Grandfather plaque

The grandfather plaque is an immobile creature set to protect a specific door.

Description

The grandfather plaque is one to two feet tall, and has the face of a dignified, strong male human. They are placed above a doorway, on the lintel. Once placed, the plaque can seal the door with wizard lock, and then open and close the door at will. They do not sleep. Grandfather plaques are solitary creatures; even when a location has more than one plaque, they guard separate doors.^[1]

The plaques are animated by wizards or priests. They may outlive their creators and become free-willed, though they usually choose some other location to guard. Grandfather plaques are typically found in ruins or occupied residences. They share some of the traits of gargoyles, including the ability to freeze and be mistaken for statues; no need for food or drink; and resistance to attacks from non-magical weapons.^[2]

Grandfather plaques defend themselves with one magic missile from each eye, usable once a minute, and shout, usable once every ten minutes. Anyone who touches the plaque or the door they protect without permission is also magically weakened.^[1]

The plaques are intelligent enough to screen guests, and can communicate telepathically with their master, who is designated when they are created. They are lawful neutral by inclination, and are focused on the protection of their door; except when necessary, they only rarely initiate actions.^[1]

A plaque in an abandoned building will attempt to persuade visitors to either restore the building, or to remove the plaque from the building, to restore its purpose as a guardian. They will even provide adventurers any treasure they have accumulated, if they help it towards that end.^[1]