[Index]
Numenera Destiny
The self-repair capacity of amber crystal and the interactive nature of cyphers can combine to form a voracious entity called a cynoclept. A cynoclept has an outer shell of amber crystal to protect it, which grows as the creature accumulates cyphers and other special numenera components, so it has little to fear. Once it reaches 6 feet (2 m) in diameter, it begins to openly roam locations where cyphers might be found, or if the opportunity arises, it will follow explorers who've recently looted cyphers or components from a location it was watching.
Motive: Hungers for cyphers and components
Environment: Usually in ruins, alone
Health: 33
Damage Inflicted: Major wound (8 points)
Armor: 3
Movement: Short; short when climbing
Modifications: Speed defense as level 5 due to size. Uses cyphers as if cyphers were level 5.
Combat: Cynoclepts can batter or stab foes with their limbs, up to two different targets each round. As part of another action, they can attempt to use a cypher possessed by another person or creature within immediate range as if the cypher was in the cynoclept's possession.
They automatically gain a sense of all cyphers within short range unless those cyphers are protected behind a level 7 or higher force screen.
If damaged, instead of activating a cypher in the possession of another creature within immediate range, the cynoclept can attempt to add the cypher to itself, gaining 10 points of health (even if this takes it over its normal maximum).
Interaction: Cynoclepts are clever, and though they don't speak a language, they can be negotiated with through pictures drawn on the ground, pantomime, or sign language. They are motivated by finding more cyphers or salvaged amber crystal.
Use: The character's store of crafting components is raided by cynoclepts.
Loot: About six cyphers and 5 units of amber crystal can be salvaged from a cynoclept's body.
When characters exceed their cypher limit, cynoclepts can spontaneously form from the interaction, robbing the character of their belongings and creating a dangerous threat in the same instant.
When cynoclepts meet others of their kind or lesser versions, they attempt to eat and absorb their fellows, giving and receiving no quarter.
GM Intrusion: The character who fails to resist the cynoclept's attempt to trigger the character's cypher is mentally catapulted into the cynoclept's body as a psychic passenger for up to one minute. During this period, the victim can take no other actions except attempt to mentally escape.