Energon (Xag-Az)
By Mark A. Jindra and Scott Brocius

Xag-az are energons that have evolved over centuries on the Astral Plane. They wander elsewhere to satisfy curiosity or fulfill some unknown plan. They are translucent globes about 2 feet across that float and shimmer in the air. The silvery glow that emanates from their bodies shifts into another color based on the energy they last used. This color change generally lasts a couple of hours before becoming its pale silver default, though the xag-az can shift at any time before then if it changes the energy form it uses again. Emerging from the lower hemisphere of the globe are six to twelve tentacles. The only other feature is a pair of spots on the upper hemisphere that suggest eyes.

As an incorporeal creature, the xag-az takes no notice of features such as doors, walls, and furniture, and it silently glides from place to place on unknowable errands. They often pause to observe other creatures, and they tend to linger in places where the use of psionics has occurred or is currently occurring. Xag-az rarely start fights, but their mere touch is dangerous, so many creatures consider them a threat and try to drive them off.

Some powerful necromancers, clerics, and psions capture xag-az and use them to guard a location or assist in a ritual. When freed, xag-az generally disappear quickly into the nearest solid material.

Xag-az do not speak, even among themselves. Their feeding and reproductive habits remain unknown.

COMBAT

Energons like to move around in combat, using their incorporeal state to outmaneuver material foes. A xag-az often fires its energy ray, then ducks into a solid object to avoid a counterattack. In melee combat, a xag-az tries to position itself so that its enemies can't maneuver easily and then tries to use Combat Reflexes to make extra attacks of opportunity. A xag-az can fight with only four tentacles at a time. While they seldom initiate psionic combat, they prefer to do so while hidden in a solid object.

Explosion (Su): If a xag-az is reduced to 0 hit points, its body is instantaneously destroyed in an explosion of energy that deals 1d8+6 points of damage to everyone in a 20-foot-radius burst (Reflex save DC 16 half). The type of energy (acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic) is random (see Table 1-1: Random Energy Determination).

Psionics (Sp): At will -- detect psionics; 3/day -- dismiss ectoplasm, negate psionics. Manifester level 15th; save DC key ability modifier + power level. Attack/Defense Modes: At will -- ego whip/mental barrier.

Energy Lash (Su): A xag-az can make a ranged touch attack or hit with an incorporeal touch attack to deal an additional 2d8+6 points of energy damage to the target. A xag-az can control its energy enough to select the type of energy (acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic) for each attack. This power can be used up to five times per day.

Incorporeal Subtype: A xag-az can be harmed only by other incorporeal creatures, +1 or better magic weapons, spells, spell-like abilities, and supernatural abilities. The creature has a 50% chance to ignore any damage from a corporeal source, except for force effects or attacks made with ghost touch weapons. A xag-az can pass through solid objects, but not force effects, at will. Its attacks ignore natural armor, armor, and shields, but deflection bonuses and force effects work normally against them. A xag-az always moves silently and cannot be heard with Listen checks if it doesn't wish to be.

Outsider Traits: Xag-az possess darkvision (60-foot range), and they cannot be raised or resurrected (though a wish or miracle spell can restore life).

Plane Shift (Su): If a xeg-yi or xag-ya makes contact with a xag-az, the xag-az is immediately shifted to a random location on the Astral Plane, and the xeg-yi or xag-ya is shifted to a random location on a random plane. If a xag-ya or xeg-yi perceives a xag-az, they flee if possible. The xag-az generally ignores both the xag-ya and xeg-yi, unless they happen to be guarding something the xag-az is curious about.

Table 1-1: Random Energy Determination

With inspiration and testing provided by members of the wizards online community