---
title: "Tattoo Guardian"
obsidianUIMode: preview
noteType: pf2eMonster
cssClasses: pf2e
aliases: "Actor.WjoMUoyrOMmj3iR3" 
tags:
  - pf2e/creature/type/construct
  - pf2e/creature/type/mindless
  - pf2eMonster
  - pf2e/creature/level/3
statblock: inline
name: "Tattoo Guardian"
level: 3
license: OGL
---

```statblock
columns: 2
forcecolumns: true
layout: Basic Pathfinder 2e Layout
source: "Pathfinder Bestiary 3"
name: "Tattoo Guardian"
level: "Creature 3"
rare_03: [[Uncommon]]
alignment: ""
size: "Small"
trait_01: [[construct]]
trait_02: [[mindless]]
modifier: 8
perception:
  - name: "Perception"
    desc: "+8; Darkvision"
languages: ""
skills:
  - name: "Skills"
    desc: "Acrobatics: +11"
abilityMods: [3, 4, 1, -5, 1, 2]
speed:  fly 10 feet
sourcebook: "_Pathfinder Bestiary 3_"
ac: 19
armorclass:
  - name: AC
    desc: "19; __Fort__ +8, __Ref__ +11, __Will__ +6"
hp: 50
health:
  - name: ""
  - name: HP
    desc: "50; __Immunities__  critical hits,  grabbed,  precision,  prone,  bleed,  death effects,  disease,  doomed,  drained,  fatigued,  healing,  nonlethal attacks,  paralyzed,  poison,  sickened,  spirit,  unconscious,  vitality,  void,  mental"
abilities_top:
  - name: ""

abilities_mid:
  - name: ""
  - name: "Retaliate"
    desc: "`pf2:r`  **Trigger** A creature within the tattoo guardian's reach attacks the guardian's ward\n* * *\n\n**Effect** The tattoo guardian makes an ink blade Strike against the triggering creature."

attacks:
  - name: ""

  - name: "**Melee** `pf2:1` Ink Blade"
    desc: "+10 ()\n__Damage__  1d12 + 5 slashing"

  - name: "Bond with Ward"
    desc: "`pf2:1` (concentrate,move) **Requirements** The tattoo guardian is adjacent to its ward\n* * *\n\n**Effect** The tattoo guardian enters its ward's space and applies itself to the creature's flesh or another suitable surface on the creature. The tattoo guardian occupies the same space as its ward and moves with its ward. While worn, the tattoo guardian establishes a constant [[Spells/Share Life|Share Life]] effect with its ward. Attacks that target the tattoo guardian target the ward instead, but use the higher AC or saving throw values between the tattoo guardian and the ward. Area effects apply to both the tattoo guardian and the ward, as normal for an area effect."

  - name: "Fly Free"
    desc: "`pf2:1` (concentrate,move) **Requirements** The tattoo guardian is Bonded with its Ward\n* * *\n\n**Effect** The tattoo guardian removes itself from the ward and enters an adjacent space."

  - name: "Interpose"
    desc: "`pf2:1`  **Requirements** The tattoo guardian is Bonded with or adjacent to its ward\n* * *\n\n**Effect** The tattoo guardian interposes itself between the ward and its foes, granting its ward a +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of the guardian's next turn.\n\n[[Bestiary Effects/Effect_ Interpose|Effect: Interpose]]"
 
```

```encounter-table
name: Tattoo Guardian
creatures:
  - 1: Tattoo Guardian
```



Tattoo guardians are vigilant protectors drawn onto the skin of the individuals they are meant to protect. The creators of tattoo guardians typically animate them as they apply the tattoo using specific rituals and specialized inks, though more obscure rituals can animate a tattoo that's already been applied. Regardless of their animating method, tattoo guardians can temporarily remove themselves from their ward's skin and attack or even interpose themselves between their ward and any dangers. Most tattoo guardians remain on their ward and attack without separating.

Tattoo guardians come in a variety of forms, taking the shape of religious symbols, powerful creatures, or more abstract shapes. Magic reinforces the bond between a tattoo guardian and its ward, and the death of the ward also brings about the tattoo guardian's destruction. A guardian that is destroyed while its ward lives reverts to a mundane tattoo-often scarred or otherwise marred.

Familial or cultural traditions contribute to the meaning of a tattoo guardian's appearance. In many dwarven cultures, a given family or clan develops their own tattoo patterns and uses these in any tattoo guardians they make. It's especially common for members getting tattooed to ask for a tattoo patterned after one worn by a parent or other ancestor they greatly respect.
