Guardian
Large Aberration (Zerg)
Hit Dice: 15d8+108 (175 hp)
Initiative: +2
Speed: 10 ft., fly 60 ft. (good)
Armour Class: 24 (+2 Dex, -1 size, +13 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 22
Base Attack/Grapple: +11/+25
Attack: Acid blast +13 ranged (2d6+8/x4)
Full Attack: Acid blast +13 ranged (2d6+8/x4)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Acid blast
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., fast healing 8, Zerg traits
Saves: Fort +12, Ref +7, Will +10
Abilities: Str 27, Dex 15, Con 25, Int 1, Wis 13, Cha 7
Skills: Listen +10, Spot +10
Feats: Hover, Improved Natural Armor, Improved Natural Attack (acid blast), Toughness, Wingover
Environment: Any
Organization: Solitary, Pair, Pack (6-15), or Flight (2-6, plus 2-6 Devourers, 2-12 Scourge, and 6-12 Mutalisks)
Challenge Rating: 11
Treasure: None
Alignment: Lawful evil
Advancement: 16-23 HD (Large), 23-30 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: --

   Wide and with a thick carapace, it is strange that this creature is able to float so effortlessly. Looking somewhat like a giant flying crab, this creature has large claw-like arms, and several smaller legs, swept forward as it flies.

Description
   Mutalisks can enter a tough cocoon and metamorph into Guardians. These creatures are believed to be based on the nesting form of the Mantis Screamer. The Guardians have a thicker armored carapace, and they attack by lobbing explosive gobs of acid over long distances.

Combat
   The powerful acid attack of the Guardian has a long range, but it may only be directed at targets on the ground below. Guardians have no natural defenses against aerial opponents.
   Acid Blast (Ex): This attack has a range increment of 800 feet. The Guardian's powerful acid attack may only be directed to targets on the ground, but it deals x4 damage on a critical hit. It also ignores the first 20 points of hardness each time the Guardian attacks an object or structure.