Spectator

A spectator was an extraplanar form of beholderkin with four eyestalks. Somewhat mild and even-tempered, they had even been known to form friendships with other creatures, a trait that no other beholderkin or true beholder ever displayed.

Some spectators served certain deities, including Gaerdal Ironhand, Gorm Gulthyn, Helm, and Savras. They were often employed by the Church of Helm, and watched over their temples as ever-vigilant guardians.

Description
A spectator had four eyes stalks, as opposed to the typical 10 of most beholders, with two on each upper side of its 3-4 foot (.91-1.21) meter wide body which weighed 250 lb. Like regular beholders they had leathery skin and a singular main eye in the middle of their floating bodies.

Abilities
Spectators were peaceful and would never attack unless seriously provoked, and fleeing from dangerous opponents. Spectators only willingly fought against those who disturbed what it was guarding, persistently pestered them, or against other spectators.Their main eye could turn spells back at the caster so long as they were in the nearby area and shooting at it's face.The four eyestalks of a spectator could cause effects like the spells paralyze, inflict moderate wounds, fear, and confusion. The methods used to repel foes would become more drastic as the battle continued, starting with fear and confusion and escalating into paralysis and enervation. They were capable of creating enough food and water to sustain themselves (enough for 6 people to have a large meal) for one day, every day meaning that they would never go hungry. They were capable of returning of shifting to other planes once a day but would only possibly do so to retreat if injured in all eyes to the point of non-functionality, thus leaving them incapable of guarding their wards. They would return one day after leaving, and in either circumstance the treasure's disappearance would prompt them to leave to Nirvana for good.

Behavior
Spectators were vigilant and trustworthy, and could be relied upon to protect items in all but the most dire situations. They possessed to methods of behavior, a free thinking mode, and contemplative mode. Free Thinking beholders would wander the planes at will, openly (if cautiously) chatting with those they came across. In their contemplative state are philosophers who spent over a century debating vast philosophical questions. Approached in this state they were still friendly and enjoyed discourse but would soon after request to be left alone so as to continue thinking. Years of isolation may result in spectators gaining personality quirks such as third person reference or adopting the voice of someone they knew.

Ecology
Specators were smaller than regular beholders and as such required less food. They would create a large quantity of food every day to feed themselves, although they were willing to share with visitors. When spectators slept they drifted aimlessly around a given area. So long as they were within Mechanus spectators possessed a rapid regenerative ability capable of repairing lost structures and recovering from general damage.ref name="LoM.TBoA-pp140-141">

Society
Spectators hail from Mechanus and could be summoned to the Material Plain by a ritual requiring at least 4 beholder eyes. Using more eyes would increase the chance of the ritual's success. Once summoned this way spectators would gain the 'Contemplative' condition, and peacefully reside for 101 years in an approximate 100 yard area from they were summoned too. No one but the summoner and those he allowed would be permitted to touch or enter the area it was summoned to guard.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Lost Mine of Phandelver


 * Video Games
 * Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn