Phoenix
Tiny Magical Beast
Hit Die: ½ d10 (2 hp)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 5 ft. (1 square), Fly 60 ft. (average)
Armor Class: 17 (+2 size, +4 Dex, +1 natural), touch 16, flat footed 13
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/-9
Attack: Claw +2 melee (1d3-1 damage)
Full Attack: 2 Claws +2 melee (1d3-1 damage), or Bite +2 melee (1d4-1 damage)
Space/Reach: 2 ½ ft./0 ft.
Special Attacks: -----
Special Qualities: Immolation, Fire Resistance 10
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +6, Will +0
Abilities: Str 8, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 16
Skills: Spot +2, Listen +2
Feats: Flyby Attack
Environment: Warm Deserts
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 1/2
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always Neutral
Advancement: 1-2 HD (Tiny)
Level Adjustment: -----
A small bird with red and orange plumage sits in a cage. Despite its obviously non-intelligent nature, it has an aura of majesty around it, as though it is something to be respected.
Lesser Phoenixes are cousins of the great birds that protect the good creatures of deserts. These creatures are rare like their greater versions, but are more commonly seen in the company of humanoids. Many keep Lesser Phoenixes as pets, as they can never truly die, which avoids the heartbreak associated with the deaths of most pets.
Combat
Lesser Phoenixes are not often seen in combat, but when forced to, they tend to head straight into the thick of it. They do not fear death. In fact, they fly as close to enemies as possible, so that when they die their slayer also takes damage.
Immolation (Su): When a Lesser Phoenix approaches death, a Lesser Phoenix may immolate itself as a full round action. This causes a cloud of fire that is 10 ft. high and has a 5 ft. radius spread. Anyone caught in the burst receives 2d6 fire damage. Reflex save DC 11 for half damage. This kills the original bird, but a new one rises out of the ashes in 1d4 rounds.