The Sword of Thorns
This sword is wielded by only the most determined defenders of the innocent, for merely drawing it shed’s the holder’s blood. Yet no other weapon is as effective against the forces of darkness.
Epic Artifact: The Sword of Thorns: the hilt is covered with barbs, and each round it is wielded it deals 1hp damage. Each attack made with the sword deals 1d6 damage to the wielder.
Property: Against creatures with the evil keyword, this sword ignores all resistances and deals an additional d20 damage.
Power – escape inescapable evil – standard action – Teleport 20. With a slash of the blade you cut through to another world. You and touched creatures can move through the momentary gap created, after which it closes up.
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged equipment: artifact weapon by Adam A. Thompson with no comments yet.
Piran Point
Town: AL CN; 2,000gp limit; Assets 900,000gp; Population 920; Mixed (70% human, 15% halfling, 5% dwarf, 5% gnome, 5% other)
On the coast of the Jæruel, south of Tannen, there is a rocky point that juts out into the sea. This was once the home of a great serpent that fed on the schools of fish that swam around the point, as well as the occasional human who made their way here off-course from their intended destinations. This lair serves as the undersea port down the cliff from the main town center.
Architecture
The larger, more established buildings of Piran Point are hewn from the surrounding stone, a mix of limestone on the coast and granite further inland. More recent single-story buildings are of wood construction from the nearby oak, maple and pine forests.
Layout
At the top of the cliff, the town is laid out in a series of semicircles that run along the peninsula, the outermost being the poorest, and the region closest to the fresh water and woods the wealthiest. As the area was traditionally prone to piracy and attack by marauders, the wealthy moved farther and farther from the edge of the cliff, leaving their buildings unoccupied as they built increasingly more opulent estates inland. Because of this, there are various historic buildings that have been occupied by the working and non-working classes.
Encounters in this region include:
* low-scale thieves and pickpockets
* defensive family men
* various brawls and other pre-existing conflicts
Key locations elsewhere:
* St. Grisdon Square – where four churches come together in each of the cardinal directions
* Darkhouse Inn – featuring tinted windows; “what happens withinn stays within”
* Shelt’s Pelts – center of the halfling market
* Fishing Market – varieties of fish from varieties of merchants
* Town Hall – center of the village
This town has long been at the crossroads of merchants and rogues, lying within seven miles of three known robber barons, though this town has largely escaped their direct advances, as they have found the passersthrough along the broad roads more vulnerable and thus worth their effort. This has led to more armed caravans, which has reduced the frequency of their arrivals and departures.
Out at sea, there has been pirate activity as well, making Piran Point a refuge for travellers both by land and sea. Sea trade has mostly ended, the merchant vessels converted to fishing ships. Those vessels which sail into Piran Point are escorted by larger galleons decked out with many arms.
Map
(to follow in later post)
Personas
Piran Point is home to several merchant families of the Jæruel. Elton Thistlewood runs the local chapter of the merchant house, aided by Jossathon Radvell and Saldon Thede. Each keeps control over their own region of the merchant quarter.
Reverend Marden and Brother Sandis run the Cathedral of St. Grisdon, by far the largest of the four churches in the center of the town. In it, sermons to the words of the dearly-departed Grisdon, worshipper of a merchant-sect of Pelor’s younger brother Geld, and creator of the ten virtues of trade.
Plot Points
Tristega Thistlewood has split from her family and opened up a profitable business dealing in black market goods. Her father seeks to bring her back into the fold, and is willing to pay anyone willing to help convince her of this. The Radvells and Thedes have since made a play for power, realizing this distraction leaves the Thistlewoods vulnerable to infiltration and unable to rightly control their holdings across the town.
With this infighting among the merchant class, the streets have seen a rise in crime, the unorganized type that leads to confusion in the masses. Many poor have taken to picking the pockets of others, especially wandering parties. Of course, this news has not yet reached the lips of anyone in this town; why would they, when they profit from the unspoken truth.
The St. Grisdon sect of Geld has grown in influence among the more lawful-minded citizens of Piran Point, and can be called upon to assist the party if they uphold the ten virtues of trade. Tristega Thistlewood anonymously attends the sermons in the cathedral, and is a devout follower of St. Grisdon’s teachings.
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged farghoal, Jæruel, Location, town by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
Issue 2 Re-released!
Concluding our back-issue re-release party, we bring you the re-release of Issue 2. Now that they’re all done, look forward to our 300+ page Omnibus 1, due out in time for Christmas 2008, containing all 15 issues of CCB!
Claw/Claw/Bite is a resource for storytellers and gamemasters to help create thrilling worlds of adventure for your players to test their mettle in. In each issue, you’ll find new characters, creatures, magic items, encounters, and locations for use in your campaigns. We also include little nuggets that will enrich your world with interesting details and intriguing features.
Our goal is to be a “one-stop shop” for you, the gamemaster. With little or no tweaking on your part, you will be able to drop any game element from Claw/Claw/Bite into your adventure setting and run it how you see fit. All of our creations are designed for d20 fantasy rules. And of course, everything is carefully reviewed and balanced to fit into your game without disrupting your play balance or letting you step on snakes.
This issue of Claw/Claw/Bite includes:
* Two new encounters
* Three new characters, including Madame Babushka
* Two new creatures, including the Great Earth Serpent
* Three new spells, including Holy Transfixion
* Three new magic items, including the Sepulcher of Ghost Catching
* And a new location, the Port of Onuago.
Buy it here!
Posted in news and tagged CCB issue by Stephen Hilderbrand with 2 comments.
Tristega Thistlewood
Tristega grew up the daughter of a wealthy merchant family in Piran Point, which made its money on the fish and rope trades.
However, finding the merchant life dull and wholly without adventure, this heiress walked away from the family’s fortune (taking some of it with her to bootstrap her own operation). She has developed a small trade network of her own between a few of the coastal towns of the Jæruel, establishing a small black market in “hard to find items,” weapons, armor and outlawed arcane reagents that wizards delight in. This side of merchant operations it seems is worthwhile to her; keeping below the surface and a step ahead of the law. She is known to dress in flashy dresses and parade around in her impressive hat collection, one that grows with each successive adventure.
She is a devout follower of Geld, younger brother of Pelor, adhering to St. Grisdon’s ten virtues of trade, which places one’s honor and word above all things, and encourages dealings with only those who also uphold this honor among merchants and thieves.
Tristega Thistlewood
Medium-size Female Human
Rogue 5 Merchant 2
Hit Dice: (5d6)+(2d6)+7
Hit Points: 41
Initiative: +7
Speed: Walk 30 ft.
AC: 17 (flatfooted 17, touch 13)
Attacks: Sword (Short/Masterwork) +5;*Crossbow +1 (Repeating Light) +7; ;
Damage: Sword (Short/Masterwork) 1d6+1;*Crossbow +1 (Repeating Light) 1d8+1; ;
Vision: normal
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: Evasion (Ex), Sneak Attack +3d6, Trap Sense (Ex) +1, Trapfinding, Uncanny Dodge (Dex bonus to AC)
Saves: Fortitude: +2, Reflex: +7, Will: -1
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 17 Con 13, Int 14, Wis 7, Cha 10
Skills: Appraise 12; Balance 11; Bluff 4; Climb 7; Concentration 1; Craft (Alchemy) 5; Craft (Untrained) 2; Decipher Script 7; Diplomacy 1; Disable Device 7; Disguise 2; Escape Artist 7; Forgery 9; Gather Information 3; Heal -2; Hide 3; Intimidate 4; Jump 3; Knowledge (Geography) 4; Knowledge (History) 4; Knowledge (Local) 4; Listen 3; Move Silently 3; Open Lock 7; Ride 3; Search 6; Sense Motive 0; Sleight of Hand 5; Spot 1; Survival 0; Swim 3; Tumble 8; Use Magic Device 3;
Feats: Armor Proficiency (Light), Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Crossbow (Repeating Light)), Improved Initiative, Rapid Reload (Crossbow (Light)), Simple Weapon Proficiency, Track
Challenge Rating: 6
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Possessions: 40 Bolts, Crossbow; Sword (Short/Masterwork); 20 Bolts (Crossbow/Adamantine); Crossbow +1 (Repeating Light); Leather +2; Potion of Cure Serious Wounds; Potion of Remove Disease; Potion of Sanctuary; Signet Ring; Rogue Boots (Thieves’ Tools in boots);
Combat
Tristega tries to avoid combat at all costs, even offering money to spare her the work. However, if she has the upper hand (for instance when she can corner an opponent) she will not think twice about pouncing on the opportunity. She attacks from the shadows with her repeating crossbow. When in melee, she prefers the short sword, again keeping her distance whenever possible.
Posted in Character by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
Toads of Troll Valley
Hugh Enfant is the ruler of the small city-state on the border of the Baroese Empire, along an ancient valley known for its swamps and trolls. He has been troubled by toads, and has ordered himself protected by his men. In response, his man-at-arms has had him suspended between two trees in a burlap sack, his head barely peeking through as he meets the party at dusk near the valley floor.
The telling of his story is interrupted by hundreds of toads, which swarm him mercilessly, devouring his flesh in front of their very eyes. The toads then hop off as they do, finding easy shelter in the valley’s swampy floor. His men scramble about, attempting to kill or capture the toads, to no avail.
The party is then sent by the man-at-arms to investigate the cause of this disturbance while Enfant’s men are faced with the task of burying their ruler somewhere in the valley where he may remain undisturbed. Unfortunately, toads are known to dig underground, so they will need assistance in this task as well, but that is something that can wait until they return.
Plot Resolution
The trolls of the valley have been turned into toads by a mischevious sorcerer who recently took up residence at the far end of the valley and found the trolls a nuisance. As the party investigates the valley, they will find abandoned camps that smell of licorice. Around the camps are hundreds of cocoons. They will find arcane markings along the trees as they near the sorcerer’s neck of the woods, and markings on standing stones, fractured boulders, and unnaturally-felled trees.
He is willing to turn the toads back into trolls if the trolls agree to leave the valley. Unfortunately, Enfant’s men will have none of this. It is up to the party to propose and enact a solution. If they still face the looming threat of the Baroese Empire, a crafty party will be able to turn all these forces against this common enemy.
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged Baroese Empire, campaign plotline, proppian, short adventure by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
The Basilisk of Weldon Estate
The many generations old Wheldon Estate has a proud history as a mercenary’s retreat. However, its recent history is less shared by members of the family, as it has been abandoned for decades by men. Rumor has it that a Wheldon once returned from an adventure in a farway land with a lizard pet, which overgrew its bonds and took hold of the estate’s central house. Following the departure of the family from the region, embarrassed by the events that followed, the local magistrate has assumed ownership the country estate at the edge of town. They have an open challenge, which if accepted and completed, will present the party with a vast reward.
How to use this plot outline in your game
Introduce this plot point as a rumor in a local bar, or as a tale told by a merchant or mercenary the party encounters in their travels. Build up the estate grounds with gruesome details, such as statuaries containing ornate, realistic-looking works (which are petrified humans, elves and dwarves which have accepted the local magistrate’s challenge) and dead, overgrown trees.
The party should first visit the magistrate to learn the conflicting details. The idea is that the basilisk has occupied the estate for over ten years, so the stories and tales have been embellished out of control. The party shouldn’t know exactly what to expect. Use your judgement as the storyteller, and make it convincing.
One thing that is clearly stated by the magistrate is that if they take back the estate, they get to own it. This is likely a motivating factor in the party’s accepting of hte mission.
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged campaign plotline, short adventure by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
Tipene
Hailing from an vanaran island culture, Tipene is a trained shaman who has studied martial arts. He and his companions seek information on “floaters,” human pirates that once ransacked ports on their home island. Tipene is very academic and dry around new faces, but warms up and tells plenty of war stories once he gets to know those around him. He maintains a skeptical, scientific eye on most things. Even his deep-rooted spirituality has an explanation! But you’ll have to get to know him in person to learn more.
Tipene
True Neutral Vanaran Rogue 1 Shaman 8
Natural Scientist, worshipper of Zaius
HD: 8d8+1d6+18
HP: 51
Init: -1
Speed: Walk 30 ft., climb 20 ft.
AC: 17 (touch 12, flat-footed 16)
Attacks: hands +6/+1 1d8 20, masterwork war claw +7/+2
Damage: 1d3-1, 1d6-1
Base Attack Bonus: +6/+1
Vision: normal
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities:
Sneak Attack +1d6
Trapfinding
Ancestor Domain – Summon ancestor
Travel Domain – Freedom of movement 1/day
Improved Unarmed Strike
Animal Companion – Monkey, Claudius
Spirit Sight – see ethereal creatures
Rebuke Undead
Spirit’s Favor – charisma as a bonus on all saves
Saves: Fort: 5, Ref 5, Will 12
Abilities: Str 8, Dex 8, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 10
Skills:
Appraise: 8
Concentration: 12
Craft (Bookbinding): 11
Decipher Script: 10
Diplomacy: 4
Handle Animal: 2
Heal: 10
Hide: 0
Knowledge (Arcana): 6
Knowledge (Religion): 7
Knowledge (Spirits): 6
Knowledge (Planes): 7
Listen: 9
Move Silently: 0
Profession (Bookkeeper): 6
Ride: 1
Sailing: 2
Sense Motive: 10
Spellcraft: 14
Spot: 10
Survival: 11
Use Magic Device: 3
Feats:
Great Teamwork
Coordinated Attack
Karmic Twin (Tarapiki, fellow Vanaran and travelling companion)
Dodge
Quicken Spell
Spells:
Free:
Travel Domain:
1 Longstrider
2 Locate Object
3 Fly
4 Divination
Ancestor Domain:
1 Detect Undead
2 Ancestral Vengeance
3 Speak with Dead
4 Dimension Door
Mana : 62
Spells per Day: (levels 0-4): 10/9/8/7/4
XP: 40,175
Languages:
Vanaran
Olman
Sylvan
Spirit Tongue
GP: 14
PP: 7
Possessions:
roc feathers
scarlet brotherhood robes
luckstone
bag of holding (type 1) full of a necromancer’s collection of items from her skeleton
ivory carving – elephant
wooden tiger figurine
masterwork war claw from a coatl
chain shirt +3
dastana
deck of illusions (jack of spades already drawn)
elixir of sneaking
elixir of hiding
elixir of fire breath
dust of appearance
explorer’s outfit
2 potions of cure moderate wounds
white wood staff with a diamond and silver setting (magical)
black cloak with silver trim
Tipene was cursed by an evil bat god. Ever since then, he has taken on a palsy that has permanently reduced his Dex by 6 points. In combat, he usually casts cause serious wounds and uses his great teamwork feat to flank his opponent with his companion, Tirapiki.
Posted in Character and tagged Savage Tide by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
Skin Robe
When this robe is put on, the wearer takes on the form of another. A skin robe enables its wearer to be aware of this new form. This allows him a +10 competence bonus on Disguise checks. The wearer adopts aspects of the appearance of another creature, those whose skin comprise the robe. All creatures failing a Spot check versus the disguise wearer see him in this altered form, even those acquianted with the wearer.
Moderate illusion; CL 10th; Craft Wondrous Item, disguise self; Price 25,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Posted in Magic Item and tagged illusion, robe by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
Gladiator’s Net
These nets are used to capture men or animals in gladiatorial arenas and in the wild. The nets are large enough to ensnare one large or smaller creature, and do so with the help of many small hooks and weights attached to the net. A strong tether is attached to the net, and the thrower holds it to prevent the ensnared creature from escaping.
Attacking with the net is a range 3 Dexterity vs. Reflex attack. A hit indicates that you have initiated a grab against the target. This works as a normal grab except that the target can move, just not farther away from you. As normal for a grab, an Acrobatics vs Reflex or an Athletics vs. Fortitude attack is used to escape.
Once the net has been thrown, it takes two move actions to reel it back in and prepare it to be thrown again.
Weapon Prof. Damage Range Price Weight Group Properties
Net +0 special 3 25 g 5 lbs none reload 2 move
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged equipment: new weapon by Adam A. Thompson with no comments yet.
Wine of Telling
The various wines of telling inspire wondrous stories of faraway lands in those who drink them. Those consuming the same wine as the storyteller receive bonuses to follow the story as it is being told. In the hands of a powerful enough bard, these stories lead to adventures in these lands. Different wine types lead to different stories (and thus different adventures) — think forks tuned to different planes.
Here, the effect is felt by those who hear stories told by those under the influence of the wine. For instance, if a bard tells a story about a far away land, and has been drinking wine of telling, all those who can hear the story are whisked away to the foreign land for the duration of the buzz.
Wine of telling is usually served from the clay decanters in which they are distributed. This keeps the sunlight from ruining the flavor or the enchantment.
Price: 500-1000gp. To make wine of telling, it takes someone with a Profession: Vintner of 5 one month per batch. In addition, the vintner must have access (either through arcane magic or access to magical grapes) to the ability to teleport or plane shift. The effects of the wine are limited by which of these powers the vintner imbues the wine with.
Posted in Magic Item and tagged food and drink by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.