Dancing DervishDancing Dervish CR 9Source NPC Codex pg. 149 XP 6,400 Human rogue 10 N Medium humanoid (human) Init +8; Senses Perception +12DefenseAC 20, touch 16, flat-footed 15 (+4 armor, +1 deflection, +4 Dex, +1 dodge) hp 68 (10d8+20) Fort +4, Ref +11, Will +2 Defensive Abilities evasion, improved uncanny dodge, trap sense +3OffenseSpeed 30 ft. Melee +1 keen rapier +13/+8 (1d6+3/15–20) Ranged light crossbow +11 (1d8/19–20) Special Attacks sneak attack +5d6TacticsBefore Combat The rogue relishes combat, but often prefers to hide the full extent of his abilities until he’s completely surrounded, the better to take his enemies by surprise and make use of Whirlwind Attack. During Combat The rogue charges into combat, trying to get in the middle of as many enemies as possible before using Whirlwind Attack, laughing and singing prayers as he lays waste to his enemies.StatisticsStr 14, Dex 19, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 8, Cha 10 Base Atk +7; CMB +9; CMD 25 Feats Combat Expertise, Dodge, Improved Initiative, Mobility, Nimble Moves, Spring Attack, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (rapier), Whirlwind Attack Skills Acrobatics +17, Climb +15, Disable Device +19, Escape Artist +17, Intimidate +13, Perception +12, Perform (dance) +13, Sleight of Hand +17, Stealth +17, Swim +15 Languages Common, Elven SQ rogue talents (combat trick, finesse rogue, opportunist, surprise attack, weapon training), trapfinding +5 Combat Gear potion of blur, potion of cat’s grace, alchemist’s fire (2); Other Gear +1 studded leather, +1 keen rapier, light crossbow with 20 bolts, ring of protection +1, masterwork thieves’ tools, 480 gp
The dancing dervish spins as a way to focus himself on achieving harmony with the gods.Lesath the Desert StingLesath is a troubled man who acutely feels the pain of separation from the divine, and only when he has a sword in hand do his dark thoughts stop. For him, the dance of the sword is a means of finding peace and spiritual tranquility. He dances several times per day (whether or not he is in combat) as a silent prayer ritual. Afterward, he meditates to focus his memory on the joy of the prayer, sometimes unconsciously speaking some truth he learned from this connection. Though he often springs into battle if a cause seems justified and in keeping with his god’s will, the truth is that the fighting is more important to him than the reason for it.
Combat Encounters: Lesath might watch over a group of pilgrims and rebuff any attempts by the PCs to interfere or communicate, or he might guard a holy site and refuse to allow the PCs to trespass.
Roleplaying Suggestions: The PCs might discover Lesath surrounded by a ring of slain enemies, meditating and perhaps unknowingly speaking words of prophecy or divine truth. They might also find themselves saddled with the job of keeping him out of trouble.
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