Blog Archive

Showing posts with label Nyssa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nyssa. Show all posts

Sunday 12 February 2017

"Company of the Hardened Anvil" PT 6 a

"Company of the Hardened Anvil" PT 6 v1

Roll # 1  Meeting the Patrol Leader (DC 11)  +5 - Result 9 (Fail)
Roll # 2 First Level In (DC 12)  +4 - Result 6 (Fail)
Roll # 3 Stairs Down (DC 14)  +3 - Result 14 (Succeed)
Roll # 4 - Any other suggestions?

At the appropriate time, the party made their way toward the Tower, trying to ignore all the distractions on the path. There were many, anyone with coin in their pocket or longing in their heart or a dry mouth, could find something to better capture their attention. But the early moon was out, it was early evening and they had somewhere to be.  The Tower knights paid them little attention, but a few of the marching soldiers looked directly at them.

A hundred feet outside of the site, a group of well armed and heavily fortified Dwarves, around twenty or so, stood ready, but not in attention, their flag had the markings they were looking for. All of them had very similar weapons, an axe, hammer and crossbow, and their armors mirrored each other in precision. This was not a rag-tag bunch of volunteers = these were soldiers, professional ones. They looked old and rugged and marking of experience across their faces.  A few of them looked over, but there were no welcoming shouts.

The party stopped, and Rillo stepped forward, looking for someone who looked different, someone who looked in command. None of them spoke, or lifted a hammer, the most traditional way for Dwarves and their allies to greet one another. Rillo wasn't sure what these men, these Dwarves were told, if anything. 'Is there a Lead in this group?' She waited for a sound, but a few guffaws greeted her, but they all stood silently still, looking at the party.

'Wee're heere to elp ye in yer search.' Rillo spoke again, changing her accent to the Spirelands, the mountains of rock that bolt up from the earth to high above the sky, hoping that this would get a better reaction from them. Again nothing.

The ranger, Caventh came up to her, and put a hand on her shoulder. 'First Axe' he said in Dwarven. His people the Jahlen were called Stone Brothers by their mountain Dwarf kin, in many places, he hoped they would recognize him as an ally.

'Ye be Raiders?' came the reply by one of the Dwarves in the same tongue, who stepped out. No weapons in his hand, but his armor semed a little different than the rest.

"No. We're working for Vorrecknos the Bull" A bunch of the dwarves jeered and turned away. The leader said nothing and did not move, at first.

"Your first mission for him?" the fighter asked... Caventh nodded. "Do you know his reputation?"

Caventh hesitated, "We're new...here. We need to get below, he was..."

The Dwarf commander finished his sentence, "The easiest way to get below."  The jahlen froze, he could tell the Dwarf disapproved. The First Axe commander turned away, but spoke, "Follow us. Don't get in our way...when we get down to the 20th floor,  you'll have five hours, maybe six. Whatever you want done, do it. No slaves, no undead...If we get bounty, you don't get a share."

"Got it." Caventh said slowly. He wanted to go up and shake the dwarves hand, but hesitated. The commander wasn't angry, but his contempt was heavy. So the dwarves weren't allies, probably knew they wouldn't turn them away,

Ennoss stepped forward to speak with him. 'They cast belief spells...they don't trust us.'

Their leader, Rillo said bluntly - 'First steps. We may stumble but we need to get down there.'

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

Saturday 4 February 2017

Company of the Hardened Anvil PT 5

"Company of the Hardened Anvil" PT 5

Roll 1 - Required DC 15 (+6) = Getting to Vorrecknos; Rolled 22 - Success
Roll 2 - Required DC 20 (+4) = Dice Games; Rolled 8 - Strong Failure

The entire party started making their way through the camps, filled with the soldiers and rogues from across the region. Most of these men were here for short periods and did their honour bound duty. Others came for the pitiful pay or a chance to make it rich down below. The most desperate were these scoundrels, not used as explorers or guards but a living barricade, thrown into the mass combat, if something were to re-appear out of the Tower or its catacombs. Most served a few years and saw no action, then returned to a normal prison having served a substantial part of their sentence. For others, there was no return, if they did face an encounter from the caverns most likely they would be dead.

The Casnian guards were very light around here, a few soldier standing in groups of three or four, paying little heed to anything except their conversations with each other. If one didn't recognize the purple flags, one could almost assume they were regulars, here fighting for glory or wealth. An assortment of creatures, Dwarf and Human were the majority of the prisoners and a few others like Tender, and Minotaur, and some more that couldn't be immediately identified. Some had small

Vorrecknos sat at a table with a group, who he pushed away with a snort when he saw the adventurers approach. The whole party started to come closer, and he put up his hand, to say that only one need come forward.  Caventh did, and the two had a brief conversation, the Minotaur told his Jahlen associate what to do, deliver a package to a guard, and return for half the pay tomorrow evening. Nothing was really illegal, just frowned upon as Vorrecknos explained it. Caventh left for a moment to speak with his group.

Unlike the rest of her party, Ennos was hard to recognize, she deliberately dressed in dark cloaks to limit potential recognition. Few non-casters would ever know of her people, but she had been accosted many times in cities before having to flee, and didn't want her party to suffer with her, especially among the most technical and lawful, the faithful of Casna. She did her best to get a view of the Minotaur, but what she saw was the bold red skin and hair, a paid of magnificent white horns - Vorrecknos was Knothian Minotaur, a true-born. His grey skin and black feeble was horn was probably due to poisoning. This was a bad sign... she explained it to Unnos, but he sushed her, not a point right now, but certainly intriguing.

Rillo asked if anyone had problems accepting the deal, and all but Vasano agreed immediately, while they all wanted to get below, the cleric was unsure. He still didn't trust the Minotaur but the others were trying to convince him to take the risk. The cleric looked down at his holy symbol circlet, which had a slight brown glow emanating from it, there was danger but he was unsure if this Minotaur bastard was what he felt ... he nodded agreement, they had to get below.

The ranger stepped back and said the group consented. Immediately thereafter, the Grey Minotaur dropped two bags down. One he explained is half the payment, the other was to be delivered to Renthok, a Dwarf guard on the 20th floor. The best way to get below was with one of the patrols, he gave them a badge that would enable them to work with one of the Dwarven patrols. All of the party knew this wasn't strictly above board, it skittered the lawful structure in the Tower guard - probably not enough to get arrested though.

As the party headed back to their camp, Rillo noticed a small tent outside the prison area, a place with considerable movement. She slowly made her way closer and recognized this as a small gambling den. She made careful observation of where the watchers were, and who the patrons were, a majority of Tender, Elves and human soldiers. The dealers she couldn't recognize, but she was sure that this was a place of action. She made her way there but was stopped by two guards in black armor, long tall black feather, they carried flails and elaborately decorated crossbows; they were obviously from the Church of Keran, one of the largest lawful groups in the realm, strictly lawful and usually very evil.

They asked her about the third moon...and she had no proper reply, she didn't know the correct passwords, so they dismissed her and said it was a busy day and she couldn`t make it into the gaming tent. She knew if she had the time she would find the passwords by talking with enough people in the area, Was this a casino of Fatanus she wondered, but why would the Keranites be guarding this? This was something to remember for another day.

Roll # 1  Meeting the Patrol Leader (DC 11) +4
Roll # 2 First Level In (DC 12)  +3
Roll # 3 Stairs Down (DC 14)  +3
Roll # 4 - Any other suggestions?

Sunday 29 January 2017

Company of the Hardened Anvil Pt 4


1. Implore the tent of Darras for permission to enter the Tower in one of their patrols? (DC 12) +4  Roll # 1 - Required DC 12 (+4) = 8 = Result Fail

2. Can they find a way to sneak into the tunnels or Tower? (DC 15 / 18) +3 Roll # 2 - Required DC 15 / 18 (+3) = 5 = 8 = Result Fail

3. Can they make a connection in one of the pubs? (DC 18)  +2 Roll # 3 - Required DC 18 (+5) = 22 = Result success

4. Any other suggestions?

The night went quiet, only the lone bugle of formation broke the otherwise silence. All of them, focused on their goal, did not go out until early morning, all intending to get sleep.

The spell caster and his ally went out before the screech of the cochin, the early morning soldier ritual. They wanted to scan the Tower in different light, to see if there was any not-so obvious way into the Tower or tunnels. A group of early morning clerics, from an assortment of the churches made their way round the Tower, stopping at designated points to do both shared and quiet prayers. Unnos, the Sorceror and Ènnoss, went with them. Their path was obvious so the two could hop out of line easily enough, do their scans and head back into order without raising too many questions. Again, like their previous scans, nothing in the Tower or the path grabbed their attention, nothing sparkled with magic or energy or possibility. This was a closed point. People, not magic or energy came from the Tower. Both of them were perturbed, neither had seen anything like this in any of the town or dungeons they had been to in their career. By the time the prayer circle was over, both were even more determined to investigate the Tower from within. (Roll 2, failed)

Just before the two returned to their tent, the cleric Vassano made his way back to the stables of Darras, hoping to make a connection to get into Tower soon. Again, fairly quickly he was greeted by Lei-Lanna. She explained that she had not found a suitable group for them to accompany into the Tower. There were soldier squads they could join, but they all had missions away from the Tower. She assured Vassano she had connections, but it would take a few more days. He noticed there were many more followers there today, many of them in brown cloaks or tunics, but others as well, many in military uniforms.  Most were there to arrange transportation of items to or from the location, he tried to weigh everything in his mind, could he come up with a deal that could help his party out. (Roll 1, failed)

Rillo and Caventh went to some of the large feeding tables, group meals for some of the poorest assigned to the Tower. While many of them were sponsored by the churches or militia groups, others were much smaller, and this one with a purple circle surrounding a tower, distinctly different then the Tower here. Purple represented the colour of Casna, Lord of Laws, the strictest church with ever-exacting laws, rarely known for forgiveness. These were convicted criminals...not the best sort for most things, but, perhaps for what the group wanted, a chance to get inside.

Caventh asked around, and found that one of them, a convicted warlord by the name of Vorrecknos, was looking for some volunteers. Asking around, he saw the brute of a Minotaur, a grey skinned beast, bulging muscles, who looked like he could tear a human apart...except for the glowing purple tattoos that proclaimed him a criminal, he would want to share an ale with him. When asked what the job was, the monster smiled and said delivery inside the Tower tonight, the pay was 100 crowns. (Roll 3, Success)

The ranger and rogue didn't entirely trust Vorrecknos, but did any of the others have a better chance at getting them inside? They returned to their team, and they each explained their findings. At least right now they felt the grey Minotaur offered the best chance. Caventh explained what most of them already knew, his people, the Jahlen were blood-kin to Minotaurs, not exactly allies, but not blood enemies either. His people were of the spires, tall mountains in the north. He didn't recognize this type, if it were a true type. The standard Knothian type had red flesh and many of them lived near the Western Seas or High Forest, nowhere near here. They all seemed to be willing to meet Vorrecknos to hear what the job was and could it help them get inside?

Roll 1 - Required DC 15 (+6) = Getting to Vorrecknos
Roll 2 - Required DC 20 (+4) = Dice Games
Roll 3 - Any other suggestions?

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)


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

Monday 14 November 2016

Sylph, Nyssian (Gossamer, Winged, Good-Aligned Humanoids)

The way I created the Sylph is is the opposite of how I handle most beasts. I usually try to scale them down to lower HD levels to introduce them at an earlier point in the story as an (N)PC. If a player wanted to use one, I would just use the Sylph from the PF books - but what is shown here this is the default, for most sylph in my world. They are a happy, energetic people, willing to help fight evil but also to fly around, observe others from afar, play games and music.


Sylph, Nyssian
Medium Sized Fey (Air)

Hit Dice: 5d8+3 (17 hp)
Initiative: +7 (Dex and Imp Initiative)
Speed: 30 ft; Fly 50 ft (good)
AC 17 touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+3 Dex, +4 natural)
Base Atk +2 CMB +0 CMD 13
Melee Rapier +5 (1d6-2) or Shortbow +5 (1d6)
Special Qualities: Invisibility (3 times a day), Spells
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +6
Abilities: Str 7, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 14, Cha 17
Skills: Diplomacy +6, Escape Artist +8, Heal +6, Knowledge (local or music) +7, Perception +8, Perform +6 (Wind), Stealth: +8,
Feats: Hover, Imp Initiative, Weapon Finesse
Environment: Any Aerial Location (Towers, Remote Spires or Cloud Isles)
Organization: Solitary or pair
Languages Air Elemental, Avian, Fey, Elf, Dwarf, Common
Challenge Rating: 5
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Usually Neutral Good
Advancement: By character class  (sorcerer, rogue or ranger)

These elemental spirits of air resemble gossamer winged petite humans, usually dressed in light colours and small pieces of jewelry. Attractive and playful; love to tease and joke with good aligned creatures that they encounter. Often their teasing is a form of subtle way of getting potential allies to come to their help in defending against evil or those who would harm nature or animals. They are a reclusive people, it is a rare and dangerous time when more than a few are ever in the same place at the same time.

They rarely speak out in front of crowds, they usually whisper in the ears of allies, but they do laugh out-loud as they cannot help themselves in moments of glee. More then one falling person of good alignment has been mysteriously rescued by an invisible sylph. The have a great deal of respect of spellcasters, musicians and artists, and will often take an opportunity to reflect on beauty or art.

They have a wonderful relationship with most creatures that reside in mountainous or wild locations, in particular Dwarves, Elves, Jahlen & Phaetox. Always willing to help in times of danger, acting as a scout or warning them of danger. At the same time, they do ask favours, and have at times raised small armies to help them in their tasks.

They are heavily associated with spires - mile high mountains that act similar to islands in the sky. Yet, many do have homes in the cities, near Towers of magic or other crafts. They spend much of their time invisible, and watching children and musicians. They would be a terrific force for good if focused on long range plans, but their interest like their attention span is often compared to a fleeting breeze.

Their gossamer wings are fragile to physical attack - if they take more than 5 points of damage, they are hobbled for the day and cannot fly for the rest of the day.  Normal physical attacks, even to the Sylphs back does not harm the wings, only a deliberate attack. Treat their wings as having a +5 AC deflection bonus in comparison to their regular AC. Spells or magic cannot harm the wings. They regenerate after 8 hours of rest or a cure critical spell is applied to them.

Many mortals believe all Sylph are female, but their numbers are balanced. They are an openly loving species, often getting or being confused with the standard sexual paradigms some mortal creatures seem bound with. They love, just as much as they consume or play or dance, many sylph fornicate without regard, if their partner is a willing one. Other uptight creatures are sometimes confused when a paramour reveals their gender and it is not what they expected.

Combat
Sylphs rarely engage foes directly. Most will try to use their spells to avoid confrontation or to get potential allies to help them. Their two great advantages are their flight and invisibility. The rare sylph that advances in character level, usually does so as either a sorcerer, rogue or ranger.

Energy Resistance: Sylphs have electricity & wind resistance 15. they gain +2 for any new HD or level gained
Abilities:    Gust of Wind, Detect Good (1/charisma bonus)
Featherfall (self or any one other in a 50 ft range), Invisibility (3/day)

A Sylph can remain invisible an unlimited amount of time. If they take an action that would make them noticeable, they remain visible until they get unnoticed for one full minute.


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.

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

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.