Undying Soldier

At first, they would seem like a zombies... granted, well preserved zombies armed with a short spears and shields, but zombies all the same. Except the little differences. The breastplates all seem to be in excellent repair with no signs of rust. The tips of the spear hone to a razor's edge. In fact, all of their equipment is kept in remarkable care, as if the soldiers still remember how to maintain its gear. Likewise, the soldiers' march is perfectly in time with others. By the time you recognize the glimmer of intelligence in those lifeless, golden eyes, the phalanx has already cut off your retreat.

Undying Soldier

CR 2

XP: 600

NG Medium Deathless

Init: +0; Senses: darkvision 60'; Perception +8

DEFENSE:

AC: 18, Touch 10, Flat-Footed 18 (+6 armor, +2 shield)

HP: 26 (4d8+8)

Fort: +1; Ref: +1; Will: +5

DR: 5 / targeth

Defensive Abilities: Deathless traits

OFFENSE:

Speed: 20 ft in masterwork breastplate, normal 30'

Melee: Masterwork short spear +6 (1d6+2)

Ranged: Masterwork short spear +3 (1d6+2, ranged 20')

Space: 5 ft.; Reach: 5 ft.

STATISTICS:

Str 14, Dex 10, Con -, Int 11, Wis 13, Chr 13

Base Atk: +3; CMB: +5; CMD: 15

Feats: Power Attack, Toughness

Skills: Acrobatics +4, Climb +6, Perception +8, Stealth +4

Languages: Celestial, Common, Elven

SPECIAL ABILITIES:

Smite Evil (Su): Once per day as a swift action, an Undying Solider can call a smite evil as per the Paladin class ability. This translates to a +1 to hit, +4 to damage (+8 against dragons, undead and evil outsiders), a +1 deflection bonus to AC and the ability to bypass any damage reduction. Like the paladin's class ability, using smite evil on a non-evil creature has no effect.

ECOLOGY:

Environment: Anywhere, but very rare outside of the island of Aerenal

Organization: Solitary, squad (2-12) or phalanx (15-150)

Treasure: Masterwork breastplate, masterwork heavy steel shield and masterwork short spear; normal

Role: Combat

Source: ECB, pg. 302

The phalanxes of the Undying Court are made up of these deathless creatures. Revered as heroes in life, only the most dedicated warriors are given the honor of becoming Undying Soldiers in death. However, given the need of guards for the many funeral cities of Aerenal, it is a position that many vigilant followers of the Undying Court can reach. While they superficially resemble zombies, Undying Soldiers have the same discipline and resolve that they had in life and often take being compared to the undead as the most serious challenge to their honor.

Most Undying Soldiers were elves and thus are of the same height and weight. A few half-elves have been given the honor, although, functionally, they are no different then their full-blooded brethren. Rarely, you will see Undying Soldiers armed with masterwork composite longbows suited for their Strength and substituting Power Attack for Weapon Focus (composite longbow).