Harpy Point
8 Feeding Ground
A strewn pile of bones serves as a centerpiece to this enclosure in the rocks. A low stone overhang provides a partial shelter from falling rain.
Among the bones are a collection of small trinkets from nearby towns and a few adventures packs which have been ransacked. The party will have to thoroughly search the bones (DC 20) to find all the items:
- masterwork leather armor that’s survived the thrashing
- ring of resistance +1 on a skeletal finger
- moldy boots of speed at the very bottom of the pile
- 100gp in coins at various strata
9 Lounge
A set of smooth stones encircles an ash-filled firepit. Two trees have struggled to grow up through the cracks in the rocks, their low limbs curled back in toward the trunks. A sliver of smoke wafts up and out to sea against a backdrop of falling rain.
The firepit is still warm, a sign that this location is still used. If the party stays in the area for more than a minute, they will likely hear the high shrill screeches of harpies in the nest.
This concavity in the rock forms a smooth surface, which has been padded with many layers of twigs, hay, bits of hide and great greasy feathers.
The nicer items are here, along with three harpies who have grown fat off the nearby townsfolk, and who have also begun to develop sorcerous powers due to proximity to the old one and also from some small teachings from the gargoyles in the nearby lighthouse. They are haughty and aggressive, leaping to attack unless convinced otherwise.
Creatures: Harpy Sorcerers HP 38, 50, 48
Harpy Sorcerer CR 8
CE Sex Race sorcerer 3
size Medium Monstrous Humanoid
Init: +2 Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.
Listen +7 Spot +3
AC: 21 (+4 shield spell, +4 mage armor, +2 Dex, +1 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 11
HP: 38, 50, 48 (HD 7d8 and 3d4)
Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +9
MV: 20 ft. (4 squares), fly 80 ft. (average)
Attack: +9 masterwork spear (1d8)
Full Attack: +9/+4 masterwork spear (1d8) and +3 claws(2) (1d3)
Atk Options: Flyby attack, 1 wand of acid arrow: ranged touch +10, 2d4 acid + 2d4 acid next round
Space / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Base Attack: +8 Grp: +8
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 7, Wis 12, Cha 18
Feats: Dodge, Flyby Attack, Persuasive, Ability Focus (Captivating Song)
Skills: Bluff +11, Concentration +3, Intimidate +7, Listen +7, Perform (oratory) +5, Spot +3
SA: Captivating Song (DC 19)
SQ: Darkvision 60 ft.
Spells Prepared or Available:
0th (6/day): detect magic, ghost sound, ray of frost, resistance, touch of fatigue
1st (6/day, 4 remain): shield, mage armor, and either shocking grasp, burning hands, or magic missile
Posessions: masterwork spear.
Captivating Song (Su): The most insidious ability of the harpy is its song. When a harpy sings, all creatures (other than harpies) within a 300-foot spread must succeed on a DC 19 Will save or become captivated. This is a sonic mind-affecting charm effect. A creature that successfully saves cannot be affected again by the same harpy’s song for 24 hours. The save DC is Charisma-based.
A captivated victim walks toward the harpy, taking the most direct route available. If the path leads into a dangerous area (through flame, off a cliff, or the like), that creature gets a second saving throw. Captivated creatures can take no actions other than to defend themselves. (Thus, a fighter cannot run away or attack but takes no defensive penalties.) A victim within 5 feet of the harpy stands there and offers no resistance to the monster’s attacks. The effect continues for as long as the harpy sings and for 1 round thereafter. A bard’s countersong ability allows the captivated creature to attempt a new Will save.
Tactics: The harpies are likely aware of the party’s approach and will cast mage armor and shield on themselves as soon as they see that they are armed (already included in above stats). The harpies are hostile, and will attack immediately, using their song one at a time to attempt to lure party members off the high cliffs (DC 19 Will save). Failing that they will attack with their spells and use their spears in flyby attacks. In addition, one of them wields the wand of acid arrow (ranged touch +10, 2d4 acid + 2d4 acid next round) listed in the treasure below.
Vicious, the harpies will fight to the death.
Treasure: a battered sea chest with 7,000 silver coins, six large chests stamped with a tax collector’s seal containing 70,000 copper coins, 3 gems in a leather pouch: a black agate worth 10 gold, a galena worth 25 gold, and an octel worth 98 gold, 4 gems in a soggy, gouged velvet-lined jewel case: a brandeen worth 90 gold, a clear topaz worth 825 gold, a brown diopside worth 9 gold, and a pink tourmaline worth 105 gold, a potion of blur, a wand of acid arrow with 33 charges, a +1 quarterstaff, a +1 large steel shield, a ring of climbing, a hand of the mage, and a potion of expiditious retreat.
Posted in 3rd edition Dungeons & Dragons / d20 fantasy / Pathfinder, Encounter and tagged Horror of the Old Ones, Location by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
Lighthouse Ruins
After launching their vessel with Old Man Thorenson, the players have crossed Onuago Bay and approach Harpy Point. According to the locals, the only accessible landing on all of Harpy Point is at the base of the cliffs below the abandoned lighthouse. This location details that area and the lighthouse above.
The ruins of an old lighthouse adorn the promontory at the top of Harpy Point. Gargoyles have occupied the stony structure, where they rest upon the domed lamp at the top of the structure.
1 Rocky Shore
Waves beat upon the rocks, the sound conjuring up the blacksmith’s hammer against an anvil. The wide island has nary a entry point, even from the air. Sharp rocks line the shore like pikes set against an invading army.
After some time floating in the water and making successful search checks vs. DC 25 (35 or more if night) the party spies a narrow slit in the rocks, just large enough for a skiff to skirt the spikes. A DC 25 profession (sailing) check is required to successfully navigate the passage without damage to the vessel. Should their ship flounder, DC 15 swim checks are required to traverse the channel leading to the tiny shore and steps.
2 Stony Steps
On the other side of the narrow passage, a 10′ shore provides a landing at the bottom of a set of stones set into the cliff.
If the players land and climb the steps, they find that they are slick. Every 60′ along this 240′ natural staircase, players must make a DC 10 climb check or slip.
3 Ledge
Most of the way (180′) up the stone steps there is a ledge that overlooks the sea. Screeches echo across the sky, but no visible creatures descend. An old lighthouse looms above, the solemn destination of this rocky climb.
4 Promontory
The steps end here at the tip of a promontory which juts out over the sea. A lighthouse looms at hand here, the far end of this level of the island. A passable trail appears to descend down into the lower interior of the island beyond the lighthouse.
5 Lighthouse Entry
The lighthouse has fallen into disrepair. The door hangs on to its last rotting fibers, revealing a small room behind.
As the players approach, read:
The door falls off its hinges, splintering into multiple half-boards. The cracking wood echoes up and back down the staircase up in to the darkness, followed by a faint screech.
The doorway enters into a cloak room, at the far end of which is set of steps, leading up. The cloak room has been vandalized; anything that may have had value has been gone for some time now.
6 Narrow Spiral Staircase
This narrow staircase is very poorly lit, and the crumbling walls reveal severe rot in the mortar. The place is absent of all smell; not even the salty sea penetrates the porous walls.
The steps can only support a small amount of weight at a time, so they creak and moan as the players ascend. If the party weight exceeds 1,000 pounds, they collapse at a weak point 40′ up the ascent and the party falls, taking 4d6 points of falling damage. A DC 15 search check and a DC 10 knowledge (engineering or architecture) check will allow the players to spot the weak point as they approach it.
7 Lamp
The staircase opens out into a platform overlooking the bay. Stone gargoyles adorn the rooftop, an odd adornment for such a utilitarian structure. The lamp unit itself has long since disappeared, and the glass dome is all broken.
Creatures (EL 11): The gargoyles are (of course!) alive, and move once the players are in range of their surprise attacks. From their vantage atop the lighthouse, they have been aware of the party ever since they set foot on Harpy Point.
If the encounter with the party of initially unfriendly gargoyles goes well (DC 25 Diplomacy check to modify their attitude from unfriendly to friendly) the party can gain a valuable source of information about the lay of Harpy Point and it’s namesakes. They are on more or less friendly terms with the harpies, and if the gargoyles are convinced to be helpful (DC 40 Diplomacy check) they will be given a token that will help them negotiate later encounters with the harpies: the ritual greeting the gargoyles use whenever beginning a conversation with them, “Winged wretches, all on rock, gaze at morsels on the dock, sea foam splash, thunder clash, on the stones their bodies crash.” Opening a conversation with the harpies using this rhyme will give a +4 circumstance bonus on Diplomacy checks.
If the party is hostile or threatening, however, they gargoyles will gladly attempt to rend them limb from limb.
A party of gargoyles has taken up residence in this abandoned lighthouse. They have traveled far together over the years from their people’s home in the wastelands to the east of the Middle Kingdoms. Seasoned adventurers, they have lived here for some months in relative comfort, picking off the citizens of Onuago and the other towns around the bay. They are single-handedly the most responsible force for decimating the population of the nearby settlements. Their names are pronounced with a trilled r, and double consonants are pronounced twice.
Partaxis CR 7
Male gargoyle fighter 3
CE Medium-Size monstrous humanoid (earth)
Init: +3 Senses: darkvision 60 ft. Listen +4, Spot +4
Languages: common
AC: 22 (+5 armor, +4 natural, +3 dex) touch 13, flatfooted 19
HP: 81 (HD 4d8 + 3d10 + 42) DR 10/Magic
Fort: +10 Ref: +8 Will: +6
MV: 40 ft., fly 60 ft (average)
Attack: overclaw gauntlet +13 (1d6+5 / 19-20 x 2)
Full Attack: overclaw gauntlet +14 (1d6+5 / 19-20 x 2) and claw +12 (1d4+4) and bite +10 (1d6+2) and gore +10 (1d6+2)
Space / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Base Attack: +7 Grapple: +15
Abilities Str 19 Dex 17 Con 22 Int 7 Wis 12 Cha 4
SQ: freeze
Feats: Multiattack, Improved Critical (overclaw gauntlet), Improved Unarmed Strike, Improved Grapple, Weapon Focus (overclaw gauntlet)
Skills: Hide +7*, Swim +7, Listen +4, Spot +4
possessions: breastplate, +1 overclaw gauntlet.
Rexx-r CR 7
Male Gargoyle sorcerer 3
AL Medium Size monstrous humanoid (earth)
Init: +3 Senses: darkvision 60 ft. Listen +6, Spot +6
Languages: terran, some common
AC: 21 (+4 natural, +4 mage armor, +3 dex) touch 13, flatfooted 18
HP: 54 (HD 4d8+3d4+28) DR 10/Magic
Fort: +7 Ref: +9 Will: +10 – with resistance
MV: 40 ft., fly 60 ft (average)
Attack: claw + 9 (1d4)
Full Attack: 2 claws +9 (1d4+3) and bite +7 (1d6+1) and gore +7 (1d6+1)
Space / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Base Attack: +5 Grapple: +8
Abilities Str 16 Dex 17 Con 19 Int 4 Wis 14 Cha 11
SQ: freeze
Feats: Multiattack, Still Spell, Combat Casting
Skills: Concentration +8, Hide +7*, Listen +6, Sense Motive +3, Spot +6
Spells Available:
0th (6 per day): detect magic, daze, ghost sound, ray of frost, resistance
1st (5 per day): mage armor, ray of enfeeblement, shocking grasp
Possessions: spell component pouch on a lanyard.
Tortt CR 7
Female Gargoyle rogue 3
LE Medium Size monstrous humanoid (earth)
Init: +5 Senses: darkvision 60 ft. Listen +4, Spot +8
Languages: common
AC: 21 (+4 natural, +5 dex, +1 dodge, +1 deflection) touch 16, flatfooted 16
HP: 71 (HD 4d8+3d6+35) DR 10/Magic
Fort: +7 Ref: +11 Will: +5, Evasion
MV: 40 ft., fly 60 ft (average)
Attack: short sword + 11 (1d6+4)
Full Attack: short sword + 11 (1d6+4) and claw +10 (1d4+3) and bite +8 (1d6+1) and gore +8 (1d6+1)
Attack Options: Sneak Attack +2d6
Space / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Base Attack: +6 Grapple: +9
Abilities Str 17 Dex 19 Con 20 Int 10 Wis 11 Cha 4
SQ: Freeze, Evasion
SA: Trap Sense +1, Trapfinding
Feats: Multiattack, Dodge, Mobility
Skills: Craft (trapmaking) +3, Disable Device +8, Hide +7*, Listen +4, Sense Motive +5, Search +6, Spot +8, Tumble +6
Possessions: +1 Short Sword, Ring of Protection +1.
Kattaxx CR 7
Female Gargoyle cleric 3
NE Medium Size monstrous humanoid (earth)
Init: +1 Senses: darkvision 60 ft. Listen +4, Spot +4
Languages: common, some terran
AC: 19 (+4 natural, +5 armor, +1 dex) touch 11, flatfooted 19
HP: (HD 4d8+?) DR 10/Magic
Fort: +8 Ref: +5 Will: +9
MV: 40 ft., fly 60 ft (average)
Attack: claw + 13 (1d4+6)
Full Attack: claw +13 (1d4+6) and claw +12 (1d4+6) and bite +10 (1d6+3) and gore +10 (1d6+3)
Space / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Base Attack: +6 Grapple: +12
Abilities Str 19 (23) Dex 12 Con 19 Int 8 Wis 14 Cha 9
SQ: freeze,
SA: command or rebuke undead, turn air creatures, rebuke or command earth creatures, scent
Feats: Multiattack, Combat Casting, Power Attack
Skills: Concentration +8, Hide +7*, Knowledge (religion) +2, Listen +4, Spot +4
Spells Prepared or Available:
1st: bless (already cast), cure light wounds, magic fang* (already cast)
2nd: cure moderate wounds, bull’s strength (already cast)
Domains: domain (bestial, earth)
Possessions: chain mail, holy symbol of Kerilia, Major Elemental Spirit: a piece of unworked granite on a lead chain.
Tactics: The gargoyles have prepared with some spells as the PCs have approached their roost, already included in their stats above. The gargoyles’ close-quarter tactics include well-coordinated attacks especially between the sorcerer, rogue and fighter. The fighter will often grapple an opponent, who the rogue will quickly slay with a flurry of sneak attacks. Spellcasters who draw attention to themselves will be countered with bull rushes or grapples followed by a drop from the heights onto wave-beaten rocks 400 feet below. They be tight.
If reduced to less than 1/4 HP, the gargoyles will attempt to flee the scene, and will probably move off to less hostile pastures, perhaps in the mountains near castle Steiglitz.
Treasure: The gargoyles have managed to collect a fair amount of wealth from their victims, and have hidden it within rotating mechanism upon which the broken lamp rests. It consists of several leather sacks and a backpack with 53 platinum coins, 200 gold coins, 525 silver coins, a small gold bracelet worth 4 gold, a solid gold sculpture of tritons on hippocampus worth 750 gold, a freshwater pearl worth 10 gold, a black pearl worth 550 gold, a polished obsidian worth 15 gold, and a golden yellow topaz worth 450 gold. Tortt, the rogue, has rigged it with a crude crossbow trap, however, as a precaution against her friends stealing what she considers hers.
Basic Arrow Trap: CR 1; mechanical; proximity trigger; manual reset; Atk +10 ranged (1d6/×3, arrow); Search DC 20; Disable Device DC 20.
Posted in Encounter and tagged Horror of the Old Ones, Location by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
Location: Onuago In Chaos
This post gives an overview of the state of Onuago at the start of the third part of The Horror of the Old Ones: the Begotten of the Old Ones have overrun the town and it lies in chaos.
Introduction
At this point the PCs have discovered the source of the strange mutations that have plagued this area for centuries: some type of horrific aberration that slumbers beneath the rocky Harpy Point in Onuago Bay.
The players cross the swamp to Onuago to find the dismal swampy town overrun with misshapen, mutated Begotten of the Old Ones. While the players were traveling back, the Old One, awakened by the priest Ernaldus’s ritual, emerged from its cocoon where it had slumbered beneath Harpy Point, crossed the bay, and lumbered out of the sea onto the wharfs.
As it emerged from the sea the sullen clouds began to rumble and release a heavy rain. Lightning and thunder accompanied the enormous monstrosity as it wandered through the town, and its very presence caused reality to run and melt like wax. Buildings, inhabitants, and the land itself have been twisted into alien, nightmare versions of themselves. This trail of chaos winds through the town like the path of a tornado of twisting unreality, before returning to the sea.
As the players come upon the scene, the town is in complete pandemonium. Begotten of the Old Ones are scattered throughout, most of them raving mad from the trauma of their transformations from lifelong townsfolk. Those who were not changed and have not been able or willing to flee the town for the wilderness of the swamps are either cowering or fighting across the town. When the players encounter these townsfolk, they should learn of the last nights events from them.
The weather has also turned for the worst — wet pellets assault the party, a mixture of rain and hail. The precip has definitely hit the fan!
Encounters
Encounters in the location include several run-ins with The Begotten of the Old Ones.
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged Horror of the Old Ones, Location by Adam A. Thompson with no comments yet.
Encounter: Begotten Run Amok in Onuago (EL 11)
These encounters detail some run-ins with the Begotten and citizenry in the ruins of Onuago. The players must rescue some children from a group of spawn. They have an opportunity to help an old woman safeguard her family fortune. Finally the players get in contact with Thorenston, who helps them get to Harpy Point.
Encounter: Children of Horrors (EL 7): the players run into a group of Begotten threatening townsfolk in an area of town transformed by the old one’s passage. Here, a part of the street has been transformed into a deep muddy channel when the Old One crossed it. The buildings to either side have been plowed down and the surrounding buildings are warped and twisted as though viewed through a fun house mirror. One to the left is emitting a low moaning sound, and it’s doorway shrinking and expanding in time with the groans.
Just them screams of terror can be heard from a half-melted house across the street. If the players investigate they find a small group of begotten inside the house menacing a group of three children, one of whom lies limp on the floor.
Creatures: Begotten Of the Old Ones (2) HP: 61, 79. In actuality, the Begotten are these children’s parents, hideously transformed by the Old One’s proximity. If the players attack, the begotten will defend themselves.
If the PCs ask the children what’s wrong and succeed at calming them (DC 25 Diplomacy check) the children will reveal that the begotten were their parents before the enormous scary thing walked through the house next door. The unconscious child has fainted in terror.
In any case, the players only have 2d4 rounds to act before the Begotten lose the last shred of sanity that is keeping them from attacking the children.
A polymorph, remove curse or break enchantment will return the parents to their normal selves.
Encounter: The Madame’s Chambers (EL 7-9): the players walk by the snug harbor inn, which was untouched by the chaos. If able to talk their way inside (DC 15 diplomacy check), the barkeep relates the tale of last night’s terror. He tells the players about hearing a commotion before some townsfolk ran inside to say a sea monster had climbed up onto the docks and was headed towards town. Shortly thereafter a hideous fish-mad wearing rags crashed into the inn and bit Sven the porter’s left arm clean off before anyone could blink an eye. Since then he, the tap room’s regulars and a few terrified townsfolk have been holed up in the Inn, fighting off the occasional monstrous former friend.
Mme Babushka requests the player’s assistance escorting her to her house to safeguard some family heirlooms, offering a reward of 200 gold for their bravery. If uninterested, she will work her way up to 500 gold. If the players accept, they must escort Mme. Babushka across town to her house, which is indeed infested with begotten of the old ones (eight in all). In addition, the house is no longer structurally sound, and presents a difficult gauntlet as the players work their way upstairs to her private chambers. There Mme. Babushka’s treasures are intact, and she offers to pay the player’s once they return her safe to the Snug Harbor.
Creatures: Begotten of the Old Ones (8): HP: 64, 68, 77, 74, 68, 53, 51, 61.
and medium animated objects (10): HP: 35, 23, 27, 24, 30, 39, 30, 31, 29, 31. In groups of two to four throughout the house, these Begotten are drawn here by the lingering energies of the Old One. Those energies were so strong here that much of the furniture has come to life and will join in attacking anything that enters in groups of two or three.
Regardless of weather the players assist Mme. Babushka, the proprietor of the snug harbor will inform them that Old Man Threnston had come around asking about them several days ago, saying he had been doing work on a ship.
Encounter: Old Man Threnston’s Last Ship (EL 10): Noah-like, old man Thorenston has built or fixed up a small one-sail ship that the players may use crossing to harpy point. Once they encounter him at the dry-docks near his home in east Onuago, he needs their help getting the ship launched. As the players must launch the ship in the storm down the dry-dock by rope. Those working to slowly lower the ship must stand two behind and two beside the ship, each slowly letting a length of rope out. The dry dock itself is a sloped wooden frame and ramp that begins on the shore above the tide-line and slopes down into the water. The frame that keeps the ship upright on the ramp gives those immediately next to the ship cover but also create difficult terrain: characters move at half speed through it.
The strength checks required are a series of five DC 13 strength checks by four people. On each round of checks, for each player that fails their check, everyone else’s checks go up by 1 point. For each person not pulling on the ropes, everyone else’s strength check goes up by 3 points. Thus for one person to lower the ship requires five DC 22 strength checks. Failure on everyone’s part on the strength checks yields consequences according to the chart below.
After the second round of checks, the laboring PCs are attacked by a group of Begotten who climb up out of the water onto the dry docks and attack the two players on the sides of the ship.
Creature: Begotten of the Old Ones (3): HP: 67, 65, 67
Strength Check Failure: as the players let go of the ropes to fight, the other’s strength checks go up. Failed strength checks results in various consequences depending on how badly highest check fails:
Bad (failed by 1-5): the ship is let slip and flies into the water much too quickly. In addition to being damaged and requiring constant bailing, it must now be retrieved somehow before the waves and wind take it away or dash it upon the shore. Award 80% experience for the encounter.
Worse (failed by 6-10): one or more of the players (or Thorenson) to the sides of the ship are bowled over by the ship as it is loosed and must make a DC 20 reflex check to avoid 6d6 points of bludgeoning damage as the ropes pull them down and the ship grinds over them on its way down the dry dock. Award 60% experience for the encounter.
Worst (failed by 10+): the ship flies loose and crushes several people as above, who also become tangled in the ropes and pulled out to sea with the uncontrolled ship. Swim and escape artist checks are required to avoid drowning, or those pulled in must be rescued. Award 40% experience for the encounter.
Afterwards, there are challenges getting across the bay: strength for rowing or Profession (Sailing) checks , a chance to capsize, etc.
Posted in Encounter and tagged Horror of the Old Ones by Adam A. Thompson with 1 comment.
The Ritual in the Woods (EL 13)
This encounter is the climax of the second part of the Horror of the Old Ones, a D20 fantasy adventure for 10th level characters. At this point the party has entered the Elsemere woods in search of the village priest. Eventually they will find their way to a clearing with some ancient ruins.
Forest Features
Lighting: The forest is relatively dimly lit, much dimmer than the outside. However, even at night, the forest seems to have the same light. It’s as if there is no difference in the wood. Daylight (or nightlight) filters through the canopy, creating an ambient effect.
Creatures: Creatures in this part of the wood are less tame than in other woods. For instance, foxes, deep and other woodland creatures are likely to be aggressive rather than docile.
The Ritual in the Woods (EL 13)
Clearing Features
Lighting: As normal. Sunlight and moonlight during their respective hours.
Creatures: No natural creatures live in the clearing, but there are inhabitants detailed below.
This large field is dotted with the remnants of ancient stone buildings or walls, mossy, overgrown and half buried. A group of people are gathered around a large flat stone, chanting along with a hooded figure standing before the stone.
As the party watches the sky takes on a startling transformation. The clearing darkens and stars become visible in the sky, however none of the constellations are familiar. A transparent creature appears in the sudden darkness. Its enormous lumpy head, shoulders and membranous wings occupy a third of the sky, looming over the horizon.
This enormous shape begins to draw closer, becoming smaller as it does so. Soon it hovers above the altar, silently regarding the Priest with its alien eyes. He draws back his hood, revealing himself as Ernaldus, Elsemere’s Priest of St. Cuthbert. His eyes wild, he beseeches the apparition in strange words with arms upraised.
The phantom reaches out with its long arm, its rubbery digits squirming. Dark energy passes from its grotesque hand to the priest’s head and a horrible transformation overtakes the man. Ernaldus’ features are twisted as his skin turns a mottled green-brown and his mouth and jaws widen unnaturally. In his gaping maw are revealed rows of pointy teeth, like a lamprey’s mouth. As his body runs like wax at the apparition’s touch, the cleric begins to scream in terror. His eyes blank and glassy, he begins pleading towards the horror in the sky to stop drinking his soul. His tortured pleadings are punctuated with sobbing cries of, “It doesn’t even know I’m here! It doesn’t even know I’m here! I’m an insect! A mote! It’s eyes!!!” before trailing off into incomprehensible burbles and croaks. Similar changes turn half the cultists into vaguely reptilian or amphibian mockeries of their former selves. Their screams and groans create a symphony of anguish that echoes throughout the clearing.
The transformed priest, or whatever is now pulling the strings of his mind, straightens up and seems to recover his composure somewhat. Speaking with a strange slurring voice that is not entirely human, he orders the destruction of the nonbelievers who have profaned this holy moment.
Creatures: Ernaldus, Begotten of the Old Ones (5), Shada Monks (5) and a projection of the Old One. The cultists are enacting a ritual they hope will bring forth the unknown source of dark power they’ve been worshiping. They will attack any who is profaning this sacred moment. The Old One is here in a special projected form, and so is not able to act with its full strength or enjoy the benefits of its reality-warping. Use the stats below for this form.
Projected form of the Old One (CR 11)
Chaotic Evil Outsider
Size Large Aberration (incorporeal)
Init:+0 Senses: Darkvison 120
Listen +20 Spot +20
AC: 28 (+19 natural, -1 size) touch 14, flat-footed 33
HP: 140 (HD 16d8+96)
Resist: Incorporeal (50% miss chance)
Fort: +14 Ref: +5 Will: +14
MV: 30 ft, fly 40 ft (perfect)
Attack: claw +19 (1d6+8)
Full Attack: 2 claws +19 (1d6+8) and 8 tentacles +17 (1d6+4)
Space / Reach: 10′ / 10′
Base Attack: +12 Grapple: +24
Abilities: Str 26(+8), Dex 10, Con 24(+7), Int 21(+5), Wis 19(+4), Cha 23 (+6)
Feats: Multiattack, Combat Expertiese, Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Sunder, Great Fortitude
Skills: Concentration 23, Knowledge (Arcana) 20, Knowledge (Planes) 21, Knowledge (Dungoneering) 21, Listen 20, Spellcraft 21, Spot 20
Ernaldus, the Corrupted Priest CR 11
Chaotic Evil human cleric 9
Size Medium Aberration
Init: -2 Senses: Darkvision 60′
Listen +3 Spot +3
Languages: common, telepathy 60′
AC: 22 (+5 armor, +5 natural armor, +4 deflection) touch 12, flat-footed 22
HP: 66 (HD 9d8+24)
Resist: DR 5 / lawful, SR 15
Fort: +9 Ref: +1 Will:+9
MV: 20′
Attack: +11 appendage 1d6+5
Full Attack: +11 / +8 appendage (1d6+5)
Attack Options:
Space / Reach: 5ft / 5ft
Base Attack: +6/+1 Grapple: +8
Abilities: Str: 14 Dex: 10 Con: 14 (16) Int: 10 Wis: 16 Cha: 12
SQ: Lightning Touch, Otherworldly Gaze, Spell-like abilities (see below)
SA:
Feats: 5 spell focus enchantment, scribe scroll,
Skills: points: concentration +10, knowledge (religion) +8, spellcraft +8
Spells Prepared (DC 13 + spell level)
0th: 6:
1st: 4+1: cure light wounds, doom (2), shield of faith, protection from good*
2nd: 4+1: cure moderate wounds, hold person, silence, sound burst, blindness*
3rd: 3+1: cure serious wounds, dispel magic, prayer, contagion*
4th: 2+1: cure critical wounds, greater magic weapon, unholy blight*
5th: 1+1: flame strike, feeblemind*
* domain spell
Domains: corruption (ignore hardness when attacking an object 1/day), evil (evil spells are cast at 1 higher caster level)
Spell-Like Abilities: blur 1/day
Possessions: breastplate +1 (200 gp), Amulet of Health +2 (4000gp), Lesser Rod of Metamagic (Empower) (9000 gp), scroll of symbol of pain, potion of cure moderate wounds, brown robes.
DR: 5 / lawful (axiomatic)
SR: 15
3 Shada Cultists CR 5
Chaotic Neutral human monk 5
Size Medium humanoid
Init: +3
Listen +10 Spot +10
Languages: common
AC: 16 (+3 monk bonus, +3 dex), touch 16, flat-footed 16
HP: 29 (HD 5d8+5)
Resist:
Immune:
Fort: +4 Ref: +4 Will: +4
Weakness:
MV: 40 ft
Attack: +5 unarmed strike (1d8+1)
Full Attack: flurry of blows +4 / +4 unarmed strike (1d8+1)
Attack Options: stunning fist (DC 14 Fort. or stun for 1 rd.), improved grapple, improved trip (+4 on Str check)
Space / Reach: 5ft / 5ft
Base Attack: +3 Grapple: +8
Abilities: Str: 13 Dex: 15 Con: 12 Int: 10 Wis: 14 Cha: 8
SQ: evasion, still mind
SA: flurry of blows, ki strike (magic), stunning fist
Feats: 3 stunning fist, combat reflexes, weapon focus unarmed strike, improved grapple, improved trip
Skills: +10 listen, +10 spot, +11 tumble
3 Begotten of the Old Ones CR 5
Chaotic Neutral with evil tendencies
Medium Size Aberration
Init: +2 Senses: darkvision 60′
Listen +7 Spot +7
Languages: Telepathy 60′ and common
AC: 17 (+2 dex, +5 natural armor), touch 12, flat-footed 15
HP: (HD 9d8+ 27)
Defenses: SR 15, DR 5 / lawful
Fort: +6 Ref: +5 Will: +5
MV: 30, swim 30 or fly 30′
Attack: +10 appendage 1d6+4
Full Attack: +11 appendage (1d6+4), and +11 appendage (1d6+4)
Attack Options: Lightning Touch
Space / Reach: 5ft. / 5ft.
Base Attack: +6 Grapple: +10
Abilities: Str: 18 Dex: 15 Con: 17 Int: 9 Wis: 12 Cha: 6
SQ: DR 5/lawful, SR 15, darkvision 60′
SA: spell like abilities: blur
Feats: weapon focus (appendage), power attack, ability focus (Otherworldly Gaze), quicken spell-like ability (blur)
Skills: +7 listen, +7 spot
Lightning Touch (Su): Begotten of the Old Ones can generate, as a free action, a burst of electricity from within their bodies that damages and may stun their victims. The touch deals 1d8 points of electricity damage and stuns the target for 1d4 rounds. A DC 17 Fortitude save avoids the stun effect – the save is constitution based. They may use this ability once per round, delivered by melee attack.
Otherworldly Gaze: As a standard action begotten can focus their otherwordly gaze upon a mortal creature and create a haze of confusion as the spell. A DC 17 will save is required to avoid this confusion (save is wisdom based), which lasts as long as the begotten concentrates upon it.
Spell-like abilities: blur 1/day. Caster level 5th.
DR: 5 / lawful (axiomatic)
SR: 15
Tactics: The Shada monks will attack immediately, charging the nearest party member and attempting to flank them while the Begotten will use their otherworldly gaze on the nearest targets. The projected Old One will float into the midst of the party and lash out with its claws and tentacles at opportune targets.
Ernaldus will prepare with the following spells before joining the fray. First will be a symbol of pain from the scroll he carries. Anyone approaching within 60′ must make a DC 18 Fortitude save or suffer -4 to attack rolls, skill checks, and ability checks. After that he will cast prayer, shield of faith, and greater magic weapon (on his appendage). His statistics are altered to include these effects. He will then cast hold person on a warrior before casting feeblemind, flame strike (empowered) and unholy blight (empowered) on any spellcasters before supporting the monks and begotten with empowered healing.
Treasure: offerings for the Old One amounting to 9 gems worth 2600 gp total. There are also five minor magic items: Amulet of Mighty Fists +1, Elixir of Sneaking, Boots of Elvenkind, Dust of Illusion, and a Swan Boat Feather Token.
Development: Once the party defeats the priest and his twisted worshipers, Ernaldus will fall to the ground and regain one last moment of lucidity as his former self. As his life slips away, he will gasp out a gurgling, mostly incoherent rant, that will contain one clue for the party to continue on to the next phase of their mission.
“No light…only darkness and hunger…I didn’t know… How could I have known?… It sleeps and dreams…under Harpy’s Point…I know its secret now…oh the horror! The horror! We are all doomed…we have always been doomed…death without end…eons without hope…oblivion…”
Posted in Encounter and tagged Elsemere Wood, Horror of the Old Ones by Adam A. Thompson with no comments yet.
Location: The Great Elsemere Wood
(distance from Cathedral of St. Carlos to Shada Monastery as the crow flies 10 miles, on foot 15-20 miles)
In the Great Elsemere Wood the forest is so thick that is it almost as dark as night. No sounds echo through the underbrush; no sky is visible through the tightly-woven canopy which towers fifty feet above. Cedars and other trees are leafless except in the canopy; the dry limbs in the interim have grown craggly and with sinister corrpution. A fire could easily destroy the forest in a matter of moments, but luckily in the rarified air of the wood, there is little oxygen to keep a flame aflame.
The soil in the forest is primarily dry earth, with substantial cracking and exposed root systems gasping for sustenance, except along the river, where the soil is muddy and in parts swamp-like. Along the river, thick spanish moss dangles from the drooping limbs, which seem to bend over the water as if to take a sip.
A small maze of a trail leads through the forest. It is by and large the only path through the thick undergrowth. The path is the above-ground manifestation of the paths the underground river has taken through the wood, attempting to avoid the evils within.
Locations
Mausoleum – Once a part of Elsemere, this mausoleum is now overgrown by forest underbrush and is barely noticable.
Fitted stones and mortar poke through the exposed root system of a stand of trees, revealing a weathered structure. There is no obvious entrance.
If the characters search around enough (DC 20, with bonuses for wilderness lore), they’ll discover what was once the door, now overgrown with exposed roots. After hacking some wood, they may enter the structure, discovering a single 25’x25′ room, which has been overgrown (or undergrown) by some sort of plantlife, as there is significant foliage in the chamber. The plants are undead, having consumed the haunted souls of the living. They will be detailed in a separate post. The plants will attack once the characters are fully within the structure. After dispensing of the plants, the characters discover coffins lining hte outer walls. In two of the coffins, the characters find skeletons that have not been consumed. One one’s finger, there is a ring of protection+2 and on another’s in a rotting bag, there is a dagger+2.
If the party casts speak with dead they will hear a first hand account of the forest’s consumption of the northwest edge of Elsemere. The people became so downtrodden that many succumbed to mental illnesses, which, after burial, led to an undead state. The plants sucked the undead out of the corpses and fed on the moonlight streaming in through cracks in the ceiling, becoming the monstrosities that the characters so recently encountered.
Clearing – During certain seasons and to commemorate certain holy and unholy days, the tainted Shada Monks perform their ritual acts in the only clearing in the forest. A typical encounter with the monks and clerics will be detailed in a later post.
Small Temple – Four adepts catetake this small temple to Nerull. The details can be found in a later post.
Shada Monastery – This tall, dark building built over an underground cistern is where the Shada Monks hone their nefarious craft. The monastery will be detailed in a later post.
The black squares on the map in the wood are huts of monks and adepts who have moved out of the monastery for one reason or another. Most of them just prefer living outside the overcrowded monastery, but a few wish to leave the ranks of Shada. They may be conscripted or convinced to leave the wood altogether if the party plays their encounters right.
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged Horror of the Old Ones, Location by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
Location: The Hamlet of Elsemere
(note, this map contains locations within The Great Elsemere Wood as well)
Stats:
The Hamlet of Elsemere, pop 90ish
Wealth: Gold Piece Limit: 100 gp
Ready Cash: 450 gp
Power Center: Magical: chaotic evil priest of St. Cuthbert / The Old Ones
Community Authority: 2nd level warrior
Highest level NPCs in the community:
Barbarian: 1st
Bard: 2nd
Commoner: 9th
Druid: 4th
Expert: 7th
Fighter: 3rd
Rogue: 4th
Sorcerer: 1st
Warrior: 2nd
Part of the village of Elsemere has been reclaimed by the forest. The mausoleum was once the edge of town, but it is now hundereds of feet inside the forest. If the party investigates close enough, they will find old tracks leading into the forest – what was once the road through town.
The present-day town is surrounded on three sides by farmland and on one by Elsemere Wood. Corrupted fey creatures have their own nefarious names for the dark forest they call home.
Notable locations:
C: Once the center of town, the Cathedral of St. Carlos has been taken defiled and corrupted by a priest of St. Cuthbert.
F: The Fallen Lumber Inn is the last operating inn in this dwindling economy.
M: This makeshift mill processes the remaining lumber produced by the townspeople of Elsemere.
Entrances to the Wood: Dark and foreboding, these narrow creases in the forest provide a crawlspace into the interior. Characters taking these paths should beware.
Notable characters:
Morbane the Mad Monk (CR3)
Another important person in town is the scholar’s mentor, who is studying the forest. Perhaps she is the 4th level druid.
Another is the cleric who didn’t make the list. His level should be around 10ish +2 for the begotten of the old ones template…
Pava the Wise occasionally visits this hamlet, so she may be present. Also Temas Falkor sometimes makes his bardly way here to gain knowledge. He is writing a song about the encroaching forest brought on by the sadness of the Elsemereans.
Other:
If the characters seek a vantage point from which to view the forest, they spy the stony towers of the Shada Monastery, which from its position on a hill in the Wood, peeks through the overgrown canopy.
If the characters ask around enough, they may learn some facts about the monks who study in the monastery, including Morbane, the Mad Monk of Elsemere, who splits his time between the hallowed halls of Shada and the muddied streets of Elsemere.
Another post will cover the locations within the Wood.
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged Horror of the Old Ones, Location by Adam A. Thompson with no comments yet.
The Begotten of the Old Ones (CR 5)
The result of prolonged exposure to Old Ones, persons too near their reality warping effects undergo a transformation into beings which resemble them in some ways. These changed creature’s features are bestial and reminiscent of fish, lizards, and amphibians, with claw-tipped hands or occasionally tentacles for arms. They are cunning and physically powerful, yet twisted and crippled in appearance. These creatures are ruled by the Old Ones through fear, violence and mental domination.
Those that can still speak do not usually chose to do so. Instead they mainly communicate simple thoughts to each other by telepathy, accompanied by whimpering groans and croaks.
usually chaotic neutral with evil tendencies
Medium Size Abberation
Init: +2 Senses: darkvision 60′
Listen +7 Spot +7
Languages: Telepathy 60′ and either common or none
AC: 17 (+2 dex, +5 natural armor)
HP: (HD 9d8+ 27)
Defenses: SR 15, DR 5 / lawful
Fort: +6 Ref: +5 Will: +5
MV: 20, swim 30 or fly 30′
Attack: +10 appendage 1d6+4 or +10 greatclub 1d12+6
Full Attack: +11 appendage 1d6+4 and +11 appendage 1d6+4 +10/+5 greatclub 1d12+6
Attack Options: Lightning Touch
Space / Reach: 5ft. / 5ft.
Base Attack: +6 Grapple: +10
Str: 18 Dex: 15 Con: 17 Int: 9 Wis: 12 Cha: 6
SQ: DR 5/lawful, SR 15, darkvision 60′
SA: spell like abilities: blur
Feats: weapon focus (appendage), power attack, ability focus (Otherworldly Gaze), quicken spell-like ability (blur)
Skills: +7 listen, +7 spot
Lightning Touch (Su): Begotten of the old ones can generate, as a free action, a burst of electricity from within their bodies that damages and may stun their victims. The touch deals 1d8 points of electricity damage and stuns the target for 1d4 rounds. A DC 17 Fortitude save avoids the stun effect – the save is constitution based. They may use this ability once per round, delivered by melee attack.
Otherworldly Gaze: As a standard action begotten can focus their otherworldly gaze upon a mortal creature and create a haze of confusion as the spell. A DC 17 will save is required to avoid this confusion (save is wisdom based), which lasts as long as the begotten concentrates upon it. This is a mind-affecting ability.
Spell-like abilities: blur 1/day. Caster level 5th.
DR: 5 / lawful (axiomatic)
SR: 15
COMBAT
Sometimes armed with simple weapons, but generally attacking with whatever appendages the old ones have given them, the begotten are straightforward combatants. If encountered in a group, those in the rear will focus their otherworldly gaze on those being attacked, while their brethren attack with their claws and lightning touch.
Begotten of the Old Ones – Acquired Template
Sometimes when the powers of the old ones transform an unique creature, some of it’s abilities and original form remains. In those cases apply this template to the base creature to generate the statistics of the resulting creature.
Type: the creature’s type changes to aberration
HD: the creature’s hit dice change to d8s.
AC: gains +5 natural armor
Move: The mutations cause the creature’s land move to be reduced by 10 ft, to a minimum of 5 ft. The creature gains a swim speed equal to it’s previous land speed.
Special Abilities: Begotten of the old ones gain the following special abilities:
Lightning Touch (Su): Begotten of the old ones can generate a burst of electricity from within their bodies that damages and may stun their victims. The touch deals 1d8 points of electricity damage and stuns the target for 1d4 rounds. A DC (1/2 begotten hit dice + constitution modifier) Fortitude save avoids the stun effect. They may use this ability once per round, delivered by melee attack.
Otherworldly Gaze: As a standard action begotten can focus their otherworldly gaze upon a mortal creature and create a haze of confusion as the spell. A DC (1/2 begotten hit dice + wisdom modifier) will save is required to avoid this confusion, which lasts as long as the begotten concentrates upon it.
Spell-like abilities: blur 1/day. Caster level 5th.
DR: 5 / lawful (axiomatic)
SR: 15
Telepathy 60′
Darkvision 60′
CR: +2
ECL: +2
Posted in Creature and tagged Horror of the Old Ones by Adam A. Thompson with no comments yet.
Character: Morbane the Mad Monk of Elsemere (Lvl 3)
A prodigious youth, Morbane became too powerful too fast and it drove him slightly mad. He spends much of his time pacing the treeline to the west of present-day Elsemere. It is said that his parents are buried in the mausoleum that the forest has grown over, and that this is what has driven him mad. Who is to say, really. As the other kids used to joke, “Perhaps plawing in da deep, dawk fowest has fweigtened wittle bitty Mowbane…” This scorn led him into the Shada Monastery where he trained for a few years before returning to Elsemere to seek his parents’ graves. There are also those humans who say he is a Wyndm, and that’s also compounding his insanity. Still others think he knows too much about the Old Ones and that that’s also weighing upon his fragile soul. Needless to say, everyone agrees that he’s slightly “touched.”
Morbane the Mad Monk of Elsemere
Medium-size Male Human
Monk3
Hit Dice: (3d8)+6
Hit Points: 27
Initiative: +2
Speed: Walk 40 ft.
AC: 13 (flatfooted 11, touch 13)
Attacks: *Flurry of Blows +3/+3; ;
Damage: *Flurry of Blows 1d10+3; ;
Vision:
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: Evasion (Ex), Flurry of Blows (Ex), Still Mind (Ex)
Saves: Fortitude: +5, Reflex: +5, Will: +2
Abilities: STR 17 (+3), DEX 14 (+2), CON 15 (+2), INT 12 (+1), WIS 9 (-1), CHA 7 (-2)
Skills: Appraise 1; Balance 5; Bluff -2; Climb 10; Concentration 4; Craft (Untrained) 1; Diplomacy -2; Disguise -2; Escape Artist 7; Forgery 1; Gather Information -2; Heal -1; Hide 4; Intimidate -2; Jump 12; Knowledge (Arcana) 2; Knowledge (Local) 2; Knowledge (Nature) 2; Knowledge (Religion) 2; Listen 2; Move Silently 8; Ride 2; Search 1; Sense Motive 1; Spot 2; Survival -1; Swim 8; Tumble 8;
Feats: Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Improved Grapple, Improved Unarmed Strike, Snatch
Challenge Rating: 3
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Possessions: Belt, Monk’s; Boots of Elvenkind; Gloves of Swimming/Climbing; Flurry of Blows; Outfit (Monk’s Robes);
Posted in Character and tagged Horror of the Old Ones by Stephen Hilderbrand with no comments yet.
Location: The Road to Castle Stieglitz
Presented here are several encounters travelers between Onuago and Castle Stieglitz are likely to have.
Background: Several months ago, the Baron Stieglitz dissapeared from public life. Since then his armies have split into four factions, each one led by one of his former captains. Two of these captains have set up tolls illigetimately on the road to Castle Stieglitz. The third has moved to the edge of the swamplands where a village of Windam-folk live. The fourth defends the village of Talook, near the castle, and it’s surroundings.
Encounters
Random Encounters
Random encounters include leocotta, manticore, hill giants, cloud giants, stone giants, werewolves, thoqua, and dark naga. Most will use the steep rocky terrain to attack from above, due to the road becoming increasingly rocky and uphill, up to a 3-5% grade.
The Dish-Eater’s Trolls on the Bridge (EL 11)
Here the road crosses the Swift River. The bridge is 10 ft wide and stretches 30 feet across the ravine. The Swift river can be heard rushing 20 feet below. Four dirty men in mail and armed with polearms stand on the opposite side of the bridge.
The men will demand a steep toll from all using the bridge. They will ask the party to hand over half their wealth, or their best guess: 100gp per person if they appear well- equipped. They will claim it is for repairs to the bridge and other “improvements.”
A DC 10 spot check will reveal the 2 archers on a steep ridge 40′ up on the north side of the river valley.
Creatures 5th Level Fighters (6): HP: 37, 42, 33, 45, 35, 38. All have heavy maces, and 2 with halberds, two with longspears, and two with longbows. See DMG for stats.
Tactics: The warriors on the bridge will stick together and concentrate attacks on single opponents, most likely the first warrior to charge them. The two with halberds may try to trip approaching attackers or may attempt to bull rush weaker characters off the bridge into the river below. The archers will harry spellcasters once they reveal themselves. If the party manages to fell 3 of the guards, the remaining will attempt to flee, or surrender if unable to do so.
Treasure: Other than the gear on the six warriors, there is a lockbox with 78 gold and 240 silver coins.
Development: If the players defeat all of the men here those remaining alive will return to Petry’s camp nearby in the hills where the rest of his men are. Petry will not send men to staff the toll again, instead concentrating on recruiting from Onuago until he has more men. Through the rest of the road, it is even more rocky, and averages a 5-7% grade.
The Underharl’s Defile (EL ?)
Here the road passes through a defile with steep rocky walls on either hand that rise up 15 to 25 feet. Coming around a bend you are faced by several impressive-looking men in clean uniforms. Crossbowmen stand at the ready at the top of the defile on either side.
Creatures: These men of Karl Underharl will exact a tax of 10 gold per person, claiming it is for maintenance of the road.5th Level Fighters (4): HP: 40, 39, 45, 32. All have long swords, large shields and heavy crossbows.
Tactics: The two men on the road will fight side by side while the two crossbowmen above fire down. If two of them fall the rest will attempt to flee and will surrender if pursued.
Treasure: One of the men carries a large purse that contains 25 gold and 45 silver coins. Development: If these men are dispersed, the toll will be unstaffed for two weeks while Karl recruits more men.
Ancestral Tomb (EL 9)
Several miles north of the road at the foot of a steep mountain face an unadorned arch the height of a tall man frames a dark passage into the earth.
This long dark passage ends in a small earthen chamber. A passage to either side and to the front leads off into the darkness. Several stone sarcophagi can be seen at the end of each passage. Four bodies lie on the ground, two dressed as peasants and two in bloodied uniforms.
A Wyndm couple snuck by Karl’s toll in the night to make an offering at an ancestor’s tomb. Two of the guards followed, and they haven’t returned. When the guards caught up to the peasants in a strange cave, they attacked them as they were making offerings to their forefathers.
Creatures: This tomb houses 4 mummies who have risen from their graves after their descendants were attacked while bringing offerings to them. They destroyed the attackers (Karl’s men) and now roam about the tomb.
Mummies (4): HP: 56, 52, 49, 60.
Tactics: The mummies will attack anyone entering the tomb, one coming from each side passage and two from the front. They will fight until destroyed. If the party attempts to parlay with them, a DC 25 Diplomacy check will adjust their attitude to indifferent, at which point it is possible to find out what is causing them unrest. They will be able to put the mummies to rest if a priest, even a priest from the party, is able to properly bury the dead descendants in the tomb.
Treasure: If the tomb is looted the party finds the following the the four tombs: coin 29,240 copper coins, 108 platinum coins (1,080gp), a potion of Mage Armor in a Bottle (1,400gp), and a scroll of See Invisibility (l2, cl3) that is cursed: the reader must sleep twice as much as normal the next night. There is also an arcane (175gp) scroll with Precise Vision (l1, cl1) and Sensory Link (l2, cl3). The second contains a large steel shield +1, 28,972 copper coins, 2 gems: a crazy lace agate (11.9gp), and a goshenite (clear to pale blue beryl) (770.9gp), a scroll of Balagarn’s Iron Horn (l2, cl3) and Bristle (l2, cl3). The third is 688 gold coins and 56 platinum coins, 3 gems: a crazy lace agate (12.5gp), a raindrop (492.9gp), and a rhodolite (pink garnet) (438gp), 3 scrolls: an arcane (325gp) scroll with Flaming Sphere (l2, cl3) Spectral Hand (l2, cl3) and Erase (l1, cl1), an arcane scroll with Minor Image (l2, cl3) and Rapid Strikes (l2, cl3), and a divine scroll (450gp) with Delay Poison (l2, cl3), Animal Infusion (l2, cl3) and Enkili’s Luck (l2, cl3). The last tomb has 678 gold coins (678gp) and a potion of Expeditious Retreat (50gp) that is cursed: item has opposite effect in that it reduces the drinker’s movement by 30′ to a minimum of 5′ per round. There is also a scroll with Make Fast (l1, cl1), Lesser Spell Immunity (l2, cl3) and Spider Climb (l1, cl1).
The Swift River Inn and Stables
A day’s travel by horse northeast along the road that parallels the Swift River lies, this inn has a long-proud heritage that is sadly coupled to the fate of Onuago and Castle von Stieglitz.
As the party ascends from the swampy lower regions of North Bay, the air becomes less humid and stagnant, even refreshing,and accompanied by a light breeze. The low croaking of toads gradually gives way to the sharp cawing of ravens and other birds, just as the lands surrounding the road sheds it’s greenery to assume the mottled mantle of the earth. Sharp stones rise on either side of the road and the roaring of the swift river grows louder with each step. In the distance a vague and ambiguous shape can be seen leaning heavily over the road. Lights glow brightly from within, and the vague impression of movement can be seen inside. As the party marches up the hill towards the structure, it’s form resolves itself into a weathered but sturdy stone building.
This is the Swift River Inn and Stables, and it’s history is as long and as storied as the town of Onuago. Once the party is in full view, too furitive looking men will emerge from inn with crossbows levelled. These men are wary and suspicious, but as long as the party shows proof that they have coin to spend and are not overly threatening, they will let them pass.
The inside of the inn is well lit, and fresh rushes cover the floor. The furnishings are mismatched but sturdy, and a warm fire burns in the hearth. Several patrons sit slumped around the inn, or stare warily at the party. The smell of something warm and filling wafts from the kitchens. The inn keeper is an older man, obviously once a powerful man, his weight now sags on his frame. His brow is knitted together as he regards the party with suspicion. His gnarled hands polish a chipped stone mug as he waits for the party to state their business.
The inn has both beds and stables available for 5 gold a night. The exorbitant prices can be attributed to the roving brigands and the cost of getting supplies from the troubled city of Onuago. Ale, wine and food are also available for outrageous prices (1 gold for ale, 2 for wine, 2 for food, and 3 for both wine and food). Bertram is the name of the bartender and proprietor of the inn, and if pressed he will tell the party what he knows of the surrounding country side and the brigands that roam the area.
The Thorp of Talook
Nestled at the foot of the Cyrűk mountains, the thorp of Talook’s stone hovels are visible for many miles down the road. Tiny plumes of smoke rise from each of the huts, which are set close together for protection.
When the party arrives, the citizens are busy setting up a makeshift celebration to honor St. Zelnyeki the following weekend.
Population: 58
GP Limit (price of most expensive item available in thorp): 40gp
Ready Cash: 116gp
Power Center: conventional (Anna Červená), LN (with good tendencies)
Highest Level Locals:
Adept: 1st
Barbarian: 1st
Cleric: 1st – Caretaker of the tiny wooden chapel that is the spiritual center of the town. Commoner: 5th
Expert: 5th
Figher: 4th – Orlay Petronova – an older man, appointed by the Baron’s father as magistrate of Talook. Orlay supports Anna as the last legitimate authority for the region.
Monk: 1st – An ascetic who has taken a vow of silence and lives on the church grounds tending the communal gardens.
Ranger: 2nd
Warrior: 2nd
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged Horror of the Old Ones, Location by Adam A. Thompson with no comments yet.