Undead Yeti Guardian. An OSR Monster

High in the mountaintops, past the eternal snowline, and into the forbidding rocky crags lie hidden monasteries where strange priests burn incense, fast, and chant to their Gods seeking enlightenment into the nature of life and the universe. These remote enclaves are difficult to reach but not impossible and raiders sometimes seek them to steal forbidden knowledge and treasure.

A few of these monasteries are protected by more than the priests' prayers. By either hidden rituals or by favor of their Gods and the universe the priests are protected by undead guardians, terrifying creatures given un-life and a purpose to defend the priests and their life's work.

An Undead Yeti Guardian is created when a Yeti corpse is reanimated by the mountain priests or divine powers to guard and protect their monastery. The undead Yeti is a massive withered and gaunt frozen thing covered in white fur. If the creature died a violent death it will show the wounds which killed it. They will haunt the area around the monastery they are protecting, often hiding away in nooks and other hiding spots at the base of the walls, waiting for trespassers to tear apart. They are terrifying foes, relentless and ruthless, they do not quit until their prey is caught and killed. They can be called off by the priests it is guarding to allow visitors to pass. Sometimes one will be called upon to travel with a priest for protection while he travels down the mountains on whatever journey he is called upon.

Undead Yeti Guardians, Frozen Keepers of the Mountain Temples
No. Enc.: 1d4
Alignment: Neutral
Movement: 150' (50')
Armor Class: 6/13
Hit Dice: 6
Attacks: Two claws
Damage: 1d6/1d6 and possible level drain
Save: F6/12
Morale: 12
Hoard Class: nil
XP: 1070/ Challenge Level/XP: 11/1700
Note: Stats after backslashes are for Swords & Wizardry

The undead Yeti's primary attack is it's massive claws. If both hit in the same round the creature can make an additional attack to grab its opponent for a bone-crushing hug doing an additional 1d8 damage. This hug also allows the Yeti to drain one level of life from its victim. It will continue to hug the victim automatically each round doing 1d8 damage and draining one level of life until the victim dies, makes a Saving Throw to break free, or the creature takes enough damage from another enemy to gain its attentions. If the thing's claws (and hug) are incapacitated it can bite for 1d4 damage..

The undead Yeti nestles into the snowy nooks and crevices outside of the monastery's walls. It will remain there for years if necessary until called forth by the master of the monastery or an intruder comes near. While hiding in the snow it is almost completely invisible and will surprise trespassers on a 1-5 on a 1d6. During storms the creature can move around and still surprise foes on a 1-3 on a 1d6.

Due to its undead state the thing is Immune to cold as well as charm and sleep spells. The creature is only vulnerable to fire, spells, +1 or higher weapons, and silver. Fire does x2 damage to the creature. It's undead nature also allow it to climb as per the Spiderclimb spell.


Art by Damon Hellandbrand