thugs and muggers
Comprising the lowlife that make the city streets unsafe at night, examples of this type of criminal element can be found in any human city of sufficient size.
Thug or Mugger CR 1/2
human warrior 1
any Evil Size Medium humanoid
Init: +1 Senses: Listen +0, Spot +0
Languages: common
AC: 15 (+4 armor, +1 dex) touch 11, flatfooted 14
HP: 8 (HD 1d8+1+3)
Fort: +3 Ref: +1 Will: +0
MV: 20 ft.
Attack: +2 club (1d6+1) or +2 lt crossbow (1d8)
Space / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Base Attack: +1 Grapple: +2
Abilities Str 13 Dex 11 Con 12 Int 8 Wis 10 Cha 9
Feats: toughness
Skills: intimidate +3
Possessions: hide armor, club, dagger, light crossbow, 5 bolts, small sack.
Posted in Creature by Adam A. Thompson with no comments yet.
Wastaru
Wastaru is the name of the western continent on most maps and globes of the world. This continent is analogous to the New World in our mythology.
Geography
The south end of Wastaru is characterized by a long tail of a peninsula, along which lie a string of active volcanoes. Cartographers have often noted the dragon-like shape to the land as they reach the end of the dot connecting the coastlines.
A central spine of geologically young mountains clusters in the center of the continent.
On the north end of the continent is a series of glacial islands. The water is cold, and travel by ship is often fraught with danger.
Bestiary
The creatures of the Wastaru (pronounced wa-STA-ru) differ from those of the Farghoal and other continents of the world. Loxodons replace elephants, tightly organized societies of prehistoric humans and demi-humans thrive, and in the vast subterranean passages, dark elves, deep gnomes, and twisted dwarves worship occult powers thought long dead and unimagined on other continents.
Orcs are replaced with gorks, a cross between gnolls and their pig-faced orc brethren. Gorks worship a dark power that gives them damage resistance, making them more fierce than their ancestors. A might-makes-right societal view means that only the most vicious survive kind enough to procreate. As such, the youngest gorks have an even stronger damage resistance.
Lizard men are represented by Sslahs. They are hunted down by gorks for use as meat, so they tend to stick to the deep swamps where they hatch, living off the small creatures there.
Hunders are more sinister than their normal kobold cousins, needing less sleep and having twice the appetite. They wander the surface at night and burrow into shallow caves or occupy hollow lava flows to escape the sunlight during the day.
In the gulf formed when the peninsula ripped off of the mainland. The water stays about 10 degrees warmer than the water out in the open oceans.
The Emerald Sea can be found off the southeast coast of the continent. The Litlos Islands can be found in the Emerald Sea.
Civilization
The southern peninsula and areas surrounding the Marsh Tides is occupied by three races of humans known as the Shal-shekti, the Kalah, and the Zhazune. These races vie for control of these lowlands.
(These three races will be detailed in a later post)
Other humans and races (seaworthy elves and dwarves) have colonized portions of the continent, though many of these have met with ill fates. There are remote colonies along the northern and eastern seaboards.
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged continent, Location, Wastaru by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
Press Attack
“En guard!”
This feat allows a combatant to follow a melee opponent who is attempting to retreat. A character with this feat, if they have not taken a map move on their turn, can take a 5 ft. step to follow an opponent that they threaten.
It is not possible to use this feat wearing armor that slows ones movement, or while encumbered.
Requirement:
Dexterity 15, Dodge, Mobility. Cannot be used while the character’s movement is reduced for any reason, or while wearing medium or heavy armor, or while encumbered.
Benefit:
Normally, a character cannot move when it is not their turn. This feat allows a character who did not make a move on their turn to take a swift five foot step in pursuit of someone that they threaten. This feat can only be used once per round.
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged feat by Adam A. Thompson with no comments yet.
Headless
These horrible abominations stalk the dark forests and rocky hills of the world, muscular creatures like men or women but without any type of heads at all. How they can stalk their prey and why they kill is a mystery. Be they demon, undead or some mix of both is not known, but their horrific evil is undoubtable.
Headless CR 3
CE size medium monstrous humanoid
Init: +2 Senses: tremorsense 60 ft.
Languages: none
AC: 16 (+2 dex, +4 natural) touch 12, flatfooted 14
HP: 27 (HD 5d8+5)
Immune: mind-effecting and illusions
Fort: +6 Ref: +5 Will: +1
MV: 30 ft.
Attack: claw +7 (1d6+3) or greatclub +6 (1d10+4)
Full Attack: 2 claws +7 (1d6+3) or greatclub +6 (1d10+4)
Attack Options: improved grab
Space / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Base Attack: +3 Grapple: +10
Abilities Str 16, Dex 14, Con 14, Int -, Wis 10, Cha 9
SQ: tremorsense 60ft., senseless
SA: improved grab
Feats: Improved Grapple, Weapon Focus (claws)
Skills: Name climb +11, jump +11
Headless CR 7
CE size medium monstrous humanoid
Init: +1 Senses: tremorsense 60 ft.
Languages: none
AC: 16 (+1 dex, +6 natural, -1 size) touch 10, flatfooted 16
HP: 85 (HD 10d8+40)
Immune: mind-effecting and illusions
Fort: +11 Ref: +7 Will: +3
MV: 30 ft.
Attack: claw +14 (1d6+3) or greatclub +13 (1d10+4)
Full Attack: 2 claws +14 (1d6+3) or greatclub +13 / +8 (1d10+4)
Attack Options: improved grab
Space / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Base Attack: +7 Grapple: +21
Abilities Str 24, Dex 12, Con 18, Int -, Wis 10, Cha 9
SQ: tremorsense 60ft., senseless
SA: improved grab
Feats: Improved Grapple, Weapon Focus (claws)
Skills: Name climb +19, jump +19
Improved Grab (Ex): If a headless hits with both claw attacks it can start a grapple as a free action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity. Once it establishes the grapple it can either attack with it’s claws at a -4 penalty or it can roll a grapple check to deal claw damage.
Senseless (Ex): having no heads, these creatures are blind, deaf and dumb. Beyond the reaches of their tremorsense, they are not aware of their surroundings.
Thanks to Richard Garriot for all the fun. Ultima V forever!
Posted in Creature by Adam A. Thompson with no comments yet.
A Cadre of Heroes at 5th Level
This set of characters will be featured in upcoming Unicorn Rampant adventures that I run at conventions as available PCs. These characters at this level were used to playtest The Old Rock Tower, and once I finish advancing them to 10th level, they will be used at conventions (such as ProtoCon, this weekend in College Station, TX) for The Horror of the Old Ones and The Curse of Castle Stieglitz, both being released in time for Halloween.
In the meantime, feel free to use them as you see fit in your games. Just a little tweaking and they could be used singly or in groups as interesting adversaries for players anywhere from 1st to 9th level. Enjoy!
Percivin, human male paladin 5
Medium-Size Human
Alignment: LG
Languages: common
Initiative: +0
AC: 23 (touch 10, flat-foot 23)
HD 5d10+5
Hit Points: 49
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +3
Move: 20 ft
Attack: +10 longsword (1d8+4) or +5 ranged
Base Attack: +5 Grapple: +8
Feats: power attack, weapon focus (longsword), cleave.
Special Qualities: Aura of good, detect evil at will, smite evil 2/day, divine grace, lay on hands, aura of courage, divine health, turn undead, special mount
Str 16, Dex 11, Con 12, Int 9, Wis 12, Cha 12.
Skills: +2 diplomacy, +2 heal, +3 knowledge religion, +6 ride,
Possessions: (9000gp-7400) +1 Longsword, +1 lg steel shield, +1 full plate, cloak of resistance +1, 3 potions cure moderate wounds, special warhorse, saddlebags, bedroll, waterskin, 5 days rations.
Aeonados, half silver dragon/half elf ranger 2
One of a clutch of 5 offspring to a silver dragon, and her lover, a powerful elven druid in the northern reaches beyond the Danor Mountains. Aeonados has fine, tough silver scales covering his body, vestigial wings, a short tail, and an impressive frill running from his forehead and down his neck that raises when he is angry. He and his siblings were pushed out of the nest at a young age (60 or so), as is typical for dragons. In the fifty years since he has wandered the wild lands on the north shore of the Soral Sea, until meeting and becoming fast friends with Winnie (as she fled the law), who he is teaching about the ways of the wild lands, as he knows nothing of the cities.
Medium-Size dragon
Alignment: NG
Languages: common, elven, draconic
Initiative: +4
AC: 25 (touch 15, flat-foot 21 )
HD 2d8+2
Hit Points: 17
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +8, Will +2
Move: 30 ft
Attack: +7 masterwork greatsword 2d6+6 or +7 longbow 1d8+5 (+1/+1 < 30') Base Attack: +2 Grapple: +6
Feats: Track, Point Blank Shot, (Rapid Shot)
Special Qualities: Immune to cold, sleep and paralysis, +2 vs enchantment or charm, low-light vision, favored enemy (magical beast?), wild empathy, breath weapon (30′ cone of cold, 6d8, reflex DC 11 half), darkvision 60′, archery combat style
Str 18, Dex 19, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 12, Cha 14.
Skills: sp:30 +4 handle animal, +3 heal, knowledge +1 dungeoneering, +1 geography, +2 nature, +8 listen, +8 spot, +4 search, +8 survival, +6 swim
Possessions: +1 mighty (+4 str) composite longbow, 20 arrows, +2 chain shirt, masterwork greatsword, 3 potions cure light wounds, potion of sanctuary, cloak of resistance +1, ring of protection +1, 845 gp, backpack, bedroll, waterskin, 5 days rations
Galonaden, high-elf fighter 5
Usually thought of as somewhere between “stiff” and “haughty” by those who meet him, Galonaden is nevertheless a loyal friend and a valiant warrior. His reserved nature and his clumsy tongue are balanced by his skill with the bow and blade.
medium-Size elf
Alignment: cG
Languages: common, elven
Initiative: +3
HD 5d10+5
Hit Points: 39
AC: 20 (touch 13, flat-foot 17)
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +0
Move: 30 ft
Attack: +10 longsword 1d8+4 or +10 longbow 1d8+5
Base Attack: +5 Grapple: +8
Feats: weapon focus longsword, weapon focus longbow, point blank shot, rapid shot, weapon specialization longbow
Special Qualities: low-light vision, immune to sleep, +2 vs enchantment or charm
Str 16, Dex 17, Con 13, Int 9, Wis 8, Cha 8.
Skills: +1 craft bowyer, +1 handle animal, +1 intimidate, +1 listen, +5 ride, +1 spot, +1 search
Possessions: +1 longsword, +1 elven chain, mw composite longbow (+3 str), buckler, 30 arrows, 10 +1 arrows, 2 potions of cure light wounds, 185 gp, backpack, bedroll, waterskin, 5 days rations
Veladros, wild elf barbarian 5
Young and full of vim, Veladeos is happy-go-lucky, if somewhat unpredictable at times, and can be obstinate or contrary, but usually only to those he thinks are trying to tell him what to do.
Medium-Size Humanoid (Elf)
Alignment: CG
Initiative: +2
Languages: common, elven
HD 5d12+5
Hit Points: 47
Move: 40 ft
AC: 17(18 w dodge) (touch 12, flat-foot 15)
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +3, Will +0
Attack: +10 spear 1d8+7+1d6 shock, or +7 shortbow 1d6
Base Attack: +5 Grapple: +9
Feats: Dodge, Weapon Focus spear
Special Qualities: low-light vision, immune to sleep, +2 vs enchantment or charm, illiterate, Rage 2/day (+4 str, +4 con, +2 will saves, -2 AC: ) for up to 6 rounds, Uncanny Dodge, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Fast movement
Str 19, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 6, Wis 9, Cha 12
Skills: +10 climb, +4 intimidate, +10 jump, +4 listen, +1 spot, +0 search, +2 survival, +7 swim
Possessions: +1 shocking spear, breastplate, shortbow, 11 arrows, shortsword, backpack, bedroll, waterskin, 5 days rations
Brother Herott, half-orc cleric 5 (Kord)
Humble and pietious, Herott believes Kord called to him, is eager to serve Kord however he can, bringing his strength to those in need, and helping the weak find their own strength
Medium-Size Humanoid
Alignment: Cg
Initiative: -1
Languages: common
HD 5d8
Hit Points: 32
Move: 20 ft
AC: 17 (touch 9, flat-foot 18)
Attack: +7 greatsword 2d6+5 or +2 sling 1d4+3
Base Attack: +3 Grapple: +6
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +7
Feats: Power Attack, Combat Casting
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60′, Turn Undead, Cleric Spells (domains: good, strength)
Str 17, Dex 9, Con 10, Int 8, Wis 16(18), Cha 10
Skills: concentration +8, diplomacy +2, heal +6
Spells: spells / day: 0th: 5, 1st: 4+1, 2nd: 3+1, 3rd: 2+1. Save DC 14 + spell level
Possessions: (9000-8250) holy symbol of kord, +1 greatsword, +1 half-plate, sling, 20 sling bullets, periphat of wisdom +2, cloak of resistance +1, wand of cure light wounds (24 charges), potion of remove curse, potion of remove disease, 750gp, backpack, bedroll, waterskin, 5 days rations
Apeneone Tesonos, female human druid 5
Medium-Size Humanoid
Alignment: ng
Initiative: +
Languages: common, druidic, sylvan, elven, gnomish
AC: 13 (touch 13, flat-foot 11)
HD 5d8
Hit Points:
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +7
Move: 30 ft
Attack: +3 quarterstaff 1d6 or +4 sling 1d3
Base Attack: +3 Grapple: +3
Feats: brew potion, self sufficient, track
Special Qualities: animal companion (owl), nature sense, wild empathy, woodland stride, trackless step, resist nature’s lure, wild shape 2/day (small or medium animal)
Str 10, Dex 11(13), Con 10, Int 12, Wis 17, Cha 12
Skills: 40sp +2 concentration, +8 handle animal, +7 heal, knowledge +8 nature, +3 listen, +2 spellcraft, +2 spot, +7 survival, +2 swim
Possessions: quarterstaff, sling, 20 sling stones, leather armor, gloves of dexterity +2, cloak of resistance +1, druid’s vestment, potion of cure moderate wounds (2d8+5), 3 potions of cure light wounds (1d8+1), 5 goodberries, 3 potions (actually oils) of produce flame (5th level), 10sp, backpack, bedroll, waterskin
Winnie Toepelt, female tallfellow halfling rogue 5
Winnie is a bit wary. She has had some misadventures in recent times, is wising up, and likes to play it safe. She used to be a cut purse and a burgler in the city, and is now reformed. Winnie became friends with Aneanados years ago, when he helped deliver her from the hands of a sheriff who was hunting her in the woods on the outskirt of his jurisdiction.
Small-Size humanoid
Alignment: ng
Initiative: +5
Languages: common, halfling
AC: 19 (touch 15, flat-foot 13)
HD 5d6
Hit Points: 18
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +9, Will +2
Move: 20 ft
Attack: +5 short sword 1d4+1 or +10 sling 1d3 (+1/+1 < 30')
Base Attack: +3 Grapple: -1
Feats: point blank shot, dodge.
Special Qualities: +2 save vs fear, +1 with thrown weapons and slings, sneak attack +3d6, Uncanny Dodge, Trapsense +1, Evasion, Trapfinding
Str 10, Dex 18 (20), Con 10, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 10
Skills: +3 appraise, +8 balance, +5 climb, +8 disable device, +8 escape artist, +2 gather information, +13 hide, +5 jump, +5 listen, +15 move silently, +13 open lock, +8 search, +10 sleight of hand, +7 spot, +10 tumble, +7 use rope
Possessions: masterwork thieves tools, small sling, 20 sling bullets, 5 silver sling bullets, +1 small short sword, +1 leather armor, gloves of dexterity +2, 1600 gp, backpack, 100′ silk rope, bedroll, waterskin, 5 days rations
Nobinin Glamourwright, male gnome sorcerer 5
Nobinin generally has a sly smile playing across his lips, as though he was laughing to himself. Friendly and jocular, with gnomish fondness for pranks. Generally likes to live in the city, in comfortable appointment, and dabbles with the composition of chamber music, quartets, percussion, etc.
small-Size humanoid
Alignment: n/cG
Initiative: +2
Languages: common, gnome
HD 5d4+5
Hit Points: 18
AC: 15 (touch 13, flat-foot 14)
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +6
Move: 20 ft
Attack: +3 heavy mace 1d6-1 or +5 crossbow
Base Attack: +2 Grapple: -2
Feats: extend spell, spell focus enchantment
Special Qualities: low-light vision, +2 vs illusions, rabbit familiar, 1/day: speak with animals (burrowing mammals only), dancing lights, ghost sound, prestidigitation
Str 8, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 16
Skills: 24 sp +3 bluff, +8 concentration, +2 listen, craft +2 alchemy, knowledge +5 arcana, profession, +8 spellcraft
Spells: spells/day: 0th:6, 1st:7, 2nd:5
DC 13 + spell level, +1 on illusion DCs, +1 on enchantment DCs.
0th: detect magic, daze, light, mage hand, message, ghost sound
1st: color spray, silent image, sleep, magic missile
2nd: invisibility, scorching ray
Possessions: masterwork small heavy mace, masterwork small light crossbow, 10 bolts, bracers of armor +2, ring of protection +1, cloak of resistance +1, wand of burning hands (1st level, 22 charges) backpack, bedroll, waterskin, 5 days rations, 350gp
Terin Goldwrit, dwarf wizard 5
Terin is very proud of his new wand, which he recently crafted, but like many dwarves is stingy and hoarding (frugal, he would say), so is torn between showing it off and saving it’s power, and the investment it represents. He is from a family of metalsmiths, particularly jewelery makers. Is not happy about the amount of gold he had to spend to make his new wand, and is looking to find some more.
Medium-Size Humanoid(dwarf)
Alignment: LG
Initiative: +0
Languages: common, dwarven
AC: 12 (touch 10, flat-foot 12)
HD 5d4+10
Hit Points: 24
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +5
Move: 20 ft
Attack: +2 dagger (1d4) or +2 ranged
Base Attack: +2 Grapple: +2
Feats: scribe scroll, craft wondrous item, craft wand, extend spell
Special Qualities: darkvision 60′, stonecunning, +2 vs posion, +2 vs spells, raven familliar, wizard spells
Str 10, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 17, Wis 12, Cha 9
Skills: +8 concentration, +8 craft metalsmithing, +8 knowledge arcana, +5 archetecture, +5 history, +8 spellcraft
Spells: spells / day: 0th:4, 1st:4, 2nd:3, 3rd:2 0th: all
1st: sheild, mage armor, Enlarge Person, Magic Weapon, burning hands, color spray, magic missile, identify
2nd: invisibility, bull’s strength, scorching ray, minor image
3rd: dispel magic, haste, fireball
Possessions: Wand of magic missile (3rd level, 40 charges), scroll of dispel magic, scroll of protection from evil, scroll of knock, scroll of resist energy, bracers of armor+2, cloak of resistance +2, Boots of Levitation, 25gp, backpack, bedroll, waterskin, 5 days rations
Kylisa, female half-elf bard 5
Juggling, shadow puppets, mime, and dancing are what most know Kylissa for. She physically favors her elven blood, and is very small and pixiesh, to the point where she is often mistaken for an elf or halfling. She faces the world with a wry smile, a darting gaze and a clever comment.
Once or twice she has put on a particularly spectacular performance with her friend Yamarra, who is a slightly lighter side to Kylisa’s darker sense of humor.
Medium-Size Humanoid
Alignment: ng
Initiative: +0
Languages: common, elven
AC: 14 (touch 10, flat-foot 14)
HD 5d6
Hit Points: 21
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +4, Will +4
Move: 30 ft
Attack: +4 shortsword 1d6+1 or +4 light crossbow 1d8+1 (+1/+1 > 30′)
Base Attack: +3 Grapple: +3
Feats: Combat Expertise, Point Blank Shot
Special Qualities: low-light vision, immune to sleep, +2 vs enchantment or charm, bardic music, bardic knowledge, countersong, fascinate, inspire courage +1, inspire competence, bard spells
Str 10, Dex 10, Con 8, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 18
Skills: 64 sp, +6 bluff, +5 decipher script, +9 diplomacy, +3 escape artist, +10 gather information, +4 hide, knowledge +3 arcana, +3 history, +3 local, +3 nobility, +3 religion, +3 the planes, +5 listen, +4 move silently, perform +5 sing +6 lute, +6 dance, +6 puppetry +5 juggle, +7 search, +4 sense motive, +6 spellcraft, +4 spot, +4 tumble, +7 use magic device
Spells: (spells / day: 0th: 3, 1st: 4, 2nd: 2)
0th: message, mage hand, detect magic, light, prestidigatation, daze
1st: cure light wounds, silent image, sleep, comprehend languages
2nd: invisibility, cure moderate wounds, glitterdust
Possessions: (9000 – 5000) +1 short sword, +1 studded leather, +1 light crossbow, 20 bolts, backpack, bedroll, waterskin, 5 days rations
Posted in Character by Adam A. Thompson with no comments yet.
Quiver’n’Boots
These masterwork leather boots are also serve as quivers, with a capacity of 20 arrows apiece.
They also imbue the arrows placed within with the power of fear. Foes successfully hit by an arrow stored in the quiver must make a DC 15 Willpower save or be affected by the equivalent of a cause fear spell.
Faint transmutation & necromancy; CL 3rd; Craft Wondrous Item, cause fear; Price 2,500 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Posted in Magic Item and tagged footwear by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
Restoration of Peace in the Lands of Baron von Steiglitz
Here is a series of encounters that are the culmination of the Castle Stieglitz adventure, and that, if the player’s hearts are true, will result in peace and reconciliation.
These encounters are the second climax and the resolution of the adventures surrounding Castle Stieglitz. Below are presented the camps of the rogue lieutenants of Baron Stieglitz, where the players must go to confront them. In each case, there is the option to attempt to bring the rogue commanders of the Baron’s fractured army to heel under the command of the Baron or Anna. Failing that their commanders must be defeated in order to consolidate power. Anna or the Baron are magnanimous in their victories, and offer amnesty to soldiers who will return to the Stieglitz army.
In either case, the task becomes easier as the lieutenants are recruited. If the Baron still lives and has been redeemed, convincing the other Lieutenants to join his army again is at a +2 bonus on the Diplomacy checks. Also, each lieutenant other than Anna recruited gives the party an additional +2 on the diplomacy check.
If the party comes into conflict with the lieutenants and fighting breaks out, the low-level warriors on both sides will fight each other while the Lieutenant in question and the party fight it out. Assume that there are approximately equal casualties on either side among the low-level warriors.
Anna’s Approval
Here in Talook, Anna, mayor Orlay Petronova and the visiting clergyman are all very interested in what the players discovered in the castle. If the players have redeemed the Baron, all three are relieved and declare their support of him. If the Baron is dead, the three soberly turn to the matter of succession. As Anna červená has the clear support of Orlay and is the only one of the four who did not abandon their duties, she is the obvious choice. The visiting pointiff will happily coronate Anna as the Baroness of Stieglitz the next day.
Either way, the conversation turns to subduing the other lieutenants-turned-bandits; Karl Underharl, Yevgeny Divoký, and Petry Pokrm. The party is asked to help once more, by accompanying Anna or the Baron as their honor guard and champions. If they are reluctant to help they are offered 1,000 gold coins for their assistance.
Development: From here the party will journey, along with Anna, her troops, and the Baron if he is present, down the road from Talook to Onuago. Along the way they will first confront Karl Underharl at his camp in the mountains. It takes two days for the troops to be ready to go, so the party has a chance to rest before they leave.
Karl Underharl’s Mountain Camp
As the party nears the camp a lookout on a tall crag sounds a note on his horn.
Further up mountainous the trail past pine trees and shrubs there is a small, rocky camp. Several wooden shacks and patched tents stand in a small circle in this mountain clearing. A few empty-looking barrels and crates stand near a small cooking fire in the center of the camp, where a couple of small pheasants are roasting on a spit.
Several dozen armed men in mail stand at the ready here. Karl walks out and begins to parley with the group, “What do you want?”
Karl’s dislike of women makes convincing him to re-join the army difficult if Anna in the new ruler of the Stieglitz lands. If she is in charge, his attitude is unfriendly, and the diplomacy check is DC 25, and a result of less than 5 results in Karl flying into a rage and ordering his men to attack. If the Baron has been redeemed his attitude is indifferent and the DC is only 15. In either case, offering new supplies or good wages (excess of 1sp per day per man) gives a +2 circumstance bonus.
If Karl refuses to rejoin the Stieglitz army, Anna or the Baron will set their jaw and declare that if he will not join them, they are outlaw bandits. The two sides will then join battle.
Creatures: Karl, and a handful of stout warriors will fight with the party while both side’s lower-level fighters do battle.
Karl Underharl: HP: 64
5th level fighters (4): HP: 32, 22, 29, 26. AC 18. For other stats see DMG. All have bastard swords, large shields, chain mail and heavy crossbows.
Tactics: Karl and his four knights will approach in formation and fight side by side with sword and shield.
Treasure: One of the wooden shacks contains the band’s treasury: a single lock box, to which Karl has the key. It contains the proceeds of the toll the group has been exacting: nearly 3000 gold worth of mixed coin. Anna or the Baron will offer to split these monies with the party for their help in handling Karl.
Development: If badly wounded, Karl will yield and ask for mercy. At this point he can easily be compelled to rejoin the army, or failing that will agree to exile or whatever is necessary to save his life.
From here the party has the choice of going to Onuago to confront Petry or into the wilderness northeast of Onuago to treat with Yvnegy.
The Dish-Eater’s Camp
Here, a mile north of the road from Onuago to Talook and castle Stieglitz, in the midst of weedy, abandonded fields, stands a large manor house. Above, its windows loom dark and broken over a raised proch. Steps lead up to the open door, where Petry Pokrm the Disheater leans upon the jamb. Leering, dirty men in leather and mail grin down from the porch and windows, fingering the hilts of their blades.
When the party arrives, the Petry will greet them from the steps of the manor house he has set up in. Surrounded by a gang of theives and warriors, he will negotiate with the Stieglitz representatives.
Petry’s initial attitude is unfriendly, and a DC 25 diplomacy check is required to convince him to join with the Stieglitz forces again. A result of 5 or less will cause him to become hostile, and he will order his men to attack. The usual bonuses apply: +2 for each other captain brought back into the fold, and +2 if the Baron has been redeemed.
If Petry cannot be convinced, Anna or the Baron pronounce him an outlaw and order an attack.
Creatures: The Dish Eater, a couple of fighters, and a pair of rogues will fight with the party while the armies clash around them.
Petry Pokrm HP: 120
5th level Fighters (2) HP: 40, 37 For additional stats see DMG
5th level Rogues (2) HP: 25,16 For additional stats see DMG
Tactics: Petry will fly into a rage and attack wildly, using his various weapons to trip and disarm his opponents. His men will move to flank and separate opponents, ganging up on them if possible.
Treasure: His recent career of organized looting and thievery has landed Petry with much of the wealth of Onuago. Arrayed around his chambers in the manor there are 324 platinum coins, 2563 gold coins, 3,400 silver pieces, and 21,548 copper coins in chests and sacks. In addition, there are 2,650 gold worth of art objects and 4,000 gold worth of gems to be recovered. Finally, among the treasure, there is a Ring of Force Shield and an arcane scroll with cloak of the sea and mage’s sword inscribed upon it.
Anna or the Baron may be slightly reluctant to part with all this wealth, and a DC 15 diplomacy check is required to convince them to give half of it to the party. Even if the party fails to convince them, they will begrudgingly give 1/4 of the wealth and the magic items to the party as their share of the spoils of war.
Development: Petry will fight to the death, but for the most part his men will surrender of flee if he falls.
Yevengy and the Wyndm
Here, between the swamps surrounding the lazy river to the west, and the rocky crags of the Cyruk Mountains to the east, on a broad, flat hilltop is the camp of Yevgeny the Fierce.
Gathered around the sides of the hill are many small tents and huts. Going about their daily business are families of the nomadic Wyndm people, apparently drawn to this place and forming some type of settlement.
A group of men with bows slung across their backs and swords at their hips approaches from the hilltop. At their center, frowning, and with a wolf at his side is Yevgeny the Fierce.
Yvengy and his Wyndm are not interested in fighting against or joining with the Steiglitz army, regardless of who is in charge. Instead he wants to protect his people, the Wyndm folk.
As Yevgeny is indifferent, an easy diplomacy check (DC 15) is all that is required for him to agree with a non-aggression pact with the Baron or Anna. He will agree that the Wyndm people will not encroach on their lands as long as they are left alone to live in peace. A DC 30 diplomacy check can convince him to re-join the Stieglitz army. He will not fight unless attacked.
However, another DC 15 diplomacy check by the party is required to convince Anna or the Baron to agree to this non-aggression pact. Even if they do not agree, there is no real grounds for conflict here, and only a major botching of the situation by the party should result in combat.
Creatures: If it somehow comes to a fight, Yevgeny and his best rangers will fight against the party.
Yevgeny Divoký the Fierce HP: 68
5th level rangers (4) HP: 29, 20, 24, 25. See DMG for further stats.
Tactics: If pressed into combat, Yevgeny and his rangers will lead a retreating skirmish, firing their bows as they drop back, covering the retreat of the people gathered here and drawing aggressors up the hill and away from the Wyndm.
Ad Hoc XP: If the party manages to negotiate a pact between the Wyndm and the forces of Castle Stieglitz, it represents a major accomplishment for peace in the region. In addition to being awarded XP for and EL 10 encounter, the party gains the trust and respect of the Wyndm folk, and eventually regional fame for their part in negotiating a lasting and fruitful peace between the old and new peoples of the area.
Posted in Encounter and tagged Journey to Castle Steiglitz by Adam A. Thompson with no comments yet.
Tinleaf
This metallic leaf grows in magical forests in and around the Phyloctæte. The byproduct of an insane mage’s attempts to develop a metal which could be powered by plants, this flaky substance is often used as a spell component.
In addition, tinleaf is used to build automatons by these very mages. The discovery of tinleaf has made possible the very construction of inanimate constructs which do not require outside magic at all. This worries even the mages of the land.
Tinleaf is particularly potent in magic that deals with time, and artisans occasionally use low grade tinleaf to create self-powered hands on clocks, as well as other uses that follow predefined patterns and schedules, such as self-powered carts.
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged plant, spell component by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
Feryn Dyndle
Having triumphed in the Mage War, Feryn Dyndle is the new ruler of the Phyloctæte. This young mage has proven herself in the eyes of the other magic wielders of the land, who welcome her new spirit to the land. However, the elven side of her heritage strikes fear in to the hearts of men, who do not want elves meddling in their affairs of state. This has begun to cause some tension in the Phyloctæte, as certain merchants have begun pulling out, leaving their wares very rare. Because of this, the prices of many uncommon goods are very high, if they can even be found at all. Feryn is doing all she can to convince these men to trust her, even going so far as to offering them large subsidies to return to her lands. Whether they will return or not is still to be seen.
(image coming soon)
Feryn usually attacks from afar, harnessing the power of her many wands. In addition, she has made a number of powerful allies over the years, who often join her on the field of battle. This means she is also in debt to many outsiders who are in the process of stating their demands now that she is in power. Friends of this type are often a blessing as well as a curse.
Feryn Dyndle
Medium-size Female Half-Elf
Wizard 17
Hit Dice: (17d4)+34
Hit Points: 91
Initiative: +6
Speed: Walk 30 ft.
AC: 22 (flatfooted 20, touch 15)
Attacks: ;
Damage: ;
Vision: Low-light
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: +2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells or effects., Elven Blood, Immunity to sleep spells and similar magical effects., Summon Familiar
Saves: Fortitude: +7, Reflex: +7, Will: +13
Abilities: STR 13 (+1), DEX 15 (+2), CON 14 (+2), INT 26 (+8), WIS 16 (+3), CHA 17 (+3)
Skills: Appraise 10; Balance 2; Bluff 5; Climb 1; Concentration 22; Craft (Untrained) 8; Decipher Script 9; Diplomacy 9; Disguise 3; Escape Artist 2; Forgery 8; Gather Information 9; Heal 4; Hide 3; Intimidate 4; Jump 1; Knowledge (Arcana) 28; Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) 10; Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 9; Knowledge (Geography) 10; Knowledge (History) 13; Knowledge (Local) 14; Knowledge (Nature) 10; Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) 14; Knowledge (Religion) 12; Knowledge (The Planes) 15; Listen 4; Move Silently 2; Ride 4; Search 9; Sense Motive 5; Spellcraft 30; Spot 7; Survival 3; Swim 1;
Feats: Combat Casting, Craft Wand, Craft Wondrous Item, Dodge, Forge Ring, Greater Spell Penetration, Improved Initiative, Mobility, Scribe Scroll, Spell Penetration
Challenge Rating: 17
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Familiar: Leyne, a toad
Possessions: Amulet of Natural Armor +3; Ring of Protection +3; Bracers of Armor +4; Cloak of Charisma +4; Headband of Intellect +4; Wand of Cat’s Grace; Wand of Knock; Wand of Lightning Bolt (8th level caster); Wand of Magic Missile (9th level caster); Wand of Polymorph; Wand of Suggestion;
Spells:
Spells per Day: (4/6/6/6/6/5/5/4/3/ DC:18+spell level)
Wizard – Commonly Prepared:
Level 0: Acid Splash, Arcane Mark, Cipher, Control Shadow, Cubes of Ice, Dancing Lights, Daze, Decode, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Detect Self, Ember, Firefly, Flare, Haze, Light, Lock/Unlock, Mage Hand, Mending, Open/Close, Pointer, Prestidigitation, Ray of Frost, Read Magic, Resistance, Signal, Sort, Startle, Summon Bag, Summon Pipe, Touch of Fatigue
Level 1: Cause Fear, Identify, Magic Missile, Mount, Nystal’s Undetectable Aura, Obscuring Mist, Ray of Enfeeblement, Shield, True Strike, Unseen Servant
Level 2: Bear’s Endurance, Cat’s Grace, Detect Thoughts, Invisibility, Levitate, Protection from Arrows, Touch of Idiocy, Web
Level 3: Blink, Fly, Haste, Shrink Item, Tongues
Level 4: Confusion, Fire Shield, Polymorph, Reduce Person, Mass, Stoneskin
Level 5: Feeblemind, Mage’s Private Sanctum, Telekinesis, Teleport, Wall of Force
Level 6: Flesh to Stone, Globe of Invulnerability, Planar Binding, Symbol of Fear, True Seeing
Level 7: Control Weather, Delayed Blast Fireball, Limited Wish, Phase Door, Plane Shift, Power Word Blind
Level 8: Charm Monster, Mass, Dimensional Lock, Maze, Mind Blank, Temporal Stasis
Level 9: Dominate Monster, Etherealness, Hold Monster, Mass, Meteor Swarm, Power Word Kill, Prismatic Sphere, Time Stop
Note: Some of these spell descriptions are not available in the standard locations. Contact us if there are any questions regarding them.
Leyne
Diminutive-size Male Toad
Animal1
Hit Dice: (1d2)
Hit Points: 45
Initiative: +1
Speed: Walk 5 ft.
AC: 24 (flatfooted 23, touch 15)
Attacks: ;
Damage: ;
Vision: Low-light
Face / Reach: 1 ft. / 0 ft.
Special Qualities: Amphibious (Ex), Animal Traits, Deliver touch spells, Empathic Link, Improved Evasion (Ex), Scry on familiar, Share Spells, Speak with animals of its kind, Speak with master
Saves: Fortitude: +5, Reflex: +8, Will: +12
Abilities: STR 1 (-5), DEX 12 (+1), CON 10 (+0), INT 14 (+2), WIS 14 (+2), CHA 4 (-3)
Skills: Appraise 4; Balance 1; Bluff -1; Climb -5; Concentration 20; Craft (Untrained) 2; Decipher Script 3; Diplomacy 1; Disguise -3; Escape Artist 1; Forgery 2; Gather Information 1; Heal 4; Hide 18; Intimidate -2; Jump -19; Knowledge (Arcana) 22; Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) 4; Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 3; Knowledge (Geography) 4; Knowledge (History) 7; Knowledge (Local) 8; Knowledge (Nature) 4; Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) 8; Knowledge (Religion) 6; Knowledge (The Planes) 9; Listen 2; Move Silently 1; Ride 3; Search 2; Sense Motive 4; Spellcraft 24; Spot 5; Survival 2; Swim -5;
Feats: Lightning Reflexes
Challenge Rating: 1/10
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged half-elf by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
Who Left the Portal to Hell Open?
A Savage Tide Interlude, Told From the Perspective of KorShoth
by F.J. Kim
When Captain Harlis Tovel was gone, KorShoth turned to the others and spoke in pidgin Common, "We see that one again. Wild fever take her soon. Maybe not, but cursed is she."
"What do you mean?" Flit asked as she hovered six feet above the sandy cave floor. Her wings beat so fast that they formed a nimbus of blurred movement around her back. Earlier, in the morning sunlight outside the caves, he had seen that the wings distorted the air around them to such an extent they formed shimmering rainbows. A faint humming emanated from them.
KorShoth admired how she could weave her chirping melodies into the light bass of the humming wings to symphonic effect. The full sounds were unexpected from such a small creature. Perhaps that was why her songs filled him with equally unexpected prowess in battle.
Truly a magical creature, thought KorShoth. Aloud, he answered her query in sardonic Draconic, "After the black pearl shattered on the deck of her ship, she said it felt as if a dark presence occupied her mind. For a time she did not know herself. Hmph. A demonic being rode that one! And we are fools to let her walk out of here alive."
KorShoth sighed. For his race, that meant a sibilant expelling of breath through his large nostrils."My master Morkoth, who is no more, could have read the signs perhaps." The tall lizardman whipped his fearsome head from side to side in agitation. This peculiar reptilian gesture was his race's form of a nervous gesture. KorShoth did not like the idea of a demon loose on the earth one iota.
While the lizardman was distracted feeling sorry for himself, Mpata Mbata turned to Fundiani, "What'd he say?"
The elven druid translated.
"We don't know that it was a demon," Mpata Mbata rumbled in his deep voice that reminded KorShoth of the enchanted tumbling rocks in the Broken Country. "She might have been delusional. Did you hear how she went off at the mention of Vanthus' name? Hell, with all that rantin' and ravin' and swearin'...I'd say she suffered a con-cuss-ion. When it comes to Vanthus she's no fan—thus she'll never be on his side."
Something about the way Mpata Mbata spoke made KorShoth think the dark softskin intended other meanings. But what? If only he had more acumen with the Common tongue...
"Well standing around here yakking about it isn't going to solve anything," pointed out Tina to the whole party, "Let's get to the ship already. We need to warn Lavinia about Tovel's first mate."
Without waiting for assent from the rest, the young wizardess began walking towards the exit. Linus followed her out. As they left the cavern, he could be heard asking Tina, "So show me your spellbook, T. I bet you've acquired some sweeet spells since you left the Academy."
They quickly devolved into thaumaturgical jargon as they exited the caves.
"I'll be happy to just get away from this awful place," muttered
Fundiana. Kes gave an approving squawk and flapped her wings for emphasis.
KorShoth sang in Draconian as he strode to the waiting ship. It was
his favorite canticle from the BhalShaloth epic. Since the time he'd been an unsure youngling, struggling against everyone and everything with a primal anger and defiance that burned in his belly, the canticle had given him hope and a savage equilibrium. Without its balancing influence on KorShoth's nature, he would have destroyed himself long ago.
###Wide awake, sides scrape
over sand and sun-warmed rock
~through swarms of water moc~
to lose along the way, the spark that set the flame
to flicker and to fade, of this the longest day.
~The wind go through to my heart,
the wind blow through my soul.
~Give yourself to this, the longest day.
Give yourself, give it all away.###
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged campaign chronicle, fun, Savage Tide by Adam A. Thompson with no comments yet.