Grimstalkers- By Bill Silvey
FREQUENCY: Very Rare (Rare)
NO. APPEARING: 7-12 (10-100 in lair)
ARMOR CLASS: Varies
MOVE: 12"
HIT DICE: 8-11
% IN LAIR: 10%
TREASURE TYPE: M
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: By Weapon Type
SPECIAL ATTACKS: None
SPECIAL DEFENSES: None
MAGIC RESISTANCE: 40%
INTELLIGENCE: High
ALIGNMENT: Neutral w/Good tendencies
SIZE: M (Varies)
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil
Attack/Defense modes: Nil
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: VIII/1030+5 per hit point
Although it is rare, certain dark events sometimes conspire to draw hearty adventurers beyond the ken of Human and Demi-humankind into the depths of Hell itself. Few have ever returned from these diabolic planes, given the
inimical nature of virtually every creature that resides therein.
However, it is rumored that a truly rare breed of adventurer in fact lives within the infernal depths - and that they do not count themselves among the legions of the damned or diabolical. Instead, they try to keep in check the legions of darkness by striking at them in their very home planes, by establishing fortresses and keeping watch. Through this, the ones known as Grimstalkers - battle hardened soldiers who fight the
diablerie of beings such as Mephisto, Geryon, Baalzebul and others - try to stem the corruption that spews forth from the pits.
No one can recount when they first ventured to those planes, nor can anyone accurately gauge how many might carry on the fight. If indeed they do exist, they are almost unheard-of on our own plane and rare on their chosen battlefields.
Warbands no smaller than 7 in number are encountered (when indeed they are) and they are usually on the trail of a wounded devil, or on a mission to thwart the plans of a lesser prince of Hell. Within this group there is always a leader - a Cleric of no less than 11th level of experience. The accompanying warriors fight as Fighters between 8th and 11th level of experience. If a full
War band of 12 are encountered, in addition to the Cleric, a Magic User of 11th level will be with them.
Grimstalkers favor plate mail and broad, short swords that strike as Bastard Swords. The Cleric will typically have a Mace +2, and the Grimstalker's swords are always at least of +1 type. Within their fortresses, anywhere from 10-100 can be found. The fortresses are commanded by a Fighter of no less than 17th level; this general will always be protected by a
War band body-guard, all members of which are of the highest level.
Although women count themselves amongst this rare group, there are no children within the keeps and fortresses. Any woman who becomes pregnant must immediately leave. The Grimstalkers refuse to endanger a child by raising it within the depths of Hell!
Grimstalkers are immediately suspicious of any non-devil creatures they encounter, and will force any they do meet to submit to Know Alignment and ESP spells. Resistance is regarded as a near admission of allegiance with Devils, and such interlopers are attacked immediately. Even when no hostile intent or evil align is observed, the Grimstalkers are always wary of any
travelers within Hell, and will be very reluctant to do more than let newfound "companions" travel with them. If it is discovered through ESP that those the Grimstalkers encounter truly came to Hell by misfortune and have no evil intent, the detachment (unless hard-pressed to perform a duty such as slaying a particularly powerful Devil) will take the unfortunate to a nearby outpost where a high-level Magic User can possibly assist them in returning to the Prime Material Plane. Those who wish to stay and fight with the Grimstalkers must undergo rigorous testing through mock combat, however. Those who fight and slay Devils are regarded as at least comrades-in-arms by the Grimstalkers.