Shaukeen

Shaukeen
Tripurasura^1E

(Creature)

2E1E

Common

LE

Tiny

Asura

Fiend

Level

1

Alignment

LG	NG	CG
LN	N	CN
LE	NE	CE

Source: Bestiary 3, pg(s). 22

Type

Outsider
(asura, evil, extraplanar, lawful)

CR

2

Environment

Any (Hell)

Alignment

LG	NG	CG
LN	N	CN
LE	NE	CE

Source: Bestiary 3, pg(s). 26

Shaukeens, also called tripurasuras or sly ones, are the weakest of the asuras, created by stronger asuras as blasphemous mockeries of the gods' creations. They delight in causing the downfall of those who give them aid, particularly any who provide them schooling.

Appearance

In its true form, a shaukeen is a tiny creature in the shape of a muscled man with a crown of frilled horns and eyes that glow like rubies. It can change shape to assume a pleasing or innocuous form, though this ability is limited and each individual shaukeen can only change shape to a single humanoid form.

Ecology

Unlike other asuras, shaukeens are not manifestations of divine mistakes; instead, they are created by the most powerful of asuras exhibiting their loathing of the gods. The most common reasons for their creation are either as raw materials for an asurendra sage to create more powerful asuras, or to recruit mortals to the asura cause. A shaukeen's reincarnation depends on its deeds: successful ones earn the right to a permanent cycle of reincarnation as more powerful asuras, while unsuccessful ones are recycled as quintessence to create new shaukeens.

A shaukeen wanders the world, seeking pious mortals to corrupt. When it encounters a promising spellcaster (typically one who has some religious tie), the shaukeen presents itself as a curious student eager to learn. The shaukeen hides its true nature and power while seeking to steer its alleged master into acts that promote the collapse of religious institutions. When the 'master' falls victim to justice or revenge, the shaukeen fades away to watch before seeking a new victim.

Some spellcasters seek out shaukeens to employ as familiars. A shaukeen greatly values these opportunities, since it will never need to abandon the master and can continue to spread its agenda for their life.