# Asura >[!rimg]+ > ![[Placeholder2.png]] *You are drawn first to the being’s fiery, piercing eyes, then to the long mane of coppery-red hair that crowns its pale head. Marble-white flesh covers the being’s stately frame. Its legs end in birdlike talons with ruby-sharp claws, and wings of crackling flame spring from its narrow shoulders.* <div class="grid-container"><div class="MON">Asura</div> <div class="CR">CR 8 (4,800 XP)</div> <div class="SOU">Book of Exalted Deeds pg. 164</div> <div class="SYS">Dungeons & Dragons 3.5</div></div> CG Medium Outsider (chaotic, good) **Init** +2 **Senses** darkvision 60 ft.; **Perception** +4 #### defense **AC** 26, 12 touch, 24 flat-footed (+6 armor, +2 Dex, +6 natural, +2 shield) **hp** 56 (8d10+16) **Fort** +4, **Refl** +8, **Will** +8 **Feint** 25, **Demoralize** 20 **DR** 5/cold iron or evil; **SR** 19 (23 vs. evil) **Immune** enchantment, fire, petrification #### offense **Speed** 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (good) **Melee** +1 flaming scimitar +13/+8 (1d6+4/18-20 plus 1d6 fire), claw +6 (1d4+1/19-20) or 2 claws +11 (1d8+3/19-20) **Ranged** mwk composite longbow +11/+6 (1d8+3/x3) **Space** 5 ft., **Reach** 5 ft. **Special Attacks** burning wind **Spell-Like Abilities** (CL 8th; Concentration +11) > **At will**— _detect good_, _detect evil_, _discern lies_ (DC 15), _true seeing_ > **1/day**— _holy smite_ (DC 16), _magic against evil_ (self only) #### statistics **Str** 16, **Dex** 14, **Con** 15, **Int** 10, **Wis** 14, **Cha** 17 **BAB** +8, **CMB** +11, **CMD** 23, **TA** +11, **RTA** +10 **Feats** [[Alertness]], [[Exalted Spell Resistance]], [[Improved Critical]] (claw), [[Weapon Focus]] (scimitar) **Skills** Diplomacy +14, Escape Artist +13, Fly +17, Intimidate +14, Perception +4, Sense Motive +15, Spellcraft +11 **Languages** Celestial **SQ** change shape (humanoid, _alter self_) #### special abilities ### Burning Wind (Su) An asura can beat its wings as a standard action and generate a searing wave of heat that deals 2d6 points of damage to all creatures within a 15-foot radius. #### ecology **Terrain** Upper Plains **Organization** Solitary, pair, or host (3–12) **Gear** +1 mithral breastplate, +1 buckler, +1 flaming scimitar, trumpet of doom, masterwork composite longbow (+3 Str bonus), quiver of 20 normal arrows **Treasure** No coins or goods; double goods **Advancement** 9–12 (Medium); 13–18 (Large) A noble warrior, the asura is found throughout the Upper Planes, serving deities as messengers and heralds with righteous zealotry. Sometimes one or more asuras are sent on missions to other planes, carrying messages of revenge, punishment, and death to those who have challenged or angered one of the powers. Other celestial beings find them impertinent and needlessly violent; however, most asuras take great pride in their ability to intimidate and “correct” evil doers. Asuras distrust angels (especially lawful ones) and see them as rivals for the attention of the good deities. Due to the nature of both types of beings, neither resorts to any sort of violence, double-dealing, or underhanded measures, although the mutual feelings of contempt are obvious. An asura stands about 6 1/2 feet tall and weighs 180 pounds.