplanar, lawful, shapechanger) |
| CR | 4 |
| Environment | any |
| Alignment | |
Source: Pathfinder Bestiary, pg(s). 27 | |
The fiendish barghest is said to be related to the goblinoid races of Golarion. It resembles a cross between a wolf and a goblin and comes to this world to feed on the flesh of mortals.[1]
Description[]
Being shapechangers, barghests can take on the form of a wolf or a goblin. Their natural shape is an evil hybrid of the two the size of a worg. They generally walk on all fours, although their feet bear a greater resemblance to clawed hands rather than paws. Like goblins they have oversized, pointed ears, a snub (nearly non-existant) nose, and a mouth full of razor sharp teeth. Their powerful bite can tear through flesh and bone and when pressed, can consume an entire human-sized creature in under six seconds. Their bodies are covered with dark, matted hair and they posses a wolf-like tail.[1] Barghests possess a keen intelligence easily equal to that of most humanoids, and possess innate magical abilities which allow them to avoid detection through divination magic, charm, levitate, and teleport for short distances. They can also insinuate themselves into the minds of their prey and flood them with thoughts of utterly hopeless despair.[1]
Ecology[]
Barghests come to Golarion in order to feed on the flesh of humanoids. They are driven to this out of more than just hunger (which they are certainly not lacking in). After sating themselves on mortal flesh for at least four months they undergo a frightening metamorphosis, shedding their skin and becoming a greater barghest.[1]
Being creatures of the Great Beyond, barghests can be found in many parts of Golarion. They have been spotted in the hills around Bloodsworn Vale[2]
Connection to Lamashtu[]
Although barghests are disciplined, cunning hunters who in general wish to have no part in the unbridled chaos of demons, they share a special connection with the demon goddess Lamashtu. It is said by scholars that in the time before time, the goddess freed a group of barghests kept in a kennel by the god Asmodeus himself. She elevated them to demi-godhood and created small realms within her Abyssal realm for them. Goblins believe that the four strongest of these (Hadregash, Venkelvore, Zarongel, and Zogmugot) would go on to found their species.[3]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Paizo Staff. (2009). Pathfinder Bestiary, p. 27. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-183-1
- ↑ Jason Bulmahn. (2007). Conquest of Bloodsworn Vale, p. 5. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-049-0
- ↑ James Jacobs et al. (2008). Classic Monsters Revisited, p. 20. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-079-7