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Showing posts with label D20. Show all posts
Showing posts with label D20. Show all posts

Sunday 22 January 2017

Company of the Hardened Anvil Pt 3

"Company of the Hardened Anvil" Pt 3

1. Investigate the tent of Darras for details on patrols? (DC 12) Roll 1 - Required DC 12 (+2) = 24
2. Can the wizards gain any inkling into the area, tunnels or Tower? (DC 12 / 15 / 18) Roll 2 - Required DC 12 / 15 / 18 (+2) = 11
3. Any weapons or equipment they can find that could be useful?  Roll 3 - Required DC 15 (+3) = 20

Vassano was excited as Caventh told him that there was a tent belonging to his church. His faith more so then the others was not an adventurers one, most of the clergy spent their lives in the towns and cities, serving the needs of the common citizen. They helped to organize and protect, or, that's what his brethren did. Churches, even those worshiping the same deity, often focused on different aspects of the god's portfolio, so not every priest had the same list of prayers or spells or rituals. While rarely enemies they did not always help each other. Certainly the other good faiths had much more specific requirements from their members, even for the visiting clergy from afar, but his, at the very base of belief, was to share, so he believed that many of his own parties most common simple needs would be covered.

The young celestial man made his way towards the small tent that was the centre of the Brown Lancers, the organizing militia group for his faith. Brown, was the colour of the faithful, as all gods had a colour associated with their groups. He realized that the tent was so much farther out, as there were large stables surrounded it. The first soldiers he saw around it wore gold and purple in their insignia, followers of Quanna and Japeth, other Quadrane, or good-aligned gods.  The stables had large openings near the top, griffon stables.

He dropped a small offering into a pot placed near the opening of the shared tent as he entered the tent that help fewer than a dozen men, far smaller than many of the others around the Tower.  A young priestess, Lei-Lanna, dressed in a simple brown tunic came over to welcome him, and after a short discussion he realized their job here was but to serve the other groups near-by, especially the couriers. Their conversation drifted and he learned bits more about the customs and processes of the various groups, with her help, he could find someone to help them skip the queue, get into the Tower relatively quickly. In the middle of the talk, both of their holy symbols, universally worn as neck medallions, both glowed brightly, he looked around to find something  or someone different coming into the area, something of considerable power, Lei-Lanna closed her eyes and smiled. She promised that she would give him the names of contacts in a day or two that would assist.

After being told bits about of the area, Unnos the Sorcerer and Ènnoss, the monk were both nervous, something was very wrong about this place. Unnos was a student of spells, and the other, an eater of magic, someone that could steal mana or magic energy from items, they worked together for longer than any of the others in their group.  Spellcasters should be more obvious, as there was no Obelisk to act as a central focus. In cities, even without magical academies, wizards could utilize the magic being emanated from the churches obelisks to cast their spells, even if they never came physically near one, the magic was everywhere. Here the energy was everywhere, the same as being on holy ground, but there was no central focus. It would make sense if it came from the Tower,  but it should be glowing brightly with the spiritual or even arcane energies, but it wasn't, there was no signs. So where was this mana coming from. And was anyone controlling it?

They made their way around the various compound, as Unnos had cast detect magic, hoping to find another large obvious sources in the camps. While he found dozens of sources, but they were like him, low level spouts, there shouldn't be enough mana here for him to recast his spells continuously, yet even without an obvious source, he had the energy. Ènnos came to the conclusion that if there were any cabals of spell-casters, they were inside the Tower, as none of the tents, none of the humanoids emanated the energy required.  They decided to keep the facts to themselves, they needed to get deep inside to learn more.

Rillo and Caventh did their best to scout around looking for some vendors selling more rare items. As soon as they saw the three red ogres outside a delicate silver tent, they knew they had found what they were looking for. They came in to see a copper coloured dwarf, dressed in scarfs covering his body, a small axe by his side and a whistle around his neck. In most cities, a Zinth, or Sand Dwarf was often the best source of magic, but there was usually a catch, they only traded enchanted items, they cared little for the gold or silver pieces most others groups used. Jor-Cannah spoke at length, about places from far and wide, of the deals he had done. But his conversation was slanted, asking questions about them and their needs.  They settled on two magical items, an Astral Stone (which opened portals) and a Scream Stone (which screamed in the presence of predetermined objects, such as gold or myricke) and the payment was five bright feathery plumage of Zaooriche, an elegant land avian they had hunted in the Zoork desert. Their last question for him, left them bewildered, as he wouldn't state when he would stay in the spot, travelling was his response.

By the early evening the team regathered at their tent, to share their info and plans. They needed to get below, they didn't have many days before their opportunity was lost.
 
What next steps should the party take:

1. Implore the tent of Darras for permission to enter the Tower in one of their patrols? (DC 11)

2. Can they find a way to sneak into the tunnels or Tower? (DC 15 / 18)

3. Can they make a connection in one of the pubs? (DC 18)

4. Any other suggestions?

Thursday 19 January 2017

2nd monster listing

Here is my most recent listing in the last year and a bit. Many of them were created for a local con in which I intended to run a series of my version of Candyland Adventures, a mixture of silly and dangerous creatures. It didn't end up going the way I wanted to, but I did get some sessions in, so that was fun. Much of the blog are updates of creatures that fit into my game world or to update them to various HD levels so I can use the monster in a more varied way than the standard beast.


Spire Giant - The most typical Giant in my world
Novarin - Dungeon Caretakers
Maedar - Male Medusae with HD levels
Iron Salamander - In replacement of the Fire Giant
Ferrasil - Forest neutral aligned Minotaur,with horns that grow and do higher damage
Heeler - Healing Snake
Jackalla - Undead Hunter
Inhuman Subtype
Aether Mist - Powerful Hunting Mist that can be summoned
Dral - Shadow Elves, Good & Honourable Dark skinned Elves
Oompa Loompa - Candyland Theme from Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka
Cupid - Small Angelic Figures & Candyland Theme
Eggston - Egg Man; Candyland Theme
Winged Monkeys, Wizard of Oz; Candyland Theme
Tin Man - Wizard of Oz; Candyland Theme
Teddy Bear Golem -  Candyland Theme
Bon Homme  - Candyland Theme
Gourd Men (Scarecrows) - Wizard of Oz; Candyland Theme
Pinnochio - Candyland Theme
Munchkin - Wizard of Oz; Candyland Theme
Card Soldiers - Wizard of Oz; Candyland Theme
Care Bear - Candyland Theme
Candyland Witch - Wizard of Oz; Candyland Theme
Thorne-Kin  - Sentient Plant Humanoid
Fiddling Cat - Candyland Theme
Zunnel - Hair Beast (Rapunzel`s Daughters) Candyland Theme
Night Gremlin - Candyland Theme
Moother Goose  - Candyland Theme Boss Lady
Strangling Jack - Candyland Theme
Nighttime Lurker - Candyland Theme
Little Piggies - Candyland Theme
Advanced Flumph - Flumph with monster HD levels
Phaetox - Powerful Lawful Aligned Humanoids with fire wings
Candibodies - Magical Dr Who / Sci-Fi Themed Version
Clockwork Clicker - Wind-Up Clockwork Animal
Nyssian Choker - Creature with humanoid levels
Blue Bees - Magical Bees
Smurfling - Candyland Theme
Vined Soldier - Low Level Plant Creature
Jann - Advanced Version with HD levels
Snoopy - Candyland Theme
Infected Lycanthrope Template
Chund - Hunger Beast Head with tentacles
Doposylla - Dr Who / Sci-Fi Themed Version
Fuul - Pokemon / Candyland Theme
Restless - Undead Template
Nyssian Sylph - Leveled Fey Humanoid with wings
Displacerus - My Displacement Beast
Snow Cloakers - My snow version of a cloaker
Nutcracker - Candyland Theme
Aspect of Bacchus - Magical figure representing the musical god

Sunday 15 January 2017

"Company of the Hardened Anvil" Pt 2.

Play by Post Game
"Company of the Hardened Anvil" Pt 2.

Roll 1 - Required DC 12 (+2) = 22
Roll 2 - Required DC 15 (+2) = 7
Roll 3 - Required DC 18 (+3) = 15

With very little prodding, Caventh was lucky, finding some old friends of his in one of the few small tent pubs set up to serve the soldiers. Bowyers he fought with years before, who gave him a good inkling of the groups found here. Officially the Savinyon Kingdom required every family to send no fewer than two male children to serve for two months (100 days) every Cycle (Year) in the military. Almost half served with the religious groups that came, from all of the good and lawfully aligned faiths. The Quadrane, the four holy gods of good alignment were the most worshiped and represented here, and Vassano, one of his own group served, Darras, Lord of the Downtrodden.

After the human churches, the dwarven military consisted of the next highest in number and might.  Apart of a multitude of families and clans, coming in here in equal numbers to serve a Power or to collect a pay - unlike the human volunteers who served their kingdom. Many of them hundreds of years ago were the workers and warriors that were stationed here. Their tents were larger in size and stayed to themselves mostly. Unlike the humans who helped to patrol both the tower and the ground around it, the dwarves stuck to the lower reaches. Considerably smaller in size, an elven and tenderfoot (halfling) and jahlen (ram-humanoids) also sent soldiers to serve alongside either dwarven or human counterparts.

Lastly, there were the scum, the lowest file, the mostly human mercenary bands that came for the legendary hordes of riches found in years past. Quite a few of the bands had an open place on their ranks, but most of them would have conflicting views with his own party members. There were dozens of these groups, almost as small as his own, that found a way to wedge themselves into the patrols and hunts.

If stuck, Caventh believed the faithful of Darras were the most obvious way to get permission to enter the Tower.  They would probably have to wait from two to three weeks on their own before being permitted to go into the Towers below...unless they could make some sort of arrangement.

Many stories have long been told of the Dark Tower as it has been a source of both legends and struggle for more than two hundred bloody years. soldiers first came to fight creatures that periodically emerged, then once the initial waves were pushed back, they mortals went inside, only to find more otherworldly creatures, which would eventually come back out in hordes. This up-down struggle kept on, as the mortals have never been able to find the primary portal to end the eternal dance. Students of the magical arts came here, some seemingly able to cast spells without effort, without losing the spell in their memory, but other times, in other places, lost spells or unable cast anything at all. Finders came with both of these, to find the unlost magic trinkets from other worlds. It was Bards that were favoured here in camp and in the tunnels, as songs were often heard in many of the rooms with no apparent musician or instrument. In camp, it was unlucky to refuse a favour. The musicians often called this place the Tower of Song. Clerics often came to the site, but many preferred to stay outside in the camps to care for the faithful instead of inside the Tower.

Rillo and Vassano go to the soldiers logs, where postings and messages were listed. This was where different groups were looking for servants or soldiers to join their ranks. None of them showed promise to get them closer to their goal  to enter the tunnels beneath the Dark Tower. Most were to run patrol or messages on the outside, not their preferred task. They gave up rather quickly, to have a few ales.

What next steps should the party take:

1. Investigate the tent of Darras for details on patrols? (DC 12)

2. Can the wizards gain any inkling into the area, tunnels or Tower? (DC 12 / 15 / 18)

3. Any weapons or equipment they can find that could be useful?  (DC 15)

4. Any other suggestions?


Tuesday 3 January 2017

Fuuls Running - Quick Adventure Path

Was going to run this at a local pop-up gaming session that fell through, so here it is.

My Pitch
Fools Running - Your team have been hired to find the Fool, a famous elven mascot, lost in a woodland maze. With rumours of undead, ravenous beasts and far worse haunting this local; is your team you hardy enough, brave enough or foolish enough to complete the fool's run? It was intended to be run as a Pathfinder Adventure for 7th level adventurers.

Background
The Maze is a hedge, maintained by the elves for holidays and other special events where they chase the Fool around in a drunken revelry. The Fool is a celebrated elven mascot, a small pink winged cat-like creature, (think Pokemon) that has multiple teleport jumps to elude hunters. Only the Fool can teleport into or around the Maze - those who capture it, are given a great feast and then release it before the next morning.

But something has gone horribly wrong, and teams have gone missing in the woods for the last month. After sending in multiple groups, the Elves have hired you all - brave and noble adventurers to find the Fool or at least, survive the maze and rescue anyone lost inside.

What`s Really Going On
A blood hag witch known as The Collector has captured the Fool and is trying to drain the creature of its magic. Should be the last action the team completes. Some of the other fey creatures

Rumours
For quick games like this, I don't bother with a specific listing of rumours. Instead, I generate them as players interact with the creatures in the maze, if they do charisma or knowledge checks on the monsters.

How to Run: Roll 2d6 for first encounter; then 2d8 and add to the last result for the second encounter, then 2d10 for all others. Regardless of what the team does, they will run into the Collector with 20-30 minutes left in the session.

No exact number of monsters for the listing - adjust to better enable the players to get past the threat

Fool's Wandering Monster
2. Glade of Moss and Flowers, with dozens of sleeping warriors, all standing around DC19 to realize they are cursed.
3. Very Large Wagon, too large to fit into the maze or go through it
4. Waterfall that begins from no where, flows into a small pond
5. 40 ft Ivory Stone Tower; DC 30 to climb,
6. Red Bee Swarm    CN, AC 15, Fly 40, HD 7 (35), F +5, R +3, W +5; Swarm (1d8 dmg, Fort 14 to avoid welts), Fly / Perception +11                                                
7. Brownie, NG, AC 17, Spd 20, HD 5 (20), F +4, R +8, W +6; +8 Stick (1d4+3), Spells: Dancing Lights, Confusion, Dimension Door, Mirror Image; Bluff, Escape, Perception +8, Stealth +20
8. Redcap goblin      CR 6 / PF 2 / NE
9. Zunnel (long haired fey) -   CN, AC 17, HD 11 (60), F +5, R +11, W +10, Resist 10 elemental, +9 Hair (1d6+5 / 15 ft reach), Spells as 9th lev bard, +12 diplomacy, Bluff, Perception +16, Perform +18, Stealth +12
10. Gremlins  HD 16, In +3, Spd 30, AC 16, +6 Bite 1d4; +5 claws 1d6, F +5, R +6, W +0, Escape, Perception +5, Stealth +8, Short Teleport (50 ft / 2 day)
11.  Living Topiary  - CR 4 / PF 4 / N
12. Vazenne Vines  - Zig-zag vines on trees, strong natural magic, plant know DC 13. Make Cha / Wis DC 17, to create one type of temp art or msg
13.  Scarecrow       AC 13, Init -1, HP 42, F +1 R +0 W +3, Scythe Atk +6 2d4          
14. Peryton      CR 4 / PF 2 / CE
15 Pit, 20 ft down, Ref DC 16                                              
16 Purple pseudodragon - Treat as normal, except add +10 to animal empathy rolls once a day         
17. Tin Man      AC 15, HP 35, Init +1, DR 1, F +1, R +2 W +1, +6 Axe (1d6+2), Survival / Perception +4, Align LN, Belief: Dwarves are dangerous, Hunters are very bad                                     18. Spider          N, AC 15, Climb 40, HD 5 (35), F +7, R +3, W +1; Bite +6 (1d8 +6 dmg, Fort 17 Poison dbl dmg), Climb +20                                      
19. Giant Walking Mushroom - Treat as Treeant; CR 8 / PF 1 / NG
20. Green Minotaurs    N, AC 15, HP 11, F +4, R +0, W +0, Spd 30, BAB +5 Heavy Axe (1d8+5), Horns 1d4+3, Survival / Perception / Handle Animal +5                                      

Collector - Blood Hag, AC 23, Init +10, AC 23, Touch 17, HP 90, F +6, R +14, W +11, DR 5 / cold, SR 19, Bite +18 (2d4+4), 2 X Claw +18 (1d6 +4+grab), Blood Drain (1d2 Con), Spells: inflict moderate wounds, scorching ray, spider climb, 3/day deep slumber, CMB +18, Acrobat +18, Bluff +16, intimidate +18,  Perception +18,stealth +18, (fiery form, mask evil)


Wednesday 28 December 2016

Aspect of Bacchus - Religious Figure of a Musical Deity

An Aspect is a religious figure - a living embodiment of one of the gods. They appear to serve both the living god and to be a boon to the faithful.  The idea comes from the D&D 3.5 Miniature Handbook, and I still use the equivalents for most of the gods in my world, except for a few where I've set them out like the figure for Bacchus below. 

Aspect of Bacchus      CR 10

CN Medium Outsider

Init +10 Senses Darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +25

DEFENSE

AC 24 touch 16, flat-footed 18 (+6 Dex, +8 natural)
hp 126hp (12d10+60 con)
Fort +13, Ref +14, Will +9
Defensive Abilities Damage Reduction 5/epic,  Immune to cold, electricity, paralysis, enchantment, necromancy, poison & sleep, Resist Acid & Fire 20, SR 21

 OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft. Flight 60 (A)
Melee +4 Mace-Lute+15  (1d10+11)
Ranged Weapon +18 Javelin (1d10+7)
Special Attacks  See Invisibility, Telepathy 1000 ft, Turn Undead (See Below)

 STATISTICS

Str 17, Dex 23, Con 20, Int 17, Wis 16, Cha 24

Base Atk +12 CMB +15 CMD 31

Feats Weapon Finesse, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Cleave, Power Attack 


Skills Balance +20, Bluff +24, Diplomacy +21, Perform (All) +21, Knowledge (Arcana) +18, Knowledge (History) +18, Knowledge (Nobility) +24, Perception +25, Sense Motive +20, Intimidate+20, Fly +20, Knowledge (Music) +30 

Other Gear  Multiple musical instruments


Languages Common, Dwarf, Elf, Faerie, Minotaur, Gamorec, Phaetox 

Environment Any land or urban (Often an obelisk or Temple or Music Site)
Organization  Solitary with 3-30 0 - 1st level entourage (No more than 1 aspect to a single god is ever in a 10,000 mile radius.)
Treasure Value  Triple
Advancement: By Character class (Bard)

Aspects are religious figures that are best understood as a living embodiment's of a divine ideal. While not actual gods but they do best represent an immortal representative and come to serve the faithful in the mortal planes. Most Aspects are heavily aligned to one of the alignment radials - Lawful, Chaotic, Good or Evil. They serve this radial and the deity equal.

The truest representative form of an Aspect of Bacchus is a ten-foot tall reveler, wearing a toga, sandals and a laurel of ivy in their hair. They often have a lute or other musical instrument on hand, as well as kegs of alcohol nearby. Most times in mortal planes, 
they appear as mortal size and either in the Bacchanalian attire or something more appropriate to their local religious followers. Most are followed by a throng of devotees that come to listen to the god-like music they play at virtually any occasion. Either they or their devotees splurge in an excess of celebrations – wine, music, games. An Aspect of Bacchus is always about imbibing to extremes.

The best way to influence a Bacchanalian is to play music. Beating a perform check of DC 25 will make the aspect neutral to you; a perform check vs a DC 30 will make them positive. Lower than 20 perform, and the aspect will treat you with disdain. Increase the DCs by 5 if the performer attempts to sing or any other non-instrument type of perform. (I use this rule generally, musicianship is associated with playing instruments, not other forms of entertaining.) 
Attempts to use magic to influence the music is seen as cheating and is disdained and rebuked by the faithful. So having a +5 musical instrument is okay, casting a spell to enhance your musicianship isn't kosher.

An Aspect of Bacchus has the Bardic abilities of a 12th level Bard (minimum.)

Intoxicating Voice: Any mortal that listens to an Bacchus Aspect sing or play music must make a DC 18 Will check or fall into a drunken stupor equivalent of being staggered. They are able to take a single move action or standard action each round (unable to take full round actions.) Dispel Magic or Purify Poison will purge the effect. An Aspect can activate or dispel this at will, usually by clapping his hands or laughing.


Turn Undead: Most Aspects represent living faiths, as such they turn as 20th level clerics in their home temples/obelisks. For a Bacchus Aspect they turn at 

between 15th-18th level in urban areas and between 8th-10th in all other spots. Regardless of location, they turn at their optimum at parties and fests with large groups of followers and revelers. They turn at the worst in dungeons or wild natural areas. 


Saturday 24 December 2016

Nutcracker

As my two little angels were decorating for the holidays, I thought this would be a good fit in my fey game setting.


Nutcracker

XP 1,200
NG Medium Construct
Init +7 Senses Darkvision 60, Low-light vision; Perception +6

 DEFENSE
AC 18 touch 13, flat-footed 15 (+3 Dex, +5 natural)
hp 47hp (5d10+20 size)
Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +2
Defensive Abilities    DR 5 /Adamantine,  Immune Construct Traits
 
 OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee Two-Handed Weapon +8 (1d12+4.5)
Special Attacks Trumpeting, Smash Object
Special Trait Learning
Space 5 ft   Reach 5 ft

 STATISTICS
Str 17, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 14
Base Atk +5 CMB +8 CMD 21
Skills: Perform (Dance, Percussion or String) +5
Languages Common, Elf, Dwarf
Gear Trumpet

 ECOLOGY
Environment  Any
Organization   Solitary or Troupe (7-12)
Treasure Value  None
Advancement: Unlimited

Trumpeting: A nutcracker has a magical trumpet that has a 10 mile radius. Any creature aligned with the nutcracker hears the blast and can respond if it is able. They can blast the trumpet no more than
three times a week.

Smash Object: A nutcracker is designed to defend their castle or other area.  If they are able to seize either a weapon or amour, their smash effect will destroy the item.  This effect can be dome twice a day but no more than once a day on any specific object

Learning: As a construct, nutcrackers should have no ability outside of their military prowess. However, nutcrackers often spend time around families, and pick up many skills suck as music, baking or dancing from interacting with their living. They have the same number of skill points as their HD.

A nutcracker is a construct designed to protect an area of importance, often home locations when armies are away.  They are assigned to areas in a castle and rarely leave.  Many times, living creatures form a bond to these constructs, and they form a very strong affection to those weaker then themselves, often children or fey which they can earn skills.

Unlike many other construct-types, Nutcrackers are unlimited in their HD. They can be built up to become any size HD, if their designer has the time and coins to do so.

Thursday 22 December 2016

Snow Cloakers aka Wrapping Deaths

Snow Cloakers (Wrapping Deaths)

Medium Size Aberration (Psionic)

Hit Dice: 5d8+5 (27 hp)
Initiative: +6
Speed: 10ft, Fly 40 ft (good)
AC: 18 (+6 natural, +2 Dex), touch 12, flat-footed 16
BAB / CMB / CMD: +3 / +7 / 19
Regular Attack: Tail slap +7 (1d6+5), Bite +3 (1d4+2)
REACH: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Attacks: Engulf, Psionics
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60
SAVES: Fort: +5 Ref: +5 Will: +7
Abilities: Str 19 Dex 14 Con 13 Int 10 Wis 13 Cha 9
Skills: Perception +12,  Move Silently +10, Knowledge (nature) +10, Survival: +10
Feats: Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Imp Initiative 
Climate: Any Cold Forest or Mountain
Organization: Mob (3-6), Flock (7-12)
CR: 6
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Lawful Evil

Advancement: 6 - 9 HD (Medium) or 10 - 16 HD (Large)

Out of nowhere, the land arises, moaning and comes flying toward you…

Smaller, faster and a more cunning version of the standard cloakers found in the underground. Most have white wings and light gray body, small eyespots cover it’s back. These creatures are highly intelligent and plot ambushes to minute details. They seek both victims to devour as well as treasure, magic and other items.

They live in small communities called flocks, with at least one higher HD leader. They can be hired or bribed by other evil Masters, looking for their services in trapping victims.

Combat
Snow Cloakers plan combat, and only attack when they believe they have superiority over their victims. They like areas that are close to civilized areas, but also in proximity to caves or valleys where they can use their flight ability to quickly escape. They begin by using psionics. Once their foes are disoriented at least half their numbers will swoop in, attempting to use their engulfing ability to smother anyone left standing. If their initial foray is not properly executed, many snow cloakers retreat. At heart, they are cowards, and will engage with foes only if they believe they have already won the battle.

Engulf: When Snow Cloakers make a grapple check, they wrap themselves around their victim smothering them into unconsciousness. They inflict 1d6 + (20- touch AC of their victim) each round. Any non-blunt attacks done on the cloaker will inflict ½ damage on the cloaker and ½ damage to the victim.

Psionics: Control Light, Deceleration, Distract, Dimension Door, Ectoplasmic Form, Id Insinuation, Chameleon, Recall Pain, Energy Ray (Cold 1d6, 40 ft, DC 15) DC: 15, PSPs: 25

Saturday 29 October 2016

Restless - Undead Template

In my game world, undead are very common as they spontaneously arise from any creature not properly buried or disposed of. This template is the base undead found everywhere, arising due to accident or carelessness, not specifically evil actions. 


Restless-Undead [Template]

This template can be added to any dead creature that arise from its corpse being improperly interred. The creature appears as it did during the time of death often wearing funeral dress or wrapped linen over some portion of their body. Their eyes have a dark hue that covers most of their face, and many times they have a distinct jerk in their movements, especially at the start.

These undead are similar to self-aware zombies, that struggle to eke out an existence in their undeath. Most reside in crypts or dungeons, uninterested in moving out of the location where they reside. 

Size and Type: Change type to Undead (d12), If originally 3 HD or less, the new creature now has 3 HD. Creatures over 5 HD, lose 2 HD.

Speed: Same as original creature.

Armor Class: Gains a natural armor bonus of +5, this replaces any natural armor bonus the creature may have had previously. If they wore armor when buried, they will most likely will still be wearing it.

Attack: If it was originally a beast, the restless gain an additional bite attack doing the same damage as when they were alive. If humanoid, they have two natural slam attacks. The Restless if they have over a modicum of intelligence (7 or higher) and have their weapons, may opt to continue to use this option.

Size               Slam Damage
Small                 1d4
Medium             1d6
Large                 1d8
Huge                  2d6

Special Attacks: They retain all the attacks they had in life and gain despair wail & restless fever.

Despair Wail (Su) All creatures within a 60-foot radius that hear a restless must make a Will save at DC 13 (+ 1 / HD). or be paralyzed by fear for 2d5 rounds. Whether or not the save is successful, that creature cannot be affected again by the same despair ability for 24 hours. This is a paralysis and a mind-affecting fear affect. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Restless Fever: touch; save Fort DC 14, onset time 1 minute; every 6 hours make another save.
Initial effect: 1d3 Constitution drain.
Ongoing Effect: Every six hours make another save to take another point of Constitution drain.
Save: 2 non-successive successful saves to prevent any additional loss. While the restless effect is happening, the victim cannot properly rest, only magical healing can help revive them. The save DC is Charisma-based. This can also be removed by two successive remove curse spells.

Skills and Feats: Undead of five intelligence or more maintain the skills and feats they had in life.

Game Focus
Most restless have at least faint memories of their lives before they were killed, but now they exist to try and satiate their endless hunger. Warrior types try to organize any other undead into small legions to protect their property. Former wizards most often are the weakest, as they do not automatically gain spells, have lost some intelligence, and do not have spell books. A few rogues lucky enough to have their equipment can prosper and gain access to buried wealth.

It seems only clerics, who are often buried with symbols of their devotion follow their previous path. If they were evil, they exist to gain power and followers at any cost. If previously good, their existence makes them go slightly mad, and spend their time in their lair, angry at the world. They are still not willing to do evil to others, but will lash out if others come to them. Though rare, sometimes they can be convinced to help the living in good causes within their dark dungeon lairs.

Restless know they are not alive and do not pretend to be. They are obsessed with death, symbols around it and keeping their small circle free from anything they disdain - such as the living.

Any Restless with at least a low intelligence will try to avoid the undead hunting Jackalla.

Special Qualities: An undead creature has the following features.

d8 Hit Die.
Base attack bonus equal to 3/4 total Hit Dice (medium progression).
Good Will Saves.
Skill points equal to 4 + Int modifier (minimum 1) per Hit Die. Many undead, however, are mindless and gain no skill points or feats. The following are class skills for undead: Climb, Disguise, Fly, Intimidate, Knowledge (arcana), Knowledge (religion), Perception, Sense Motive, Spellcraft, and Stealth.

Abilities: Adjust the base creature as follows: Str +4, Con --, Int -4, Wis +4, Dex --, Cha --. These undead lose some of the intelligence they had in life, but they gain in most other ways.

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   

Thursday 20 October 2016

Fuul or Fool - Small, pink furred winged elven cat

This is probably the fastest creature I have ever stated up. Got a chance to volunteer for a one-night event early next month, and this is the focus of the game... find the Fool!

Fuul CR6
N Small Fey
Init +8 Senses Low-light vision; Perception +9

 DEFENSE
AC 17 touch 15, flat-footed 13 (+4 Dex, +2 natural, +1 size)
hp 21hp (6d6+0 con)
Fort +2, Ref +9, Will +6
Misdirect Magic or Arrows, Resistance to Electricity 20

 OFFENSE
Speed 40 ft., Fly 20 ft.
Melee Bite +8 (1d3-1)
Special Attacks Evasion, Agility

 STATISTICS
Str 8, Dex 19, Con 10, Int 9, Wis 12, Cha 16
Base Atk +3 CMB +1 CMD 15
Feats Improved Initiative, Dodge, Mobility
Skills +20 Fly, +8 Perception, +5 Knowledge (local / nature), +12 Stealth, +5 Sense Motive
Languages  Fey or Elven (Understand and read, but cannot speak)

 ECOLOGY
Environment Forest, Spire or Dungeon
Organization Solitary, Pack (2-5)
Treasure Value Half Standard (gems, coins, keys)

A Fuul (usually mispronounced Fool) is a fey creature long beloved by Elves and other woodland creatures.  It appears as a small, pink furred, double tailed, winged cat. They form very strong attachments to those some who travel into the wilder parts of the forest. They are quite intelligent, and can understand words spoken or written in the lands around them but they cannot speak - they meow or purr.

Some are trained to act as the hunted foe in an Elven forest game, where the challengers must capture the fool using nets. It is difficult for the challengers to use magic against the Fuul as it can redirect any spell cast near it.

Combat

Misdirect Magic (Su): Twice a round, a Foul can misdirect any magic cast at or near it.  They usually redirect it at the caster, or safely away from other creatures. Their tails actually misdirect the spells, if the tails are cut off they lose this ability.

Agility (Su): A Fuul may act as if hasted for a number of rounds per day equal to their Charisma modifier. This ability can be activated or suppressed as a free action.










(Pikachu...I see you!!!)

Thursday 13 October 2016

Doposylla - Green Skinned Slug Disc-Flying, Exo-Biologist-Scientist with Bodily Upgrades / Discoveries

My games are inherently fantasy. I like most of the tropes - elves, fairies, dragons and knights among many others. While I also love sci-fi movies and TV, I generally don't mix the two. The Doposylla is one of the few variations to this rule, as they are aliens flying around on small personal saucers, shooting energy rays and doing augmentations to other creatures. They are seen as kooky and untrustworthy but worthwhile for many races looking for body modifications for their underlings, in particular, their evil masters. The Doposylla are obsessed with body changes and care little for ethics or the health of their subjects. They are heavily inspired by Sil, the alien species from classic Doctor Who.

Doposylla

CN Small Aberation
Init +4 Senses Perception +5

 DEFENSE
AC 16 touch 14, flat-footed 12 (+4 Dex, +2 natural) 
hp 22hp (3d8+9 con)
Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +4

 OFFENSE
Speed 10 ft., Fly 20 ft. (E)
Melee Dagger +3 (1d4+1) 
Ranged +6 Electrical Ray  (Touch Attack)

 STATISTICS
Str 13 (7), Dex 19 (11), Con 17 (10), Int 15, Wis 12, Cha 11  *Unadjusted Scores
Base Atk +2 CMB +3 CMD 17
Feats Weapon Finesse, Iron Will
Skills +5 Perception, +6 Knowledge (Magic or Genetics), +6 Spell Craft, Fly +12
Languages Giant, Dragon, Planar Trade

 ECOLOGY
Environment     Spirelands or Astral Islands or Large Cities 
Organization     Solitary, pair, or syndicate (3–6) 
Treasure Value  Double
Items: Adult Doposylla at 3 HD or higher have a Personal Flying Disc

The Doposylla are infamous small sized, green scaled slugs well known for the abilities to enhance creatures, either by creating cross-breed or boosting beasts. While they are often sought out by evil creatures looking to utilize their unique skills. But they are not evil just self absorbed, focused on doing their experiments. Three foot tall, dark -green overweight, slug-like humanoids with small horns, small arms and no legs.  Their skin has many abrasions, cuts as they show signs of multiple incisions from operations, a majority of the injuries are self-inflicted.  Most live on a personal flying device, equivalent to a Magic Disc or have large creatures (ogres) to ferry them around on their backs as man-servants. 

Originally found in an Outer Plane, as a traveling people around the Great Circle. The rumors have it that their world was invaded by the domineering Hasick Devil-kin and they were put to hard laborious work.  Unsuited for typical physical slave labour, one of the few areas they excelled in was medical augmentations that eventually lead them to perform operations to enhance the Master's war slaves.  Legends speak of them eventually escaping by cutting their own legs to make a permanent connection with their personal travelling device.  Whatever factions made these deals no longer mention it and the Doposylla never reveal anything about their own past. 

Most Doposylla are not actually spell casters, but they have learned to use spell components to mimic spells in order to upgrade their target's physical attributes or create temporary boons. They can do this no more than the recipient's natural constitution bonus (i.e. 17 Con = 3 times.) If a recipient wants a repeat, it will be considered duplication in terms of cost. Prices: 4,000 gold piece for 1 adj; 10.000 for the second adjustment; 16000 for the third, etc. Half of the cost is for components. It takes one day per the level of adjustment to prepare the medicine and just as long to recover after the treatment is completed.

Very rarely a young (1 or 2 HD) Doposylla are found, they are incapable of movement, residing in vats of liquid, observing its species and learning. They are fed, but there is little other emotional connection, Doposylla who are strong enough to climb out of the vats, begin working on their first motion machine (usually a disc), once it's completed they are accepted into the community. There is always competition between the infantile slugs, and some of the adults enjoy it when one youth physically maims another one.

Many Doposylla have odd senses of humour and love to test their subjects not just physically but emotionally as well. They are open to working with almost anyone that is willing to experiment on themselves but even more important that are willing to pay them their fees. 

Personal Flying Disc - Four foot wide flat disc, that the Doposylla use for travel. The Disc has Flying rating E (Perfect) and speed of 20. It can hold no more than 50 pounds of weight more the Doposylla. A small ray gun or discharge device is attached to the front of the disc. Alternatively, some will have a small flexible grapple hand, that has a 10 ft reach, but can hold things less than 40 pounds. It radiates a small force field, adding +6 on the Doposylla's AC. It cannot fly higher than 5 feet of the ground. Some Dopo upgrade their flying disc with their feats, increasing speed, flying height, force field, grapplers, capacity, etc. They do not sell or make these devices for other beings.

Discharge Device - They have a small electrical ray device, which can shoot a ray out to 50 ft directly in front of them. This is a touch attack. This does 1d6 base electrical damage every round. Some Dopo upgrade their ray gun with their feats.

HD Advancement Table: +7 skill points per level, feats every second level, (+2) ability increases every three HD levels, +1 AC bonus every level (when on their disc.)

Typical Skill Selection: Knowledge (Any),  Appraise, Bluff, Diplomacy, Disable Device, Fly, Perception, Survival, Use Magic Device

4 HD - Discovery 
5 HD - Improve Ray (Touch Attack, Electrical Discharge 1d8)
6 HD - Discovery
7 HD - Anesthesia 
8 HD - Discovery
9 HD - Improve Ray (Touch Attack, Electrical Discharge 1d10, or 2 attacks at 1d6)
10 HD - Discovery 
11 HD - Improve Ray (Touch Attack, Electrical Discharge 2d8, or 2 attacks at 1d10)
12 HD - Discovery 
+1 HD - Gain New Discovery for every two new HD, Gain an extra electrical discharge at lowest dmg rate every two new HD

This advancement table is the standard way for Doposylla to advance, a rare few advance by taking sorcerer levels. If they don't advance in their Doposylla HD levels, they do not gain new discoveries.

Anesthesia - Can inject apart of their own blood, to provide relief from pain, it dulls the recipient`s senses so that hit point loss is postponed off until the medicine wears off (HD * constitution bonus in number of days.) Most often, they will be in a resting bed and the Doposylla will allow the recipient to heal naturally. The recipient must make a Will DC roll to determine the hit point affect. The Doposylla usually charge 500 gp for this service. The Doposylla can do this any number of times a day, as long as they have the serum ready, which takes 1d3 days to prepare 1d6 doses.
Will DC 13 for 1 HP/ HD up to 5th HD
Will DC 16 for 2 HP/ HD up to 12th HD
Will DC 20 for 3 HP/ HD up to 18th HD
Will DC 25 for 4 HP/ HD up to 15th HD
Will DC 30 for 6 HP/ HD up to 20th HD+
+1 HP / level for every +5 DC beaten

Discovery - A Doposylla finds their own technique for completing a physical upgrade to a body. The assumption is that they need to have done this on themselves. 

Typical Discoveries:
Temporary Attribute Boost: Add +5 to any attribute score for 2d10 days 

Increase Natural AC - Add +1 to recipient's natural AC

Increase Natural Damage - Increase damage to the next highest dice for a natural weapon, such as claw, bite, etc

Increase Natural Speed - Increase land speed by 10; -2 on all other movement skill checks (climb, fly, etc)

Secrete Base Poison - The creature gets a poison that secretes from their blood. The poison does -2 constitution damage (-4 dmg on a sneak attack or critical) if injected. The save is Dc 10 + HD + Constitution bonus. This is the base Doposylla poison.

Concentrate poison - Add +2 on saving throws for a creature's own natural poisons

Greater Poison - Add +5 on saving throws for a creature's own natural poisons

Feral Bonus- recipient loses 1d3 on intelligence score but gains 1d4 on a physical attribute 

Replacement organs - Gain as needed replacement body parts or organs, these do not need to be attached immediately. (Heart, Lungs, Kidneys, Eyes are the typical ones created.)

Lesser wings - Creature gains wings, (Flight 20, maneuverability: Poor –4 on fly skill checks, 5 minute / level)

Upgrade wings - Creature gains an improvement in their wings, Flight 30,  maneuverability: Average +0 on fly skill checks, Flight time 10 min / HD 

Small Horns - These small black horns confer +2 on the heads AC, and +4 on stun checks

Larger Horns -These medium sized black horns confer +6 on the heads AC, +4 on intimidation checks and immune to stun checks; upgrade from sharp horns

Tail: Give a recipient a five foot long tail, adding +4 on balance checks.

Sharpened Tail: This upgrade makes the tail much stronger, adding +8 on balance checks and an attack as a primary weapon doing 1d4 dmg (18-20/ X 3 dmg) to creatures behind them.

Lesser Tentacle: The creature gains a prehensile, arm-length tentacle on his body. The tentacle is fully under his control and cannot be concealed except with magic or bulky clothing. The tentacle enables a tentacle attack to creatures within five foot radius (1d6 damage for a Medium alchemist, 1d3 damage for a Small one) with the grab ability. Those with a tentacle use it as a free attack, it does not count on their normal maximum number of allowable attacks per round.

Upgraded Tentacle: With this upgrade, this tentacle enables a tentacle attack as per their primary attack roll (+2) to seize creatures in a 10 foot radius. (1d10 damage for a Large Tail, 1d8 for a Medium Tail and 1d6 damage for a Small one) with the grab ability. Those with a tentacle use it as a free attack, it does not count on their normal maximum number of allowable attacks per round.

Wednesday 5 October 2016

Chund - Blind, Small Sized Blind Eyeballs with a never ending hunger

I use these as a swarm creature. If the PCs are able to do mass damage, they can scare these buggers away in the general swarm type rules. Many of my evil masterminds seem to keep one or more of these in glass cages as specimens / pets.

 Ch'und

Small-size Aberration
Hit Dice: 3d8+3(15 hp)  or 90 hp
Initiative: +2 (Dex)
Speed: Fly 40 ft.(good)
AC: 16 (+2, Dex,+4 natural)
Single Attack Bite + 4 melee / Swarm Attack *
Single Dmg Bite 1d6+1 / Swarm Damage 4d6
SA Individuals have Improved grab (bite damage every round)
SQ Scent, Night Vision, Immune to necromantic attacks or energy
Saves Fort+4,Ref+18,Will+2
Abilities Str 13,Dex 15, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 8, Cha 5
Skills Fly +12, Perception +6, Survival +8
Feats: None
Climate/Terrain: Underground
Organization: Pod (7-12)
Challenge Rating: 5 or (treat as 6 HD if more than 9 are present)
Treasure: Half
Alignment: Usually neutral evil
Advancement Range: 3 or 4 HD

Chund are a two foot round cylindrical bodies that float in dungeons with long tails resembling stalks that droop down almost touching the floor. They have a single large black splotch in the center of their mouth, which falsely resembles an eye. While they cannot see, they have an incredible sense of smell, able to track living creatures in order to hunt them down.

They try to eat nearly anything that moves near them with a scent. Their lair is below ground, close to openings. 

These beasts cannot be reasoned with, and it is very hard to safely approach them, as they want to feed on virtually anything. Some evil masters use them in protecting lairs, often try to team them up with other beasts that wouldn't set off their hunger pangs, such as undead or constructs.

Tuesday 20 September 2016

Fey Forest Wandering Events Table

Fey Forest Wandering Monster Table

This table lists many of the most common creatures and situations found in a mortal forest that borders fey lands. Use it to generate random wandering monsters or ideas about what characters can find in this situation but my general rule is if you want something specific then use it and don't bother with rolling on the WMT.


Fey Domain

What would a fey domain be like? In an environment where everything can charm you or trick you by using illusions, you just can't run away or try to attack it, well you could, but you won't find it an easy way to overcome your challenges. The inhabitants are smart and have magical abilities, and unlike in places of evil, they are much more likely to have allies around the corner, not someone willing to hide you or can be paid off. Yes, be careful, but there are many wonders and magical situations that can throw you for a loop and your logic may not help you. So - what do you need to do? Stay on the inhabitants good side, be entertaining, bribe them with food or drink, speak with them, drink with them, tell them stories and have lots of trinkets that you can give away when they catch someone's eye.

Most faerie communities are much like human ones, there are places to eat, drink, have a party, & trade but for most citizens the danger is in etiquette not in direct physical threats. Communities are made up of groups of like minded friends and allies,  not caring the purpose or alignment of strangers, as long as they obey and are there to have fun. Fey care little for official rules but tradition means much more to them, which is why these magical beings can easily ignore alignment of their fellow fae, as long as they follow protocol. Everyone knows what is and is not acceptable and as long as they stick to the unstated traditions they are mostly fine with their kin. And even if they don't follow tradition, they know not to get caught and are not seen in their community after breaking any of the rules.

Fey in my worlds will usually know the bad reputations and alignments of their kin, but they rarely care. Action and not belief is how they judge their kin, so even if a leprechaun has stolen from you, you probably deserved it. Witches are very common and are tolerated, because they don't generally cause problems in the fairy-lands to the faeries. If someone has caused problems in the human or forest lands, only if the directly wronged party comes and asks for retribution can anything happen.

When they do break the traditions or laws of outsiders there are a number of ways to make amends. One is to reverse the actions, that caused the problem. Another method is to bribe the wronged party for them to keep quiet. Unlike in many humanoid society, doing additional actions will not make the problem disappear as the faerie will not look the other way. In most cases who you kill is less important then why, but for the outsiders they rarely fathom this until too late.

Unlike in many other places, magic is open and freely utilized. Fey have no compunction about using it for their purpose, illusions and charms are used by many to trick both native and visitor. Other fey
believe that this is fine, as long as the person either is not harmed or deserved it. Tricking a visitor for fun is acceptable, but not to cruelly torment them if they have done nothing to provoke it.

One of the biggest differences in how I run these stories is that the Feylands are both a specific location and not. There is a mystical domain that most fey can access and where most reside. Unlike other non-worldly places it is not wholly separate from mortal lands. Humans, may have walked under a bridge or through a door a hundred times, yet the next time they might find themselves in the feylands because of the time or date or other magic in the air. Elves and other fey allies understand these symbiotic place-links, and do their best to shield their homes from these accidental fey-portals but some other mortals get lost here and never make their way out.

Occupations

Instead of organizing the inhabitants into classes, I've use occupations for the fey inhabitants. This gives you the chance to pick the classes (if you want) for the different peoples of the region.  Also, use whatever classes as you see fit that fit into the occupation listing, not just those in the PHB.

Standard Occupations: Arcanist (A), Craftsman (C), Entertainer (E), Enforcers (F), Merchant (M), Woodsman (W), Guide (G), Pilgrim (P), Spy (S),  A, C, E, F, G, M, P, S, or W

Arcanist - student of arcane lore, Wizard or Sorcerer types. Come to study and practice their crafts.
Crafter - practitioners of physical crafting, all races practice but few are Masters. Any class. Most want to trade, goods for coin.
Enforcer - Hands-on followers, pledge physical action, Fighter, barbarian types
Entertainer - Bards or rogues both official or unofficial practice
Guide - Experts, often of illegal arts and practices,  Bard, Cleric Ranger, Rogue, or Wizard
Merchant - Student of mercantile arts, Anyone
Pilgrim - Follower of godly powers, Often cleric, druids or monks. Looking for followers and gifts.
Spy - Practitioners of illegal arts and practices, Bard, Ranger, Rogue,  Monk
Woodsman - familiar with older, wilder arts, barbarian, druid or ranger


Level and HD adjustment Rules
X% +1: First number zero adjustment, each percentage will be +X higher HD
Usually, use their CR number as the percentage calculator (2 HD = 20%; CR 5 = 50%, etc)

CR 2 (20% ±1: Roll 01-20 no adjustment, 21-40% +1 HD; 41-60% +2, etc)
CR 5 (30% ±2: Roll 01-30 no adjustment, 31-60% +1 HD; 61-90% +2, etc)

If the listed encounters do not have a HD adjustment number, use base HD.

Encounters

My default is every two hours when traveling in standard populated areas, you can a check. If the party is taking action that may increase the likelihood of an encounter, roll more often. Likewise, if the party is being slower and more careful, decrease the rates - I usually go as low as once every 6 hours during the day. At night, I do two standard checks for most locations, three checks if it is a high population. When there's a chance you might have an encounter, roll the WMT if you have nothing specifically planned or insert as you want.

Chance of running into something: 5 / 20 or a 25% chance. Each time you don't encounter something, add +1 to the next roll. (6/20 on the second roll, 7/20 on the third roll, etc.) When you roll an event, subtract three from the current counter, until the number reaches or falls below 5, then start with that base roll once more. Note there are times, if the encounter isn`t substantial / unusual, I will gloss over it, as apart of the narrative time-skip.

As a side note, I use this current variance allowance in the next situation or environment. For example, if the Heroes are travelling to the Cur of Xennik through the Jorre Forest, and had reached a 9 / 20 chance, I would then add the +4 on their next encounter roll when required at the Cur.

Note that many of these creatures and not just the faeries are good aligned. If the party doesn`t represent a threat, you can speed through the encounter, unless the group wants to interact in order to ask specific questions.

Base List
1 Barometz.                    CR 15 / PF 4/ N Gigantic Plant Protector
2 Charity and Hopes       CR 10 / Mine / NG  - Heavy woman with wondrous music and magic
3 Catfolk Patrol              CR 4 (2d6; ±50%, +3)
4. Moon Dog                  CR 9 / PF 5 / NG
5. Blood Hag                  CR 8  / PF 5 / NE Ghastly pale evil spell using witch
6. Leechroot                   CR 4 / PF 5 / NE - Evil plant
7. Oxylla                         CR 5 / Mine / N   Silver skinned humanoid with sharp tail
8. Maenned                     CR 8 / PF 4/ CE   Savage female humanoid often covered in blood
9. Annis                          CR 8 / Mine / NE
10. Location Seed: Stone Circle or Butcher
11. Faerie: Nixie, (12+2d6), HD 1, Align: NG, All Roles
12. Fossegrim                 CR 4 / PF 4 / NE   Fay from the falls
13 Graeae                       CR 5 / PF 4 / NE    Evil Hag spellcaster
14. Vottinna                    CR 4 / Mine / NE  - Blue Monk like humanoid that can drain magic
15. Huldra                      CR 4 / PF 4 / CN - Fey, wood liney female with fix tale
16. Ijaraq.                       CR 11 / PF 4 / CN - Fey, wears wrappings with head of caribour skull
17. Prickett                     CR 6 / Mine / NG  - Antler Headed Fey Humanoid,
18. Leaf-Kin (2d4), 40% ±1, Roles: C, F, G, S, P or W
19. Lampad                    CR 5 / PF 4 / CN - Fey, Moody Nymphs
20. Location Seed: Vazenne Vines or Obelisk, (40 % Undedicated, 40% Mathai, 20% Beast) **
21. Closed off pathway (Trip slows to 10% speed) or Small Pond
22. Faerie: Korred, (6+d6, 50% ±1), HD 4, Align: CN,
23. Living Topiary         CR 4 / PF 4 / N - Green, leafy bramble with the rough shape of an animal
24. Nightgaunt               CR 4 / PF 4 / N - No face, black body, batlike wings with long prehensile tail
25. Tanuki                      CR 4/ PF 4 / CN - Short, racoonlike humanoid usually drunk
26. Pard                          CR 3/ PF 4 / CN - Bright cheetah
27. Tengu Group (6+1d6; ±90%, +4), Align: N, All Roles
28. Pooka                       CR 2 / PF 4 / CN - Long eared mischevious rabbit
29. Iron Salamander       CR 6 / Mine / NE
30. Location Seed: River Bridge or Guide Post
31. Swan Maiden             CR 6 / PF 4 / CG - Females that can transform into swans
32. Quillian Partol, (1d6+6; ±80%, +2) HD 2 **, Align: NG, All Roles - Humanoid Purcupines
33. Faerie: Brownie, (10+2d6, ±70%, +3), HD 1, Align: NG, All Roles
34. Gripli Hunters (6+2d6; ±80%, +2); HD 1+, Align: NG, All Roles
35. Tame Harpy              CR 6 / Mine / N - Armless Good Harpy with wings, love music
36. Psider                        CR 4 / Mine / NE - Psionic using crafty spider
37. Derhii                        CR 5 / PF 4 / N - Winged apes
38. Faun, (5 + 2d6; ±80%, +3), HD 1+, Align: Any G
39. Roadside Location (see below)        
40. Location Seed: Duelling Circle or  Musical Bandstand
41. Twigjack                   CR 3 / PF 4 / N  **  Tiny humanoid composed of wound sticks
42. Satyr                         CR 4 / PF 1 / N
43. Kech                         CR 3 / PF 3 / NE       Hairless savage primate
44. Faerie: Leprechaun; (2d4  ±80%, +2); HD 2, Align: CN, All Roles
45. Kabhandha               CR 9 / PF 5 / LN - Large headless giant with face in stomach
46. Amphisbema            CR 4 / PF 2 / N - 2 headed snake
47. Sabosan                     CR 5 / PF 3 / NE   Batlike Humanoid, covered in fur
48. Vined Soldier            CR 4 / Mine / N - Fallen soldiers reincarnated by druidic magic
49. Owlbear.                    CR 4 / PF 1 / N
50. Location Seed: Hedge Maze or  Rising Tower
51. Vanara Tribe (12+1d12; ±50%, +3)             Monkey humanoids with prehensile tails
52. Troll                           CR 5 / Mine / NE
53.  Ferrassil                    CR 4 / Mine / N         Green Furred Forest Minotaur  
54. Jungle Drake              CR 6 / PF 5 / NE       Lesser Forest Dragon
55. Faerie: Grig (30+1d20), HD 1, Align: N (G), Non-Combat Roles
56. Aranea.                       CR 4 / PF 2 / N
57. Ogre.                           CR 3 / PF 1 / CE
58. Redcap                        CR 6 / PF 2 / NE       Savage fey that carries a big knife and wears red cap
59. Luminal Sprite            CR 2 / PF 5 / CN  (12+1d12; ±50%, +1) Beautiful tiny fey
60. Abandoned Location (40% Roll on Sites List Below, 40% Tower, 20% Bridge)  ***
61 - 63. Undead: Banshee, Dullahan, Gravebound, Totenmaske, Ghost, Ghoul, Shadow, Carcass ***
63. Shimmerling Swarm.CR 8; four inch tall winged fey with dazzling display
64. Leucretta                     CR 5 / PF 2 / CE
65. Lurker in Light            CR 5 / PF 4 / NE  (Day) or Mngwa   CR 7 / PF 5 / CE (Night)
66. Faerie: Pixie (5d6), HD 4; ±80%, +2, Align: NG, Non-Combat Roles
67. Sylph Followers (1d6; ±50%, +3)
68. Quickling                     CR 3 / PF 2 / CE
69. Peryton                         CR 4 / PF 2 / CE
70. Location Seed: Huntsman Kennels or Roadside Crypt
71. Scarecrow                     CR 4 / Mine / LN
72. Lizardith (1d6+6) Align: Any, All Roles
73. Spriggan                        CR 3 / PF 2 / CE
74. Kitsune Watchers (1d12; ±50%, +3)
75. Ankheg                          CR 3 / PF 1 / N
76. Assassin Vine                CR 3 / PF 1 / N
77. Faerie: Sprite (3d6), HD 1, Align: N (G), Non-Combat Roles
78. Dire Beast (Bear, Boar, Worg, Wolf) CR 7  / PF 1 / N
79. Doppelganger                 CR 3 / PF 1 / NE
80. Location Seed: Tent of Miracles or Hanging Grounds
81. Dryad                              CR 3  / PF 1 / N
82. Ettercaps                         CR 3  / PF 1 / NE
83. Firbolg                            CR 4 / PF 5 / N
84. Girallon                          CR 6 / PF 1 / N
85. Lamia                             CR 5 / PF 5 / CE
86. Tin Man                         CR 4 / Mine / N
87. Merchant Caravan, (20 + 1d20; ±80%, +2), Races: Any M, Supplies: local
88. Faerie: Nymph (1d6), HD 7, Align: CG, All non-combat roles
89. Aurumvorax                   CR 9 / PF 2 / N
90. Location Seed: Mound of Mystery or Untraining Grounds
91. Shambling Mound          CR 6 / PF 1 / N
92. Kirin (Pink) Unicorn      CR 7 /PF 1/ CG
93. Grey Render                   CR 8 / PF 1 / N
94. Mongrelman Watch (2d4; ±50%, +2)
95. Shadow Collector           CR 8 / PF 5 / CN  Youthful, small fey that steals shadows
96. Treeant                            CR 8 / PF 1 / NG
97. Corpse Lotus                   CR 13 / PF 5 / N - Huge Plant
98. Leanan Sidhe                  CR 9 / PF 4 / CN   Regal female fey with powerful artistic powers
99. Faerie: Atomie (6d10), HD 1, Align: NG, All non-combat roles
00. DM'S Choice (I usually go with Rainbow Teleportation Portal)


Typical Races - The only difference between a race and a monster is do they establish a settlements, if they do have permanent homes, then there`s trade, patrols, a society - they are a race.

Cat-Kin  CR 1 Humanoid Catfolk, All Align; Roles: A, C, E, F, M, G, P, S, or W
Caligni Dark-Kin, Any Role, Evil Alignment
Chaneque CR 1. Small bat humanoid, Evil Align, F, G, P, S, or W
Changeling CR 1. Humanoid that can change appearance, Usually Neutral;  A, E, M, G, P, S, or W
Charr. CR 1. Ritual scarred humanoid Often chaotic neutral; C, E, F, M, G, P, S, or W
Clockwork CR 2 Metal machine life, Lawful C, F, G, S, or W
Corlth. CR 3 Thin, Grey-skinned psion using humanoids, Non-Evil; C, E, F, M, G, P, S, or W
Fetchling CR 1 Gaunt, shadowy evil humanoid A, F, M, G, P, S
Forlarren CR 1 Grey skinned, Horned evil fey. A, C, E, F, M, G, P, S, or W
Gripli CR 1 Tree-dwelling frog humanoid; Usually Neutral; G, P, S, or W
Gathlain. CR 1. Small sized winged & can fly; Usually Good; C, E, F, M, G, P, S, or W
Ghoran CR 1 Plant Humanoid, Neutral, C, E, G, M, P, S, or W
Jackalla CR 5 Jackal Faced Humanoid, Hunt Undead; Strongly Lawful;  C, E, G, P & S
Kami  CR 1 Small Plant Humanoid; Usually Neutral; C, F, P, S, or W
Leshy CR 1-4 Small Sentient Plant; Never Evil; W, G, P or S
Kitsune CR 1 Fox humanoid that can change; Usually Neutral; C, E, F, M, G, P, S, or W
Mercane CR 5 Large sized, Blue Skinned merchant traders; Usually Lawful; A, M, P or C
Mongrelman CR 1 amalgam race of loners; Usually Neutral; C, F, M, G, P, S
Reptoid CR 3 Humanoid Reptiles that hide as humans, Often Evil; G, S
Samsaran CR 1 Grey skinned returned from death; Usually Neutral; A, F, M, G, P, S, or W
Sasquatch CR 2 Red Furred Savage Humanoid; Usually Neutral;  F, M, S, or W
Shabti CR3 Blue Humanoid returned from the death; Any non-good; A, G, P, S or W
Skulk CR 1. Invisible, evil, usually lazy humanoids; Any Evil;  C, F, G, P, S, or W
Sylph CR 1 Thin, pale winged lady; Usually Good; C, E, F, M, G, P, S, or W
Tengu CR 1 Black Feathered Avian Humanoid; Usually Neutral; A, C, E, F, M, G, P, S, or W
Vanara CR 1 Monkey Humanoid; Usually Neutral; A, C, E, F, M, G, P, S, or W

   No Dwarf, Elf, Or Halfling appear on this list - use with extreme caution


Sites - Mentioned Races and numbers are just suggestions. Found either in both fey and mortal lands, or bordering them.  There should be no major locations such as Temples or Major Towers, as these should be planned locations sites, not random events.

2. Butchery (4+2d4, HD 3; ±25%, +2), Align Chaotic, Roles C, M or W
3. Duelling Circle (8+2d6, HD 2 ;±45%, +2) Align: Mostly Lawful, Roles F, G, M, P, S
4. Guide Post, (6+d6), HD 2 +, Align: Mostly Lawful, All Roles
5. Hedge Maze (10 + 1d10), Align Lawful, Race Any (Tengu 3-6; ±25%, +2)
6. Hunting Party (6+1d12), Align Any, Race: Any W Race
7. Huntsman Kennels, (5 + 2d10), HD 2+, Align: Any, Any W Race
8. Hanging Grounds, (0 + 6d10), HD 2+, Align Lawful (Jackalla, 5-8, HD 3; ±25%, +2)
9. Mercane - Oddities (1d3 plus 2d6 other) - heavy fortified, Any F
10 Merchant Caravan, (20 + 1d20), Races: Any M, Supplies: local
11. Mound of Mystery - Place of divine bindings, Races: Any
12. Musical Bandstand, (25 + 2d10), HD 2+, Align: N, All Roles
13. Obelisk, Undedicated, (3d6), HD 3, Races Any P (Catfolk, 3-10; ±25%, +2)
14 Rising Tower, (1d6+6) Align: Any, 50% Arcanist; 50% All Other Roles
15 River Bridge - meeting for legal faerie affairs; (0 or 6d10), Any three faerie races
16 Roadside Crypt (Samsaran, 2-4; ±25%, +2)
17 Stone Circle - Fest Spot, 10d10; 2d4 faerie races
18 Tent of Miracles, temporary, (20+5d10), Any non-chaotic, Any Pilgrim
19 Trading Tent (20 + 1d20); Race: Any M, Align Any
20 Tinkerers Repair Wagon, (2d12), Races: Any C, Supplies: Any (Gnome 2-4; ±25%, +2)
21 Travelling Party (10+1d10), HD: 2+, Roll Any Race or Purpose
22 Untraining Grounds (3+2d10; G), HD: 2+, Roll Any Race (3-6 Vanara; ±60%, +5)
23 Vazenne* Vines, (5+2d10), HD: 2+, Any W or Portal Race (Tenderfoot 11-16; ±25%, +2)
24 Wild Orchard, Races: Any M, (Kami 2d6 ±60%, +2), Product: local

*think of Vazenne as linear zig-zag vines, that blossom when creatures of 15+ charisma touch them, and last for a few hours.  

Friday 9 September 2016

Underground Tunnels (Wandering Monster Tables)


Far beneath much of the snowy lands on Nyssa, is a wide geography of tunnels where huge swaths of civil and uncivil races reside. They fight, plunder or hunt, looking for lost magic, treasure and weapons - trying to gain an edge before another group does them in. Just as often it is adventurers from above, as monsters from below. Allies can be made, but assume most things you meet will try to kill you.

Many non-adventures assume everything is controlled by the Lizardith or Lizard men city-nations. 
While they certainly have the largest individual mass, and the most numbers, they tear each other apart just as quick as attack strangers from anywhere. 

Monsters are found in the Pathfinder Monster books I - V, as well as my own beasties, some  left overs from 3.5 edition and other books.

In most dungeons I do an approximate 50-50% breakdown of set creatures and wandering monsters. 
For example in Rooms A, C, E, & F there may be known creatures or situations that the party will most likely interact with. In the other places - Rooms B, D, G - I roll a wandering monster check. Then anytime the party makes significant noise, rests, disturbs the area, etc roll the +/- chance as normal.

Base Chance: 3 / 20 base likelihood.  Add +1 for every missed opportunity. After a hit, reduce by half but never lower than base. 

Otherwise, use the table as you see fit. 

Underground Wandering Monster Table

1. Adult White Dragon               CR 10 PF 1 
2. Omox                                      CR 12 PF 3
3. Neothelid                                CR 15 PF 1   
4. Roper                                      CR 12 PF 1
5. Cave In     (25% something in the debris is useful)
6. Azruverda                               CR 13 PF 2
7. Gorazagh                                CR 13 PF 2
8. Mihstu                                     CR 8  PF 3
9. Vemerak                                  CR 14 PF 3
10. Giant                                     CR 10 PF 1
11. Destrachun                            CR 8   PF 3
12. Deathtrap Ooze                     CR 8   PF 2
13. Caulborn                               CR 7   PF 2
14. Chaos Beast                          CR 7   PF 3
15. Statue     (# 2d4; Reroll to Monster or Humanoid Type)                   
16. Gug                                      CR 10 PF 3
17. Black Pudding                      CR 7  PF 1
18. Civilized Contact (See Subrace Table Below)
19. Shard Slag                            CR 8 PF 4
21. Dire Bear                              CR 7 PF 1
22. Cerebrc Fungus                    CR 3 PF 2
23. Brain Ooze                            CR 7 PF 2
24. Disenchanter Snake              CR 3 PF 2
25. Abandoned Campsite (25% something in the debris is useful)
26. Myceloid                                CR 4 PF 2
27. Adherer.                                 CR 3 PF 2
28. Ascomid                                 CR 5 PF 2
29. Diplomatic (See Subrace Table Below)
30. Belker                                     CR 6 PF 3
31 Amphisbema                           CR 4 PF 3
32 Blood Hag                               CR 8 PF 4
33 Blindheim                               CR 2 PF 3
34 Iron Salamander                      CR 5 PF 1    
35 Stalactites # 2-16 (Reroll to determine if anything is hiding, DMs discretion if not usable)
36 Crysmal                                  CR 3 PF 3
37 Dark Ones                               CR 2+ PF 3
38 Decampus                               CR 4 PF 3
39. Magma Elemental                 CR V PF 3
40. Mud Elemental                      CR V PF 3
41. Faceless Stalker                     CR 4 PF 3
42 Fungal Crawler                       CR 3 PF 3
43. Tarantula Giant                      CR 8 PF 3
44 Grick                                       CR 3 PF 3
45 Pit (see below)
46. Ogre                                        CR 3 PF 1
47. Pech                                        CR 3 PF 3
48. Phycomid                                CR 4 PF 3
49. Sandman                                 CR 3 PF 3   
50 - 51. Patrol (See Subrace Table Below)
52. Seagathi                                  CR 5 PF 3   
53. Slithering Tracker                   CR 4 PF 3        
54. Slur                                         CR 2 PF 3
55. Petrified Mushrooms # 2-16 (Reroll to determine if anything is hiding, DMs discretion if useful)
56. Rock Troll                               CR 4 PF 3  
57. Buggane                                  CR 5 PF 4
58. Beholder, Lesser Nyssian       CR 6  (Six eyes)
59. Fungal Beast                           CR 4 PF 4
60. Graeae                                     CR 5 PF 4
61. Lampad                                   CR 5 PF 4
62. Lurking Ray                            CR 4 PF 4
63. Mudlord                                  CR 6 PF 4
64. Nightgaunt                              CR 4 PF 4
65. Stone Stairs (70% Up, 30% down)
66. Shriezak                                  CR 4 PF 4
67. Animated Object                     CR 6 PF 1 (reroll on object table)
68. Lesser Barghest                       CR 3 PF 1
69. Basilisk                                   CR 5 PF 1
70. Cave Fisher                            CR 2 PF 1
71. Choker                                    CR 2 PF 1
72. Cloaker                                   CR 5 PF 1
73. Cyclops, Kabandha                 CR 9 PF 5
74. Gelatinous Cube                     CR 3 PF 1
75. Shrine / Obelisk / Burial Site    (50% something useful at site)
76. Gray Ooze                              CR 4 PF 1
77. Kyton                                      CR 6 PF 1
78. Mephit                                    CR 3 PF 1
79. Mimic                                     CR 4 PF 1 (reroll on object table)
80. Trader (See Subrace Table Below)
81. Morlock                                   CR 2 PF 1
82. Ochre Jelly                               CR 5 PF 1
83. Otyugh                                     CR 4 PF 1
84. Rust Monster                           CR 3 PF 1
85. Pool of Water  (80% bad stench)
86. Giant Scorpion                        CR 3  PF 1
87. Shadow                                    CR 3 PF 1 
88. Gibbering Mouther                  CR 5 PF 1 
89. Gorgon                                     CR 8 PF 1
90. Caller in Darkness                   CR 9  PF 5
91. Greater Barghest                      CR 7 PF 1
92. Medusa                                    CR 7 PF 1
93. Dark Naga                                CR 8 PF 1
94. Intellect Devourer                    CR 8 PF 1
95. Waterfall  (01-30% hiding monster, 31-70 reroll for hidden monster; 71+ hidden passageway) 
96. Undead (See Subrace Table Below)
97. Ghoul, Leng                            CR 10  PF 5
98. Denizen of Leng                      CR 8  PF 3
99. Purple Worm                           CR 12 PF 1
100. DM's Choice


Pits are usually 20-80 feet deep and covers most of the width of the cave. (Reroll to determine what's inside the Pit) or 5% Reverse Pit (Fall Up to the ceiling; 50% dmg base)

When a general type of monster is found, use the sub-race table and description listed below for purpose. A DM can pick as needed or use the default mentioned by asterisk (*).  


Hunting Patrol           Commerce                           Diplomatic
2. Human                     2. Axomite                           2. Jackalla *
3. Jahlen                       3 - 4. Dwarf *                      3. Mongrelman
4 - 6. Lizardith *          5 - 6. Troglydyte                  4. Corlth
7. Derro                        7. Human                             5. Trox
8. Dwarf                       8. Corlth                               6. Human
9. Clockwork               9. Goblin                              7. Dwarf
10. Trox                       10. Lizardith                         8 - 9. Lizardith
11. Goblin                    11. Corlth                             10. Goblin
12. Minotaur                12. Mercane                         11. Troglydyte
12. Ratling                   13. Ratling                           12.  Azer
                                     14. Azer                               13. Ratling
                                     15. Axomite                        14. Samsaran
                                     16. Shabti                            15. Minotaur      
                                                                                 16. Caligni 

   
Civilized                       Crypt                                 Common Underground Object  
2. Skum                       2-3.  Shabti                           2. Small Statue
3. Troglydyte               4. Crypt Thing     3. Wheel
4 Corlth                       5 .  Restless    4. Debris (Usually Mechanical)
5. Flumph                    6-8. Cadaver *  5. Broken Weapon
6. Mongrelman            9.   Lesser Mummy              6. Broken Armor
7. Goblin                     10.  Wight                             7. Busted Barrel    
8. Derro                       11.  Wraith                            8. Boxes       
9. Human                     12.  Shadow                          9. Broken Camping Gear   
10. Lizardith                13   Festering Spirit              10. Animal Carcass 
11. Minotaur                14. Samsaran                        11. Iron Rations (40% Stale)
12. Azer                       15 - 16 Jackalla                    12. Beer, Barrel or Bottle  
13. Ratling *                                                              13. Wine / Alcohol Bottles  
14. Sinspawn                                                             14. Bundles of Rope     
15. Oread                                                                   15. Candles or Torches  2-4 
16. Changeling                                                          16. Ornamental Decoration / Holy Symbol     
17. Trox                                                                     17. Climbing Gear      
18. Samsaran                                                             18. Broken Mirror      
19. Axomite                                                               19. Unidentified Corpse
20. Mercane                                                               20. Burnt Lamp     
21. Caligni                                                                 21. 50% One Boot; 50% two good boots
22. Ghoran                                                                 22. 2 silver arrows OR daggers (DM`s choice)
23. Shabti                                                                   23. Magical Potion
24. Jackalla                                                                 24. Coin Purse (1d00 silver pieces)
                                                                             
Hunting Patrols: 2-8 individuals, with typical weapons for the race in question. 10% likelihood they are returning home. May provide a +/- 2 on next roll if they are engaged in conversation or bribed via any social skill interaction the DM feels appropriate (Social DC 15).

Commerce: 11-20 people, with trading gear. Half the travelers are defenders. Most groups have a way to hide or protect themselves. 20% likelihood they are returning home. May provide a +/- 3 on next roll if they are engaged in conversation or bribed. (Social DC 18)

Diplomatic: 9-16 people who have arranged to make a meeting to discuss peace. will have 25% or more of spell casters. 33% likelihood they are returning home. May provide a +/- 2 on next roll if they are engaged in conversation or bribed. (Social DC 16)

Civilized: 23-80 individuals, inhabiting a small settlement. 10% chance they will have trading supplies. May provide a +/- 4 on next roll if they are engaged in conversation, have able goods or bribed. (Social DC 13)  

Crypt: 2-8 individuals. Most are lost, hungry or otherwise purposeless, rarely a direct threat to other groups unless the party seems very weak. Undead groups often come from another common groups found in the same region - often they don`t even realize they are dead. Many travelers simply leave any undead they find without interacting with them unless absolutely necessary. Samsaran are living creatures that automatically reincarnate (one time) from dead corpses- they come to crypts to look for guidance. Shabti are former wealthy people who paid for resurrection. Jackalla are undead hunters.