Creating a Runeslave
“Runeslave” is an acquired template that can be added to any creature with the giant subtype (referred to hereafter as the base creature). A runeslave uses all the base creature’s statistics and special abilities except as noted here.
Speed: A runeslave’s base land speed is 20 feet faster than the base creature. Other forms of movement, such as flying or swim speeds, are unaffected.
Traits: Runeslave creatures have all the base creature’s traits as well as those described below.
Arcane Decay: The symbols etched upon a runeslave’s body put great stress on its physical form, choking its mind and ultimately killing the giant. This slow decay of a runeslave’s mental faculties manifests as a disease with the following traits. Arcane Decay—non-contagious, Fortitude DC 30, incubation period instant, damage 1 Int, 1 Wis, 1 Cha. All runeslaves are “infected” by this disease. Only the most powerful magic can prevent or cure arcane decay (subject to narrator's approval), but in so doing removes the entire template, reverting the runeslave back to the base creature. Multiple successful Fortitude saves only delay the decay and do not cure the creature of the disease.
Arcane Surge: Three times per day, as a free action, a runeslave can gain the benefits of the power Time Shaping (hasten) for 6 rounds. Using this ability forces the giant to make an additional Fortitude save against arcane decay, even if it has already made its daily save to resist the disease. If it fails, the runeslave takes damage from the disease as normal.
Vulnerable Mind: A runeslave takes a –8 penalty on any save made to resist a mind-influencing power or ability.
Immune to Fear: Runeslaves are immune to all fear effects.
Immune to Pain: Runeslaves can continue to function even after taking great punishment. They continue to fight without penalty as if under the effects of the Body Control (ignore pain and injury) power and are immune to nonlethal damage.
Abilities: Change from the base creature as follows: Str +2, Int –1, Wis –1, Cha –1.
