Xanka

Small construct, unaligned

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 27 (6d6 + 6)
Speed 25 ft., climb 15 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 4 (–3) 10 (+0) 7 (–2)

Damage Resistances force
Damage Immunities poison, psychic
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses blindsight 120 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages understands the languages of its creator but can’t speak
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2

SPECIAL TRAITS

  • Absorb. Any nonmagical object that touches the xanka’s central globe, any nonmagical weapon that hits the xanka, or any nonmagical object, structure, or creature hit by the xanka’s Dismantling Leg attack begins to deteriorate. If it is a structure or an object that isn’t being worn or carried, up to a 1-foot cube of the structure or object is destroyed. If it is an object worn or carried by a creature, the creature must succeed on a DC 11 Dexterity saving throw to avoid the item being affected by the xanka’s Absorb. If the object is a weapon, the weapon takes a permanent and cumulative -1 penalty to damage rolls. If the weapon’s penalty drops to -5, the weapon is destroyed. If the object is armor or a shield, the armor or shield takes a permanent and cumulative -1 penalty to the AC it offers. Armor reduced to an AC of 10 or a shield that drops to a +0 bonus is destroyed. If the target is a creature, the creature must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or take 2 (1d4) necrotic damage.
  • Construct Nature. The xanka doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.

ACTIONS

  • Dismantling Leg. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) bludgeoning damage, and the target is subjected to the xanka’s Absorb trait.
  • Release Energy (Recharge 5–6). The xanka releases energy created from absorbed material in a burst. Each creature within 10 feet of it must make a DC 11 Dexterity saving throw, taking 7 (2d6) force damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

ABOUT

This small metallic globe skitters about on many-jointed legs.

Cleaning Constructs. Created by gnomish tinkerers, xanka are constructs whose purpose is cleaning up their masters’ messy workshops. Most xanka are built from copper, brass, or bronze, but gold, silver, and platinum varieties have been seen in the houses of nobles and rich merchants. Xanka are not built for fighting—their instinct tells them to skitter for cover when danger threatens—but they defend themselves when cornered.

Follow Commands. These constructs understand and obey simple commands that relate to the removal of garbage. They can communicate with each other through whirs, clicks, and flashing lights, but those who have studied this communication find it is rarely more than a relaying of commands from the master between xanka to more efficiently carry out the master’s wishes.

Absorb Matter. When a xanka touches material to its globular body, it absorbs that material into itself, quickly breaking the material down into magical energy. They can use this energy to power themselves for further tasks or to protect themselves from danger by expelling the energy in a burst. Tinkerers use xanka to keep their homes and cities clear of refuse.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Tome of Beasts 1 ©2023 Open Design LLC; Authors: Daniel Kahn, Jeff Lee, and Mike Welham.

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