The dark cohort of old St. Nick, the Krampus is the sinister creature tasked with punishing the little boys and girls who fail to listen to their parents throughout the year. Presented here for your holiday entertainment, we’re providing you with a collection of Krampuses, a bundle of badness who are intent on leaving behind lumps of coal and teaching a few fear-inspired lessons for a trio of game systems! So, tell your players to be good, lest the Krampus come into play while on their watch!

The first Krampus in our collection lurks within the Pathfinder system.

Ho Ho! Oh, no!
—Ben McFarland

Krampus     CR 10

XP 9,600
LE Large fey
Init +6; Senses low-light vision; Perception +24
Aura frightful presence (30 ft., DC 21)

DEFENSE
AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 17; (+3 Dex, +8 natural, –1 size)
hp 161 (17d6+102)
Fort +13, Ref +13, Will +12
Immune mind-affecting compulsions; Resist Fire 5; SR 29

OFFENSE
Spd 30 ft.
Melee 2 slam +14 (1d6+7 plus paralysis) or
1 chain-whip +14 (2d4+7) and 1 slam +9 (1d6+7 plus paralysis)
Ranged Lump of coal +11 (1d6+7 plus 1d6 fire)
Special Attacks paralysis (1d6 rounds, DC 24), swallow whole (4d6 acid damage, AC 14, 16 hp)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 17th; concentration +20)
Constant—endure elements, fly, freedom of movement
At-Will—deep slumber (DC 16), detect evil, knock, light, sculpt sound

STATISTICS
Str 24, Dex 17, Con 23, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 17
Base Atk +8; CMB +16; CMD +29
Feats Alertness, Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative, Intimidating Prowess, Power Attack
Skills Acrobatics +23, Climb +27, Fly +13, Knowledge (geography) +12, Knowledge (local) +12, Knowledge (nature) +11, Intimidate +31, Perception +24, Sense Motive +22, Stealth +23, Use Magic Device +13
Languages Common, Elvish

ECOLOGY
Treasure Bag of coal, bundle of birch sticks, chain whip, kidnapper sack

DESCRIPTION
Some mistake the Krampus for an infernal-blooded satyr, given his wiry black hair, cloven hooves, and curved goat horns. When chasing his favorite prey—misbehaving children—he gives a deep, cruel laugh, and his long, pointed tongue often lolls out. Krampus carries a wicked barbed chain-whip festooned with small bells, and a chainmail bag that never seems to run out of smoldering coal cinders. He hurls these burning rocks at children who stay awake hoping to catch a glance of his peer—Saint Nicholas. On his back, Krampus carries a heavy canvas bag dyed sooty black. He stuffs rude and disrespectful children into this sack to eat later, but he’s not adverse to consuming children when they falsely plead their innocence. He often has two or three stolen children in the bag when encountered. Those who cry, instead of stoically facing their fate, are beaten with a bundle of birch sticks that Krampus keeps in his belt for just such a purpose. Krampus also hates young lovers he finds giving public displays of affection, but he is more likely to simply beat these amorous unfortunates into a stupor.

Krampus is known by many names—Knecht Ruprecht, Certa, Perchten, Black Peter, Schmutzli, Pelznickel, Klaubauf—and many communities hold celebrations to appease and keep this fellow away. They hope by showing their respect and admiration for the faerie creature, it will pass their homes by and go steal children someplace else.

Watch for parts 2 and 3 of our Krampus Christmas Carnival this week! And for more entries from a slew of other folk participating in the carnival, please visit the Nevermet Press site. Information about the Krampus Carnival: The “Steampunk Santa with Krampus” artwork by Steven Austin and Nevermet Press is licensed under Creative Commons.