The dune stalker’s principal ranged attack
is by sonic vibration. The dune stalker’s broad chest
apparently allows it to take in a huge quantity of dry, hot
air, which is then forced out under tremendous pressure
through a resonance chamber in the nasal passages. This
sonic vibration has a range of 60’ in a cone extending
from the mouth, and expands to 10’ in diameter at the
extreme end of its range. The hurts the victims and causes
temporary deafness.
At close range, the dune stalker will attempt to deliver
a “kiss of death” to whichever target within melee range
is most identifiable as good. This is accomplished when
the dune stalker places its lips in direct contact with the
bare skin of its victim, and makes a sonic vibration attack
which can kills the victim.
Dune stalkers have some magic resistance, and are only
harmed by magical weapons. If attacked by a group, only
some of which have magical weapons, the dune stalker
will move first to attack those with magical weapons,
particularly if they are of good alignment.
Terrain: Desert
Frequency: Very Rare
# Appearing: 1
The dune stalker appears as a tall, gaunt, and naked
humanoid, with an unusually large, ovoid-shaped head,
extremely long arms and legs, and razor-sharp claws on
its hands and feet. The skin is redish-orange in hue and
extremely dry and abrasive to the touch. The eyes are
large, and the nose is narrow and long. The chest is
abnormally broad at the top, narrowing uniformly to a
relatively tiny waist. There is no hair whatsoever on the
creature. It does not sweat.
The dune stalker is a faultless tracker,
with the same abilities in this regard as an invisible stalker,
most particularly the ability to detect any trail less than
a day old. Summoned from the Para-Elemental Plane of
Magma by a high-level evil magician, its quest may be
general or specific. Only once the quest is completed does
the dune stalker return to its own plane. Accordingly,
dune stalkers are relentless and unmerciful in the pursuit
of their assigned quest. As the literal terms of their quest
are what binds them to the Prime Material Plane, they
seek literal compliance and will be released from their
quest if such is achieved, even if the intent of the quest
remains unfulfilled - much as in the case of interpretation
of a wish or limited wish spell. Similarly, even though they
may accomplish the intent of their summoner, unless the
literal terms of the quest are met, they will remain bound
to the Prime Material Plane, roaming the desolate desert
areas seeking violent release of the anger within them. In
addition, throughout their existence on this plane, dune
stalkers will always attack good should it be encountered
in any form or combination.
Little is known of dune stalkers on their own plane. It
is clear to all who encounter them on the Prime Material
Plane that they are desperately unhappy during their
unrequested stay. They loathe coolness and moisture of
any kind. Dune stalkers frequent only desert areas, and
move with their greatest ease only during the hottest part
of the day. It is also possible that they cannot hear sounds
in the range of human hearing.