ISSUE 359 SEPTEMBER 2007

Mena
Erik Mgma
5e?rt 01cm'
ilJir'jh Robnaon
jaw* Butmabn
-earn: Mike .'AjArteip and f. Wesley Schneider
- Justus J. Fro#
Jeff Afwrer
Jjmet Da^is
Pierce Wjttent
fh-ih Redman

Pptsr flfifgf-ng. Rkh BuHbw. |eFF CaflslE* Stoc Bfl», Ur-ry

EJptore, Jisan Engle, [ohn Gravato, Andrew How. John
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4 DRAGON 359
 TABLE TALK ON THE COVER
One ofD$m most popular cover
FROM THE EDITOR artists, Lairy Elmore, pays homage in
Erik says goodbye. our final cover to our first.

SCALE MAIL
All good things...

FIRST WATCH
Previews, news, and gear for gamers.

FAMILIARS

S3 ECOLOGY OF THE TARRASQUE

It cats and sleeps and eats and sleeps.,,

96 SAVAGE TIDINGS
A quick look at what has come before.

102 VOLO'S GUIDE

Return to Myth Drannor.

106 DRAGONMARKS
Secrets of the Moumland revealed.

SAGE ADVICE
Insight into what happens when we die.

GAMER GUIDE

CLASS ACTS
COMICS
 EDITORIAL

f heiL I first heard the news 1 fdt like Ird been punched
in the gut,
1:1 Sue and 1 are moving *u Milwaukee ,n Monte said.
irm going to try to wrap up the Campaign some Lime
by the end of the sun line r.,r And with that,, Monte Cook's
sevcn-veai Ptolns campaign, the Ihb? and only one 1 joined
since coming out to Seattle to work oti the DS^D magazines,
was headed toward an unavoidable end. Ira seven years I'd
changed cars, ap^lments, and girlfriends, but Monday
night at Monte's was always, always the same. J cam r to rely
upon iLr to take comfort in it once a week tbr seven years.
The prospect of it all coming to an end frustrated me. of Deacon maga/ine. Special thanks to Larry Elmore, Ed
1 was grateful for all of the good times and for being Greenwood, Keith Baker, Margaret Weis, Phil Fog!io, ind
invited in the first place, and I certainly didn’t begrudge at] of the other writers, artists, cartoonists, and editors
my DM and Ills family wanting to move, but 1 suddenly who brought us to this point Thanks especially to Paizos
started to worry about how it would all go down. Would Senior Art Director Sear. Glenn, ,j great creative partner
there be enough Lime to wrap up all of the campaign's and the designer who created the current look and logo
loose end*? Would wTe get In meet all of our favorite NPCs for both magazines. Thanks abo to Art Director Sarah
again before it all wound down? As the weeks slipped by l ■Robinson, who has hand Ird the magazine's interior for
had a lot of n ixed emotions. Each session brought a cool more than a year with great attitude and a strong visual
new revelation, but also some sad realizations. Each time flam. It wouldn't have been possible without you.
some regular event happened it was for the last Lime. It None of this would h,\vc been possible, [ might add, i f nut

all became a hit depressing. for the tireless work of Logon's editorial and art staff My
But Monte Cook has his name on the Daimjeou Wtisiir'a name might appear at the top of the masthead, but these
Guide for a reason. The man knows how to run a great cam¬ folks did most of the hard work it took to get Lids magazine
paign. and hr knows that the best way to end a long-running lo von each and everv month. I d like Lo give them a chance
game is with u great final session. When the appuinLed to say their final goodbyes. Take it away, guys.
hour arrived all of ns played multiple characters in a huge
liglil involving exactly miniatures. Major villains from
100

throughout the entire campaign wctc on hand, nod by Hie HIM

time the dust had settled in the final fight my character had hen f started working for Paizo, nearly three years ago,
cast irnsh and had—somehow—tied up all of his loose ends, | | never thought 1 would be writing These words. Here
You couldn’t ask for a bLiter end to a successful campaign. we are, at the fast print issue of Dnagon. This maga¬
So when the news came about that Wizards of the zine has meant a lot to me over the years, from when I first
Coast had decided not to renew’ Paizo's license to pub¬ stared playing twenty' years ago, through today, one of my
lish Dragon and Dungeon magazine—ironically deliv¬ .last as its Managing bdi tor.
ered about the same time Monte decided to wind down In spite of the danger of making this sound like an award
Ids campaign—1 quickly managed to work through the acceptance speech, l would like to lake this moment to
mourning process and start work on putting together an thank a few folks who were vital in getting me into the gam¬
incredible final issue. The legacy of D^ vcon magazine ing industry. I should like to thank my mom, who gave me
has shone brightly for 31 years, and T lelL the best way to the money to buy my firsl DGfO product, despite her rescr
go out was to take a page bom my old DM: pul ail the vaLions. 1 would like to thank my dad, who dropped me off
miniatures on the table, close up dangling louse ends, and at my first Gen Con and who wailed around LhaL evening
make the last installment the best and most exciting we to pick me up. Thanks, of course, go on I lo Erik Mona, who
absolutely could. To this end. you’ll see some special fea¬ not, only helped me get involved with the RPGA buL wrho
tures and familiar faces in this oversized final print issue also offered me .■ job here at Paizo. L would also like Lu

DPAGON359 September 2007

thank R Wesley Schneider and Mike McArtor, my partners China Mievilk, ever-charming Margaret Weis, inimitable
in crime, helping to wrangle the Dragon eve 17 month, and Ed Greenwood, and, a\ course, Gsty Gygax? for weathering
doing a damn fine job of it Finally, T would like to thank iojuime 1 able questions, alw:1 ys being so wiDim’Lobe!pr and
Nicole, who has put up wiLb ail my insane hours working providing countless pages of the best writing Dragon has
on freelance projects, late nights spent at the office, and for or will ever publish. Also, thank you La Shelly Banr, Mike Fie-
following me across the country so thatT could pursue my gel, Will Christensen, and dozens of the most devoted, game
dream of working on Deacon magazine. producers in the world for performing the Herculean task
offilling.&st Watch month after month. And finally, thanks

S
to Jason Bulmahn, Sean Glennr James Jacobs, Mike McArtorf
Erik Mona, Sarah Robinson, and Matl Semett friefids and
o, Gentle Reader, at last we meet again for the first time teachers each—for making the past four years and 44 issues
for the last rime. For nearly tour years now {44 issues, both a pleasure and an honor.
can you believe it?) Fvc lived Hcrcps to the nexL thing, may iL be
liie dream 1 barely dared to hope even better than the last.
for as a lad, but this is the first
time Irve ever spoken directly to
you. And you know what? This is
S o there you have it. In 359 is sues
of Dragon weVe lived on the
harder than h looks! wild frontier of DUNGEONS
For more than half Lhose Dragons. In a few months Wizards
months I've ruled over Bazaar of of the Coast will unveil a new oni me
the "Bizarre, Class Acts, and fic¬ version of VftAQON and DU'JGEGN
tion with an iron ftsL Through as part of same thing Lhcyfte calling
those departments 1 put my mark the "Digital Initiative" We at Paizo
on D^Dr tor better or worse, and have out own plans and n hrmd
over the course of those aU-iou- new Adventure Rath in Lhe pages oT
few months 1 helped others do ■i new monthly product. Paftifinder,
the same. To Amber, David, Hal, which should be available at local
John, Mark, Richard, Troy, our gajne Shops, bookstores, and palm
wonderful fiction writers, and com by the rime you Tead this. We've
every other contributor who also got monthly advenLure mod¬
made Deacon such a pleasure to ules,, classic science fiction and fan¬
work nn; thank you. tasy novels, and 3 whole line of great
I'd also, love to thank ever one products aimed directly aL our eur^
who helped me get here today, rent customers, but those axe differ¬
but Lhat's quite a lung list* 1 will say thanks, though, to ent stories, to be told in different pages.
my parents and my best friend, Gigzr and Lo Lisa and MaLt My whole life Fve only ever wanted one job: This one. Its
(for hiring me), Erik (tor keeping me around), Wes (for been an honor to be your Editor-In-Chief and Publisher.
p u L Li ng up with me}, an d J a son (for the Irish Ca rho m bs)H Together we’ve had onr hell of a campaign.

I be end of an era—as that is truly what this is—brings

with it a lot of questions and even more emotion* Unfor¬
tunately, far more than 200-some words 012 page 9 can
contain. Seems like that's always the case.™
So, ratiler than goodbye, tel me say thank you. Thank you Frik Mona
to thousands of loyal, enthusiastic, sometimes weird, often Editor- in- Chief
opinionated, but always passionate readers. Thanks to Cam crikra @ paizo, com
Banks, Eric Cagle, Jacob EraziurP Andrew Hour Tim Hitch¬
cock, Kyle Hunter, Lite Lea Li.. Nick Logue, Rich Fett, Seai; K PS: Readers with subscription credit extending beyond
Reynolds, Amber Scott, Greg Vaughn, Johnathan Richards, DjSUGO.N #359 or Dungeon #3.50 should visit [Link]/
Owen Stephens, Todd Stewart, and dozens more of Lhe most transition to learn more about their options. Readers with¬
i in aginative authors and artists anyone could ever have the out access to email should contact our customer senate
complete privilege of working with. Thanks to Sue and department at Customer Service, Faiz.o Publishing, 2700
Monte Go ok, Peter Adkison. Wolfgang Baur, Jim Lowder, Richards Road, Suite 201, Bellevue, WA 98005.

September 20D7 DRAGON 359 9

 We were faith fid in how we depicted our
Mil* lit m fantasy worlds. Watching the Lord of the MB »»\l tlM
Well. 1 really never thought Fd ever Rings trilogy, you can see so many of Dragon has been like the party rogue.
write this Letter la the Editor. The las? these great pain tings used as Inspiration You disabled traps and opened locks
rime 1 wrote for DjjaCQN or Duncpon for key shots. What a credit to the talents for us in Sage Advice, You gave plenty
was when 3 announced my resignation of these artists! And a cred it. to the film- of humorous comments in the com¬
after ten years aa Art Director of these makers tor doing their homework arid ics. You added many allies in Winning
publications. That was in January, 2000, reluming to tile i&asteisl Races a ad Gaining Prestige. You gave 1 is
Since then, the joining world has Dragon and Dungeon will hold liieir many useful magic items that boosted
grown and changed, largely due to the place among the last uF the great illus¬ our abilities in Class Acts and BazaiC-
advances of online gaminis AbJd'j, bat trated magazine* ju .American pu Id is hi ng. oi the Bizarre. You made every single
there was a time (find isn't that what We had an illustration staff long alter Knowledge check in Monster Ecolo¬
you're really looking for, dear reader?) most publishers had moved on to free- gies. You made plenty of enemies in the
when 1 worked daily with most of the lance photography But, such is die Demonoimctm and GreaLure Catalog,
greatest illustrators in Fantasy. nature of fantasy publishing: we rely on the That what happens when die
When Broni had two names (Jerry imaghiation of our at l ists and writers. rogue dies?
Rrom—1 published One of his early Rest of luck, Faizo, with your new 1 write this letter today because it's
portfolio pieces as a Deacon cover). formats! The style might change but my ksl chance to get a letter in. 1 am
When Jeff Easley proved that he was the song remains the same! only into my first subscription* and I
creating fantasy illustration since he And for our readers, thanks for am 1 l years old. 1 started play mg at f
crawled out of his crib as a toddler? growing w ith us. The worlds of ikn- learned of Dragon at only 9, and sub¬
When Keith Parkinson showed that tasy role playing will keep evolving scribe d just. Jast Augustr
attention to detail was paramo uni in and Paizo will deliver them in the style All I can say is: Could you do a long
depicting fantasy. you require! Scale Mailr like you used to? Just this
When Larry Elmore painted light, Larry Smith once? Please?
and used it to highlight the female Art Director, TS R Period leak, Nikolai G. j. Grier
lorm (with respect lor Betty!). 1990-zcoo Via Email
And there are so many: Frazrlta, Robin
Wood, Stephen Danidc, Clyde CaldweJJr
TALISMAN CONTEST
Fred Fields, Rohh, Aaron Williams, John
Kovajic, and more, from dark fantasy The classic quest for the crown returns this month with the
to humor, that T need to recognize lor new fourth rdiI1 on of Th//sman. ' hi5 month, Black Industries
i
Lheir corn trill iitioras. We hi ad a greaf TTFl L JC. and ^a'zo Publishing war.l to give you a chance to win your
time; wo were young- creative; and we very own copy of the cult classic hoard game. All you have to do to enter is send
had a perfect forum. Wc worked for a an email to eemtest@[Link] with your name, address, and the subject line
great company, TSR? and were acquired 'Talisman Contest" by October 1st Well choose three entries and announce all
by Wizards of the Coast, Inter Hasbro, the winners on p»[Link] in November* So just send in an e ma'I and claim a
and finally Paizo. But. through all oi talisman of your very own I
the changes, erne thing remained true:

DRAGON 359 September 2007

 'Ss 1MHTkEftw! Bn W-'i:

5vr?r i he ejcfra page of letters is jusJ /ar As a last mention 7 have always
jtiu, Nsbobiil loved your articles on magic items mmm
and ecologies 1 would really love to
see an article on 10an stones. They
have been a very iconic item in D&tD Get the best t-shirts
I started buying Dkacon a few years-
agof with #260, and with last mo mil's
issue {#3r,5) I learned how much I
and in lhe paid have had .1 large vari¬
ety of types available buL in third edi¬
tion and 3.5 they have only a base few
in gaming at....
relied cm Lhe routine of buying it] available. I don't know if this will get a [Link]
For all that time the magazine was spot in the magazine's final few issues
full of interesting stuff although the or not but an article about l he iconic
staif might have changed- T ‘bought magic items of D&jD and Lheir origins
Td speak my peace since J have the and new options would make me one
chance! Goodbye, old in ends! (Never happy devoted fan.
stop playing!) faye Raker
Nathan Howe via entail
Via Email
I'm sorry WZ never found the room Id rutt
dial ioun atom article. Jayc, bur ifyou*rc
ilffll lookrisg for Hunr miration 1 .ttrannJy
1 have been an avid player of D^D for recommend Jock Va net’ >■ Rhinlto the
about 15 years now and during that Marvelous, ft cm whence they originally
ti m c T bou gh \ every i s s 1 ] c o [Link] 0 O N camt. The hook h current fy amlabD hi
1 could get my grubby little hands on. the must-have Tales of the Dying Earth
I first leaned to play B3rD from, of all omnibus av&Uabkfrom Orb Books,
people, my girltri end (something that
made most of the other gamers in
my school drool with envy}. Over the
years this magazine has always been I won't bore you with numbers; suf¬
here to provide me with the type of" fice to say my first letter to Dragon
D^P-related into X was looking for, is many, many years in the writing, I
be it new classes, new magic items, am simply amazed thaL my old friends
fiction, or adventure ideas. Even in Dragon and Dungeon, my snuggle-
lhe switch from AD^D to third edi¬ up-and-read companions, my inspi¬
tion and then from, third edition to ration or rny guide when inspiration
3,5, Ok agon has continued to pro¬ fails, ray monthly links to gamers
duce the quality gaming extras that I everywhere, wit] be moving online*
was looking for in a monthly publica¬ What a radical change!
tion, These arc some nf the daTkesI T was unsure of the fate of DSfD
days for us gamers. Companies seem when Wizards of the Coast took the
to be either doing wonderfully or are helm, but ] have been very happy
just on the brink of oblivion* 1 play a with the changes WutC wrought. And
large number of RPGs at tins point, similarly, when Paizo inherited
such as the games of Palladium and Deacon and Dungeon, l was very
White Wolf* but D^D has always been pleasantly surprised with lhe direc¬
the favorite. With the Joss of Deacon tion. You at Paizo should be proud
magazine l am lefl wondering nf the products you have published
what this means for the red of the over lhe pasl several years; they have
gaming industry. Without quality regularly been among the magazines'
publications such as yours ] feel that best issues,
gamers everywhere are being dealt 1 am noL sure whether 1 will fol¬
a very bad hand. So if I must, 1 wiU low Dragon and Dungeon forever
hid you a fund farewell and hope that into the online realm. One of the joys
someday Wizards of the Coast will of the monthly magazines was the
bring you back- opportunity' to disconnect from my
SCALE MAIL

computer for a few hours and vanish GAMEMASTERY GIVEAWAY WRAP-UP

into worlds of magic and monsters, The GameMastery Giveaway has ended! Tne following lucky
l am sure the content will translate winners nabhed ^ets of Game Mastery gear, including a signed
well into 11TMI files and PDF files? o r enpy of Do: Hdfouf* Lest Hope, Di: Crown of the Kobo id Kmgl
whatever technology ™ planned. I will TFI L K the Critical Hit Deck, Combat Pad, flip-mats, itetn cards, and
try it* I may come to enjoy it. But my morel Evert it you didn’t win,, you; ran pick up a=l the Game Mastery gear you want
many years of fond memories are of .Fit [Link].
ink and paper. Pixels have a hard act
to follow. Name From
In these your final days, 1 raise my Jon B urate in Lex i n gto n. Massach usetts
sword in salute, Dwagu.v magazine! Brian Dunfiell Arlington, Virginia
Von have served me and countless Rob I igbtner Seattle^ Washington
others faithfully and well. Honor to Michael McLaughlin ES Paso, Texas
The Deacon! Duncan Pretty man Newark, Delaware
Eric Webcrg Jason I. Roeder Mg burly, Missouri
Rubicon, WI Knsilan Serrano Gainesville, Florida
William Dr Sharpe ill Marlrnton* West Virginia
Robert B. Watson Bryan, Texas
Susan Wells Wellington. New Zealand
] rm an avid reader and love you r work.
When T read last issue LhaL you guys hanks to the hundreds of partiapants made this contest our biggest ever!
were going to stop publishing 1 felt
Like I got struck through the heart
with a longs word. 1 have only been hope that you also will find the time Dirt lifts for the kind i Karris, .Refer. Thanks
a subscriber for fourteen months, and money Lo produce a. product especially for idling m m iestrm an
but it's been a great ridc_ The con¬ much like Dragon, award for urfwf we've done udfJi tin
tent of t he magazines was great and There has always been something magazines. Wr agree, of course, and Vm
J loved the Class Acts sections and in Dragon that could be used in pleased id report thm hath Dragon and
EbUrrON campkin material, which any campaign or Setting. In recent Dungeon magazines scored tin: coveted
really helped my own game. Thanks issues, l have seen a couple of Scale Origin? Afrflrd tfii.s year. The Drigfris
for the wonderful 14 months and the Mails that complained about the fact Award li the most prestigious award
great advice from the Sage. Til miss that there often wasn't anything they in 1} ami ng, ami speaking personally
you guys. could use in ccrfaiii issues. I am a big Vve wanted one ewr si no: I heard they
Samuel Dealcui fan of Draconian ue (the Chroni¬ existed* We were nominated several times
Marshal), TX cles novels started me in this hobby) in the last five years r and PftAGGN even
„md have always (yes indeed. I mean nmn one before l joined the \tdjf. Bid Ifrj's
always) been able to glean something yeah in forge par? dm to the voting sup¬
in 1111 iiniw from whatever article I have read that port of Dragon1^ legions of loyal read¬
Damn, that was some very had news could be used in a Dragon lANO: ers* rue managed to win in two calegan'e^i
indeed: you ceasing lo publish Dragon setting with some kind of modifica¬ A fitting end to a jine magarimr
(and Dungeon-, one of nry all-time tion, so I don't quite [Link] Land this Pathfinder might he focused on the
favorite magazines (along with Games view, but l guess it all boils down to Adventure Ruth, hid tic have lots qf plans
Workshops Whitt Dwarf:, but J guess people not having (or giving them¬ beyond wen Pathfinder, arid we intend
we shouldn't be surprised by this move selves) the time to adapt the informa¬ ro publish a large amount qf material of
from Wizards of die CoasL tion to their own campaign. interest to dll readers of Dragon and
Ideally, you guys at Paizo will con¬ As a final note, 1 have to applaud Dungeon, jurhidirig ifand-atone mod¬
tinue to prospeT and ynur Pathfnder you with the very fine job you have ule. classic science fiction and fantasy
bookwhl he as tine a publi ration as you done with Dragon, nweU, and more. Drop by Our message!*
have made Dragon (you really should So long Paizo, it has been a very boards at [Link] to icon? niDftr about
gel some kind of award for that feat). good time indeed and T hope to read our exciting plans for the future.
Now as T understand if Pcifh/inder something in paper form (and not Were no!giving up on print, riur by a
will be much like Dungeon was, just; some Adventure Path) from yon Jong six oil. tn fact, iFt? plan la shirk around
which leave? meT a long-time reader again soon, t/hr a iontp long thru:.
of Deaconr but not Dungeon, with Peter Sijten Here's hoping yoa7! be right there with
a HUGE gap in my monthly drug, I Denmark us. —Erik Mona

12 DRAGON 359 5fipt«nbe: 2007

 ADVERTISEMENT

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future opportunities for publishing partnerships. As more offers multiple options to these subscribers. A brief sum¬
information becomes available on Wizards of the Coast's mary of these options follows:
plana for the Dr ago n and Dungeon brands, we'll keep you Pufh/indeu Current subscribes can transfer lJ]eLl, exist¬
updated in 1 h 1: rem .lining is sue s o f (he magazine s. ing p os i - lie ptember subscri pti on a ed i \ t o rn on tb 1 y vo I -
Paizo will continue Lo create products compatible with limes of Pathfinder at a generous discount as an easy way
Lfie world's most popular ro I cp laying game. In addition lo try oul the new publication. This is your opportunity Lo
to our existing line of GamcMastety accessories like Item get ill on the ground floor of this major new series, and
Cards and the new Critical Hit Deck, this summer will see werd certainly love the chance Lo keep delivering exciting
the debut of two exciting RFC lines from the same creative gaming content to you on a monthly basis.
minds that ba\L- brought you die magazines these last live Dragon and DtuvgepM Bark Issues: Subscribers can
years. In June. Paizo kicks off its new Crone Mastery Mod¬ choose to tc reive select back issues on a (me-for-one basis
ules line, featuring monthly 3.2-page adventurer from Lop based on remaining subscription credit. This is a great
designers like Nicholas [Link], Richard Pettp Wolfgang way to fill holes in your collection,
Baur* and Jason Buknahn! Each lavishly illustrated full- [Link] Store Credit [Link] is Lite Internet's
color Game Mastery Module is designed Lo be used easily leading online bobby store, with more -hem 22,000 gam¬
ki a wide variety of campaigns, and will meet or exceed the ing products from hundreds of publishers. Subscribers
expectations you've come to expect from Paizo Publishing. can swap their excess subscription credit for store credit
Angus! secs the debut of Itodr/ircdiT, a new monthly 96- on our website at 3 generous 120% exchange rate:.
page . perfect-bound, OGL-compatLble full-color spftcover Refunds 7f none of the above op!ions appeal Lo you,
Adventure Path book printed on high-quality paper. Over the Paizo will issue you a refund check ibr your remaining
las' several months, the same editors who bring you Drag-on subscription credit. (Refund checks will be issued starting
and Dungeon have been developing the next evolution in October, 2007, and may lake several weeks Lu arrive.)
RPG campaigns, and we hope you'll take some time to look Subscribers without access to the internet should con¬
at what we have to offer. Pathfinder will be sold at hobby retail tact our Customer Service Department for more informa¬
stores, bookstores, and online at [Link]. and—though it's tion abou- the above choices and a form to help you make
your selection.. Write us at Magazine Transition/Paizo
Ff 1 hitshing, 11 Chyoc Rji■ bards Hi1ad, Suite acn/Bellevae.
WA 98005. We anticipate a large volume of mail re kited to
die transition, so please be patient with 115 as we
address your needs.
Dragon and Dungeon have been die backbone of
Paizo Publishing since we spun off from Wizards of
the Coasts periodicals department in 2002, and both
magazines have been an integral part of the RFG pub¬
lishing world tor decades. Bringing the magazines Lo
you every mondi has been a true honor, and we in the
Frdzo family look forward to the continuing honor ot
serving your gam mg needs for years and years to come,

Sincerely,

Erik Mona
Publisher
 FIRST WATCH PREVIEWS, NOTES, AND NEWS FOR GAMERS

NEW RELEASES

WhaL would DB?D be with out the Continuing die adventure that began in For years, Forgotten Realms archi¬
mad archmage, the ernel blackguard, Barrow of dir- Forgotten King and Sinister vist Brian R. James has catalogued
or the rampaging dragon? Exemplars Spire-, adventurers must next face the vusL and disparate numbers, datesr
of Evil takes this question to its core, serpentine horrors lurking ir the Eur- and references into his Chronology
focusing on creating and placing iress of the Yaun-ti An adventure for bill nf the Forgotten Ri ai ms website.

memorable villains. Designer Rob- through Stb level, Fortress of die lton -u' Teaming up with other Fofggttett
exl. j. Schwalb says Exemplars of Evil can directly follow tire previous adven¬ Realms lorcmaslers, James and [Link]

''lays out stcp'by»-slep how you should tures in Lite series, or be run as a stand¬ Greenwood have compiled the ulti¬
build your vil bin/1 Along with details alone adventure. mate, author!thrive history of Toril.
on how Lo create rnrrrmraMe vil tains, Aha new this month is Dungeon Tlks Culled from all Forgotten [Link]
nefarious details, deadly lairs, and V: Last Caserns of the Utiderdark, focus¬ sources from iiist edition on, A Grand
sinister adventure hooks, there are ing on natural cavern features like lava History of the 'Realms resolves contra¬
also supporting mechanics like villain pooh, cliffs, binding passages, under¬ dictions and compiles a definitive
feats, alternate class features, and pre- ground rivers, green slime, and more. timeline, along with extensive cross-
gen crated villains tanging from CR 5 Designer James Wyatt says it uses “all references, anecdotes, and essays
to 20. Exempiars nf [Link] also lies into small tiles, so it’s easier to shape them from Elm in liter to Jiiially present the
I:Icier Evils, releasing later this ye?rr the way you want to," Realms' full story.

GAME MAST FRY ADVENTURES

Out of adventures Lo run? Never fear, Faizo
Puhh slain grs CameMasfcTy Modules are H
herd Since June. Paizo has published one HR
hill-color 32-page adventure a month, and W
we men’:; slopping anytime soon! Septem- HE
ber sees lhe release of Steve Greer’s lJi: Qjf ^Tj
krj of Evil. October brings Michael Korl esrs y
Ji; Entombed with rbp Pharaohs, Nick Logue
(with Tim T1 itch cock) rcLurns to the lineup in
November with £1: Carnival of Tears, and Anson
Caralyars Ji: CuLcrdiatts of Dragonfail doses out
the year in December.
And ifyou look forward to something coming in
the mail every month, you can se t up a month-to¬
rn onth subseri prior lor the modules at paj^eom.
You can even set up a combined subscription with
Pathfimhv to receive them both at the same time!

DRAGON 359 September 2007

reported by B&urr William ChrhUnsm, Milr I. EiegeL and Mike McArtor

A LEGEND RETURNS
Games Workshop^ Black Indljsstries has announced flic release
of I be fourth edition of their popular TaBi&wn game, newly
updated after a thirteen-year hiatus. FksL released in 19S3 and
last updated in 1994, Hie game otters a fantasy hoard game
experience for up to six people, a_s the chiracters they control
compete for the right to wear the Crown of Command.
"This is the best edition of Talisman we have ever pro
[Link],1'said Mart: Gascoigne, Head of Black Industries. “Li's
the return ofa genuine classic fantasy game, and fm proud
to be announcing its comeback, I know fans old and new
will love this edition"
While the game maintains much of what made it a classic,
the fourth edition features new artwork by Ralph Horsley
and Jeremy McHugh, and .all-new “speedy play rules" writ¬
ten by the legendary Rick Priestley (of Wartutmntcr lame),
For more information on the new edition of Talisman,
visit blac kin [Link].

ULTIMATE GM'S KTT

Th is N ovembe rr Pa i zo P11 bli sh mg {paizu. com) iy going
to give game masters every GameMastery product
they* might need to run .rn adventure -including the
adventure! Featuring copies of the Campaign Work¬
book, Critical Hit Deck, Item Cards: Elements of
Powrern Flip-Mat: Woodlands, and Map Pack: Tuns—the
GameMastery Treasure Chest comes in a storage box
as sturdy as it is handy. Also included is a brand new
GameMastery Module, written by Greg A, Vaughan,
featuring a scavenger hunt through a haunted forest,
complicated by n rival party of adventurers who are
up to no good. Specifically designed Lo be included in
this set, the adventure features handy sidebars to help
game masters use the accompanying tools. The Game-
Mastery Treasure Chest is the perfect gift for novice
and e x perie nced gam e m a ste rs a I i ke r

MYTHIC MONSTERS
Ever wanted to stare down a life-size dragon? A3]
you have to do is check out this years Mjrtlsft; Crea¬
tures exhibit at the American Museum of Natural
History ([Link]), in New York, NY.
"Mythic Creatures will feature preserved spec¬
imens from the Museum's collections md even
fdsSals of prehistoric animals to investigate how
they could have, through imsidentifkation, spec¬
ulation, and imagination, in spired the develop¬
ment of some legendary creatures," said Michael
Walker of the museum.
Among other things, the exhibit displays a
model of a 17-foot dragon with a 19-fobt wingspan;
sea creatures including the kraken, mermaids,
and Other sea monsters; various unicorns, griflms,
sphinxes; and even a diupacahrn The exhibit is on
now, and ends in early January of next year.

September 2007 DRAGON 359 15

FIRST WATCH

MUSIC TO GAME BY ART TO DIE FOR DEEP DELVE GREEN RONIN GEAR
Designed by a Dungeon Steel Sqwire, makers Dwarven Forge (dwarven- Fans of Freeport rejoice!
Master, the Trends uf 0f gamin g a cee ssor ies [Link]) is taking subter¬ Green Ronin Publishing
CD b\ Dronokifs including Flip-Mats and ranean adventures Lo new (gree nroi ii n ,uj rn) i ontin-
Tower (www . di onokm Stainless Steel St at Cards depths with their Gamemous ues to expand their pirate's
com) offers fantasy rok- have moved dice off the Idk Expansion Set, ft-ntur paradise with the th.t\ Fr
players more lhan an hour gaining table and into the ing a variety nf useful pieces port Companion. Whereas
of mood-appropriate gam¬ world of line art with their that compliment Lhe existing the recently released Pirates
ing music, as recorded newPiesaits. Prcmicran g aL Master Maze products, espe¬ Guide to Freeport updated the
by a professional studio GcnC'un indy 20-07, these cially the Cavernous Lake set setting itself and contained
orchestra and choir. Tracks intricate dice mosaics of Long anticipated by fans, (he no game statistics, the 620
include music perfect for fantasy art arc composed set was originally slated tor an Freeport Companion provides
travel, combat, exploration of more Qian 2,000 hand- appearance at this part Gen all of the mechanics and
and even zesting at camp. placed dice of various Cou but wa^i delayed when an introductory adventure.
“The live musicians and colors and design a. Con¬ several pieces needed to be Also from Green Ronin,
singers add a great deal of ceived by Steel Sq wire's re cast. "We want to thank cheek out Thr Dsdc of Ulit*
life to this music/ says com¬ Jeff Peterson, the pieces everyone for their patience/ Sttiris, a game aid dial brings
poser David Allen Young, “I are composed by artist said President Jeff Martin. ^1 an old favorite among DSjD
wanted a sound that would Tony Mailsngelh In addi¬ think you will be very happy magic items to life. The deck
rival blockbuster film tion to works already com¬ with the long wait. I recently includes thirty-six i amt-
soundtracks, and even the pleted, custom design5 arc received some photos of (lie sized cards, each illustrated
best synths and samplers also available fur purchase prototypes, and all 1 can say wi th the i 11 usory bea sts you
just can't cut it.." at [Link]. is 'Wow/ have at your disposal

THIS MONTH IN DUNGEON #150

The Final Print Issue uf Dungeon! PR!MCE OF DEMONS

by Greg A. Vaughan
KILL BARGLE! Face the Prince of Demons as the
by jflson Ridrmibn fate of the multiverse hangs in the
Return to D^D's Red Sox and face balance. The climax of the Savage
Bargle, one of DStD's classic vil¬ Tide Adventure Path, a scenario for
lains. A DB^D adventure for 3 rd- suicidal 20th’level characters.
level characters.
DUNGEON INDEX
QUOTH THE RAVEN Including every Dungeon adventure
by Nicolas printed from Issue#1 to #150, orga¬
An old enemy holds the clues to nized by game system and at your
unmask Sham's deadliest new fingertips. Includes a look back at
killer. An Eberron adventure for the magazine's top ten villains and
&th-level characters. top ten adventure locations.

16 DRAGON 359 September 2007

FIRST WATCH

NEVERWINTER NIGHTS II:

MASK OF THE BETRAYER

Atari (ataricoin) and Obsidian Entei-

lain reient (nbridianeiiLcum) have
announced this autumn's release of the
first expansion to Nippenirinter Nights 2;
Mmk of thi. Reimytx a continuation of
the acclaimed foBCOmN [Link]-
based interactive game series. “Tto-
pnumter Ni-rfP'Jtv 2; Mtiik of t\ic Betrayer's
engrossing campaign will conclude the
storyline Lint began in the original Nett-
erunnier Nights 2 and locus on combat,
exploration and. classic U^D dungeori-
crawlingf said Feargus Urquharf CKO
of Obsidian Entertainment. ifWerre also
making new advances in .si Lory and char¬
acter development as well as improving
upon the aedaimed companion Influ¬
ence System used in both Star Wars:
Kfligfns of tfie Girt Rfpufrtir 4: 'Jhc Sifh
[Link] and Nepetwmttr Nights 2?
Keeping true to iLs D&D-based sys¬
tem, [Link] of the Betrayer introduces
epiL levels, new teals and spells, new
races., classes, and prestige classes, and
bads of new monsters. Forgotten
Realms fans in particular can look
forward to a satisfying gaming expe¬
rience in Mask of the Betrayer, as the
adventure is set in faemris Rsusho
men, near ibe wizard nation ofThay.
As with the original, NcyeniifPiter
Nights 2 allows fans to use the included
DM tonlseL to write their own adven¬ <' f 1M
tures and game modifications. Check
out So learn more.

18 DRAGON 359 September 2D01

 CULDCEPTSAGA

i
' TSL/I
fyf'-A *Mk * l

EPIC RPG
ADVTNTURn
BOTH
Online
and Off
Qddczpt Saga brings a fantastical blend
of collectible card games and board
gam es k)getherr ere,it mg an addletive„
strategy game si mi 1st to a souped-up
fantasy version of" Monopoly. Flayers
can play through a single-player game
that includes an overarching slo-
ryline, or they can choose to compete
with, up Lo three other players -it once
online. As with collectible card games,
players customize thfi r decks with the
cards they have on hand, and play thn'r
cards to improve their own standing
wlide impeding opponents. Tn Odd¬
est Saga, you fry to acquire lerrU
lories and charge your opponents
a gold piece value when they land
on them, If the opponent chooses
not to pay ygnr pricey extortion
tee. they must face the "landlord1'
monster that occupies that area
(the nature of which is up to you
depending on what monsters and
other cards you have in your hajld
as the game p regresses).
Many D^D fans wall enjoy Culd-
iccpt S-iitffl. not only for the animated
combat, monsters, spells, and other
fantasy elements, but for the unique
gameplay that comes from marrying
collectible card games with RPG ele¬
X-BOX 360'
ments. Indee d, the artwork of many
of the digital cards was created by
some of the same arhrsts to work on
Magic: The Gathering. Look for Culd- HTOTTn
eepi Saga to release for the Xbox -360
this month.
FIRST WATCH

GOODMAN GOES GOLD KEY LARGO COMES TO YOU AN EVOLUTION IN CARNAGE

Goodman Gaines (goodman-games, 'Take a vacation to the keys this Xnvcm Hordes, Privateer Press's miniatures
tom) has reached a golden mile¬ bed In Kty Largb players take on die strategy game of brutal warbeasts
stone with the release of the fiftieth roles of treasure hunters in the Florida and savage magic, gets its first expan¬
Dii riff eon Cn™I Cktssih DCG #50; Van if Key's in 1899, Taring a disastrous hmri sion thb fall with Hordes: EvoititiOrJ.
of the Tran Overlord features cover art by cane in Lheir search for sunken wealth* New rules, minis, faction-specific
the legendary Erol Ohis and a unique The brain child of game designer painting suggestions, a complete
dungeon design by Monte Cook: the Paul Randles- best known for Pirate's Theater of War campaign, and more
J Vault of "Rings," a dungeon made up Cove—Key lurpa was left uncompleted fill this hard-bound tome, illustrated
of concentric rings. The book even when he passed away in 2.003. Fiiends by some of fantasy's best artists.
includes a ''spinning wheel* map on ;md tamed [Link] Mike Selinker and Also mew from Privateer comes
the inside cover that actually spins. Bruno Rmlulti have since completed Infimal Contraption t .1 multi player
"This isi a dungeon unlike any other the game, releasing it to greaL popularity strategy card game of crazed gob¬
we've published. T mean that liter ally/' in Europe, This new edition by Titanic lin inventors competing In build
said Joseph Goodman- “As the heroes Games (paiz&eoiii/titanic} brings tile the must outrageous, maniacal
progress, Llie dungeon rotates,. making zany diving adventure to North America machines. You can check out more
the adventure (and their mapping) that for the first time, with a fresh layout -ind about these titles and more at priva¬
much more challenging.” mad-cap new art. teer press, coin.

AT THF RED DRAGON INN

Ihe Rrri Dragon Inn Is where adventurers go to party after
the adventure is over, In The Red Dragon Inn, a card game by
Slugfesl Games (slugfcstgamcsLCoro!. you get yucu character
sloshed, gamble with your fellow adventurers, and try to avoid
earning him a black eye. Play DEerdre the Priestess, Fiona BEOWULF ONBOARD
the Vglalil^ Gerki the The story of Beowulf is coming to the big scree 11 i n Novem¬
Sneak, or Zot the Wiz- ber of 7.007. directed by Robert Zemeckis with a -screen¬
I ~ ''ttga ri p play by Neil Caiman and Roger A vary. Along with it, Fan¬
gc, tasy Flight Games ; fantasy [Link]) Is releasing
bunny iarnihar). Each Btowififi the Movie Board Game. The players take on Lite rok
character has her own of Beowulf and his thanes, guiding them into epic battles
unique deck and abil¬ against Grerukl. Crendcfs Mother, and the Golden Dragon.
ities that allow her to While game play is based on Reiner Knlzias Khiitjritfwis-board
gamble, cheat, steal game. Beowulf features new special powers and boards.
the 0 dier adventu re rs' Players can also look forward to computer-genera ted art
gold, and help her lo from the film incorporated into the game, not to mention a
hold her liquor. slew of sculpted plastic figures.

20 DRAGON 359 September 2007

 30 Years of Fabled Tomes
raijpiJed by Tm Hitchcock and Nicolas [Link]. - special ihanis to all
the mt'SSiiflfhoard readers on [Link] and [Link].

yino in the mu rky depth_s ofa cteaki 11 g subiirban basement

or packed in a decaying cardboard clicst and lucked in £be
lightless recess of some Forbidden closet pages of power
quietly mohicr_ There, now too-snug clothes and virnage action fig¬
ures slant! sentinel over the 1 altered covers and well-worn spines of
some [Link] world's darkest Lames. Responsible For wreaking untold
havoc on [Link] everywhere, these vile creations were coaxed
thorn the fiend-op pressed minds of a veritable rogue’s galley of mad
wizards and sorcerer-kings—all who have paid the u iti,mate price of
bloddj sweat, and perhaps their very souls in obeisance to the grea!
and mighty Djragow. for the first time, the ten most fiendish of these
tomes of"dread power and D^D content arc detailed in one place.

Avernish Codex Common Baltic: Esaue #75

Date: July 19S3
lid rtof-i n-Cl 1 i cf: Kim Mo han
Aura: Overwhelming Fiendish Evil
Caster Level: noth
Cost: i,ooo7ooo gp ($15:00 on paizcLcom)
Notable Articles:
"New Denizens of Devildom/' by Gary Gygax.
uThe Nine Hells Bart i,rl by F.d Greenwood
" MuLaiiSs, Me=](?}, and Machines/1, by Roger F. Moore

Among the greatest tonnes of power, its pages were

born oFAvcehus and detail the dread realm of the Niue
Hells For any brave enough to read, including never-
before-seen devils summoned by lire mighty Arch mage
Gvgax. Grand Explorer of the Planes. Readers ol this
book instantly gain Lhe fell power to summon diabolic
Foroes, b 1 ad then", rn 1 hclr gainingsessionand compel
I hem to all manner ol Fiendish plots. Also* this tome
of power offers a dread qu&iLitm that sparks an adven¬
ture: Can Seapon Be Saved? Only the brave or foolish
answer this call and embark on a terrifying escapade
lb- tftbjEl
of death and derring-do

22 DRAGON 359 September Mn

 Book of the Nine Hells
Common Name: Issue 1176
Date August 1983
Editor-i 11 -Chief: Klin Mohan
Aura: Uvervvliekning Diabolic Power
Caster Level: 19th
Cost: yooruoo gp ($2.95 on eBay)
NoLible An teles:
e Beholder,'7 by Ed Greenwood and Roger R Moore
rur NPCs Only, the Death Master," by T ,er. [Link].i
krrhe Nine Hells, Part H," by Ed Greenwood

This blasphemous work of terror and heTIfrrc details the Nine Hells,
Malbotge to Nessus. urging readers I n gallivanL about engaging in al l man-
Tier of fiendish political backs tabbing, kd Greenwood \ho lends an insight¬
ful eye to the beholder, one of the mosL infamous monstrosities of all.

The Tomb of Forbidden Amalgamations

Common Name: Issue #31^ Ninjas! Pirates! Dinosaurs!
Dale: April 2004
Editor-in-Chiefi Matthew SerueEt
Aura: Strong Blasphemy
Casfer Level: i Slh
Cost 800*000 gp ($7,p& on eBay)
Notable An ides:
"The Ninja," by | [Link] Decker
"Oriental Ad ventures Update/' James Wyatt
"Dungeons and Dinosaurs,1 by James Jacobs

When Chris Thomas son penned I ho theme [Link] #31^—Pirates, Ninjas, and
Dinosaurs, most ! bought. il was jusL a joke. At least., they did until it was the
next issue on Uie schedule, Matthew Seraett discovered the cryptic theme and
mu with it. He even added his own unique spice to Lhe mtei monkeys!

IT Libris Mortis Junior

Common Name: issue #336
Dale: October aoo^
Editor-in-chief: Erik Mona
Aura; Strong! Necromancy
Caster Level: iMh
C ost; 600,000 pp ([Link] on [Link])
Notable Articles:
"Not tor the Living.1'by James Jacobs
!Ji] he Dei EiDiioinicc&T oflggwiJv/' by Owen R C Stephens and Gary H Lilian
^Ecology of the Spawn of Kyassf by James Jacobs

In J3il4gow1s terrifying Sam bain i nidi t ion, this death-spewing book proffers
a host of horrors lo plague players. Along with si>: haunting* by scholar of
lhe pro taut lames Licob's, archivists Owen K. C. Stephens and Cary I loikm
reveal [he spHlbnok of the nefarious Iggwilv, the Mother oi Witches.

September 2007 DRAGON 359 23

TOP 10 DRAGON ISSUES TIM HI (LHCOCK ANDNiCQbAS LDUGE

f Prodigious n
Comixton Na m e: T£$} e #3
Date: October
Editor-in-Chi el: Timothy J, Kask
Aura: Iniini'e Class Transmutation
Level; 15th
500,000 gp (^57-75 bn eliay)
Notable Articles:
“Nates on Women St Magic/'by Len Lakofka
|SA New View of Dwarves Tby Larry Smith
' Jesters!,'1 by Charles Carnet, Pete Simon, William Cannon

Herein lies tare far beyond the meager offerings of the PkytTi Handbook, in Cud-
Lag exotic choices such as berserkers,samurai, and the wurld’s & jmbest class (Id¬
em 11 y;- •. h e idi< >L One [Link] mi,sogyn lk lie clia pier eve n con tains special ml ts
for playing leinale characters, a taint pax long since kicked la the curb.

Libre Zappa Musica

Common Name: Issue Hyz^Thf1 Valley J3f Issue
Date: April 19S3
Ldilor-m-Clufdi Kim Mohan
Aura: Strong Musical Blasphemy
eveL 14 Lli
qoo gp (Ss-co on eUayj
ixuMvic Articles:
"The Real Barbarians," by Katharine Kerr
"Everything We Think You Need Lu Know about Srx in die AD^D World"
by Roger R Moore
"Thr Ecology of the Piercer,1' by Chris Elliott and Richard Ed wards

Conh'mnnp die tradition, of April Deacons- —bring on the funny. Why is; this
particular Lome so well recalled? class, and i t wasn't t he.
first ecology ever pnnled. 1L was that parodied
Frank Zappa^; Valley Cirk"Volley

The Art of War

Common Name: Isnuc #127 TIlc TuckerY K oh olds Issue
Date: "November 1987
Editor-in-Chid: Rob" nJenkins, Roger E. Moore, Patrick L. Price
Aura: Strong Di capitatKm
Caster Level: i jLti
Cost: 3cu,00c gp (S>°o on trR;-iy)
Notable Articles:
'Tucker's KoboldC by Roger L- Moore
! “No Quarti:r!”by Aim Asideigh Parker
etA Menagerie’of Martial Arts?7 by Len Carpenter

Penned by legendary warriors, this ibrne contains their secrets, from new
.'styles of martial arts to ambushes and defensive shield tactics, il also solves
the age-old question of Ilow many hands it takes to wield specific weapons
and gives statistics tor Roland, gicgfib

24 DRAGON 359 SflptQtnher Z007

 hiker's Guide to
Gurnimm Name; Issue #315, Campaign Clasps
Date: January
Fditor-in-CHrieC C
Aura: Strong Translocation
Caster Level: 12th
Cost: ioC'rL-oo gp f cc. ,il paizo,cnm)
Notable Articles:
" Pi sn escape: rihe lixiler: Factions/1 by David Noonan
4Creyhawk: Rejpuml Feats of CcTthf by luik Mona
Thckmonr: Guardians of the Docrae/ by Mike Mcarls
NIH

Tour the muTri verse with tills transdimensioual^y charged Lome, offering. Its
HEW SETTING readers a w indow inLo worlds beyond their own. Varied venues of adventure,

EBERRON
ffirsl iMk d the Hew RuIee!
sucIiAl-Qaihm, Gri-y 11 aw k, Ravenlqft and others laywifhi# these pages, along
wi th reminisces by the de mi-gods w ho had hands in Forging these world s.

The Drowonomicon
Common Name: Jssne rr^[Link] Sexy Drow Issue
Date: August 7.003,
Editor-in-Ghitf: Jesse Decker
Aura: Strong Aradinophobia

y^[Link] gp ($4,95 as a PDF on [Link]-

Notahle Articles:
“Flesh fur Lolth-—The Secret file of Dark Elves/ Rubin D, Laws
'The Punishluenta ofLglth/1 Erie Cagle
“The Vault of the Ufeow-—Dark Ljf Metropolis/ Frederick Wcliiing

Past this :nines deadly coverg-rL tin secrets of the dark elves lie revealedl
t-ound within these dreaded pages lurk 1 Living Grlv! t-uvk nr-expl oral ion. oi
the classic Vault of the CiuV.-: a Levy of the IJhderdaxkfc sinLler lools (poisons,
chugs, weapons, etc.); and the dreaded Ltd ih Lada wir the ptmishments of Lnltbi

Encyclopedia Nauticus
Common Name: Issue ft 116
D Lite: December 1.9.86
Editor-in-chief: Roger L. Moore
Aura|and Salty
Caster Level: to
Cost: 100,000 gp iS^VQ on eBay)
Notable Articles:
"High Scabby MaTggret b‘oy; "Children of the Deep/by 1 odd iVloss burg
"High Seas in 3-D/by Dennis Krmib
"Rogue Stones and Gent jumping-" by Fd Greecwood

This log if luiuIdeal lore grants- readers untatboruahly deep insight into
the mysteries of the wives and the darker secrets that lie beneath. The
b rarer of Ibis book can even follow instructions to turn a special sec Lion
Into .a magi Trent sading vess-el ca pah 1 e of [Link] a tin} erew ac .0s5
even the most dangerous bathtub or backyard pond. 2

Eieplember 2007 DRAGON Z59 25

 I n its 13-year history* Dungeons *r Dragons has
crafted numerous mysteries that have, as a matter
of policy qt for the sake of mystery, gone unsolved,
Eberron creator Keith Baker and EberrqN designer
James Wyatt provided some answers.

IIfinally, alter decades of secrecy we attempt to reveal What caused the Mournlaind?
a few ofthe unsolved mysteries of Dfift). 'This is a question thaL I hope is never answered/ says
Special thanks lu Keith Baker, Hd Greenwood, Gary Keith Baker. "People always ask me if I know what caused
Gygax. Robert |. Runt?, Jim Loader, and James Wyatt ibr the Mourning—-if Eve got a story that r use*—and the
[Link] the time to help answer our questions, truth is I has I don't. I could give you half a dozen answers
giT the top of my lie,id [see this issue's Dragonmarks on
Ebeeroi page 106 for some of Keiths ideas]. Any oi Lhose would
Wizards of the Coast's newesl campaign setting has work, and T simply haven't had a reason to pick one in
several mysteries of its own, despite its youlhiulness. my game/

26 DRAGON 359 Sefttlmito 2007

 Keith says it works belter left .is 4 mys¬ interprets the Prophecy a little dif¬
tery: “As .1 mystery, il earn spawn an infinite ferently, "H X doesn't happen now,”
number of adventures." As such, it allows he says, Mil will later/' He goes on
a DM the freedom to create a campaign to say, “Everyone's trying to make
without worrying about contradicting X happen as they understand X. or
established oaotimuty. More importantly, in Lhe way they want to interpret X.
according to Keith, the threat of a second In other words, it's all in how you
Mourning keeps nations at the diplomatic interpret X {and Y, and '£) and try
Sable, preventing a relapse of'the Last War. to manipulate events so that your
“As soon :t& I here IS an answer," Keith says, interpretation happens”
“the tides ol war can nse aginc” The draconic Prophecy
“So to me ™ he concludes, “the question doesn't reveal the future exactly,
is far more important than the answer; ttFs Instead, it offers a vast number of
the mystery of the Mourning that drives contingents, Keith says the Proph¬
the game;’ ecy is filled with variables, llic
Prophecy reveals multiple possible
What does the futures, all of which are contingent
draconic Prophecy on multiple conditions. Fulfill
say? certain conditions and 3 cycle of
Keith Baker sees the Prophecy as a living, Lhe Prophecy reveals wlial should
evolving thing, “ When we think of a prophecy,” he sayst happen. “This is also why you see new bits of' Prophecy
‘we usually think of Nostradamus—a set of scrolls that constantly appearing” says Keith Even dragons can never
says This event will happen at this time/There's lots of fully figure out its intricate details. It's not just a tool for
these 111 Eberron. The Library of Ashtakaia is filled with knowing I he liilurer it a a tool for knowing ail possible
prophecies relating to lhe release of the fiendish over- futures and directing things the way you wank"
lords, for example,* For those looking for more information, James Wyatt is
Unlike those relatively normal prophecies, the draconic quick to point out the Drags nshaid.s artide Keith wrote.
Prophecy is something much bigger, much more alive, That artide can be found online at wizards-conc James is
“ft manifests on the stones of the earth and the motion also in the middle of writing lhe Draconic Prophecies tril¬
of the moons/' says Keith, ‘'the interaction of Eberron and ogy, with the first one already out on shelves. IE contains
Siberys, It might be the wisdom of the Progenitors I hem- extensive quotations from a particular cycle of the Prophecy
selves, passed down to their children. The issue is that it's and explores the nature of the Prophecy in some detail.
never overt Its not just a set of dusty scrolls/' Humans can¬
not follow die whole thing. Only the dragons, demons, and For60ttm Bealms
Undying Court can hope to understand it. The Forgotten Realms have existed since before D&[D,
Even more than mundane prophecies, the draconic and in that time they have created n whole host of ques¬
Prophecy only works at all because it is incredibly vague and tions, We asked F.d Greenwood for the answers to some of
never bothers with concreteness. It allows the DM all the these mysteries, and he replied with the following.
flexibility he needs to use it as a start lor adventures. Keith
saysh “Essentially, the Fmphecy needs to create adventures
as opposed to limiting them. It never te lls players dial they
can't do something—but it can Ml them what will happen
if they den"
All of these possibilities, of course, lead to conflicts in
their own rights. Multiple groups, including the Chamber
and Lhe Lords of Dust, wish to manipulate the Prophecy
in their own ways, to make the future move in directions
beneficial to them.
Keith Likens the Prophecy to the Butterfly Effect; one
small c hange cascades mto enormous changes later. James
Wyatt sees it mure as an [Link] is the only point
of the Prophecy where tile two disagree. Keith describes
the flow of events related to the Prophecy as “if X hap¬
pens, Y will happen: ifY happensZ will happen," following
that with. “ifX doesn't happen, it 5 all up tor debate.'1 James

Wt-mbiM 200? DRAGON 159 27

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES OF D&D ! AND DUNG3QM STAFF

Is Ed Greenwood Elminster? X might have cutmeclions Lo the \Mt City ot Lhe Elders,
Ed had answered 1 his une before, bul we asked him to tdl to Lhe most ancient members oi Lhe Maure Family line
(especially 'Uncle'}, and to a primal power as yet not
Lhe laic on* more time.
No. Ed Greenwood is NOT EbmnsLer. For many years released upon \hc World of Greyhawk, a power the luin-

Ed Greenwood has had din playing (lampooning, actually) ily intended Lo summon at all costs. The summoning ol
Elminster at various conventions (a gig be started at the ’ Y1 is always preceded by the calling forth of his unnamed

request of certain TSR suffers, "so blame them!'), hut his servant, who always inhabits an immortal body to assist
lhe servants of Y# in completing the complicated ritual lo
ham acting abilities don't quite do justice tn the ham act¬
summon his master, which
ing abilities of t he real Old Mage.
requires manipulating space
Elminster goes much Urther in
and time to achieve."
rudeness than F.d ever would,
and has an even less tenuous
gnp an sanity. Those who mis¬
What is the
takenly believe Lhat Elminster Ls
Serpent?
Serpent speaks directly lo
Eds alter ego or wish fulfillment
Vccndt. Others—darinq id uilf
character are reminded that Ed
themselves wizards, mdijiriims,
created t housantls ofwe l E-know n
unci sorrerm—manipulate the
Realms characters, from Storm
tiniftil aspects of the terpen* arui
Silverhand to Azoun IV to Szass
cull it magic* Sul Verna Jurats
fam. and if he was looking tor
to the terpent, and (he terpercf
a wishTulfiUment character bed
spatltf badt/'
eagerly pick someone younger,
—Verna Rflrarn, Monte
saner, more handsome—and a
Cook
whole lot less dangerous to be*
and to be around
Among the greatest and
most feared arch mages,
What is Abeir
liches. and deities in D^tD
(of Abeir-Toril)?
history—and one ot the few
We know what Toni is, but Abeir?
beings to have experienced
Jeff Grubb (called by Ed “the
all three stales—Vecna
original and superb Realms
designer'') coined the name Abeir-Toril for the planet of has ruled empires, shattered planar boundaries, .md
lhe Realms, because Ed postulated that most inhabitants claimed the powers of godhood seemingly by force ot
of the continent he’d (largely) detailed had only a hazy will and magical might alone, Yel it s said that another

idea that other landmasses existed (beyond small islands, being set Vecna upon his rise to power, an enigmatic

that is)p and so had only a name for their continent being few—even the God of Secrets—know much* if
(Faenm. which meant “home" in one of the old languages anything, about: the Serpent.
of the Realmsf "Over the years,1* adds Ed.M most designers Who or what is the Serpent has been a long-debated
and gamers have shortened Abeir-Toril to just l uril, for topic. What is known is that it was supposedly the force

reasons that will soon become apparent...." that inspired Vcena to pursue and excel at the magical
arts, revealing mysteries and secrets ot spellcraft no mor¬
tal had ever before gleaned. This intimate understanding
GBITHAWS
Created and developed al the same time as the rules for of magic has led many to believe that the Serpent is a
D&P, Greyhawk incorporated Lhe ideas not just nt Gary personification of magic itself with on unfathomable
Gygax, but of his friends as well With so many architects, of will of itfis own. The quoted text from Vccm Reborn sup¬

course, a few secrets nshirally came to be. ports this theory,, as docs page of the Manual uf
Pip/iw, which suggests lhe Serpent might be "an uber-

Who is the mysterious "Y” in deity of unimaginable power/'

Another possibility proposes that this entity i.s one ot a
Maure Castle?
Throughout Robert J. Kuntz's Maure Castle adventure number of unfalliomably old beings known as the Elders

series in Dungfok. references are made to the tamily s or Ancient Brethren (see Dk Vam Die). Who or whal these
beings were or are remains unclear, bu l ^mudrus. Jazinan
mysterious patronf referred to only as “Y,”
While unwilling to reveal the secret quite yet, Runt* (god of the couatls), the Lady of Pun, and the Serpen t are
all rumored to be Ctf this ageless heritage. A connection
did offer the following. “T is not Yeenoghu, and he is
not a known god or outsider within recent reckoning. between these entities and other creatures horn ol the

2Q DRAGON 359 September 2007

 times l>etbre the multiverst, such as it doesn't. Most likely, the ghostly
the baemolotbs and dnieden. doubt¬ voices Ln Veena's head, inspiring
lessly exist. him to heights of arcane brilliance
Yet another similarity that can't and depths of depravity* are merely
be overlooked is the connec¬ the whispers of his own insanity and
tion between Vecna's mentor and dark genius.
another being sometimes known
as the serpent, the Archfiend and Where did the
ruler of Hell, Asmodeus^ From his Spaceship Come
lair deep in the pits of Baator, sug¬ From?
gestively caJled The Serpent's Coil, The spaceship in question, of course,
the Lord of the Ninth's corruption is the une that crashed m the Barrier
and deceptions touch innumerable Peaks back in 1976.
realms. While doubtlessly ihe most By the time Ihe adventure Expedi¬
powerful of Hell s archdcvils. some tion lo the Barrier Ftedfes Lakes place, the
suggest Ilia I As mode us might in spaceship ho* been buried under rack
fact be the primal force of evil in tor years and its original pilots are long
the multi verse, supporting his possible connection to dead But who were they? Where did they come from?
the Ancient Brethren. That Asmodeus would possess The adventure itself answers these questions in an
a deep understanding of magic, pose as snnther god- oblique manner—the [Link] tells us that "SomeLime else,
like being, and impart secrets to corrupt a mortal to a large exploration-colonization expedition of human
great evil all seem in line with the subtle plotting of origin was overtaken in the course of its journey by a
the nefarious laird of HcEL deadly plague. In a vain effort to halt ihe spread of the
For ah tiie possibilities reaching back to the origins of virus, the modular sections of the vessel were sealed and
the multivcrse and the most powerful beings in existence, then separated, each left to its own fate. The section con¬
though, a tiir simpler explanation of the Serpent exists: cerned here was drawn Lhrough a black hole and spewed

This summer, E&CSSSlfeOiiSS presents:

Four gamers. No lives. Roll For initiative/ In
their first 12C-page collection, the guys from
"Full Frontal Nerdity" bring you gaming gags,
Internet insanity, and comic collecting
catastrophes in the "
-1' This volume includes strips From the
popular webcoraie, as well as From Scrye and
Comics Buyer's Guide/

It was bound to happen:

Nodwick has gone Hollywood/
Celebrating his appearance in the
Ps238 starts oFF its fourth
year with yet another "learning upcoming movie, ^Gsfners 2:
experience" from the students
Darkness Rising?* from Pead
Gentlemen Productions, this fine
at the first public school for
superhero kids/ Join Tyler (aka collection completes the epic
"Bapkuma'al" storyline, and
Moon Shadow), Emerald
continues to deliver the laughs
Gauntlet/ The Flea, and all the
and legends that have made
other metahuman minors as they
Nodwick a staple of Fantasy
begin their legendary joumies.
humor/ So plan a road trip to la-
Save recess. Save the world,
la land this summer as"
with"- . v'ocMe
"
Experience *

©<30[?[?[?G00o3©[ul
UNSOLVED MYSTERIES OF D&D

A Gygjx by Any Other Name only had Tasha to helpL But beyond
f hroiighouT the history at DungilOns a? Dragons no name has been the her one sped, who was she?
source of more alterations and anagrams Shat that of the games creator: Until Expedition to tiff Ruins of Grt^-
Ernest Gary Gy gas. Presented here is a mere sampling of places. characters, Juatuk, nothing more had lieen pub¬
and artifacts named after OfitD's creator. lished in any official capacity about
Name Description this mysterious woman, but pidven-
Gryra* A erty in Greyhawk turers who play l h rough this new
Pnson of Xagig Prisoner-shrinking cage adventure get to finally learn who she
RMTf of Gfinur A cursed ring actually is. If you wish to avoid spoil¬
ToJismofi ofZnQy A magical artifact ers for one of this adventure’s secrets,
Xagy Maker of Ehfrso s Mflrurious N^hiing^e skip ahead to the next mystery.
Yagras Mage*priest from life of Woe As revealed in that adventure, Tasha
Yra g the Lo rd Pn rson al cha racier of Gary G ygax wax a member of an infamous adven¬
Za gig Yrs gerne Lo rd- Mayo r of Grgyhawk tu m ed god turing group known as the Company
Zagyg Capacious god of magic of Seven For a time, she even served
as one of Zagigs apprentices. And
into the universe where the World of yet unlike her fellow members of the
Greyhawk fantasy selling exists.1’ Dung^gn Mo-dule S3 company* she left little in the way of
Expedition to the Carrie: Pc alls legacies save for her one spell,
Rut what was on the other side of fcjr&srjr crjos,
(hatblack hole? Its likely the universe AFC AmrEwnfH rCB CtiAtMRtt IXVB& &12 in Expedition to the Ruins of Cnrylkiwt
I hat spawned Metamorphose Alpha, a the mystery is revealed :il last—-Tasha
game designed by Jim Ward (and the is the same woman who would go on
first science fiction RIHj to he pub¬ tn become one of Ocrths most feared
lished). The central cunt ell of Mdu- and notorious wizards—the Witch
mnrpfioris was thill Lhe immense Queen lggwilv. As 'tasha, she infil-
spaceship Worden was struck by an 1 rated the Company of Seven, posing
unknown cataclysmic event (such as a as a wizard of much less power than
deadly plague, perhaps?) that had set she actually possessed—dial she was
it adrift in deep space. The PCs in this able oen to deceive Zagig points not
game arc natives Lx)m nn the Warden, only to the Mad Archmage's distracted
generations later, who must contend personality, but to her own consider¬
with technology and mutants thnt able skills. As a member of The Com¬
none of them understand- The Vttir- pany, Iggwilvffkshz w:is able to draw
dirn included areas of botanical gar- - --—^ and huihl upon lhe m'ucE o1 m\ ol
dens and menageries, radiation was a common hazard, the world s greatest wizards. It remains unclear what evenl
and the technology left around by the ship’s long-dead forced her to abandon her Ihsha alias and take on the
precursors was as fajitas tic as it [Link] scientific. mantle Ibr which she would become so well-known.
It's thus certainly no stretch of the imagination lo Which begs the question—is Tosha Eggwilv's real name?
identify the crashed ship in the Barrier Peaks as a section While the answer lo ibis is unclear, long-time readers of
jettisoned from the Warden itself! Dracon might want to look hack to issue #&4’s classic
adventure by Roger Moore, "The Dancing Hut.1* In par¬
Who is Tasha? ticular, check out area 15—Natasha's Chambers: "Natasha
A scan through t he sorcerer and wizard spells in the Piayrrz the Dark is an adopted human ’daughter’ of Baba Yaga
i tiiruJImnli reveals a whos who of famous wizards ftnm the who was influenced by the witch to take up her sorcery
World of Grey hawk—Rigby. Drawmij, hvard, Leomund, and use il for dark purposes. A beautiful woman with
NystuhOttaOfiluke. Rafy* Tenser, and of course. Morden- smoky black hair and alabaster skin, Natasha enjoys
kainen. In many cases, these famous MFCs did dual-time manipulating demons, and uses them frequently as ser¬
is player characters for many of the game’s creators, and vants and guardians."
all of them have, at erne point, been featured in adventures
or articles throughout the gamefc editions. All but one. The Missing Modules
Tasha has but one spell to her name, one that Likely About the time TSR expanded GftEYMAWK from a folio
made it into third edition when the game’s designers real¬ to a boxed set, AD$D modules got a new alphanumeric
ized a gap existed in the list of znd-level arcane enchant- code to support the setting "Hius was horn the WG series,
rnent spells. Of the three in lhe core rules now. both duzc which would grow to include classic adventures like isle
monster and touch of idiocy a re brand new to 3*5—in 3.0. you of the -Ape, Fair of Jjrfuj. Morrfr nktic/irrix Fantastic Aiiurraftinr

30 DRAGON 353 September 20D7

(which introduced Maure Castle), and the Vale of flic is a prisoner bound at the heart of the Outer Planes and
Mage. Curiously, the Mrs! in the series was WGijrThf For- that Sigil is her cage.
i|L’]rien Tempk ufTharizdun. [Link] happened to WGi< WG2f Additionally, some suggest Lhat she is one of the
and WG}? unknowable Ancient Brethren—manifestations of pri¬
According to the Acaeum [Link]), the premier mal forces- and Jaws existent since the formation of the
D&iD collector s website, WGi and WGa were set aside multivcrsc—and that her role is one of key mu I tip la-
fnr of Hommitt and Lhc long-delayed The temple nar concern: protection of SigiL The City of Doors has
uf Ekmunuil fc'ril WGj was to be Lost Governs nfTwjcanth always been held ari a place of unique importance at
(published as S4)- Gary Gygax himself isn't so sure, the heart of the Outer Planes, where all philosophies
"While the named modules were indeed set on Qerth. might meld and mix. Some have even suggested that
and a WG would have been appropriate, 1 do not recall Sigil is the keystone upon which the Outer Planes rely,
ever asking for such a designator,'' he said. “Certainty and that all the planes’ stability rests on the physical
The Vri/jnfje of Hammlfl was dubbed Ti by me." and philosophical peace of the city. Should one phi¬
Also according to the Acaeum, WGy was originally set losophy ever forcibly take hold, particularly through
aside for S/iadoivitf#ids, but soon became the “joke'1 Ctia- invasion or godly intervention* that change would be
tlr Gnryfefmsk I hat lampooned the dungeon responsible accounted for in the ordering, reordering, destruction,
for the D^D hobby and enraged Gkhvhawk fans. The or creation of various Outer Planes- Thus, this theory
mystery behind why someone thought that would be a proposes that it is the role of the Lady of Pain to main¬
good idea isi as Derek Smalls of Spinal Tap says, "best tain the status quo within Sigil, lest the mull iverse be
left unsolved.11 fundamentally changed (see Dir Vri rui Die),
Although little can be proven or deemed true about
PlAIESCAPE the Lady of Pain in DStD, outside of those realms inspi¬
As the all-encompassing setting, Pianescape allowed ration for the Lady of Pain is drawn directly from the
exploration not only of each world's mysteries, but it cre¬ titular character in a poem by Algernon Charles Swin¬
ated more of its own. burne, “Dolores (Notre-Dame de* Sept Poulencs)" Le.r
"Dolores (Our Lady oKSevcn Sorrows)."
Who or What is the Lady of Pain? Regardless, what is known for sure about the Lady of
*S7ks dir one who blorts Ihr powersJmm HSgjL liar’s the one Fain is very little besides that she is an embodiment of
ivhosr influence prrvenls ^jnte sprih from lvorltiruj and who the mysteries of Sigil and all the planes found beyond
shields Siqil from rfir Aimrf Plane. She s the one who urakd her city's countless doors,
the Mfises and traps, Siqd\ wauld-he conqueror*”
—Sigil and Beyond, lilEIMET
David “Zeb" Cook Gothic horror and mysteries fit well together, and D^D's
iconic gothic horror campaign setting, Raven LOFT, has
No one knows who or what the Lady of Pain is. The quite the mystery.
undisputed and uncaring ruler of Sigil, the hub of the
Outer Planes, it is by her might that deities and power¬ What are the Dark Powers of
ful magics do not intrude upon the City of Doors. Her Ravenloft?
powers and actions mark her as something both more Perhaps more mysterious than any other entity (or group
and less than a deity. While she demonstrates the power oi entities) in the muiLkverse, none know Lhe faces or the
to prevent all other deities from intruding upon her city intentions of those enigmatic forces known collectively
and the ability to create demi planes (the Mazes) at will, as the Dark Powers of Ravenloft.
sht possesses no worshipers—actively dissuading and Some have suggested they might be a cadre ofim pris¬
destroying those who would dare pray to her—and has oned fiends or 4 pantheon of ageless, subtle, and evil dei¬
never exhibited power outside her city. ties. While their history remains secret, their arts are well
Numerous theories seek to explain the l^ady of Pain documented and frequently speculated upon. Tied fun¬
and her role within Sigil, The most farfetched possibili¬ damentally to the Mists ihal pervade the Derm plane ot
ties suggest that she iHjghf be a personification of Sigil Dread, the Dark Powers seemingly have two objectives: lhc
itself or its countless philosophies, a reformed demon imprisonment oi the foulest villains of the Material Plane
lord, a being hatched from a dab us egg by the dragon and the continual subtle tormenting of such captives*
god lo, or an aspect of a dead god of portals. More elabo¬ Perhaps only once have the Dark Powers ever been
rate possibilities have also been posed. The Plan ESCAPE known to directly communicate with a mortal: Count
novel Paqn oj Pain suggests that the Lady of Pain might Strahd von Zarovkh. See king a way to claim the love of his
be a daughter of Lhe Greek god Poseidon, while the video brother's fiance, Thtyana, Strahd called out to any power
game Pi * Nescafe: Torment implies that the lady of Pain that would aid him and was answered by a force that called
UNSOLVED MYSTERIES OF D&D DRACON AND DUNGEON STAFF

other evil reality. Again, none know for

sure, but all art right lo dread.

The act of making D^D sometimes

creates its own mysteries,

D&D’s Lost
Manuscripts
In any publishing enterprise, hooks
tumble on and off schedules as con¬
sumer and publisher tastes change,
Mosl of the time this happens months
or years before a product s release, but
in some cases a “would-be" D£jD book
itself odyttDe:itkP Ukely, this Death was a manifestation survives long enough that word of its title and contents
of the Dark Powers, which soon alter claimed Strahd's sneaks into the outside world- The trend started early, in
realm of Barovia, laying il as the foundation of the dispa¬ Gary Gygax's^From the Sorcerer's Scroll” column in these
rate realms that would become the mist-shrouded world very pages* The mosl famous piece ol DSjD vaporware is
within the Dcmiplane of Dread- undoubtedly Cyrix’s Chicle Gnryfeywk, an official adapta¬
As the Mists, the Dark Powers have the ability to reach tion of the dungeon that started it all. In the years since
into the Material Plane and transplant individuals, Gary's numerous mentions of the book in his column,
towns, or indeed even whole nations to the Demiplane of no tewer than four different versions ol the castle have
Dread. Yet, not all villain?, attract the attentions of these appeared in one form or another, but wehre still waiting
mysterious powers, as evidenced by the fact that count¬ for (and probably will never gel) the genuine article.
less tyrants, murderers, and worse dwell on innumerable Other ^almostH products include:
material planar worlds. Rather, the attentions of the dark Wasp Nrrt; TTir City Stale of Slomfc: An official Gygax
powers seem drawn to acts of subtle evil, corrupt pas¬ Castk Crryhawk mighl never happen, but this product, a
sions, dark nimbi tions, and tragedy. Rarely do they inter¬ sourcebook featuring a bandit city and its adventure-rich
vene or inspire such deeds, but once such acts arc tom- environs, was ready to go to ihc printer when GygaK was
milted then the Mists rise and claim their prize forced ouL of T5R in iqSo. It was mentioned in Gary's
Aside from claiming evil souls, the Dark Powers manu¬ Dragon column that Rob Kuntz and Skip Williams both
facture tortures to lormenl those they hold. For example* playtested the adventure, bul the only surviving scrap of
the lich Azalin of the domain of Darkon is tormented the manuscript is a map stolen tram Gygax’s office just
by the ghost of his beloved, murdered son; Lamordia s before he left the company. Limited detail on the city
Dr. Vidor Mordenheim finds his attempts to scientific appears in the Gord the Rogue novel Ariifitci of*
callv resurrect his dead wife incessantly corrupted or just S'hmioa'IrtTid: Also plugged in I he pages of the Soreeror’s
outside his ability; and—best known—Count Strahd von Scroll was this sourcebook/adventure featuring the inih~
Zirovkh is tortured by the constantly resurrected form i nous Demi plane uf Shadow, a wedding, and several ol
of his beloved, whom he is forced to lose again and again. Gygatfs quasi-deities. Despite I he taniare in Dll AC on the
These torments seem to be integral to the Dark Powers' book—to be written by Gygax and Skip Williams—never
plans lor their captives. In the rare times when a dark- got beyond the “notes" stage. Remnants exist in Williams’s
lord ceases to he pained by his torments, or perhaps finds shadow mastiff and slow shadow and in GygaxS Cord
redemption, the prisoner is seemingly released—such as novel City of Hawks, which features an extensive sequence
in the debatable case of Lord SoLh, in the Shadowland,
Despite tbeir tearful reputation, the Dark Powers might A Guiiir (o the Gup: Written and almost finished by
seem like a force for good, as they have removed dozens Pla;nescape creator David MZebM Cook in the tumultu¬
of potenl evils horn across the planes and now keep them ous time between the collapse of THR and Di^Ds ultimate
contained. To what end these forces maintain their dark rescue by Wizards of the Coast. this product managed to
planar prison remains Lie question that disturbs planar appear in catalogs before being shelved with Che demise ol
travelers and scholars the most, though. While the Demi- the PlaKBSCAPF line. Surviving material Lonnd its way into
plane of Dread might he perceived as a prison, many view FurSum Wfif, a Sigil-based adventure that tied up many of the
it as a co ncentrated and growing cancer of evil alloat in the setting's loose ends.
ethers, Some have even suggested that the deniiplane might The Share* of Dusk: With their hit novelist RA Salvatore
serve as a stepping-stone between the muifiverse and no me writing his non-D^D Demon Wars saga lor Dd Rey and

32 DRACON 359 September 200?

 cl i in bit: lq come to terms regarding more stories featur¬ series that gave character to DS;D icons like ftegdar, Liddap
ing his famous character DrizzL DoTlrden, TSR looked and Krusk. They are actually twelve diSFerept authors.
elsewhere to continue the dark elfs gaga* Novelist Mark Both the Awlinson and Lain pseudonyms came about
Anthony was given the jobp having succcssfiilly passed a for (he same reason: so books in a single series would
Drizzt test with h is novella “The fires of Narbondef from be racked next to each other at book stores, rafoer than
Rjf'd/njf of the L'ndtrtlark. Ads for the book. 71k Shat** of Dusk, racked randomly according to the actual author's last
appeared in Dragon, but the completed manuscript itself name. Awlinson—a play on "all-in-one"—stood in for
was swallowed whole when Wizards ofthe Coast acquired Scott Giencin on SluiduwduU, Troy Denning on Water-
TSR, The new regime fitted things with Salvatore, and deep, and a [Link] ton between Ciencm and series edi¬
Drizzt has been a single-author character ever since. tor Jim Lowdcr on lantras. When Wizards of the Coast
City of Sin: Wizards of the Coasfs experiment with reprinted Lhe Avatar Trilogy in 200\4 they dropped the
ilmature" content was originally more ambitious than sim¬ Awlinson name altogether.
ply the Book Vik Darkness and Book of Fjcaiwd Deeds. As But they weren't quite finished with pseudonyms.
a way lo show off foe new rules released in these tomes. That same year Wizards experimented with their
Wizards recruited star designer Brace R. Cordell lo create a own "house nameT this time T.H. Lain, a comc-from-
truly evil city packed with dangerous monsters and diaboli¬ nowhere genius who managed to crank out ten books
cal plots (some of a decidedly "adult* nature), References to featuring the game’s new iconic characters. In fact, nine
Il appeared in Savage Spcms, but internal politics scotched authors used the Lafn name in the series to keep the
the completed book, which remains lucked away on Wiz¬ books together in book stores. A few years back. Wizards
ards of the Coast computers to this day. publicly announced the ploy and released the names of
the rca] T.H. Liin(s), They are:
Rickard Awunson and T.H. Lain ■ The .Sciwicje' Cants—Philip Athans
They handled two of Lhc must important Df^D fiction ini¬ (Wizards of the Coast book editor)
tiatives ever. One of them '"blew* up” the Forgotten Realms - The Lii'fjy Dead—Cory Herndon
in the much-maligned Avatar trilogy that mixed gods with (Wizards of the Coast editor)
mortals and fictionalized the transition Iram first to second * OdthofNeraff—Bruce R Cordell
edition. The other wrote every single book in a io-volume (Wizards of the Coast designer)

Orufi nnd dzirk prills in senile lo Izrador. the SEudou in the North, rale idI ihc realms- nf men,
uiL-
'IlK lev fiflCra 1
hidden or cmlavL’it. fijililing rn iksiHTJk euorilte war they eamiot puskiblv win.

In a world whew hjetmes an: huniL’d. do ytni hn\c the courage lo Eteht ti N- freedom? Mitfaighr is 3 lie ENmc SVskTtl

qward-ivinninii d20 cfcinpaign setting, of cpk fan Lih% and desperate heroism in art aue ofshadow Shirt your
www-S \vrAS\ F].iujiitJAOi *,*mt U.-[Link] nihil norttafitu- faint, i| wpitin. ife
advcninre iviih (he Mkfnfghi Second Edition cn irTpuissn sooret-^nk i^i-iy E [Vtl:11 fttJ nrnjiTTi it: I [Link]. iJ.?.
\VWft\M IO\.|[ il mil haum friHr-b-^d Sri U Lurch oiih^ diuu. hi plij.
UNSOLVED M YSTERIES OF D&D

■ City tif Fire— Ed Stark (former D&D Design Manager)

- T'Jir Btaody Eye—joh n ny L W i Ison Missnc Pebsohs
[tonnei Pnizo publisher) Sometimes people in the game industry suddenly disap¬
* Treachery's Wflke—Male Levine (freelance writer] pear, never again to produce an other helmed product
* Pirtqwc of fee—Murray J,D. Leder (freelance writer)
* The Sundered Arms—Dave Gross (former Deacon editor) Whatever happened to David A.
* Return of (hr Damned—Jess lebnw Trampier?
[Wizards of the Coast book editor) I rani pier was lhe writer and artist of “Wormy," a popular
■ The Deafh Roy—Philip Athans comic strip thal ran in Deacon, before he suddenly van¬
(Wizards of the Coast book editor] ished in 1988, ending his strip without explanation in the
middle of a storyline.
Is Earth Part of the D&D His complete and unexpected disappearance from
Multi verse? the public rye spurred rumors of his death, but 3
The answer to this one might surprise you. 2002 article in the student newspaper of Southern
* In a 1084 interview for PnJvhftlmm, Gary Gygax said: “By the Illinois University featured a local taxi driver named
way, action lakes place on Yarth.a place somewhat similar David Trampier and included a photograph. Although
to Qertb, the setting of Grey hawk, et al It has fewer magical the article did not mtinlion any gaming or artistic
properties than Qerth, bul more than career, the article prompted
l .artla. It is not impossible diaL addi¬ fresh speculation, and rumors of
tional works will lie contracted for in his death were officially denied
months to come, iTCtion being set on by Wizards of the Coast in 200$
Yarih or perhaps another alternate and his brother-in-law Tom
world, Acith. On Earth, magic is vir¬ Wham in 2004,
tually non-existent. On LkrthFdwco- Most recently, in 2005,. Ken-
mers are weak, chancy Lhings, Varth zerCoVice President Jolly Blackburn
has a sprinkling of tilings magical, staled on [Link] that he had spo¬
and Ocrth h pure magic" ken with Tram pier about a Wormy
* Several deities of the Forgotten compilation a few yean* prior. “He
Real m s have their origin in Earth politely asked me not to call him
mythology; Early Dragon articles again and to lose his number.1' said
abuul the setting often mentioned Blackburn, 'Apparently a lot of peo¬
conned ions between the two worlds ple tracked him down through the
(most explicitly in Ed Greenwood's same article and he was fed up with
"The Wizards Three" series that ail the phone calls. Seemed like a
concludes in this issue). nice guy. He just wants nothing to
* Sl Cuthbes t was one of the most important saints of do with the strip or the gaming industry.”
medieval England, and is regarded as the patron saint at
Northumbria. This might be explained away as a coin¬ Whatever happened to Carl
cidence or the teal viinr inspiring the richonaJ one, but Sargent?
then howto explain Drag on #ioo+s uThe City Beyond the This notable D&D designer uFSos and 90s is known for his
Gate," in which Lhe PCs must rescue the Mucr of 1SL Culh- work on such books as hiz Ifw Full, The City afSkuUs, and the
btrl from its prison in a modem-day London museum? unpublished work Ivid the Undying
lhe adventure chalks it up to "another universe," but its Outside the world of garningT Carl worked in the
dear the fantasy world of D&D links to the real world of fields of psychology and experimental parapsychology
Dragon magazine. at the University of Cambridge, where he published
* Then, of course, there’s Lhe Dungeons & Dragons several papers in conjunction with noted scholar
cartoon, in which a group of gamers enters a theme Hans By stuck.
park D&D fide only to be Iran stormed into rangers, In die late 199C.S. Girl Sargent was offered a job at FAS A
thief-acrobats, wizards, and cavaliers in a world Lhal is in Chicago. Somewhere between Cam bridge University
dearly a part nf the games multi verse* The show ended and Chicago he disappeared The only thing that everyone
before the kids ever returned, to Earth, bat we like to seems to agree on is that he suifered some sort ol 'TnedLcal
think they're still out there looking for a way back just problem/' One uncontinned report indicates he way in an
like we re still trapped here, looking for lhe greatest automobile accident. The nature ot his unknown illness, as
theme park ride in history to lead us away iruui this well has his location for the past several years, remains one
boring old place. of D&D’s most elusive unsolved mysteries* w

34 DEACON 353 ^ptemhti 2D07

 D ragonkmd has a unique relationship with time,
growing ever more powerful while never sinking
creatures, thus rejecting the extremes of alignment and
Lhe conflicts they engender. Epic dragons show a range of
inLo dementia or bodily decay as 3 result of [Link] personalities wider, perhaps, than even that of humans;
n-reiimnlntinn of year*, centuries, or mi I rnnia, One breed some live as selfish and ill-tempered hermit* while oth¬
of dragon interacts with time in a manner completely its ers battle evil or good with the same fervor as outsiders
own, breathing it, eating if and living as a part nf it in of the opposing alignment. like other dragons, however,
such a way as to become a physical manifestation of time most epic dragons covd and hoard wealth, although
itself This breed, arguably the most rare and most pow¬ their collections tend to focus less on coins and more on
erful of ;ill dragons (competing even with the draconic magic, lorrr and exquisite pieces of arL
deities themselves), is die epic time dragon. Alt epic dragons speak Draconic.

Epic Dragon Qualities Cornbat

First introduced in the Epic 'Level Handbook epic dragons Fpic dragons share .ill the combat characteristics of
share the same general traits as true dragons' they am standard dragons, as described in the Munster MaiiuaL
massive winged reptilian creatures defined by twelve age Even wyrmlmg epic dragons are Huge, however, nod can
categories, powerful breath weapons, and numerous phys¬ make tail sweep and crush aLLacks. The oldest epic drag¬
ical attacks Epic dragons differ from common, dragons in ons grow to such titanic proportions that other Colossal
their sheer size (even wyrmlings are Huge}, their longer dragons sec in sin ail in comparison.
lifespans (and greater increases in power levels from age Although no size category exists beyond Colossal, die old¬
category to age category), and the unusual energies or con¬ est epic dragons possess greater reach and deal more damage
cepts (in this case, time) over which they extend mastery. with their attacks than other Colossal dragons, as shown on
While ''common" dragons easily fail into categories the following tables. In addition, the breath weapons of the
based or alignment and temperament, epic dragons oldest epic dragons reach tiirtheT than those oi most Colos¬
display greater individual variation, Hpic dragons Lend sal dragons,The size modifier for these dragons remains S.
heavily toward neutral, as they care more for their own The tables of this article ami in the Fpir level Handbook des¬
interests than tot lhe well-being or subjugation of other ignate dragons of this truly titanic size as Coiossal+.

36 WAGON 359 September 2007

 Wyrmling epic dragons possess certain abilities that Epic Dragon Attacks
common dragons do not acquire until later in Iitc-r ITail im
including frightful presence, spdJcaaLing, and spdl Size 1 Bite 2 Claws 2 Wings Slap 1 Crush Sweep
resistance. An epic dragon with a caster level above 20th Huge 2dS 2d6 ld8 2d6 2d£ —
[Link] the Improved Spell Capacity feat ns n bonus feat Gargantuan 4d£ 2d8 2d6 2d 8 4dh 2d 6
once for every three easier levels above ZOth, Any epic Colossal 4dS 4d6 2d8 4d6 4dS 2d 8
dragon can choose epic feats tor whjch it otherwise Colossal-!- 6d6 4d8 4d6 4 da fidb 4d&
meets the prerequisites,
liiu power Spell-Like Ability: An epic dragon can Epic Dragon Face, Reach, and Breath Weapon Length
apply the Empower Sped feat to one of its spell- Size Face Reach (Bite) Line1 Cone’*
like abililies Lhal it can use aL IcasL Lwict per day. It' Huge 15 ft. 10 ft. (15 ft.) 100 ft. 50 ft,
the dragon has limited use of the spell-like ability Gargantuan 30 fl 15 fl. (20 ft.) 120 ft. 60 ft.
the empowered ability uses up two uses of the abih Colossal 30 fL 20 11. (30 ft.) 140 ft. 70 ft.
ity. If Lhe dragon can use the ability at will, Lkere is Cofossa 1+ 40 ft- 30 ft. (40 ft.) 160 ft. SO ft.
no cost for empowering the ability. The dragon does I A line is always 5 feet high and 5 fecL wide.
not need to specify a spcll-like ability when il chooses 2 A cone is as high and wide ss it is long.
this feat' it can apply the feat to any spell-1 ike ability
it possesses. Brea lit Weapons {Sli}: A time dragon has two hypes of
Maximize Espell-Like Ability: The dragon can apply the breath weapon^ a line of ravaging time and a cone- of time
Maximize Spell feat to one of its spell-like abilities that expulsion. Creatures and objects within a line of ravaging
it cam use at least ihrce times per day, ff the dragon has time age 1 year per age category (no save); creatines- fake 1
limited use of the spell-like ability the maximized abil¬ point of Constitution damage and objects lose 1 point of
ity uses up three uses of Lhe ability. If the dragon can hardness per age category of the dragon { fortitude half).
use the ability at will, there is no cost for maximizing the Creatures within a cone nf l ime expulsion disappear and
ability. The dragon dnc.s not need to specify a spell-like cannul acL for i round per age category of the dragon
ability when it chooses this feat; it can‘apply the feat to (Wilt negates). These creatures are not under thir effect of
any spell-like ability it possesses. a Unit- stop, they arc thrown into the future a number of
Epic dragons Jlv even faster Lhsn common dragons rounds and effectively do not exist until lhe timestrearn
and can cover greater distances. catches up with them.
Time Control (Su): A time dragon emerges from its egg
Epic Dragon Overland Flying Speeds with some level of natural control over the flow of Lime
—Flight Speed— and its own place within the flow. From hatching, a time
One Hour 250 feet 300 feet 350 feet dragon can accelerate its actions relative to the actions
Normal 40 miles 5Q miles fiO miles of others. As a free action, a time dragon can will its elr" to
Hustle SO miles 100 miles 120 miles move more quickly, enabling it to set as though affected
One Day by a haste spell tor up to 5 rounds each day. The duration
Normal 320 miles 400 miles 4SO miles uf die Incite e fie it need not be consecutive rounds.
Time dragons ar? immune to slow effects.
Except noted here, epic dragons con form to the Tinte Stop (Sp): At a standard action, a time dragon can
general information thaL applies to all dragons given in cast firm- siop at will. The time dragon cannot remain
the MonsterMcmml* completely removed from the [Link] earn., however, and
must wait zdq rounds between uses of this ability.
Time Dragon Draconir Surge (Ex): A very young or older Lime dragon
Always N dragon catih once per day as a swill action, borrow time from the
future. This allows the time dragon to take an extra stan¬
This drarjun\ dtanrttrjf-rjrYiy irtik.s Jay dose Jo iis flesh and dard or move action during its turn. An old or older time
hrcir no ridges, giving flic crratim: a smooth look An hour- dragon can use this ability twice per day.
qias-v-shfippr/ mdsfc nfhlaclc scales surrounds its eyas, and rtueiuc Time Mastery (Su): Thanks Lo its greater cent col over
ufifvt'tiiy spaced lines uf iftift'.s ratfiafr btfcfc along its its connection (or lark thereof) to the flow of hme,
body, like free rings, A spike in ihc shape of a typical gnomon an adult or older lime dragon operates continuously
extends from the bark of iis skcdl, efferttucl)1 doiihiing the Lmjfk under the effects of a haste spell, A time dragon cannot
of its head. Its triangular wings spread fntm rkrir narrowest suppress this ability, and if" dispelled it automatically
points at its brtdt to cjiur them the outTall shape of tin howrjjloLs^ resumes at the start of the time dragon's next turn (this
Tlvo spikes of difftrmt lerijfhs proJrudt?from the end '.f its tad, requires no action di conscious thought on the part of
giving it fn>n bps. the lime dragon).

September 2DD7 DRAGON 359 37

TIME DRAGON MIKE McARTQR

Time Dragons by Age

Base Breath Frightful
Attack/ Fort Ref Will Weapon Presence
Age Size Hit Dice (hp) Str Dex Con Int WisCha Grapple Attack Save Save Save (DC) DC
Wyrrnling H -Md 12+396 (68?) 47 ID 29 30 37 30 I44/+70 -5-60 + 33 +24 +37 1 (41) 42
Very young G 49dl2+539 (857) 51 ID 33 34 41 34 +49/+81 +65 +37 +26 +41 2(45) 46
Young G 54(112+702 (1,053} 55 10 37 38 45 38 454/4-38 +72 +29 +*16 8(50) 51

Juvenile G 59d 17+835 (1,268) 59 10 4J 42 49 42 459/(95 +79 +46 +31 +5D 4(54) 55
Young adult C 64dl7t 1,088 (1,504) 63 10 45 46 53 46 +64/4106 +82 1-51 +34 +S5 5(57) 60
AduEi C 69d 12+1,311 (1,759) 67 10 49 50 57 50 +69/+113 +90 +55 +37 +59 6(63) 64

Mature adult c '/4dl2-t 1.454 (2,035) 71 10 53 m61 54 +74/4-120 +97 +60 + 40 +64 7(68) 69

Old c 79dl 241,817 (2,330) 75 10 57 58 65 5S +79/+127 +104 +64 +42 +68 8(72) 73

Very old c+ 84dl 74-2,125 (2,677) 79 10 61 62 69 62 +34/+134 +111 +69 +45 +73 9(77) M
Ancient c+ 89d12+2,403(2,931) S3 10 65 66 73 66 4S9/+141 + 118 +73 +47 +77 10(81} 82
Wynn C+ 94d 12+2,726 {3,337) S7 ID 69 70 77 70 +94/+I4S +125: +78 +50 +82 11(86) S7

Great wyrm c+ 99d 17+1,069 (3,712) 91 10 73 74 81 74 +99/+I55 +13? +82 +52 +86 1 2 (90) 91

Time Dragon Abilities by Age

Age Speed Inrt AC Special Abilities CL SR CR
Wyrrnling 4f> fa. fly 300 ft. (average) +0 42 (-2 size, +44 natural), DR J 0/epic, time 4lh 35 26
touch 8, flat-footed 42 control time slop
Very young 50 fa fly 350 ft. (poor) +0 45 { 4 si it, +49 natural), Draconic surge 7th 42 33
touch 6r fiat-footed 45 l/day
Young 50 fa fly 350 ft, (poor) +0 50 (-4 size, r54 natural), DR 15/epic 10th 48 39
touch 6, flat-footed 50
Juvenile 50 ft,, fly 350 fh (poor) +0 55 (-4 size, +59 natural), SfdLU 13th 54 45
touch 6n flat-footed 55
Young adult 60 fa fly 350 ft. (clumsy) +D 56 (--3 size, +64 natural), DR 20/epic, 16th 62 53-
touch 2j fiat-footed 56 DR 10/—
Adult 90 ft., fty; 380 ft. (dumsy) +0 62 {-3 sb.e, +69 natural, +1 dodge), Time mastery 19th 69 60
touch 3> flat-footed 61
Mature adult 90 ft, r fly 3 80 ft* (d u msy) +0 66 (~B size, +74 natural, + 1 dodge}, □R 20/epie, 22nd 76 67
touch 3, FI at Tooted 66 DR 15/—
Old 90 ft., Fly 380 ft. (clumsy) +0 71 (-3 size, +79 natural +1 dodge)* Draconic surge 25th 32 73
touch 3* flat-footed 71 2/day
Very old 100 ft., fly 380 ft. (clumsy) +0 76 (-8 sizef +34 natural +1 dodge), DR 20/— 28th 79 70
touch 3, flat-footed 76
Ancient 100 ft., fly 380 ft, (du msy) +0 81 { S size,+89 natural, +1 dodge), SJotf aura 31st as 76
touch it flat-footed 8!
Wyrm 1D0 ft., fty 380 ft. {clumsy} +0 86 (-8 size, r94 natural,+1 dodge), 34 th 91 S2
Couch 3, flat-footed 86
Great wyrm 100 ft.r fly 330 ft. (clumsy) +0 91 (-S size, +99 natural, +1 dodge), Time apotheosis 37th 99 90
touch 3., flat-footed 91

This increased control also allows a time dragon of round the lime dragon wishes, to maintain it The duration
at least adult age to slip inLu and out of the times{.ream of the slow aura need not be consecutive rounds. Creatines
mote effectively. 71 must wait only icl^. rounds between are automatically affccLed as by the .sluur speh (no save) each
uses edits time .stop spell-] ike ability. round they begin their turn within the area of the aura.
Stow Aura (Su> An anriettt or older time dragon pos¬ Time Apotheosis (Ex): Once it lives long enough to
sesses godlike control over lime but also a much lesser become a great wyrm, a time dragon has such cm intricale
amount of control over the space around it. It can express tie to the limestream that it can move backward and for¬
tins control bv emanating a slow aura up So in fat per age ward through time almost aL will,This movement through
category for up to 10 rounds each day. Choosing to ema¬ lime allows a great wyrm time dragon to wait only i round
nate Lhe stow aura is a free action that must be made every between uses of its timtfXtop spell dike ability. In addition^

3S DRAGON 359 September 2GQ7

 Traveling Through Time
Generally, the longer into Lhc past 01 future the time
dragon wishes to explore, the more resources it must
expend. The details of this preparation, as well as the
artuaS specifies of time travel, are uuiside the scope
of this article and really only affect PCs if they become
willing (or unwitting) assistants to a time dragon.
At the very least, a time dragon must spend several
minutes in preparation of traveling l'-rough time,
meditating anci preparing itsell physically and mentally
for its journey.
For more information on this topic, see the Time
Traveling Campaigns sidebar of “Chronomsncy,'1 in
Dragon #350,

tpat most Lime dragons are as satisfied with incapacitating

enemies as killing them.'] hey make extensive use of their
Jiriifi stop ability to move around the battlefield and set up
spells tn hinder or kill their opponents. Generally, Lime
dragons start with then most powerful spells, weakening
any who survive with their ravaging time breath. Time
dragons never willingly Light to the death.

Ecology
Only disasters or other creatures can kill Lime dragons. The
passage of tune itself cannot As suck they are the only truly
immortal nondeific dragons. Because of their unique ties

gjeal wyrm time dragon becomes immune to any spell or to the timestream, time dragons Mgr randomly. Knowing

effect with a duration gttftterthRji instataneotis cast on it tiie age category of a time dragon does not, therefore, give

by another areata re, as well as effects that can affect it over an accurate estimation of its age, as shown on the following

time or that require the passage of time (such as dehydra¬ chart lb use this chart* roll for each age category die dra gon

tion, disease, poison, and starvation), it is not immune to has to see how long it took tor it to reach its current level of

its own npninstaiiismeous spells and effects. maturity (and to give you an idea of its actual age).

Because a great wyrm time dragon ran travel into pos¬

sible futures, it rolls 2dao on every die roil it makes, d%! Time
taking the better of the two results up to 05 5dl2 minutes

[Link], a great wynn time dragon can make forays into 06-15 Id 12 hours

the past and into possible futures. Such forays require prep¬ 16-25 ld6 days

aration r and cannot be performed within the Lmeifame of a 26—35 ld4 weeks

combat See the Traveling Through Time sidebar. 36-45 ldl2 u onths

Spdl-Like Ability: Al will—time stop (wymdmg and 4S-65 Id 10 years

older must wait 11I4 rounds, adult and older must wait 66-85 Id 10 decades

id4 rounds, ureal wyrm must wait i round); 3/d ay- slmv 86-00 LdlQ centuries

{juvenile or older). above 0L1 162 millennia

Skills: AH Knowledge skills and Speak Languages are i For each age category the dragon possesses, add 5%

class skills for time dragons. to this roll.

Time- dragons, also sometimes called chronology drag¬
ons, epoch dragons, or ageless dragons, rarely deign to Time dragons younger than gTcai wyrms can go

interact with mortals:—or even, for that matter, immortals. months without eating, but doing so makes them lethar¬
gic. As dragons, they can eat anything and ffequehily do

Strategies and Tactics sor not bothering with bunting down living food.

Time dragons have better things to do than to engage in i-avironrnent Time dragons ran and do live anywhere

the potential dangers of combat. As such, they never hesi¬ they find air to breathe. They prefer remote locations for

tate to use every ability at their disposal to end a light as their bins, although as semmomadk creatures they rarely

quickly as possible or to simply flee if overwhelmed. Note claim a place as a lair for more ihan a few years. Great wyrms

40 DRAGON 359 September 2007

 □fieri relocate their lairs Lo same dis¬ Immune paralysis, sleep, simi*
tant point m time, such as before the SR 51
LLUI*! u QITFTf ftlTI
rise nfhiimannifk or after theLi' fall.
Typical Physical Characteristics: A
wvrmling time dragon's scales appear
Fort +33„ Ref+24, Will+37
Spd 40 fo, fly 300 ft, (average); Hover,
Wingover
wm gjTRi m
gp fs [Link]
silvery white and lack black sLripc.s or Melee bite +61 (2d3+27/19-2G/K2) and
a black eye mask As :he time dragon 2 craws +59 each |7d6+ 3 8) .m<j
oM&STS!
approaches very y unrig, irs mask and 2 wings +59 each (ldS+9} and
stripes grow in and its scales darken. tail slap +59 (2dG+27)
The black stripes gradually change as Space !,5 ft, Reach 10 ft, {35 ft, with bile) vwtecanythe iargesl variety of D&D
the time dragon ages, each moving Bsse Atk +44h Grp -*70 miniatures on the web!
back along the length of its body and ALk Gpljqns Awesome Glow, Cleave,
reappearing again near its eye mask flyby Attack, Great Cleave, Improved Booster packs and cases from
when Llie twelfth stripe runs off the tip Bull Rush, peswer Attack, Snatch, every set including:
ofits tail. empower spell-like ability, maximize
spell-like abllMy Harijinger, Archfiends, Giants
Society Special Actions breath weapon, crush
Time dragons have no society. They (2dS+27, Re Rex DC 41}
live apart from one another and Sorcerer Spalls Known (CL 4th)
other living ereahires, preferring to 2nd (6/day)—bear's m&mantt
spend the Gme they tleigri to social¬ 1st (9/day)- mage annor, my of
ise with deities and other powerful enfcebterttert ;+44 ragged touch), sfrfei'tj
immortals. Roughly once a rnilien- 0 (6/day)—defect magic, flare (DC
dIiitti, a group of four to ten time 20). mcrtje hand, open/close,
dragems comes together tor the pur¬ prestidigitation, read mngk
pose of procreation. As soon as all SpelLLike Abilities (CL 44th}
the females in the group have been At will—[Link]-e stop(2d4 rounds
fertilised the dragons dub and and, between use}
likely, never again see one another. Abilities Sfr 47, Dex ID, Con 29, Int 30.
Wis 37 h Cba 30
Treasure Feats Awesome Blnw, Cleave, Flyby
Time dragons rarely put much Attack, Great Cleave, I lover. Improved
effort into their hoards, abandoning Oull Rush, Improved Critical fbfte),
and rebuilding them hundreds of Multiatfock, Power Attack, Snatch,
dines over the long course of years. Weapon Focus (bile, daw, tail slap, wing)
A time dragon does jealously guard Skills Appraise +57, Decipher Script +57,
any piece in its board that measures Qjjploma cy ^1 Sr G athe r l nformation
time, from a mundane sundial to a +14, Knowledge (&|f)+57, Listen+6Dr
mechanically wondrous waterrlock. Search +10 (+14 secret doors:), Sense
Motive +60, Speak Language (47),
Sample Time Dragon Spot+60, Survival +T.3 (+17 un other
planes, 117 underground, +17 avoiding .. #©sd Cash? WL
GIGTRACTUSZEIT
Male wyrmling time dragon
CR24 gelling lost and hazards, +17 in
li
to trade?
aboveground natural environments)
N Huge dragon Possessions hoard valued ±,\ 350,000 gp ®toTtkw site & check out
I nit +0: Senses Ukdsense 60 ft. F Breath Weapon (Su) 100-foot I me, once .umpletc buv/trade list
da revision 12 D ft,, keen senses, low- every' ld4+l rounds, damage age 10
light vision; Lrsten +60, Spot +60 years plus 1 Con or lose 1 hardness
Aura frightful presence (30 ft., DC 42) (Foie DC 4 3 half}- or 50-foot cone,
La ngua ges Cel est i a I, Con i rn on, damage disappear l round (Will DC
Draconic, plus 55 more dialects and 41 negates).
racial languages Crush [Ek) Aren 15 ft by 15 ft.; Small or
AC 52, touch B, flat-footed 52 smaller opponents take 2d3+27 points of
(-2 she , 444 natural) bludgeoning damage, and mist slush]
hp hR7(44 HD); DR 10/epic on a DC 41 Rcflo* save or be pinned.
by James Jacobs • illustrated by Andrew Hou
 he BvfKi't.'jmiLvn of I'lvcj'.imV is a n-nhtirirnis tome, Most of them possess living creatures or objects
M4& its pages filled with 1:0Lintless secrets peniBhl in order lo mem: clRrienliy work theiv evils on the world,
mil [v'' onc o(~, hl world's foremost experts on all born ftbiu lhe Abyssal layer known ;j.l; the Dreaming Gulf
things demonic. And yet, for all of the he loumaras resulted from the Abyss's attempt to ^digest"
terrible secrets amt tales hidden within its tbc last remaining vestiges of. a
blasphemous pages, the contents of the dead pm Sheen of godsF east-
book barely scratch the surface of }l M off waste products of the dead
what, the Witch Queen knows about il memories and dreams of
the Abyss. Many of tier ~ ‘ F several ihegofen deities. The
rough notes never made ■ Dcmcpiomiforj jkisfrOafes that
th.0 terns i 1 i on from hast¬ earn breed n Ron mam evolved from a dif"
ily scrawled held observations ieiL-nl deify, that each h a Corruption
or binges of hideous research, and just as of a specific gods portfolio, The
many pages of discoveries realized after
f
■
a mM decadent dybbuks, who possess
she finished the book exist. Due fn I heir the bodies, of I he dead in order
exclusion from, the Iterntmomtettn, C to indulge in mortal sins, are
many scholars believe these ^ believed to have spawned from
notes wcrcn'l even written the remnants of a goddess of Jove
b\ Iggwtlv herself but by ind ar t The murderousgueeubus likely
those who came after and who themselves formed from the nightmares of a god of
stud red from the book. Just ,is many argue law and [Link], And from She dead echoes of the
that the writings con Ed have been penned goddess of ferLdily and mLuie eoine file deadly
by none oilier than the Witch Queen and jmnitous. Other loumsias doubtless exist in
explain away duvialinnx in writing style and the* Dreaming Gull, but to this poinl only
presentation by pointing to the indisputable these three have been encountered with any
fact that Iggwilv has many forms. Could not frequency elsewhere. The dybbnk and the
each nl these have different writing styles? gnembu appear m Fiendish Codex f, with thc.
Yet one thing remains apparent—legiti a Man i Urn detai 1 L-d below.
mate notes of the Witch Queen or not:
the apocrypha nf the Dcrawwu?zj- IVLANIT0U CR 12
txm uf contains secrets * Always CE Huge Outsider {chaotic,
and revelations just as horrific evil, cxtraplanar, incorporeal,
*hosr in the infamous hnnk. loumara)
This article is broken into nib pa- 3nil <10: Senses darkvislon 60 ft.: Listen
rate groupings of such notes: a short 1-*24 Spot+24
treatise on the mix categoric of demonic life Aura frig Fit fu f presence (3 20 ft. range, Will DC 27}
and a discussion of live relatively minor demon lords Languages Abyssal, Common; telepathy 10D fi.
on the cusp of becoming tomorrow's Graz'ztt, 0 reuses* AC 22, touch 22h flat-footed 16
nr Dcmogorgems. hp J72 (t ji 12D); DR 10/good
Immune add. elect ri city. nrer incorporeal Waits
The Demonic Race Resfst mid 10; SR 22
Th c Dtvpi aimn won ] s gonerail y m n si dered th c h rs t so urce Fort *Ifi. Red +l‘i, WiH +17 _
Lo catalogs for mortal cyesr Idle virions demonic rates* Spd fly 50 fL (10 squares)
While a lew scholars possess knowledge of the vague Melee 6 bites +19 (2dS)
differences between tanarrf, nbyrith^ loumnns, and Spdct ■ -> fi.; Reach tS fl.
other demons, it wasn't until IggwjJv's work and theories Base Atk + IS; Grp
grew in infaniy Lfrat these categories approached com¬ Atk Options Combat Expertise
mon knowledge in conjurer rinrks. The D^manomkon Special Acifpns possession, rend
categorizes demons into mx groupings;,;. but. makes clear Spc-Ei-Like Abilities (CL 15th)
die likelihood tliu:. additional demonic races exist in the Ai wt 11—diminish doitirnrote nrifrna^ (DC 21), eirtiurg/e
ri .v:ns offh? Abyss si HI unseen by mortal ryes, (DC 19}. ijfnaia mflgfcfmg* hathgmtoty icir^li (DC 22],
L cm man: Although tin: 1 nnTTLirr- race is in deni by plarrt {\roivth, summer? iroiuneJs aiiy V. transport via plants
most mortal sumdaiek. they tawnam lo tlus Abyss teludvdy iMay—rdf Ji£jhtfu'riif sfornr jDC 23 ]t, cwJtre# qoiu'keoed
jrceijf; addition- to demon kind. All ioiiniaras -in iifi&fe- iwUirKf/c (iX. 19), ^ionr vermin
rial creatures,, evil imtetlcmd by the limit alion* nJ physical 1/day -ftrpfFfWsr

September 2007 DRAGON 359 43

DEM0N0M1C0N OF ICCWILV: AP

Abilities Str —, T*x Con 2At Irt 20, Wis 12, < In .V . Glbyriltu P" the ianarin embody the evil of the Abyss,
Feats Ability tforas (frightful presence), Con-bat I tfpnrhse, the oWfthiv embody its chaos, Lggwitv goes .is for in I lie
Cnmbat ReflexeSj Improved Inib-dive, iTorj Will, Qukfofcn DfmmimnU:<>n Lo suggest that, fefirre mortal life eame to
Spell-Like Ability (c ntdr?ejIe) br. evil as we know it today didn't exist-—that evil and
Skills Concent ratio:! - ft. I lide -16. Knowledge [arcana! — h good were both artificial cun^tmcrioTis brought about
Knowledge {dungeoneari ng) +-23, Knowledge {geography) by Ehe'intjodSscticm of free will by the gods. It is certain
[■ V 3. K n nw k dge (n atu re) 123, K n uw11 ■ d ge (i I \ e sv i1 j +23, that tin obyrilhs existed before- the gods; and a& surh,
Listen -1-24. Search -f 23, Sense Motive +24, Sipdlcraft +.25, their forms ar-e hideous -'-ind —they crime (Tom the
Spot +24, Tumble: -1-24 Age Before Ages, and Lhe multi verse almost seems as
Environment any wilderness if it would like Lo forget - heir hideous cbtrntenances.
Orga nizat i on so I i 1 a ry Some nbyriths have developed humanoid forms, but
Treasure [Link] these seem more like coincidences or cruel alLcriipts at
Advancement 16-21 HD (Huge), 22-W HD (Gargantuan), mockery than anything else. The wrelehcd influence oi
4C^-4ij HD (Colossal) these primal forms can be seen in primitive, basal crea¬
Frightful Presence (Su) A rnanitou exudes an aura nt tures Ufe insects, spiders, cephalopods, and the like::
supernatural fear to 2 rad ius of 120 feel. Any creature in fggwilv theorizes that the unnatural ierir many people
thriven must make a DC 27 Will save :□ avoid becoming have of these things that Hop and crawl sLems from n
frightened as long as I hat c ream le remains in foe area ri primeval racial memory traceable back to creation,
efrect. Animals and fey who tad to resist instead rawer m where the gods—already sickened and horrified at wftat
tear as long as they remain in the area of refect. A creaturL they found alive in the Abyss—accidentally imparled it
who makes. ibis save is immune lu 3be frightful presence o’ in Lbc-priinal soui.
that particular manitou fos 24 hours. This is a mind-affecting Tanafri: The current rulers N the Abyss as a whole,
rear effect. The sjgjte DC js-Charisma-based - and certainly Lhe most numerous of modem demon-
Possession (Su) A mamtou can posses -my creature .of the kind* the tauri! Vi came in he only once the first evil mortal
animat, fey, or plant type. Ir must enter a square occupied soul arrived in lhe Abyss,-—she interactiuxi spontaneously
by the creature ii wishes to possess. The victim b entitled a resulting in the first tanar'ri, DcmugorgoiL More fob
DC-27 Will -.;jve lo resist possession. A 1 ngle man item may lowed, and as 'he process soon became commonplace on
simu liaricously possess multiple targets at once, up to a the Abyss, the tanarYi shape grew more and rnnre stable.
number equal to its Charisma modifier True seeing [Link]. a Many oi the earliesttauarYi, Izke Demc^orgon, |mblex? the
tlii-i, ghostly v nc e*tend ng from the backs of...11y oreatuf es [Link], and l he mynnyxicus had fcwH if'arty, l-umsnoid
so possessed., railing ■■ rough the ah mid linking them aspects. 'Hie raw chaos of iht Abyss left them primeval
toguthe?- iVlan j to u possessed attalnr es i mist remain w ithEi and monstrous. Other lanar'ri bear the mark ot" si brier
4 mile- of each other-—y possessed creature ihal i> moved alteratioTis and have an almost mechanical aspect to parts
beyond this range is'immediately freed of ii? possession. of their bodies [such as the hezrou And glabrezn. bofit ot
The save DC i s Ch a ri sma- b as cd. which have half-organic armor plating under their flesh).
A irirJFiito:. or take on any of I he following roles while Rut the fad that all tanaTri, in some way or another, have
possessing a creature; ally, controller, or-transformer. See as their genesis the evil of a mortal mind, perhaps makes
Freddish Curie* /, page , for mare informal ion. them the most frightening demons of all.
fiend Nature (5u) Once every ld4 rounds, an mcppareaJ The Created: Some powerful brings build demons
maniton can rend nature. This affects all creatures arid frouL cither demons, or from the raw matter of die Abyss

plants within the man item's space. All affected creatures ilself These demons can be constructs (like retnevers),
take lOtM ppm Is of damage, as their bodim: -ire torn apart nndead [like blood fiends), or even Lruly living outsid¬
by inwislbfe forces. A successful DC 24 Fortitude save, halves; ers (like brood swarms), but they aren't spoutaneous cre¬
iht: damage. Animals, elemental:;, fey, and plants rn I his are,s ations of the Abyss. Thev are engineered, [Link] olten. st
instead take I Oil 10 points of damage and are s'unried for the whim of a demon lord,bu1 in some case? by poweitid
1 rotmd {a successful save halves; the damage and negates mortal spdicasters ot outriders like niglit hagri Kinds
dm slum ling effect), Cpnririids, outsiders, and undead arc of created demons do not share traits—each is a unique
immune to this effect. breed in and ofiLselll interestingly. Iggwilv counts sjuns-
its In this categoryj tlieoriring that heudish v.'i--’"irds arc-
A immtou appears as ,l horrific I angle ui ghostly, .itetl the first qussits to serve as familiars and spies. That
thorny vines, each {.ermimtiBg in a pw of razor-sharp qua sits d« ■ sponbiritouslv form from lhe Abyss might just
woodlike teeth, Wbfn it a+iicks. these teeth solidify just indicate that ongc the Abyss ,[Link] a created demon
long enough to rend and rear flesh. A mamYnu takes par¬ it irfighl adopt them to its uuknov^ng pfon. In Lime,
ticular delight ir corrupting sylvan reg:inns and has 3 reljievers, blood fiends, and other created demons might
sirignlaa’. hunger fur dryad sottiii- begin to sponbrncously arise as weR.

44 DRAGON 359 September 2007

 BeasIS The Abyss
a saner realm, would he counted .i mu frith of these mini-Demi™ nbcons lists "suggested
These demons an: generally (bnt not alwr-ys' «"n 1 ntiveIv 5tats'k tor each demon lord. In order to build ns close mi
unintelligent nod serve as wildlkc on ihe Abyss. Toe: approxim-ahon possible for the' demon lord iu ques-
w, abyssal. skulker, and abyssal rav- uild the base sJal block indicated in each
ager arc excellent examples of demonic beasts, demon lord's entry and then apply the toll owing demon-
Servitors: FinalSy, Iggwilv speaks of fbe least populous lord "icmpkjje." Of course, you cm uwe this template on
of:he demon races—the servitors.'this category paiailcL other slat blocks of your own design to build demon
the crcau: d. c■ that the send tors were bui I t by enl'ities lords of your- own that should lit right into the power
■'dreadv well-versed in the .irL of creating k:e. The god> levels assumed by the Demnniimicon articles.
created ►emtais as proxies and agents, using the raw .Vote IjulI se vend of Idle adjustments lids template
mailer iof ihc Abyss as their building blocks. The yoclilol makes are left to you to determine—demon lords axe
are perhaps the best-known ol these demons, although unique c:r<ajhires, ,md as such can -only benefit from
others certainly exist. When a god moves on or dies* Its a more liberal application of the typical rules for
servitors, genera I Jy live on as increasingly free-mlkd teinflating mo nste vsr
etililies. Demons like the zowut and the death drinker Typo: Tim creahire's type changes to outsider, anti
are good examples of servitor demons who have oullived he gAihs the Chaotic and evil subtypes. All demon lort
their creators. n re o f 0i?6 0 ■ t h r three Lti own d e m onic rq re sf a n d Min s
lilt: creature gains the lolitnara., obyrith, or [Link] sub
type as well, along with all the abilities ,jric u'idis lor
More Demon lords that suhtype. for obyritbs, this means the demon lord
The DgMOri-omjcori mentions numerous minor demon gains a Form of Madness. Haeb of the obyrifh lords
lords as allies or enemies of "the better-knowu .. below Lave their Form ol Madness presented—use
lords, l ive uf these rising de monic stars arc presented ■hc-se 'nru3 the forms ol madness possessed by other
here in brief'providing enough information Lo incor¬ obyriLh lords) as examples for building your own. For
porate (hew: mi nor (yrt still deadly) demon lords into i i.i rth er deta i I s on t he Form ■ l i\ [Link] ness s p ec i ;a l quality,
your campaign. see Fiendish Cocio: f.

LOOKING FOR A LITTLE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING

BESIDES DRAGONS’
MQR6 MPMC Wn haIV treated rn;iEiy rtfwnk tfcsigfeSt
and we handle cast<ntt recnicsE&f
FROM YOUR POSTER?

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 Hit Pipe: The creature's Hit Pice iron, race and any 3/day—any one Symfcnf.
ch.s^ Itvds become dS-The demon lord retains all spe¬ Each demon lord also possesses two additional at-will
cial abilities granted by any former class Wrls imeluding spell-like abilities, two additional 3/d ay abilities,and two:,
sp€llcastmg)t&iit calculates its base aback and base saving additional i/day abilities. These additional spell-like
throws using its new Hit Dice totals as an outsider. a hi hues should be chosen Lo match the demon lord‘s
Armor Class: A demon 'ord's .Armor Class can vary, bul ■'theme.” Each of the five demon lords detailed below list
in order to remain a challenge ior a creature ol its < R score, additi gtkj 1 .ypcl l-l l ke ablli t b: s.
you should add natural armor bonuses (nr m rare cases, A demon lord's base caster level for spelt-like abilities
deflecHott bemuses) to the base l:r .1 turfs AC so that its final ranges from CL. aoth to 2.5th- based on the demon lord's
Armor Class is close (within a Jew points) to iis CR 4 30. overall CR (starling at CL 20th and adding ei to its CL tor
Rase A Hack: A demon lords base attack bonus equals every 3 points its CR exceeds i ft, In a maximum of CL 35th
its number afHii Dice. at CR 33)1
Special Attacks: bed tree to give your new demon lord Special Qualities: A demon kmi gaiur ali 111 e spe¬
a unique special attack. For the following five, one unique cial qualities granted by his demon it race suhfypc.
special attack h provided. In addition, all de mon lords possess the foil owing
Spell-Like Abilities: All demon lords have The special qualities in addition to any the base creature;
following spell-like abilities in addition to any the b&se possesses:
creature possesses: Ikm\(ii,\+- Reduction: All demon lords possess DR so/
AL will—asirttl Jimjeciiurt, blasphemy (or u-md of chaos cold iron, epic and gocuL
hu obyrilliN), ffosermte, dsferr pmd, defect h^Cf^akr tfEsjjd .Speti1 Ifts&foni?: A demon lord's spdJ rt:sLslauct is equal
ma$k} sriuler J«bporf4 plane shi/J. ifiiiptchanijr. tdriiir.t'sis, to its CR -F-vi-
HtihiiUnw, unfiotv aura toi tkm uj'dmus tor obyrithK i, on/job' Tdftitfhy. All demon lord-, possess telepathy to range
fcfhjJjt (or chtToi hamimt for ubydthsj. of }&t.i feel 1 or 100 fed tor obyrith lords;.
 AddiSmaS Qualifies; Most demon lords passes? ..a few- '^nipefei sand .jMies^Ipis insanity can be cured [Link]
additional special qualities as weU. j/iisr the flvedei'neai 1 diKfe res Mhad t-. or iwrsfi. This h Z some, m i nd- a iFc cli ng
"jgjlyiZ- jffi'-isrV - .
listed below, lwo additional special qualities are provided. effect. The [Link] DC is Chansiria-basetL
Saves: All of a Jem on lord a saving liimvv.s .ire good StimHBit lian-drVf fSpjCnee pEr dayr Ardat can automatically
saves, bused on its total Hit Dice. summon ld6 Stactubl 01 hH vrocheThis ability functions as
Abilities: TnrrcHse from the has? rmahur as folfowti: 3 9111-Jove! &pt!L
Sir i 6, De* -4, Con 'ft, ini 12, WTs 14, Cha ih. In some Sunder Enchantment (Su) Aidats touch functions as a hn:;A
cases, adjust these numbers even more to more closely tnchof) fmerJt spell (Q 70th), sun d or in g enchantments,
approximate ihr- ilrmoTi lord’s rvpedf'd power m bis transmutations, and curses. If the creature that placed the
theme, liafiipitlfd rug a demon lord's ability scores is per¬ cnchnmiTTcnt^tnsrriuiriEign, or curse that is broken is within
haps the best way to adjust fits total power level, 30 feet or Ardat when ^he sunders that creature's effect, that
Skills* Demon iords gain slrill points according tu!their cream re takes 20d6 points of nonktha! damage and is stunned
Hi t Dict as ltdh ey v\ ere onlsitiers. Their dass skills art tllose for id4 rounds a:% I he barklssh of his own magic strikes him.
the base creature possessed from its race and airy class lev¬ A successful Fortitude save haives this nonJerha? damage and
els it has'; hut the actual number df skill Tasks should be negates the stunning The save DC is Charisms-baSaJ,
TCcaleuIaigii using the demon lord's .outsider HiL Dice.
Feats Demon lords always have Dark Speech as one of Arciat1* Appearance: Antal is a 12-tbot-till, tliree-headed
Ihth teats. harpy with raven-black wings and feathers, Her ltd! head
Challenge Rating: Use 0£motto?mcort ojhiqwib series is that of a beautiful woman, thr right of a twisted old
sets the range of Challenge Ratings lor demon Imds errant, and Ihe middle Lead a typically monstrous £mg-
a! j-4-jT, Using this .scale, only the reigning prince jawed harpy.
of demon* (currently Dcmogorgon) should be CR 33, At Hat’s Goals: A relatively minor demon lord, Ardals cur¬
very few should be above CR 30. and no demon lord rent obsession is vengeance against her newest archenemy,
should be less powerful than CR 22. The vast majority Bapbomet The 5'Tir-c:c of Beasts betrayed her 2nd several of
of demon' lords are CR zfi-29. CRs for each of the five her Sou] Sirens. The Queen uftlie Harpies has only recently
demon lords listed below are included: for brand-new recovered her agents and is plotting an invasion of the End¬
demon lords of your own design, yon should com¬ less Maze.
pare their strength* to other demon fords who have Ardafs Cult: The vasL majority of .Ai'dats worship¬
appeared in this series of articles to sel their final CR ers are harpies, many of whom worship her as a god¬
scores, but a good place to start is to apply a 4?, adjust¬ dess. Some ehaptiL evil sirens worship her as well, bat
ment to the base creature's CR and make furl her fine- among humanoids,, her cult is nonexistent (excluding the
tuning adjustments from there. odd :md demented Inner lhrnilsV ^acriitL-es to Ardat L'ue
lashed ii.i thorny trees, Bayed, and left Lo die of exposure
ARDAT, THE UNAVOWED CR 25 01 sfcarvaXi0r —d 11 i og th i5 grueliug exen] 1iorr hnrpie*
large femrtic three-lieadecf harpy rogue 70 (tanar'd i sing to keep the vieKtti enthralled.
Savage Species 12 A Ardart's Minions: Harpies axe Ardnfs favored minions,
Additional Spell-Like Abilities although she also employs manner of evil fey and sue-
At will—corififoon,-sujgvtfron aibi at times ys well. Hur favored cu I Lists are a cabal of
3/d ay ^antipathy. demand J'jLLiffiend harpy ranger/bards known as the Soul Sirens.
1 /day—dbffimuU man size, piwr word ruJJ Ardat1* Realm: Ardat dues not control a layer o* Lhe
Additional Immunities mind affecting effects, sonic Abyss. A nproadic demon lord, she and her flock of Soul
Shriek (Su} EpcH of Arda!:% th ree Heads can unleash j tlnnd- Sirens drift from realm to realm in search of victSnis Vo
chflling shriek as a move art ion. Once a head shriek^ -t recnds to her slowly growing anny of enftjxallfd miafons.
may not do so,again far Idji rounds. All three heads can Her favored haunts are the Grand Abyss, the Plains of
dirifck sirviijihjocuusly ss a hill-round aU ijn- Each shriek Gnlh-:n>hu. and the shores of the Scalding Sea. although
affects all creatures in 2 6D-fdor-radius spread, Ardafs she's been .spotted with increasing Jxequency on Tone-
let! headed shriek duals Id6 points of Intelligence drain, mo fr musing many to believe she ip courting Tfanucu for
her right he-td deals 3d6 points uf Wisdom diaiu, and her budding revenge against Baphomet.
her central head drain ld6 points of Charisma drain. A
sutce55fu 1 Wi13 sLive ncgtil(is 1hr ability drain, frt;l eaves OWIERGUS, THE CHRYSALIS PRINCE CR 25
the tar get shaken for id 4 rounds nevertheless. A creature Gargantuan 3?l-HD elite chan* beast
that w^uld normally bn drained tu 0 points in any abllily Additional SpeES-Like Abilities

sco 1 l- b-y this attack is instead left at 3-spore of I and is At v.-ili dnJrfirl po/yrnerp^ ^.htrtKtre
driven permanency insane, ^uch that he £ees his allied '3jtd3y—any obji'd, tempera) stem's
as bis rnenifetf/and dpc* cucjythmg in hh> ptjwe* to
 m ^ h. In this rase, he attach Ih.d efeature for Id6 rounds,
A by ssa I C ocoo n i ng (5 u) Q n c e eye ry ld-l rourdi I Dw i rg; t :
can expel d dot of silk and flesh at any target within a doing everything in his power to kill that creature, IF the
range of 1-30 reel. He mus' make a ragged much all ad; eq victim oF 'HK assault survives, the character believes he's
his target If he hits, the slkfcy stiff?growing excised the tsint and return- to normal, f inally, each time
□ye i and into the victim’s Flesh, unhiding 1 d£ points of the mssne character wakes From sleeping, he must make a
Desterity drsn n per ro!,m d - 7sx\\ round, the v 1 cti m may new Will save to resist the urge to :ry to cjt oul another part

make a Fortitude save to resist taking damage—if hr of his own Ui r s ; ed fie sh w. th □ n o th e ■ coil p d e g ra ce attem pE.
makes Five cnnsocutiye successful saves in a row. the stuff This is a mmd-affecting el feet that does not affect chaotic
Si-.': nrid rhe victim 5 freed During this period, a dispel evil outsiders. This madness permanent until cured via
amos, banishment, or word o/fpu? spell can rlkill'1 the fiesh beuJ or ijreafer ffistorafrob (both of which require a DC 35

and siikr causing it ‘0 crumble away into ashes. T a victim caster level check to succeed) or mirtfde or [Link] save DC
k reduced in ? Dexterity of 0, hE becomes mnplflely is Charisma-based.
encased in a ehry^alislike tomb, This chrysalis has hardness
30 arid 600 nit points, and SR 36 ug-iirisL spells md saril Dwreigus's Appearance: Dwiergus lias no set form,
like abilities' that target it. I id he chrysalis is destroyed, •consisting of a bemst-sized thick soup of
the victim inside must make a DC 25 Fortitude save or swirling demonic arms, legs, heads, wingsT
die—ff he survives,/he may be extracted safely {but strll tentacles, and other body parts that liquefy
at ft Dcxlerity). A vieti m aHowecJ to ■ ema iri i:iside of tliu as quickly as they reform. Dwiergus some¬
uhry salts for 24 hours emerges at the end of that Lime a times "wears’1 suits of chi tinlike armor in
half-fiend thrall of DwU-igus, has former pciibnJjJiiy gone battle no two of these suits art exactly alike.
iDrever. The save DC rs Constitutio%J>sscd, Dwicrgush Guals: Dwiergus -urms to
Demonic Transformation (Su) DwicrgUS has the ability have few goals beyond a constmL drive
t . h m-dorm chaos beasts Into demons. He must lo tonverl all Iltb into demonic life—
make a successful touch attack against 3He targes fortunately, hr rartlv leaves his lealm
ch a os be ass, which m ust t he n ma kr a F orti t ude on the AhysiL
saving throw to resist tbr Ltarinformation. The Dwierj^us’s Cult: Dwiergus lias
transformation Is irtstantanept^ for standard no organised roll, all 1 lough some
chaos beasts, Dwiergus may transform spelkagteis have used him as a
them j- i,i nfiy demon ofCR S or less. If weapon against their fees, calling
he uses this ability on a creature that him or his aspect tn the Material
he himself has transformed into .Plane and unleashing him
a chaos beasl within the last 24 cm enemy fortresses or cities,

hours, the maximum CR of the leaving swaths of den ionic

new demonic form is equal life in his wake,
fothe original creaS lire’s Dwiprgus’s Minions;
CR before It was turned OwiergLn has few seTvanlfc
iro a chaos beast. Demons apart from those he trans¬
created in this manner retain no memories of the a forms from other forms of
previous r nearest ion, although they are awnre of life, and even these minions tend
the fatl they were ira ns Formed into demons by to have short UiespaRS—they are
Dwiergus and are compelled to serve the Chrysalis invariably absorbed into the t’hrysa-
France if he so commands them. The save DC is 13s Prince's i n ass after a rd a.11v eiy short
Co nstitu l i ort-b ned. period of serdttide.
form of Madness (Su> Any c=e. lure [Link] 12.0 feet: DwicrgusTs Realm: Dwstr-
observes DwiergUs must make a Will save. Failure gns dwells up on the mrfted infinity oi
i ndicates the creature thinks he recogirizes a part uf the ss^th layer of the Abyss, a plastic,,
Owiergus-'j: Form 35 being identical Lu pari of his own ever-shifting realm of living bate and
body.. Her is seized with an irrational hut overwhelmuig protoplasm billed tftp Flush Jorges.
urge ia cut out the often ding part of his body, and unless Other demon lords have Lapped into
restrained seeks out <t slashing weapon and attacks Lids realm, creating smaller portal
himself with it, effectively making a coup de grace pools hi their strongholds Lo serve as
.-attempt agaili'St ffiffisdf IF ho survives* he may cauldrons in whic h they can brew
sefsm normal, but each time he encounters a _ new minions—several such pools
new creature of his type, there's a io^&dumee f’vist fn Demugorgons lily of L^n-
that he recogufet^ the'amt of Dwicrgus in llieu ofrax i where be uses ifu-m to create
[Link] [Link]-fiends, among other monstrous niinions).
thought la bu\re bean bom m thh realms lmdij^ut
cfxtaiidy the most commmdy en Loan Le red fnotihLtn; m this f&M
of shuddering eternal hunger. Likes of organic iluid and mountain
booe mock saner landscapes, arid a\ the swirling core floats the Clirtiri Palace of
Dwiergushim:5clfr7loaffig:iihovea perpetual msristrom sit lhecenter cifanocean
o] rfiulLoi IJckIl Most agree [Link] Lbicj ChiLin Palate is in fact an orgaTut: edifice:
gjown fitefDwiei'giis'a body, and tlciL the Oirysalis Prince can eoitLiol it, or even
wears it Like a suit of armor, hut no one sane enough to be trusted has ever ftillv
investigated this hideous realm enough la return wit}] proof WRMm SBS
LASCER, LORD OF THE SHADOW SHOAL CR 26
PATENTED
Large male corrupted human Fighter 12/sssaSiin 10 (aquaLie* tana:'ll)
Emk'iyf Vrk itethmt l£6
ElEVATlOH INDICATOR
Additional Spell-Like Abilities
Miniatures Combat
At will—-fly, water walk

3/day—QfMtier irvktbWt% inanity Accessory

!jday—dk-fftr, bchiton, weird Quick and Easy
Amphibious (Ex) Although tester possesses the aquatic subtype, he can survive
to use!
perpetually on land.
Scjul Draining Biti* (Su;! [Link] l.w .t set nrid^y bite attack (2q6 base damage} that Avoid the confusion of
bestows 2 negative I eve-1 s with each tut. A creature whose negative levels equal his
tohich figures are flying
Hit Dice transforms into a bio- of shadow? and is inhaled by La see r, affecting him
with the c-fTeei:^ of a heaJ spel and a [Link] spell (CL 20th). the save DC to remove and inhere they are above
the negative levels is Constitution based.
Nightmare Swarm (Su) Up tu Lhrcc Limes per day as a standard acLion, yseer
the battle.
on poll aparl his stitched-up ventral wound to release a cloud of nightmarish Show the height of figures
I fi e, He can direct this cloud co strike at up to three targets within 60 ieet; each
from I foot to 1.000 feet!
creature attacked m^st make a Will save to realize :ha: rhe nightmares are only
partially teal. Wr;h 3 success,. ihc target is shaken for ld6 rounds. If the target Add a 2nd set of indicator
Fails 1 lie Will save, he cowers in fear For Ld4 rounds. [Link] round this condition
bands for greater precision.
persists, he must make a Fort Lode save or die From the overwhelming fright.
If Lascar ever takes more than 50 points of damage From a single attack, a Also usable as an
nightmare swarm is automatically released from his hody targeting the nearest underwater depth indicator.
Ihree creatures (this counts against his daily brn.L of three- it lie's already used
thus ability three times, nothing occurs when he takes more than 50 points Only Available ah
of damage). This is a maid-affecting necromantic. Fear effect. The save DC is
Charisma-based,
Unearthly Evasion (Ex) If Lascer makes a successful Reflex save against an attack That
normally deals half damage on a successful tfe* he Instead takes no damage. He
Likes only half damage if the save succeeds. HL ability 10 dodge artai ks is so grr-ar 1 oof, for
1
that attacks di reeled against him suffer a 50% miss chance if be is aware of the
attacking creature,, or a 20% miss chance if he's not. Lastor cannot be flanked.
Summon TanaGri (Sp) On re per day, Uscec hi .lutnnLiMally sun. mo n |d4 Mymih
*1
(Monster Mcnue' 1!, 60}. fhis ability functions as a 9ih level spell.

Lasers Appearance: Lasker appears as an emaciated humanoi-d, 9-feet tall

yet weighing hardy 140 pounds. Hi? twin rapiers .ire wired into his bands
rind shards of broken glass; pierce his [Let. iejmumLs of his LorLuiiaua birth
ai Obox-ob's inliLmsan hands. HLs juw is filled with needle teeth, and av
immense wound ft run gullet to groin has been stitched shut with thick black
twine. Ndwaiid then, tiny spidery IggJ. slip 011L be l We ere Lhe switches as Lhe
[Link] inside of him probe lor release.
La seer's Goals: Lascer was once human, ;i plrmai explorer genera I iy credited
with lhe- discovrrv ol Zionyn, Jhe- fi&jtd layer {jfifhii Aliyss. Oil his first, visetr he

from Stratus Artworks, U.S.A.

 4.
DEMONOMICON OF IGCWILV: APOCRmHA \jam£S^obs C
/ v S. -
u glass and lo have their hands pierced by long
fko rL was on liis second "1: at be ^5 cap hired by fhrrt leiJUllis of wire before they are vivisected and their ru trails
region's i’uJer. Qbox-alx 7'hi- Prince ufVrn'[Link] kid'never eaten by hung ry sc* If infers, crabs, and lampreys.
seen a. human before, buL knew what fliey were. Using l.-asccr's Minions: Apart from ills hand-picked as?s.s
horrific methods best left nndOLUinjentedOhox-ob trails- sin cutties, who are Ufemselves culled from countless
formed [Link] in la a minion, forcing a trazisformatitm worlds, Lascer has tew minions. He often uses kelvezu
front morlal to tantn'rL l ie then sent his puppet mil into l: it 110 i v s on assassin a ** on mi ssio 11s d ial are r:i11 i no p o rt a n t
the Abyss to serve, .initially, ap .1 spy—bis humaTKiit] form. enough to warrant fm personal attention, and his affinity
Obux-ob hoped, would allpw Him La gather intelligence with the deep- see bun foiginp illlienees with the salma-
on the tanaxYr. And for a while, 11 worked, but eventually gin at times. although the sea devils are generally too
r he tm tb of I rrsecr's origins came out when GrnzYt discov¬ regimented for his tastes.
ered the obyrill [-created tamiYi in his pa lace. Since Lhen, Lascer’s Realm: Although "born" on Zionynr Lastrer
Ohox-hh has repurposed leaserr into a deadly assassin. one him self does mil rule an Abyssal Layer. Haled by the
•.'ll is rumored) the obyrith lord is .grooming to he a slayer Irmar'ri lords as a traitor and mockery, Obox-ob modi¬
of tanarn lords, fied his original Mcarnation so that Lascernow prefers
Lasrer's Cult; Jhascer has a small but powc- rtul cult known to dwell In the deepest reaches of'the Abyssinia Ocean or
ns the Shadow^ Shoal, although the pmveriul assassin leaders Sbnefowsea (where he is rumored to have forged a pact of
of this cult have recendy been destroyed: and their fortress some sort with Dagon at Obovoh's urghi|§ jUscei: dwells
>1 si undersea complex called the Coral Cilarld. in a mobile fortress rons true ted. ofiiali-JAving, halt-tbssdfi
was breached and looted by adventurers. Lan¬ Lzed creatures of the deep, a spine-covered abounnaLmii
cer is m die process of grooming new assas¬ knowimnly as the Seafeold, Tales persisl llial I he Seahuh.l
sins to rebuild the Shadow Shoal in an unknown ran move back and torth ftona the Abyssiim Ocean and
location deep under an entirely different ocean. the deep oceans of the Material Plant with ease,
Sacrifices to Lascer are tortured first, forced to walk:
SHAKTARf QUEEN OF MARIUTH5 CR 2S
Gargantuan. 30 HD -11 *.rmirilifo (aquatic, tanarYi;
Additional Spe I IHJke Abilities Shaktari ret jins HI
of her maralith spell-like abilities in audition to
those granted from the demon lord template. She
also gains the following spell like abiliiitrs:
At wt!S—jf y ■
3/day~—bees U\ bcJ; 1 tffene/rt
1/day —freedom, i mprisan moot
Additional Arms {£xj Shaktad has eight arms.
1 at- er than six, allowing her to make an
add itio na I two [Link] po n atta cks beyo nd
those most maraHlhi make.
Amphibious (Ex) Although Shaktari poSS^Srs
the aquatic subtype, she can survive perpetually
cm land.
% Pofs on (Ek) A n y weapon Shakla n \vitrI d s
\ immediately becomes coated in ptHSOi:-—
d ' this applies to hei tail sbp attack a5 well,
initial and secondary damage from this
poison is ’H6 points of Constitution.. The save
Deis Constitution-based,
Aura ofloxin (SuJ < natures within L20
feet of Shaktan aufomaticaHy lose any immunity
jo poison they may possess. Constructs,
elementals, and urndead an- unaffected by
Shaklnrfs aurd, as -art any creatures she chooses
to exclude from the effects. KsuttijUtt fwrsijf],
filpiqy pQfsonh and any other ^pelS that attempts to
prevent a poison effect ffjpm tzkmg place do not
function wiihm ; x'G feet of Shaktari.
 r ,rwi '::v

ri -.s Realm: Shaktari dwells on the ^st layer of

HEtHflEfE HMOI
From its first apparenee 3n S4: the Lost Caverns ofTsqjtfinth
Lljv Abyss, a sv-dlrring realm called Vudra. Everything in
ibis realm is steeped in poison, Fmm its seas of blood to
Eo its reemengencc in recent years, much has been written ■nnslrous tropical plants LliaL grow nn the count-
regarding the sinister Deuiomjmrron of fajgtvrfy. Presented islands that dot the realm's primarily aquatic nature.
here is an index of excepts from its sinister pages* Each of these islands is ruled by a powerful marilith in
N ha Han's service^ but tile Queen herself spends much
Demon Lord Issue of her Unit slumbering al the bottom of the Bloodsea.
Paziuu #329 The River Styx connects to tins realm, and Charon and
Fraz-UrhfLuu #333 his minitms seon in Like particular deligl 11 111 waLchiug
Zuggtmoy #337 ill-prepared passengers arrive in the^ Ten Ini only to die
Qaphomet #341 agonizing deaths soon after breathing the poison air.
Kostditchie #345 Vudra is driailed furl her in Dftwceon #60'& "Nemesis,"
Dagon #349 by Christopher Perkins.
Makarrthet #353
Demogorgon #357 UGUDENK, THE SQUIRMING KING CR 30
Colossal 40 HD purple worm (replace [Link] attack will
In addition, Daagon #336 features spells directly from crush ajtack)
the Demonpmrron and 3 history of its infamous author, Additional 5poFI-Like Abilities
lggwriv(see page 76). The Witch of Fenenland also plays a At will- -fiarrfy

crucial role in both Wizards of the Coast's new adventure i/dsy=—creeps# doom, rnsanr^y
Expedition to the Rfcirns of Qreyhawk and rn the dimax of 1/d ay—imprisonment, m rt h q\ wke
Dungeon's Savage Tide Adventure Path. Breath Weapon (Su} 600-toot line, once eveiy ! 0 rounds,
damage 2DdlQ acid arid knocked prone. A successful Keflex
save halves the acid damage and negates thS knockdown
Summon TurrarVi fS/iJ Once per day, Shaktari can effect. The save DC is Constitution based.
automatically summon ld6 rnarlliths. This ability Endless (Su) Ugudexsk's body is enormously long, to a scale
functions as a 9th level spell. measured in miles. No being can attest to over seeing the
Opposite end of the demon lord's body, prompting lhe theory
Shaitan's Appearance; Shaktarl appears as a ^argajiluaj] [Link] Ugudenk is merdy the extension of an undisooverEd
manlith with ei^LL arms, black skin, and burning eyes. Abyssal layer' Despue his size, the only pari uf IJgudcfiks
SliaktariN Goals: For eons, Sliaklari was one of ihe body Liiil is capable of fightings the mouth end—treat
most active demon lords m the Blood War. Her luaxil- this section as a colossal creature, with the remainder of his
ith armies were dev^s tiling Forets, ajid their triumphs body burrowed down below sight {3nd eventually, into its
over the haute733 would have itinaincd legendary i f she: lair in 1 hr Writhing Realm). Ugudenk is immune to effects
hadn't been imprisoned in the Wells of Darkness. .None that are limited to creatures of spcerfklfeec categories or
know quite how she was trapped, although rumor holds weight (such as triekjjwsis). "billing1" Ugudc-rik merely results
Lhojl. no fewer than three archdevils forged an unlhirak- in trnr temporary destruction oFhis mouth—even effects like
abie pact wi th several of Sbaktori's demon lord enemies, destruction that normally destroy a trr:nLures entire body
and that this tenuous allegmicc forced her into impris¬ :?fij only capable of destroying the ttrsi |{)0 or set fed of in*,
onment. Just as [Link] art the events 5 urm muling length. Iri speh a ulic, the rest of Upnjdenk's body withdraws
her releasej which are believed to have been engineered with lightning speed into the&byss, where the ob^'rith lord
by a certain b;-Hjruololh eager to sec the violence of the slowly [Link] back to life Killing Ugudenh: pirrmuncrttry
.Bk'ixl War once again escalate. And once Siiaktari recov¬ may bt impossible kit?g^s the Writhing Realm exists.
ers from her debilitating [Link] in I he Wells nr Darkness, Form of Madness (Su) Any creature wllhin 120 h.-ct Lhat observes
just such an escalation seems guaientecd. Ljgudrrik must make a Will save. Failure indicates 1 he eseatme
Sh tktirfs GuJt: Although ShakUri is sllli recovering realizes Ugudeirk vgiild cfxtpl from any earthly surface at any
from her im p ri s 0 ei men t., her rn aril it n m i ninn s remain time, As Jorrg as the viritm is in contaa with the ground or any
active as ever on the islands m her Abyssal realm. Only structure attached to the ground, he suffers a—4 penai^y cm all
the hitter LnJighSing keeps them from organizing mUi Jitta-i mils, skill checks, >ayrng Ihtowa, <mt! iriiliative checks.
a power fill force—and once Shakran returns wholly to. On the fiirit round of combat against a cfeature v/ith ^ burrow
silength. they niigh t ]USt d 0 tb'aL speed, the chairactErr siiList make -1 Will or be paralyzed v;ith
Shakiari's .Minibus Shaktari's millions are primarily horror for Idb rounds. This is a irrid-afferiir'gfeyr effect lh<rt
niari'lith's. although spfpejitint: mtins: c*r> ]i.1:1 * j\.■-g#^ an :J does not rittt-ri chaotic evil outsiders, Even creatures feb-are
yuan-ri sTjOctsmex venerate her as a god as wl-1L normaiEy im muni to iea r- cs^i be ife: rd by. Ugudmk 1- fortti
"j 'i;<" ..r i _ ,w-~—
^ -

Scptcmbir 20D7 DRAGON 353 51

 JErflH-Urbluu's' attempts Lu uproot and
remove Ugudcmk Jiom bis rr^m are
something of a shared joke among the
lords, who ^aMetjmcs
refer Lo ugucleok as Fi^Ufbliiii's
unftsUiEion problem"
Ugudenk has no
isolated msafie mani¬
acs; who wish to draw the Squirming
King’s attention to people or locations
thal have wronged them.
Ugudenk's Minions; As with Ins
cull, Ugndcnk Is directly served by
tew <rcalitres, Woriiilike mousters
am in vertebrate obyriths are com¬
mon in regions he has appeared
in {and rudder, uprisings from the
ground by such creatures always
presage- ins araSvd}r huL these rrma¬
tures seem more lo he opportunity
feeders drat fellow the obyrith lord's
s-ida, hoping for scraps from his
of madness although they suffer its effert-S for only I hour tf table rather than actual minions.
\hijy feil their saving throw for ull oherematun:I be effect
Ugudenk/s Realm: Ugudenk’s realm is the 177Ih layer ot
Is permanent until cured via Ibf or greater wstnranon {bolh oF the Abyss* a plate called the Writhing Realm, lliis entire
which requite a DC 35 caster Jewel check to succeed) or mtafe • ayer is underground, consisting of endless Hifinds and

or suiih. The save OC is Charisma-teed, caverns left behind by Ugudenk’s endless burrowing, It’s
Superior Fast Healing (Ex) Ugtxtenk has fast healing 'll). Once [lot uncommon to encounter etjibi or the obyrith lord
"killed" Ugudenk regains hit points at the rate of 40 per blocking caverns and tunnels here, but bis given eras toaw
month of inactivity in the Writhing Real m once he returns only rarely appeal's in the [Link] Realm itself Rumors
m positive hit points, hk fest heating rate returns to normal, hold that Ugudenk himielf ip an Abyssal layer, th^a his
“body" is but a single feeding tendril thal extends from
Ugiidenk’s Appearance; Ugudenk .appears .m an impo- Ihis unknown realm into the Abyss through an as-yei
slbly immense worm, its body of Leii trailing .so iar into u "1 discovered portal deep \[Link] the Writhing Realm.
the distance that iiis twitching coils Gin be seen wrapped
around remote mountain peaks, Ugudenk's mouth Is a
inonskniisTy complex arrangement of jaws and booked
tenJades of muscle that opens like a cmivulQW flower mu is m bew...
The Demunomkon of Iggwilv series of articles was the
when he hungers,
Ugnduikts Coils: UguiienkJs goals ace unknown. The brainchild of Erik IVlona^ and l"d like to take a moment
obynth Lord seems, for the most part, content to burrow to thank him far giving me the opportunity to write
through the .cavernous readies of die Writhing Realm, them. Erik's a huge fen of all things demonic* and it
periodicailv stirfacing in other layers of the Abyss (and was an incredible honor to write these articles up, even
rarely, on the NMemS Plane) Lo consume objects as varied although, at times, I may have been a little (or 3 lot) late

as titans, castles, lakes, and artifacts. There seems to be no with the turnover of the text to edit. Sorry guys!
pattern or schedule to what Ugudenk consumes, but stories fd also like to thank Dragons readers as well—the
tell of some scholars who, upon determining the nature of reaction, to this series of articles has been phenom¬
Ugpdenk^ s^curiflgly random feasting!*, wciit:nj|3 -md look enal, and is in large part responsible for its continued
their mm lives—invariably by allowing immense monster run over the past several years. Feedback from you on
to '.'onsuuiL- them. llgudenk does seem to have a paitfcnlar various messageboards has helped shape the direc¬
attraction to HoIWs H eart, lire Abyssal Layer ruled by Fraa- tion of the series in more ways than I can count, and
Ufblmr although t lib is likely due to die tact' that a perma ¬ always for the bettei
nent portal between then' two realms exists aL Llie-location And finally, I'd like to thank Gary Gygax for The Los!

kuowri-as the Spiral oi l-gudeiik. one of the few vtmskuit taverns ofTsojcanth, without which none of this would
ami immutable regions hi Lhe- Prince of Deceprioui realm. have been possible.

\K
 D&D’s Most Wanted; Preferably Dead
._. i& ---—

by Jason Bulmdin, James Jacobs, Mike McArtor, Brit Mona. F. Wesley Schneider, Todd [Link],

F Jeremy Walker* iilustrrtttd by John Grtfuafo

t e w things b:j v e r emalfee d relatively 1inthaiijgsfl

‘ since the e =i_L*ly d ays of DmtCEONs * DeaGCNS,
but one thing has: Artifacts should never be
guideline exists tor inserting a major villain (many of
whom own artifacts) inLo your campaign.
Included here are twenty of DfifD's coolest, most power¬
parL of a isudomly generated treasure hoard. ful, and jnfdmtjus villains, ready to be randomly dropped

Page 277 of the Ditf|getm Mf^fpr'jr Guide states, ,JNo table into your game. In rddiLinn to a hyckgiound, current
has been included to randomly generate spedlk artxRairta,. activities, and source material, each villain includes a sam¬
since these items should only enter a campaign through ple rules element Lu add to Lhe villainy. As with a’l d.20
del 1 berate choice-" ThaL is all fine and good, bul no soda rolls, higher is definitely better—for the DM anyway.

Among kobpldsi a1, least, Meepo is a legendary hero. 1

Origins: When Mefepo's tribe captured a wyrmlmg white dragon bis
Lerribk: life went from bad to worse! Mcepo relished the opportunity to
care for ii, rb inking he might move up in the tribe s hierarchy. L niortu-
natal y, the new job only involved Ihe shoveling of dragon dTOppings.
torrent Activities: Rumors of Meepos deaLli have been greatly exag¬
gerated. Rather than fall to a band of adventurers, some power apparently
whisked Meepo to a distant Material Plane world heavily suffused with
technology. In this Qerthdike world, Meepo serves in a guerilla, army,
wielding an advanced blunderbuss he calls a “pump- action shotgun."
Sources; Simkssr Citudd, dzo Modern Itpteplayini} Qimt1, DSP Mbiratiircs
War ofthe Dragon Queen set.

Meepo*s “Pump-Action Shotgun*'

Minor Artifact
A M pump-act Eon shotgun" is 3 magical bstnvderbuss crafted by the Famed
artificer Mossburg that fires ammunition known as a "L2-g3uge shotgun
shell." Il is most effective at short ranges and takes a -1 penalty on dam-
age rolls per range Increment of the attack. It can fire six times before it
needs reloading (which requires a full-round action], requiring a distinct
“"pumping1- action along the barrel that gives the blunderbuss its distinc¬

tive name.
Meepo's ,Jpump-ratfon shuigun" is a +3 shotgun (Dungeon Muster's Guide, 146} that
deals 2d&+3 points of piercing damage with a ranged increment of 3Q feeL it can
create sik " 12-gauge shotgun shells" up to frve times per day.

54 DRAGON 3S9 September 30D7

2 i LORD OF BLADES
Leader of a blind of renegade? wnrlorgec. lie Lord of Blades
Broods over his nest campaign from the heart of the MoimilajiA
Origins: Prophet or malcontent. my lb or menace, I he history' of :he
Lord oi'.Blades remains occluded, Some claim he was lie List warfarged
to emerge from aCaimifh creation forge, that he led the warfoxged anmes
of Cyrc, or that he somehow create tie MonmbruL Another story makes
him the same waxibrged as a Brdish rovai advisor who disappeared into
the cart shortly before reports of the Lord of Blades arose.
Current Activities: Currently, the Lord of blades gathers a group of
warfoiged followers under his militaristic fheorracy. I Us dictum declares
•hr superiority of the warforged over the flesh creatures who created
them. Knowledge of bis whereabouts remains frustratingly elusive: Bis
followers remain sLeadfastly loyal or fhc-y nre killed.
So i1 rces: Ererron Cam pa i$r i Set: inti, Rtifhs- of E b mU a .v. [Link] Gwtdf
to fberhow, Dudgeon #m.

Blade Communion of Slashing

You partake of the same flesh-ripping power as the Lord pf Blades's blade-
covered body.
Prerequisites: Adamantine Body, Improved Bull Rush, Power Attack* war-
forged juggernaut, must worship Lord of Blades,
Benefit: Your adamantine armor spikes deal Id 8 points oF si ashing da mage
instead ofldti points of piercing damage-
Note: In order to gain the benefits of this feat, you must participate m a blade
communion ritual (faiths of Earsttou, 113).

Although he has lost much in recent years, the power and cunning
of this evil ;irchmage are in no way diminished.
Origins: As the founder of the Zhentariin, Manshoon laas spent much
of Bis life dealing in treachery lies? and murder. His career began when
he gained control of Zhentli Keep and founded the Black Network to
further his influence and control over much of the Moans e a. All of Bis
plans come to ail end upon his death in 1370 or, which in rum activated
a host ofda resand triggered the ^Manshoon Wais;,r
Current Activities: Today, only three of Manshoohs clones remain.
While one is a vampire residing in Westgate, another hatches foul plots
from the great dungeons of Undermountain. Only one has returned to
power with the Zhentarkm At liiough no longer in control of the Black
Network, Manshoons sinister plans ate never far from his thoughts.
Sources: Cfoflfc it rid Dagger. Ejj-ic U:vd Handbook, Forgotten Realms
Cctmpciijn Setti ng.

Manshoon's Ring of Duplication

Minor Artifact
When worn* this ring acts as a ring1 of mzafdrf Si. I n addition, whenever the wearer
casts mirror Image* the ring doubles the number of images created. Finally, once
per week, the ring may be called upon to duplicate any spell as it is being cart by
the wearer This duplicated spell arts just like the wearer had casf the spell again,,
allowing him to choose different targets rf he so desires. Once used in this way, the
ring goes dormant for one day and grants no abilities during that time.

September 20Q7 DRAGON 359 55

1 D20 VILLAINS todd b = fwart & haizo staff

often those who could have been

THE SEEKER’S SIGNET

This simple silver ring adorned with the eight-pointed star of the Seekers is com¬
pletely invisible from detection by anyone other than another wearer of a Seeker
signet ring, who is able to see it normally. The ring allows the wearer to use the spell
Isowid hre as a standard action once per day.
Moderate divination; CL 10th; Forge Ring, legend lore, creator must have 10
ranks in Knowledge (history}; Price 28,500-

5>i 1KYI
tL:/.2 ^For centuries, adventurers knew Kyuss only as the source of His
worm infested spawns but "he Dark Herald oi the Age of Wonx& sLLls, ..
Origins: More than a thousand years ago, .1 heretical mystic named
Kyuss gathered his cult tor an ocean voyage Lu the shores of a dis-
Lant jungle continent. Then:, they discovered time-lost plates from
an ancient civilization presaging an ora of death, decay, and writhing
doom called the Age of Worms. Ever since, Kyuss and his undead-lov¬
ing cult have worked to bring about that Lerrible time.
Current Activities: Kyuss'ina chinaHons led to the creation oi the Fbem

Wormcrown of Kyuss
Minor Artifact
Thts ornate green-metal crown Features the has-relief sculptures of hun¬
dreds of squirming worms. Kyuss worms within 30 feet of the wearer grow
extremely agitated, reaching victims’ brains in 2 rounds. Once they reacn toe
brain, the agitated worms deal 2d6 points of Intelligence damage per round.
Small* Medium, or Large creatures killed by the agitated worms rise as new
spawn of Kyuss two rounds later. Huge or larger creatures killed in this way
become normal zombies. All undead created 3n this manner serve the wear¬
ers whim until he takes offihe crown, at which point they become free-willed

56 Oft AGON 359 September 2007

1 D20 VILLAINS TODD STEWART & PAlZO STAFF

Artemis is the model assassin, cold and brutally efficient.

Origins; for years, Entreris life has centered on his rivalry with the
draw, Driz?t Do'Urdcn, fueled by the contrast between Entoeri's hollow
nature and the draw's close collection of friends. Ultimately* he fell into
:ri partnership with fir [nixie Baenre. the leader of Bregan [Link]. Under
Jarkxle's mauipuJafion, EnLreri believed that he finally killed DiiM.
Current Activities: In recent years, Artemis went on Lu masquerade as
an lionoralilc adventurer in Damara, where tor a brief period [Link] was
unwil lingly l r owned king, 'lhat last act drew I he unwelcome attention of
Kin^ Gareth Diagonsbanc and a powerful brotherhood at assassins. In

the fallout of those events, Artemis severed Ids association with Jariaxle,
realizing the l-xLl-iiL to which the d$0w had manipulated him for years,
and might finally have come to terms with the prison he has become.
Sources: [Link] rniN Realms Gampciicpi \,rs hVaipis Larrixiofc,
"That Curious Sword,” Rwims of Shadow anthology, numerous RA
SaJvatorc novels.

Charon’s Claw
Minor Artifact
This is 3+4 teen smokrng longswoni Churoxi's CJow is a powerful blade of Meth-
ercse origin. Possessed of a powerful and malign intelligence* potentially a
bound fiend, the sword is capable of d&nttigjrtffttgany wiflder il deems unwor¬
thy, unless the potential wilder succeeds at a DC 2$ Will save. Additionally, the
sword possesses a number of unknown, quasi-magical abilities that remain
dormant unless within the area of a Netherese mythallar,

7 DRAGOTHA
WiLh Ids first appearance as a sidenote on the map of White Plum?
Mountain, Dragptha has come to be known as the iconic dracoKch,
Origins: Dragotha served Tiaimt as a living red dragon <omn 1,000
years ago. During a mission of destruction Lo die Material Plane, he hap¬
pened across an ornate monolith that called to him with supernatural
force. The dragon soon learned Lhat the innnoliLh was the prison of li
powerful demigod named Kyuss. Kyuss whispered in Dragutha’s mind
and soon conduced the dragon to agree to a pact, ensuring eternal life
for the dragon. When Tiarmt learned of the betrayal she cast down her
former servant and slew- him without mercy.
Current Activities: Dragotha’s current lair is in the Worm crawl Fissure,
where he plots Lo release his master. His plans are. rapidly approaching
fruition. and it won't be long before he ushers in the Age of Worms.
Sources: Age of Worms Adventure Path, De.4£ON #134. DunC^OK
itiaz. Dungeon #134, Si: White Plume Mountain.

Scale of Dragotha
Minor Artifact
Any living creature who carries one of these scales is immune to energy drain
and any negative energy or necromancy effect that bestows negative Jevds. In
addition, any damage the bearer takes from negative energy heals him instead
of harming him Just as if he was an undead creature,
A sca/ff 0/Dragotha may be used to cast sending 1/day, but may only be used
to con tad: Dragotha.

53 DRAGON 359 September 2007

 lu andent limes dwelled a god so evil, so harmful to the multi-
verse that deities of all alignments bound him away for eternity.
Origins: He isibe ultimate doom, the Armageddon trigger, patron to
madmen, the hopeless, kind Llie unspeakably vile. Ills evil transcends
law and chaos, reflecting a primal nature that might dale back la the
Great Wheel's earliest days. Now his lore is scattered, Ms temples in
ruin. But his cult lives on, seething, seeking, sacrificing. They know
the return of their dark master is soon at hand.
Current Activities: Thanzduii remains isolated from the mortal
realm, tmifhmg the minds of his debased followers in dreams or
bouts of madness.
cV
Sources: I3EAGON #294. D^agon Annual #5, Dungeon tt^7, Forgotten
Temple ofTharizdun, Return to the Tcmpk of Elemental FidL

Nightforged
A weapon with this special ability was made from blade rock quarried fn a locale sacred
to the god ThaMdurL Such weapons are evil-aligned and bestow one negative level
on any good character attempting la wield them. The negative level remains as long
as the weapon rs tn hand. This negative level never results in actual level loss, but it
cannot be overcome an anyway while the weapon is wielded. Creatures who dre with
unhealed wounds from a nightforged weapon cannot be brought hack from the dead
by any means shorl of a u™r rnrmrie, or true resurrection spell. Bows, crossbows, and
dings so crafted bestow the nightforged power upon their ammunition.
Moderate necromancy (evil); CL 9th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor, slay living*
creator must be evil; Price +1 bonus.

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1 D20 VILLAINS TODD STEWART 5t PAIZO STAFf

W A famed and powerful priestess ofLohh and the first drew D&D
ever named.
OriginsrThe drewfirst appeared in Cj. HaUofthe jPirr Giant Kim, where
they played the role of puppet-masters behind an array of giants. Edavdra
was one ofthe initial direr cLmw encountered on ihe second level of that
dungeon (where they hid in a room warded by a wall of tentacles^ This
original drow rifbiness first rose to power as a cleric ofLoltb in die city
of Eiclhci-Cinlti. where she played a key role in one of D&D's first pub¬
lished campaigns as one of I he game's first recurring villa ins.
CnmrtU Activities: After worshiping a nameless Elder Elemental God
lor a time, Errivdrx has only recently regained her position as one of
Lijfths favored and currently functions as Lhe Spider Queen's chief dip¬
lomat and the supreme mortal mice of the multiworld faith.
Sources: G1-3: Against the Crank, D3; Vault ofThe Vruw, CDQ1-7: Qucm
\yf lhe Spiders, Expedition to the Demonweb Pits, Dnou? of the Underdark

Walt of Tentacles
Conjuration (Creation)
Level: Cleric 6
Th is spell functions as Luflif of stone except as noted . The easier and anyone who wor¬
ships Lolthcan freely move through the wall as though it did not exist Any other crea¬
ture that touches the wail is attacked by a tentadeihai springs from the wall's surface.
Each tentade has a reach of 30 feet, attacks using your base attack bonus (Strength
2.6), and is treated as 3 Huge creature- Each tentacle deals Zd-6+12 points of damage
on a hit, has improved grab, and constricts for 2d6+12 points oF damage.

ACERERAK
This villain Is only outshone by the death-filled dungeon of his
creation, the Tomb of Horrors.
Origins: Acenerak the Devourer began as an apprentice to'Vetm during
the hob-lord's rise To power Legends put his third resting place as a tomb
in the Vast Swarnph supposedly filled with unbelievable wealth waiting
tor heroes to recowi. In truth, the tales were a lure,, and his deathtrap-
studded gauntlet only a purtai to his true demesne, llit Demiplane of
Moil at the edge of the Negative Energy Plane. Acererak planned to use
the city for a ritual to dfeva to him to even greater power.
Current Actitivites: Ultimately, a band of mortals defeated Acererak
and disrupted has grand plot Unfbrtunatdy, Ids destruction was noL a?
complete ay some would believe, Acercrak's essence was entrapped in
the Negative Energy Plane, becoming a vestige, Trapped between imdeafth
and oblivion, desperately seeking to return.
Sources: Return to the Tomb of Horrors, Raised 3.$ Tomh of Horrors (ou
[Link])., Tomf? af Horrors, Tom qfMagic,

Minor Artifact
Worn within a spdkasfacr’s jaw in place of. an existing tooth, this powerful necro¬
mantic object is modeled after the soul-trapping gemstones that once fit within
Acereraks skull. Once per month, it can cast Trap the souf upon a recently deceased
victim. This version of the spell haps the victim1? spirit inside the gemstone, where
the entrapped soul 1$ devoured over the course of ld20 + 15 days, its essence ftm-
neled to oblivion on the Negative Energy Plane for Acereraks foul purposes.

60 DRAGON 359 September 2007

11/ IUZ
Known as l uz the LiviJ, ur simply ms The Old One, Fuz is one of the
greatest threats to peace and prosperity in ail of Grey hawk
Origins: luz was horn from a union between the witch queen Iggwih
and Grazz'tThe demigod quickly went on to consolidatepower througli-
out the nortliem reaches of the Flanaess. Aiiet a brief iit3,prisonment in
I he dungeons of Castle Grey hawk lu.z returned to set into motion plans
to conquer much of the Flanaess, Using various clever ruses, he ignited
the Gieyhawk Wars, which came to an end only iz years ago.
Current Activities: Fuz is currently rebuilding his strength from his
capital oFDgrakaa after the long war. As the road of skulk growls ever lon¬
ger, many are beginning to wonder if Lhc treaty I bat ended the Greyhawk
Wars mighl turn out to be another ruse, giving lux lime to res I before
renewing his conquest. Of course, he sttJi covets tire free City of Grey-
hawk, with dreams of punishing the took who once imprisoned him,
Sources: luz the ifuil, Prartj (Jif [Link]-s, to tkr Ruins af Grtyha-wh

Road of Skulls
The road leading to Dorakaa is paved with the skulk of luz's many enemies, some
of which are powerfully enchanted, I unfavored clerics cany rods that allow them
to activate these enchanted skulls. The following ane just sonie of their powers.
■ The sku I i screa ms if any good-aEign ed creatu re co mes w it h i n 50 FeeL
* The sku 11 can cast magic missile u p to five t i mes per day (C L 5th).
* The skull can cast shout once per day id 7th)*
* The skill I can be comma nded to explode as a jirrirf (CL Eth\
* The sky 11 can cast cause Jear three times pe r day (CL 5th).

Grazzt lurks af the infected heart of D&D’s most diseased family tree.
A vaunted demon prince with the guile of a devi], hr commands one of
the largest domains in the Infinite Layer* of Hit Abyss.
Origins: CiTazVt rose in the early centuries o f the tanarTi to dominate
Azzagr+L a sprawling domain boasting treacherous cities and poisonous
forests. A century ago he was bound by lhc wilob-queen Iggwilv, with
whom he sired t he cambion 1 uz. Legends oiliis eternal enmity for Orcus
and Demogorgon have spread to all come ts of the Great Wheel.
Qirreni Activities: The Dark Prince wishes to expand bis reach by
consolidating demonic power under a council he [Link] do this
he must undermine Qie demon-goddess Lrdth, one of his greatest and
most powerful rivals.
Sources: BouL afVik Darkness E?qpeditton to thr, PEmumvefe Pits, fiendish
Coder L luz fhe-JMj Plants of Oitim.

Spawn of the Dark Prince [Abyssal H eritor]

You [distant kinship with the Dark Prince Grafzt grants you demonic eloquence.
Prerequisite: Cha 15,
Benefit; As a full-round action you can concentrate upon the gifts of Grazzt
courting through your veins to gain a +10 bonus on Bluff checks made to
convince another of the truth of your words. The duration of this supernatural
effect lasts a number of minutes, equal to your Charisma bonus.
Special: Your self-absorbed nature makes you ill aware of your Immediate sur¬
roundings. Consequently, you take a “2 penalty on Spot checks. For more informa¬
tion on Abyssal heritor feats, see page S2 of Fiendish Codex I: Hnrtks&fi he Abyss.

September 2007 DRAGON 339 61

1 D20 VILLAIN 5 todd stewar i & paizo staff

h; known as the Witch of Perrenland, mother ol luz, and

author of the blasphemous Denwnornkon^
Origins: Iggwilv served fur a Lime as one ofZagig Yrageme's appren¬
tices, After she absconded with many ofZagigs creations, >hcpenned the
infamous Tkmontimkwh and not long thereafter imprisoned the demon
lord Gxiei'zL She shed the demigod Tuz with him and came to rule much
of Pecrenland before Gfsz’zt finally managed to turn against her and
imprisoned heron the Abyss, She eventually escaped and launched a .new
gambit in the hlanaess in an attempt to lead an army of fiends into the
world, but she was again defeated She lias since retreated to a hidden
lair m die lower Planes, where she bides her time before attempting her
next audacious plan.
Current Activities: Iggwilv lias taken note y f Demogorgon's activities
regarding the savage tide, and .she wi]] undoubtedly become involved.
Scurets: Dragon #7-55, Deacon #336, DuuCeOK #140, WG6: Isle of
(hr Ape, to (fee Evil, S4:1 hr losi Caverns ofTstyrnnih.

8Iood of the Witch Queen

You are distantly related to iggwilv by Wood. Demons can sense this link and
treat you with grudging respect.
Prerequisite: Cha 13*
Benefit: You gain a +2 circumstance bonus on all Charisma-based checks
opposed by demons, Including the Charisma check required when casting pfo-
itar binding on a demon, in addition, you gain a +2 circumstance bonus on Will
saving throws made against any effect di rected at you by a demon.

14 ORUIS
{>rctts is perhaps the greatest success story Ln the depths of tbu Abyss.
Origins: The Demonlord of die Undead began as a currupt mortal
whose soul congealed on Pazurna as a larvae. Over list next nullennium
hr passed from form to form, ultimately seizing control of the 03th
layer of the Abyss, OrcuS eventually embraced divinity before his death
at Kiaransalee's bands. Returned to life as Tenebrous, an undead shadow
of his former sc if he hunted for his bidden wand, and on Arboreas third
layer he discovered the Last Word. An ned with its power he killed a quar¬
tet of gods and planar lords before being consumed.
Current Activities: Within the Abyss, Orcus lias returned to his eter¬
nal struggle against Graz'zt and Dernogorgon, He currently conspires to
topple Demogorgon as part of a curious alli ance gathered by Iggwilv .
Sources: Ikjofe ufYik Dead Gods, Dudgeon #140, Dun u Hm #j$q,
fiendish Codex i. Great Modrvn Mrirdj, Lttois Moms. Throw (YjHbod$iom\

THE ORCUSWORD
Minor Artifact
The oremword was his persona! weapon during his time as a balor. This +G
draofic consumphus burst im/iotygreirispsrd's power is linked to that of its master,
granting a divine spetlcastcr use of the Chaos or Undeath domam and a +S bonus
to his speElcastmg ability score. It resides rn the fortress ofTchian-Sumere on the
Negative Energy Plane under the watch [Link]:ogra the Bloated and the yugaloth
necromancer Yleris* though the latter has the intention of eventually stealing rt on
behalf of his true master, Bubonic

62 DRAGON 359 September 2007

1 D20 VILLAINS todd s i i-wart & paizq staff

w From virtuous km^hl to dmturd houI, Lord Sotlfs Lde is one of dis¬
honor, horror, and redemption.
Origins A victim of jealous lyr md selfishness, lord Loren SoLh
mi iKfered his femilybui was given a chance to reckon hiiiisdJ'and. to save
aE of KvTnn from impending devastation. Hi-: failed in lins task and died
during the Cataclysm. Living on as a death knight, he eventually became
a dark champion of the Dragon Armies dining the War of the L^mce. As
his atrocities mounted-, the Dark Powers of Raven]oil enfolded the cursed
knight, imprisoning him ins real m nf memories and dmk hope.
Oirrcnl Activities: tn the rnrsaken -calms of Rave doff die brooding
darklord rediscovered a pan of the uiiin he once was, eventually winning
his freedom. When ialdnsis called upon the death knight's soul to cham¬
pion her cause. Lend Soth refused and the inccTised goddess slew him. His
honor regained, Lord Soth passed on in peace.
Sources: Maoris uf Winter Night. Dragons of a Vanished Moon, Mists of
Ktynn, When Ttiack Jipws Bloom, World of Kfym

Some death knights have the ability to call upon legions of undead serritors-
Lfndead Legion (SuJtAs 3 standard action, onc-c per day, a death knight can sum¬
mon a number of skeletons with a total number of Hit Dice equal to the death
knight's Hit [Link], a 10 HD death knight with this ability could summon ten 1
HP human warrior skeletons or one 10 HD edin skeleton, or any combination of
skeletons whose full amount of Hit Dkc toLal no more than 10.
CR Adjustment: +1/2.

16 DEM0S0RG0N
W Only one, or perhaps two in this case, can claim the title of Prince
of Demons,
Origins The first of the fanaffzi to spontaneously manifest on the Abyss,
Dermcgorgoris primeval tbmi echoes his ancicnL genesis—whereas most
other tamriri have at least a fevv recognizable human feature* Deniogor-
gon is prim.'i I and bestial and lias none,
Current Activitics: Alway5 plot!ing n] i n tor his enetnies, De mogcu
guns current goals involve a mysterious force known as the savage
tide—exarf details of this complex plot me summarized in the Savage
Tide Adventure Psihr presented in Dungh'jN issues #139 to H150,
Sources: Dkagon #35^ DUNGEON #150, Fiendish Codex f, Book ofVik
Darkness, first edition Monster Manual, Dun£Gon5 ^ Daacons immortals
Riiks, Supplement JJJ: £Uri(di Wizardry, Bnldur'^ Quit II: Shadows of Aim,

Mark of Lemoriax
When a demon becomes inexorably bonded totnE servitude of Dsmogaigoh through
painful rituals deep in Lemoriax, it -emerges changed and transformed-
Prereq-ui&tfee: Chaotic evil outsider. Thrall to Demon, base Fort save +8.
Benefit A creature that bears a mark of LemariaK gains a +4 bonus on Bluff and
Diplomacy checks made against den hens of Gaping Maw, but suffers a-4 penalty on
the same checks made against denizens of all other Abyssal Layers He also gainsa-^
bonus on all Intimidate checks. The mark of Lemoriax grants the demon the ability to
breathe water and air with equal esse Tine demon is scalier or furrier than most of its
kind, and his natural armor bonus mrreases by 1.
L _

64 DRAGON 359 September 2007

 17 VECNA m
No menial nfrmman^r has ever at tamed grcaliT power than Verna,
OriginBom centuries ago on Hie world of Gerth, Vecna became a
powerful lich at the end of his lengthy mortal life. Fueled by the powers
ofumlcaLh, Ids empire contiiiuKcl to expand, t'ngulfmg much of the cen¬
tral Ekimess. All ofhls plans were cut short when Kas, his vampire lieu¬
tenant, betrayed and destroyed him, leading behind his infamous hand
and eye. He Lhen became a demigod and nearly returned Lo power until
being pulled into die mists ofRaverdofL From the Demiplane of Dread,
the arrhlich engineered an escape hy subsuming the power of luz for a
time and attaining true godhead.
CnrxtnLActivities: Vecnais cow a powerful deity whose cult continues
to grow. It is rumored that the secretive god wishes to attain even greater
power by convert! ng all of Orth to his vile taith-
Suurces: Die, Veaia Die, liutntj Greyhawk Gazetteer, Veaia Lives, Verna
Reborn, D&&can fl34S.

Minor Artifact
To be used, this sdifeci must be placed against the left side of a creature's head after
its ear has been removed. The ear grants its host a +5 enhancement bonus on all Lis¬
ten skill checks and a -+4 resistance bonus against sonic spells and spdMilre abilities.
The host can use the spells WFr]dn£55./dcq/r7essideafnes5 only} arid doirtfiidm1txfd□ lruoy-
arcrc (cfairaudience only) three times each per day. Once per day, the host -can use the
spell greptershfflJt. The host ran a(so understand all spoken languages (as per the spell
foncfue^N All powers are at caster level 20th and all DCs to resist their effects are 2D.

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1 D20 VILLAINS TODD STEWART & PAIZG STAIT

18| WITH
There is only tine bring so powerful as to
demand Lhe obeisance of the enjel and traitorous
drow. In tiie deep Gives ot the Underctaik, only Leith
rules supreme.
Origins: bnlLh's history is is tangled as the- webs
lhal wreath her Demon web Pits. Some legends claim
her as a demon who became, a goddess, while others
as a goddess who became a [Link] truth is a inix-
turf: ofbtilb.
LolLh, the Demon Queen of Spiders, was nol always
known by that title or that name. In fact, the demon-
goddess, head nf tht so- catted Dark Seldurine (the
drow pantheon,) was onee known as Araushnee the
Weaver, the elven goddess of chaos and destiny, con¬
sort to Corellon. [Link]. But just as; cclesLiak can
fall., sci tod can gods,
Ariushnee grew jealous of her husband and discon¬
tent with her place within the. courts of Arvandot As the
passions of her soul grew darker, she consorted with
die lords of Ulc Abyss and they aided her in tapping
into her welling damnation, though her fall was free
of their goading Eventually, she attempted to engineer Arachnid of Abyssal Summoning
Corelloifs death at the hands of several evil gods, but Minor Artifact
was discovered- Unable to bring liimsclf to desLroy her. Created during Lollh s early days in the Abyss, when
Corellon stripped her of all blit the barest fraction of she faced extermination at the hands of Zuggtmoy,
ddlic essence and exiled her to join the demons she'd these carved spiders possess Id 10 -i- 5 gemstone
come to resemble. eyes inscribed with bebeliths1 truenames. Each eye
Cast down and embittered, Lollh Laid claim to the can summon a 24-HD behilith under the user's
66th layer of the Abyss, from there she usurped the control, as if summoned by a EfPte spell. for 24 hours
worship of dozens of spidcrrlikc races and seduced or until the death of the called fiend.
her former dven worshipers away from the Seldarme
and die light, making them the first drow. Regaining sucked dLry—building blocks of her eventual revenge
her god hood, die formed a new pantheon, joined by against the Sddarine,
her children Fiilistmte and Vliaeraiui, who’d been cast Seebmg in expand her power on the Material Plane,
from the SeLdarine alongside her. Others would join I nlth managed to increase hex status on several worlds
later, such as Zinzerena, Keptolo, Solvetarm, Ghannad- via a prolonged silence, temporarily abandoning her
aur, and KiaxaiLsalce Lhe Revenaitcer. worshipers and feeding upon the resulting stole and
While her relationship with the fiends of the Abyss chaos. Like a duysails-wrapped insert, she emerged
has alternated between apathy and open war, the stronger than ever on those worlds, possibly setting
Spider Queen is more comfortable dealing through (be stage for similar actions elsewhere throughout the
her millio ns of drow worshipers, forking the same Material Plane.
resources and innate connection to Lhe Abyss pos¬ Current Activities; Lollh has not been silent within
sessed by the timarri. lords, and with the responsi¬ the Abyss. Graz’zl recently manipulated her into
bilities of a goddess, folth is more concerned with . seeking Lo broker a peace between a number ofabyssal
the Materia] Plant than with the politics and wars lords which, had it been successful, would have cost a
of Lhe Abyss. portion of her divinity. It failed, and while it. caused
Beyond answering the prayers of her faithful, Leith's GrazzL [to harm, Lolth has had to devote a consider¬
depredations upon the Materia] Plane are great, at able portion of her power defending die Demotiweb
times rivaling even the world-burning honors of the Pits against Demogorgon and Zuggtmoys fury, lest
archfiends. In fact, more than one world has been they wrench away control of her layer.
conquered by her fnl lowers and found itselfphysically Sources; Fjcp^dititm fcj the Demomueb Pfte, RiEtfrs and
pulled ink) Lhe Abyss, entrapped in the webs of Hie Pitnihfurii. fiendish Codex i, Quevn ofthr. Dcm^iveb IHh.
both layer like an insect wrapped in silk, wailing Eo be Queen of the Spiders,Tw Draw <>f the Umhrthirk.

S6 DRAGON 359 September 2007

1 D20 VILLAINS TODD STEWART & PAIZO STATE

19 TIAMAT
^ She is known by many names actors many worlds.
but one constant retrains; Tiamni is t hr mother of
all evil dragons.
Origins: Hamid, Lhe Dragon Queen, is feared and
renowned as the creator of chromatic dragons. Her
greed and hunger for power have touched innumer¬
able worlds, and her claws sink into Lhe history of doz¬
ens of races.
Draconic legend claims that Io, the Nineibtd Dragon.,
created TiamaL and Bahamufi They were not his first
creations however—1that title belonged to the flawed,
childlike VoreI. Viewing iiirn as a rivaJ for Jos affection,
Tkunai slaughtered the godding and framed Bahamut
ibr his death. k> discerned Lhe truth,, however, and
th ereader Tkunat a nd Eahamut departed as impkcahle
enemies, beginning the DragonML War.
Making her home within die hells, Tiamal found
like-minded company with the baatezu* Like the
lie mis, Tiamat was obsessed with domination- greed,
destruction, and tear. As much mother as regent, she
views her children as prosy rulers of the Material
Plane, individual microcosms of her rightful place
within the d raconic pantheon and universe.
Proud and haughty, Tiamat acknowledges no allies
but sh chas extensive, deal mgs With various evil gods and
Burning Orb of Etiol the
a unique relationship with, die baatezu. Begun during
Abandoned
Major Artifact
Zand's idgn, die status quo remained uncharged after
Zariel gifted this chalk-white sphtoe So Ephebmon's
Bels coup, in exchange tor relative autonomy and sale
successor, Etiol. Legends Haim it was carved from
passage through Avemus, the first level of Hell, ibr hei
Vorel's astral god-corpse, or that Gith possessed it when
servants and petitioners, TiarmLs deific domai n over¬
she entered Baatof. It radiates a sense of toss and rags*
laps the main- portal between Avemus r-nd Dis.
and a halo of bSeached flame and a fow, incomprehen¬
While some in Li it diabolic courts mock ID mat as
sible din of whispers surround its holder, it provider a
Bel's scaly watchdog, their rektionship is more com-
continual frame sfitfld, mfnd hhnk, and pJowr attunemmL
plcx. Tiamat's involvement with various Lords of the
Ln addition, you ran ra$fe the following spell-like abilities
first over the millennial has caused many mortals to
with it 2/day—gate waft of Che tonsner.
confuse her with the true lordt much to the fiends’ cha¬
grin. In league wadi Ffcarza of the Dark Eight Tiamat
created the first abishai, ;md the pit fiends and nobles the gifhyanki. ensuring that another mortal race fell
Bd grants into her sendee further anchors their byzan- into line withTrimafs draconic ideals.
l die relationship. I 'iainafs most inlimate collaboration Current Activities^- Currently, Tiamat grows impa.-
with the fiends, however, is Mordukhaver the Reaver, benl with Lhe Dragtmfall War. By divine feat, and likely
I Jit clnld of her union with Cantrum, the founder of PcarZi’s collusion, a large fraction of chromatic dragon
tire Dark Eight eggs now produce Spawn nfTiainst. While these beings
Tiamafs dealings with other races are just as exten¬ hek Lhe power of dragons, they Tapidly mature and
sive as with the fiends. When the githyariki and githz- breed true with disturbing fecundity. Even more fright¬
erat were newly sundered, Gith the Unshockter sought ening, the creatures are gathering with true chromat¬
allies for J Ler people. Gith saw a kindred spiril in Tiamat ics and quickly marshaled armies of gublinoids, sug¬
and descended into Avemus to bargain with her. Giths gesting that Tiamat might have brokered :\ deal with
late is unknown: she might yet remain in Avemus as a Maglubiyet with the intent of scouring the Material
price forTLamat's concessions or she might have beer, Plane ofRahamul s children world by world
betrayed lay a pact between Vteafcith and Tkmafs con¬ Sources: Dracovomicon, Dragou #zboh Monster

sort Ephdomon. Regardless, Gith vanished, and fiphe- MyfJi£%Y, On Hallowed Gmindf Horn of die
lomon delivered a racial ailianre with red diaigous to Fiendish Codex II.

SS OR AGON 359 September 2007

 ^Ruler or Baj'OV'm au J master of the notorious
Castle Ravenlott, colliiLEcks ages and infamies
have made the name Coll fi t Stiahd vo n Zaravich
[Link] with berth tragedy and terror.
Origins: Strahd von ZamvicTi once led men at
a respected warrior and honored general. After
countless victorious campaigns, the aging soldier
retired, only to find lie had little mind for peace.
Strahd instead found his passion rekindled by 3
prize greater Lhan all hr had won in battle: Tatyana,
a beauty beyond compare and bis brother Sergeis
fiancee. Consumed by jealousy and frustrated rage,
Strahd made a pact of blood with. Death its till On
the night of his brother's wedding, he murdered
.Sergei with a mind to replace his sibling in Taty¬
ana's grieving arms. The despairing girl spumed
Strahd, though, and. quickly gleaning the depths of
his betrayal, threw herself from the walls of Castle
RavenloJL Al the same moment,, strange mists rose
and stole both -Stralul and his accursed castle from
tlieix native realm, transplanting them to a dark
nether-realm, laying the foundation for what would
become the Demiplane of Dread.
Current Activities: Cursed with umnortalitv.
Strahd, the so-called Jirst vanapyr, has brooded in Ills
Labile-crypt for centimes, ever Uunled by the dark
powers he feds betrayed him and by the repeatedly
resurrected soul of TaLyana, a love he is forced to
reunite with and lose eternally.
Sources: J&ittnbft J Strahd, die Memoirs of a Vampire,
Domains of Prood, Expedftiort to Oxstie T&vmhft

STRAND'S SKELETAL STEED CR 4 Noxious Breath (Ex): 60-fool cone, once every fd4
Always N Large undead rounds (but no more than Rye times per day),
Frijt +2; Senses darkvisfan fcfl ffo Listen +2. Spot +2 nauseated for2d4 rounds. Fortitude DC 14 negates.
. AC 16, touch U, Flat-footed 14 The save DC h Cbansma-based
:
i (-1 sire, +2 Dex. +S natural) Discnrporate {Ex)c As a standard action, it skeletal steed
hp 12 (5 HD): OR 5/bludgeoning can fail 3 pari, becoming nothing more than a pile
immune coEdB fare, undead traits of bones and dust. While in this form, it gains a 4ID
Fart-1, Ref +3, Will +6 bonus on Hide checks but may not move or a-Hadc. A
Resist turn resistance +4 skeletal steed may reassemble as a standard action.
Spd 50 ft Any creature with fewer Hit Dice than a skeletal
Melee 2 hooves +4 (ld64l) and steed that witnesses it reassembling must make 3 DC
bite +0(ld4fi) 14 Will save or be shaken for Id4 [Link] save
S&Sfe Atk -2; Grp +9 DC is Charisma-based.
Adi Options noxious breath
Abilities Sir Ik De* 15, Con — int . Wis 1 4, Cha 15 Creations of the Darklord ot Barovia, these undead
SQ discorporate aiximinations steal all the noble strength and gal¬
Environment any (Castle Ravenloft) lantry tram majestic steeds* leaving behind only
Organization solitary, pair, or team -4-10) horrors of dark magic and rattling bones*
Treasure none A spdlcaslEer of at least tjtli level can create a
Advancement 6—12 HD (Large), U-1S HD (Huge) SLrahcfs skeletal steed with a create urtdtwi spell, w
J

SEptpmhpr?007 DRAGON 339 69

 TRCASURCS of QRGyHAWk
MAQIC OF The COMpANy OF SGVGN
hy Giry Hdlian and Rkk Miikr - iJljAxfrafed hy'Jason Engk

T he Wot Id gf Greyhawk is widely respected Tot its

abundant and potent magical creations, but it is
of the Great Kingdom fell Into decline and its once-swollen
borders began Lo contract, a period of upheaval and chibs
even more renowned for its un iqne personages, the was given birth, into this uncertainty stepped a new dass
creators of these marvels. As these names escape parted of adventurer and fortune seeker unbound by royal writ
lips, eyes grow bright with wonder: He ward, Keoghtom, and imperial proprieties. The most famous of these was
Mnrlynd, Nolzurh Oniaal, Thsha, and Zagyg. These names undoubtedly Zagig Yrageme, a petty noble and ne'er-do-well
are legend on this and many other worlds, from lhe Central Harness- lie single-handedly changed the
In the millennium since the Twin Cataclysms felled fortunes of "a city, and perhaps even a continent, in no small
Lhe ancient empires of Oerth, perhaps no group has been part due to the unique sorcery he mastered .
more studied or debated Lhau the one chronicled as Lhe TYvq centuries before Mordeniainen and the Citadel
Company of Severn Without the exploits of these wor¬ of Fight made their names, the young and ambitious
thies, even the City of Creyhawk itself would be nothing Zagig assembled (some say insinuated bimsrb into) a
more than a backwater to this day' group of like-minded journeyman adventurers based in
The Company of Seven emerged at a time of flux in the and around the Wild Coast These men and women were
Flamess, fate in the third common century, as the Fortunes eager and willful enough to share his desire to explore the

70 DRAGON 359 September 2007

mysterious places of Oerth, uncover Over the intervening decades, a
some of its best-hidden secrets, and small coterie of schools within
create unique magical treasures. In tiie Seekers headquartered
a wild series of adventures in the in Greyhawk observed and
early fourth century that took them recorded their exploits. The
even beyond the veils of this world. creations of the Company of
Lhe company succeeded like none Seven have been cataloged, dis¬
before them, gairiifig untuld wealth sected, and in some casts recreate A
and knowledge untapped since the The Seekers even corned a phrase
time of"the godlike ancients. fa? these special individuals that hns
At the same Lime Lhe Company of remained in common parlance among
Seven's members forged their repu¬ metaphysical scholars to tins day: die
tations. Ion us Marius of Seliaren, quasi-deities.
an acquaintance and rival of Zagir:, The following magic items were
formed an organization composed enumerated in a notebook misplaced
of former royal explorers and sur¬ in a drinking tavern in fae Free City
veyors who once served the Over¬ of Grey hawk (always check under the
king, known as the Seekers of the benches at the Green Dragon Inn)
Arcane. The Seekers shared many and are presented for your benefit.
of the same ambitions as the com¬
pany, but lacked their wherewithal, Howard’s LicLL Three times per day, you may ring
creativity and bravado, Instead, they Price (Item Level): 37.(580 gp {17+ h) the bel] to summon an unseen Servant,
pooled theiT resources, built private Liody Slot: — as the spell* to do your bidding for 1
lodges housing laboratories and Caster Level: 15th hour, fn addition, once per day, yon
libraries across the Flanaess, and Aura: strong; (DC zi) abjuration and may ring the bdl twice to send any
.studiously set about researching conjuration summoned creature within bo feet
and sometimes reproducing the Activation; see below back to its home plane. The crea¬
successes of others. Weight: 2 lb. ture can attempt a Will save {the DC
Long before the dose of the fourth equals the creature's HD total sub¬
century, the men and women of tiic This bell bean esoteric runes dfung tracted from 26) to resist a sudden
Company parted ways as their inter¬ its bottom edge, thought to daft3 back fo return to its home plane. Finally,
ests increasingly diverged, A spat hum [JtecdJetj^- of the G2d lore. A small rilver once per day, a hard using the bdl to
of an alchemical dispute between mdlief kan^jfom a fine jiluer chain on keep tune may summon creatures as
Nolzur and Kcoghtom became a per¬ the inferior of the bdl. 3 summon monster VJ spell with 3 suc¬
manent wedge, Zagig retired to build cessful DG 26 Perform skill check.
his greatest legacy, Castle Gieyhawk, This bell once hung from the famous Prerequisites; Craft Wondrous
in which he eventually ensconced mystical organ devised by 1 Ieward Item, dismissal, summon mens ter V7.
himselfamid accusations of madness. and was used by the hard to keep lime urtMfiji servant, creator must have 10
Others, like Murlynd and Kcoghtonn, while operating the device. Several ranks in Perform.
even de palled tills plane of existence decades ago. however, an enterprising Cost to Create: 18,840 up, 1,508 XP.
tor 3 time, finding adventure mid thief liberated the bell from the organ
challenge in strange and alien places. while the hard spent a night nn the Howard's Lyue
I Ieward, as always, moved on to the lawn away from his amazing home optruth
next amusement. (Kcward's domicile is thought to Prire (Item I evel): ?.8. zfio gp 16th)
The members of the Company travel in time and space, even touch¬ Eodv Slot: —
of Severn fashioned count)ess magic ing iri any plai lc s b f exis fence slm ul ta- Caster l evel: Sth
items, from the commonplace !o n eon sly. affording Hewaid the oppor¬ Aura: strong; (DC 19) abjuration and
artiiacts ot’ great import .that still tunity Lo acquaint himself with many conjuration (healing)
bear their names. So great was their cultures at once). The loss of the be II Activation; standard
knowledge that Llicy even shed the did nut disturb He ward. Indeed, Lhe Weight: 4 lb.
shackles of their mortality to become padfetic bon vivant would never
deathless, each in his own way. Some conscience violence to effect its Thi& old varnished hranzewood lyre, deco¬
believe that members of the com¬ return. ]t has since been copied many rated urith several amefhjxti and strung
pany even share companionship times by those interested in the bell s witfi platinum mire, bears numerous deEi-
with certain gods. amusing properties. caidy carved sigik of arcane origin.

September 2007 DRAGON S59 71

TREASURES OF CREYHAWK GARY HOUAN AND RILK MILLER

A psrtintlaxly galling tour of” the Aura: strong; (DC 20) divination your mind fora location,creature, or
North Province of the Grant King¬ Activation: ft] 11 * round object. The map then acts as ajmei the
dom a century ago inspired He ward Weight: — path spell, showing in great detail the
to create ihis item to cut through Lhe shortest, most direct physical route
mendacity he was forced to endure fhis large, iwaftrmf hit of doth appears Lo the specified destination. You can
among the boorish uobLes he sought covered in inicTmeshing spukrs silk. Ft only use the map once per day, and
Lo entertain in I hat region. Thus, he has been folded many times over and all other paths or locations on the
created the fw of frutii with the aid bear? an ever-chatting Manstrwrtd mass map appear as an ever-changing
of his longtime friend, Keoghtom. of blurred line?, shapes, and symbols. blurred marts of webs.
Unfortunately, the hard discovered The map refuses to locate Keogh-
that revels and the gatherings of Those who study the exploits of the tom,the path to his extradimensionfi
aristocracy are often 1 he Iasi places Company of Seven often describe home, nor indeed the location of any
for honesty^ and on more than one Keoghtom .is l he most inventive and being who carries the rank ol deity.
occasion, his lyre forced him to flee assiduous of the group. The demigod It cannot sec beyond the bounds of
just ?. few feet ahead of an angry mob, Zagyg only confides in Keoghtom the current plane of existence.
He ha* since retired the lyre From and respects his judgment greatly. In Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous
active use. addition, save only No^ur, Keogh- Item, find 1 fie f orth.
When played, Lhe lyre emits a con¬ 1 pm enjoys good terms with the rest Cost to Create: 13,200 gp, 3,056 XP.
stant zom of truth (DC 13). Twice per of the coiiipauy and is even accorded
day, when plucking a single string a Friend of Lhe mage MordrnkainetL KCOQljTOM'S STAFF OF
continuously, you may use a discern Krogh tom’s many discoveries PURIFICATION
Iks spell on anyone within 60 feet have benefited the cultures of the Price (Hem Level): 47,250 gp (17th)
(DC 16), Further, oner per day. if F'lanaes s s i gn ific arid1/—especial 1 y Body Slot: —
you play a tune afteT adjusting the his balms and: curatives. The map Casler Level: 17-th
slacker tension, you gain the benefits that bears his name is no exception, Aura: strong; (DC 7,1) abjuration and
of a glihrtes? spell. Fharlanghn, whose friendship with conjuration (healing)
Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous lhe bard lie ward is long and deep, Activation: standard
item, discern fe^Iihness, zorcc of tnifk. facilitated its creation by allowing Weight; 4 lb.
Cost to Create: 14,140 gp. 1,13] XR Keoghtom a perusal of the famed A Mack-iron hug's k^nd dutch eng a
Oerthdisc The resulting map lapis lazuli gem fops this duck crooked
kCOC,HTOMTS SpiDCRV proved so usefu I that cartographers \rtllow staff
MAP and sages suggest dozens of copies
Price (Item Level): 76,.-■on gp (i61h) exist across lhe Flanaess. The exploits of the Company of Seven
Body Slot: — In order to use it, you need only are too numerous lo recount, but one
Caster Level: 11th concentrate upon the map, searching uf their more infamous ventures car-

72 DRAGON 359 September 7007

ried Murlynd, Keoghtom, and Nolzur Prerequisites Craft Sta if, break
to the Cold Marshes in the hi north enckantm&it, html, restoration.
of the Flanac&s in search of the ancient Cost to Create: 26^25 gp, 1,690 XF.
ruins of an add civilization [Link]-
wielding amphihkm UnforiimaLdy murLvnd's Hat
Ibr die trio, the place was not com¬ Price (Item Level): 72,0c o gp (19th)
pletely abandoned and they found Body Slot: head
themselves in baLUr with a witch-queen Caster Level: 9th
die locals referred to as die Weird of Aura: moderate: (DC 19} transmuta¬
the Cold Heath. Alder rti enervating tion
battle, Mutiynd fired several rounds Activation: move
from his amazing sis-shooters aL her Weight 1 lb.
elbow and her strange gnarled staff
fell to the ground. Keoghtom claimed This wide-brimmed leather btf-t Jias a tali
Hie object and later identified it as a crown li’iib a crease idlttfl (he middle* A
"staff of afflictioiT which he surmised trio of jmaU gold rings pierces thi bats
was related to the vile cult of Incahu- brim along one side.
los. His study allowed lnm to reverse
its effects, despite objections from Murtynd is perhaps the Company
Nolzur, who thought it could make a of Seven’s most unusual personality,
formidable weapon against the forces; which in a group thal includes Zagig
of a nascent demigod in die northern Yrageme is quite a boast! Once a mor¬
reaches who the ores called the Old tal paladin of Heironeous, Murlynd
One. Keoghtorn rebuffed him and has grown into a celebrated person¬
created the staff of p i*rifkation—whic h age with a following of paladins of
retains its Original baleful appearance. his own. Few scholars of the com¬
When touched to any liquid, pany know Murlynd is a formidable
the staff' of purification immediately mage and inventor in ids own right.
removes any lingering maladies, as His travels to other worlds have won
purify Jbtid or drink except it doesn't him knowledge of unique magic
destroy any magical qualities of the items unseen on Oerth, in eluding, die
liquid. This use expends 2 charges. leather chapeaux hr made famous.
The following uses require the Barely seen without one, on occasion
expenditure of charges, he loses one of his hats to expedience
* hrtYifc enchantment [1 charge) and must [Tart another, His enemies
* resiomhon (1 charge) span many worlds and he always
- hefl! {?. charges} keeps them guessing as to what
A new stalThas 50 charges. astonishment might come out of
one of his many hats. The following
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TREASURES OF GREYHAWK uaryholian akdrilk mi lw

example details only one of the hats six-shooters and fabulous dancing This rryjtai orb, icash Leith a iitrirl of
lie wears. The abilities of the others sword "he carries it often goes unno¬ rdor.s at its center, bears a crock along
are not widely renown. ticed. It has, however, saved Murlynd's one sitfi r liar colors mirliin sunn to leak
This hat affords you a +z insight life on more than one occasion. out, like painl.
bonus lo Armor Class and on ail Will The prehensile whip extends at
saves made against charms or mind- your command to grasp items, operate Nolzur of Radigast City became a
affecting enchantments. Tt ako allows letters, or pul door handle s. It can even famed illusionist and alchemist
you to c'AZljiibrimie three times per day. tower you as a rope and pulley, but it as a member of the Company of
Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous also has use as an offensive weapon. SevPFs. but bis legacy is often over¬
[ten-. fabricate./nrEsfglii;, creator must This -rj disarming sweeping n/fcijj shadowed by those o\ Ins rnmp:i
have io ranks in Craft (alchemy). grants you a +2 competence bonus triots. Nolzur and Keogh tom fell
Cost lo Create: 36,000 gp, z,SSo XP. on disarm attempts and a +2 com¬ out more than a century ago, as
petence bonus on Strength checks the latter reputedly borrowed one
MURLyND’S made to trip an opponent with it. of Molzufs formulas to aid In his
rattLgsnaRg whip Opponents cannoL disarm you of creation of the celebrated ointment
Price (Item Level): 72,301 gp (icitli'i tliis weapon. In addition, the whip that bears bis name. Nolzux has yet
Body Slot: — giants you the ability to grapple any to forgive him and his reclusion
Custer Level: 9th targe 1 al a range of io feet with a suc¬ has. caused his fame Lo lade over
Aura: moderate; (DC 19} conjuration cessful grapple check time. Few know that be began life
and transmutation Prerequisites: Craft Magic .Arms as a thief or that his early travels
Activation: — and Armor, hull's strengfft, web. took him faT and wide, including to
Weight: 1 lb Cost to Create: 36,301 gp, 2.880 XP. Black moor and the Pirate Isle 5 of
the Densac Cult. He is most famous
Ibis [Link]-^fern whip is tipped urith NOlZURS ORl3 for the magical pigments that he
the jikii-ilown fangs qj several makes, Price (Item Level): Ck,4c c gp (iSth) developed, but he has numerous
Body Slot: - [held) creations to his name, including
Murlynd did not fashion this wcapon, Caster Level: 15 th this silvery sphere,
but rathtT he discovered it on a dis¬ Aura: strong; (DC 22} conjuration ..Noizufs orb continually seeps oily
tant world desperately in need of and illusion paints that act as N-alzurjs rwarwelous
heroes lhaJ he frequents. The whip Activation: standard Jftpne/ih i/day. The paints issuing
is a marvel, but because of the Weight: i lb. from the orb may also be used in
creating elaborate guises, granting
you a -Hio competence; bonus on all
Disguise checks for up Lo 3 c min¬
utes, so long as the paints remain
dry. finally you can fling the paints
i/day to create a prismatic .spray with a
Tange of &a feet.
If the paints are stored in any
nthe'T device or container they lose
all properties except those nor¬
mally bestowed by Jfclzurli marvel¬
ous jrigttzents.
Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous
TSem, .self major creation, pris-
matk 41 ray.
Cost to Create: 30,200 gpr 2.416 XR

QUAAlS ClOAk
Price (Item Level): [Link] :16 th)
Body Slot: shoulders
Caster I eyei: 12th
Aura: slTong; (DC 21) conjuration
Activation: standard
Weight: 1 lb.

74 DRAGON 353 September 2007

 This snow-white feathered half-dank and to cast spells in melee he cradled
appears to be losing the. feathers that this piece of armor.
cover its Uathejy Hraderlayrr. This fa irihi^fJit fnobfllty rcihhraE
chain shirt (+8 armor bonus; armor
Quail is a ranger of Flan descent cheek penalty of -1) completely
who originated in the north with negates its arcane spell failure
rhe woodsmen of the Vesve Forest. chance, Mithral and the twilight
He fought alongside the paladin ability of this armor reduces its
Murlynd as an early member of the armor check penalty to o%, while
Company of Seven, but he soon tired the mobility ability grants you the
of the company’s Lravels and esoteric benehl of the Mobility feat even if
self indulgences and returned to yo u do not meet the prerequisite. In
.Oerth Lo defend the Wolf Nomads addition, you gain the ability' to cast
and Rovers from the depredations of fiy and bngsfridcr as .spell-like abili¬
Blackmoor. He eventually tcturned ties once each per day.
to tits home!anrf where he organized Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms
a society of rangers and constructed and Armor, rat's grace, Jty\ longstridtr.
Use town of QuaaJstelL Cost la Create- 33,150 gp, 2,560 XR
Quail devised this cloak for Mm*
self. As he withdrew from active life, RObeopTfje mad
he granted copies ofiL to rangers ARCfjMAQE
and 5 wan mays who earned his favor Price (Item Level):
through their efforts against the (minor artifact)
tide of darkness that has swept over Body Slot: turno
the north in the Iasi Iwn centuries. Caster Level: 20th OFFERS THE
This cloak continually protects its Aura: strong; (DC 25) divination,
wearer with zfeatherfaU spelt In addi¬ transmutation iGAME MASTER’S,
tion. any feather removed from the Activation: move
cloak acts as a QmaVs feather token. Weight: l lb. 'APPRENTICE'
Each feather removed in this fashion
drains one charge from the cloak.
The cloak begins with 50 charges.
This plain dark gray robe, trimmed in
silver embroidered rigihr bears no oiftcr
SUBSCRIBE AT
Prerequisites: Ctu ft Wondrous decdraUon or imagery.
lkcmt featherfall, >ua;ar Creadon.
Cost to Create: 14,600 gp, 1,168 XF_ This robe was once the possession of
I he Grey Savant, rep u Led! y a mystic
QUAAl’S the urge of Boccob who supervised
SURREPTITIOUS the Academy of Art and Science of
ARMOR or Greyhawk. Upon his death, the school
EXpEDIENCE was renamed the Grev College ln libs
Price (Item Level): 65,250 gp honor and his magical robe passed to
Body Slot: toiso his star pupil, Zagig Yragtrrne.
Caster Level: iut'h The robe of the mad archjtutac is an
Aura: strong: (DC 21 j transmutation intelligent rube of Miming that also
Activation: standard grants a +2 bonus on rolls to defeat
Weight: 12.5 1L. .1 etch:tine's spell resistance and a -1-5
insight bonus to your Armor Glass
DarkfialherK and a rabbit's foot hanging and on a Li saving throws. Three
near the uvii# adorn Airs mifhrirt nunr- rimes per dayj you may cast a quick¬
etdied chain shirt. ened spell of up to 9th level wiLhout
increasing Ihe spoil level or your
Quaai learned the craft of magic late easting time, Spells already prepared
in his career, but lie never lost the or aitecLed by a metamagic ieat may
desire to draw Ins sword and enter not be quickened in this fashion,
rhe fray, 'lb maximize his mobility Finally, you may store up lu 10 spell
TREASURES ^ ^EYHAWK CARY HCiUAN AND RICK MSLLER
A 6l
\
Activation: — This [Link] anefent §oldm ring bears
Weight: — the silrer hawk crest of the Yragcrnefom-
iij line on its largeJltil lop.
Ibis plain gray idol attached to a
platinum chain hears the likeness of a following tlie death of his father,
hum ran lFomari with a disarming sr/dr/i Ganz, this ring supposedly passed
pointed red. onto Zagig when he became Land-
graf of the SelinUn. At Lhe Lime,
Little is known about Ll'ie most mys¬ though,, he bad such an unheralded
terious member of the Company of rep u iition t h n t on 1 y his sub seq uent
Severn Also the only fcmaJe mem¬ tame and fortune won him may¬
ber, Tasha was rumored to be a oral tv of the city. Zagig wore the
beautiful but somewhat capri¬ signet for a considerable lime, but
cious woman who, for a brief legends record that it was buried
time, might have even been the with his father alter Zagig achieved
.Mad Arch mages protege. This god bund. When Castle Greyhawk
was certainly her gateway into unexpectedly became open to
the Company of Seven, and adventurers in the mid 550s OYr
while only Reward and Lhe ring was shortly thereafter lost
Zagig appre d a ted h er or stolen. Local legends hold that
morbid sense of humorr it tumains lost in the Mistinarsh
she was none \ h dess a Lo this day. Lora Robilar placed a
skilled mage who created bounty of 50,000 gold orbs on the
numerous spells and retrieval of this ring.
items, such as the idol By rights, the wearer of this ring
that bears her name, 'the idol grants could he recognized as the highest-
level is of spells in the robe, as a riTjg you a tic competence bonus on all Tarikiiig noble in the Free City, per¬
ofsjjffll storing. Bluff and Diplomacy checks. In addi¬ haps answering only Lo Lhe Direct¬
The robe of fc jtj n cJ arffimatfe's tion, you gain a +2 bonus to the DC of ing Oligarchy itself Certain ancient
ability Stores art Intelligence all enchantment spells you cast. stone portals sprinkled around vari¬
Wisdom lo, and Charisma iS. It Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous ous old bcdlding in the Free City
can speak Abyssal, Ancient Suloise, Item, Greater Spell Focus (enchant- appear to have locks shaped exactly
Celestial, Common, Draconic, and. merit), charm pennn, creator must like the carving on Lhis signet and
Han, and it on also communi¬ have ic ranks in Diplomacy. have proved otherwise impossible
cate tclcpathicaUy. It can see (with Cost to Create: 14,000 gp, 1,120 XF. to open.
darkvision) and. hear up to 120 (cel.: The Trogeme signet provides con¬
it nlso has blind sense with a range yRAQGRNG S1QNCT tinuous protection from crii and protec¬
of rao feet, Price (Item Level): 15,200 gp (14th) tion from qooi effects. Further, once
A personality conflict occurs any Body Sint: fingers per day you can spin Lhe ring face-
time von attempt to remove the robe Caster Level: 7 Lb diiwr: to activate a dotift ward effect-.
to don another magical garment. Aura: strong (DC 21) abjuration and Prerequisites: Forge Ring., death
'Ihe robr of rh- t? i rj rJ lj rcr^ .tj :i: | l V align¬ necromancy ward, protect cm from coil, protection
ment is chaolie neutral, and its pri¬ Activation: move from good.
mary emotion is a curious longing, Weight: — Cost Lo Create: 7,600- gp, oo3 XF- 2
typically directed at magical treasure
or arcane lore. EXPEDITION TO THE RUINS OF GREYHAWK
The magic items presented in this article can be easily used as part, of the
tasHas Expedition to the Rums of Greyhawk. IF your party is running a bit low on
GRINNING IDOL treasure or could use an extra boost before engaging the final chapters, any
Price (Item l evel): one of these magre items might greatly improve their chances. Kecghtamb
23,ooo- gp (i6lh) spidery mop in particular might be a great help to parties lost in the depths
Body Slot: — or unsure of their next course. Although these magic items might be added
Caster Level: tffb to any treasure cache or encounter, the best location is in area JA Gallery of
Anrai moderate; (DC 19) Wonder, among the assorted trophies of the Company of Seven.
endian Line lit

76 DRAGON 359 September 2007

 @ood6ve and hello
JTs Always
rq/a'/dj

One Last Evening With The Wizards Three

by Ed Greenwood ■ ittustratfcd by James Zhang

fhe inner was a lot tighter thou 1 remembered, even “ClcverTbe said, and waggled his fingertips. Without any
^ with pieces idt off and leather thongs summing electricityflowing throu^i thcnijhc light bulbs around my
m across the gaps between other pieces. face came on, shining they- usual merry shine, and my hast -
Nor were the china cabinet and 1 friends anymore, ily-scrawled"Overhead t,ight Broken, Sorry!" note proniplJy
in the end, f gave up. This time d was going to have to disappeared from the table,
he the "broken ceiling fixture” ploy. Shut off'the power, lid "Never tempt a wn?ard with list challenge of'lixiog some¬
Hie pand in Lbc floor of the room above, tie tiff the wiring, thin^,1" Qie Old Mage murmured. ’’Not unless ye want thy
unscrew the ornamental center metal dome that existed to house reduced to ashes.’'
conceal these wires and dieir connections, and replace it Whatever he might have said next was lost forever In Ms
wiLJj a old rifesh kitchen strain rr, backed bv an even older sudden j sburtled, “Gleccpf"
scrap ot black silk. 'Hie resulL looked like one of my older Which, j then discovered, is the sound mighty arrimfages
fencing masks. make when less powerful Im! tar more shapely fern ale
Yesf 1 was going Lu spend the entire evening lining on .1 mages appear out of thin air inches above them, rec lining
bedroom floor, with my head stuck down out of the ceiling gracefully in anticipation of setthng into the very same
above tlie food-laden [Link] lhai three powerful wizards were armchair—-and fail into their laps.
sitting aroundr fervently hoping 1 wouidoT sneeze. Hard,
The dungs 1 do for my fellow gamers,.. Ran the cue's startled shriek was Jar more car-splitting

I stocked the house with everything J could remem¬

ber hungry wizards liking, from pistachios to choco¬
and she k icked and flailed her arms about in frantic fu l Hi l y
lhaL would have been tar mriTF amusing—especially after
Einihister sought Lo buck her off by repeatedly thrusting
late-coated marzipan, smoked oysters and salmon his pr his sharply upwards—if she hadn't had the power Lo
to a refrigerator Lull nf already-prepared pina colarias and blast tny house lu bits in on instant.
stranger drinks. froth freezers were stuffed with pizzas, IJMy[ F lave you taken to furnishing these gatherings with
moose stews,* enough flavors of kc cream to stock many pleasure-wenches in my absence?" a sardonic voice, asked.
stores, hearty casseroles, won mn soup by the tureen, and It was a voice I had qT heard for a long Lime—a voice that
chocolate coatings on more things than 1 could count. made Efrnmster stiffen and Ifrmth erne freeze in Ms Lap with
Various coolers held shrimp ri ngs and sauce bottles galore., a gasp.
bathtubs were [Link] of'beer and ice, and my wine cellar was Bala mar sat in tile dark-red highbacked chair in the
freshly invigorated T dragged in extra chairs, footstools, and corner, funking wearier and wiser than when Yd seen him
cushions and laid a (ire with extra tire wood ready at hand. last. 11is voiee was as sijarp-edged as ever, 1ml his smile
Oh, and T'ci remembered the requested chocolate foun¬ seemed iu hold more gen Lime mirth and less sneering than
tain. And die- little hand lettered signi “Rule Ye firsts No I remem bececl
Throwing Food." ,JYc suridvedr1 The. Old Mage sounded genuinely pleased
Everything was ready, even towels to wipe the sweat off (if a little “Dahniar, migliliesi mage ofKrmu, let
my lace as I lay in hiding. AO that was missing was three me introduce—r'
wizards shooting the breeze in my-— ^iHminsterf Mordoikaineii asked pointedly, fading inLu
The lire caught with a whoomph and [Link] sat at view beside the crackling fire, "might l ask whit you're
ease in tb.^besf. annciiaii'j booted feet up, grinning at me. busily doing to my apprentice?''

SepU-mhwr 20D7 DRAGON 159 79

GOODBYE AND HELLO, AS ALWAYS ED GREENWOOD

"Serving her—uhhl—as a seat-cash - 'i think it's her volume control" heart. and blmlnster looked none
fan,’The Old Mage replied rather lus¬ Mordenkninen offered helpfully, "T too happy, either.
tily, as Rautheene* ftce Naming, gained never could find them, on ladie s. Per¬ “ Wliat mean ye, Mi udenLuiienthe
her feel and stalked away from the haps if you twist—hl Old Mage asked gently. “Speak plainly.
amidiair, "Nnt that ray galktn by for¬ Eiminster winced, waved his lingers Recorded? An eye staling at us?H
bids her presence, i nind. 1 w,is jnst^- in a way that left a swift-lading flour¬ Mofdeiikainen leveled a long, accu¬
UTl prepared.” ish of sparks, and Rautheene abruptly sative pointing fmjfer. Not up at me,
“Oh? I've heard differently,'1 the vanished from where she stood but across the length of the roo:mf past
arckwizard ofGreyhawktold the fable storming, and reappeared, him king in the strapped-together suit of nn-ior,
meaningfully, as he pounce d on some • astonishment, in the armchair where at-,., the large black rectangle of my old
food (and then, warming up Lu die [Link] had been lounging. television set. WMdb wes off
process, a lot more lowd}. "Often, and He now stood where she find been “On my visits In - this, world, my
from seeming legions ofiemajos." a moment earlier looking thought- eves have been open,'1 the such wizard
"Ye listen Lu legions of females? fii.l—-ns- the objects of his concern tra- of Greyhawl said menacingly, trad
And believe them all?'1 lion glided smoothly up Lu float at 1 have seen, and lenMnb'cteA is that

"That? Rau thee fie snapped, eyes her fingertips; a dish of white choco urjiwhat folk here call a 'camera,' that
flashing, “so raids like a. blatant, com¬ kites, a rout beer and butter pecan ice later shows ramies'' ofwhal ifs seen?”
pletely indefensible sexist remark.1' cream float, and a genLly-steaming ,'lOh,n lifminster said dismiss!vely,
Rim raster rolled Lds eyes. “Lass, plate of tiny sausage rods wrapped in “No, no, no. Trust me."
lass? he growled. "L was thinking spicy bacon* Dalamar chuckLed. ""Now that's a
of the tii ne necessary to listen to Thu tires, in Rauthecntfs eyes fal¬ reassuring sentence. No, Eimki&tei
legions of any sorf of folk. Not to tered, her mouth opened in hungry tjf .Shadow-dale, L will not trust you.
mention die impossibility of Psee¬ longing, and she reached out... Not with oi it proof”
ing credence m them all, when they lJTlic way to a woman's heart—11 "ThUl shall forthwith produce,"the
inevitably contradict each other so Elrninster murmured gently. Old Mage promised mildly, “if all ofye
thoroughly and often? Mordenkainen wagged a warning will hold bade thy blasting magics for
"Sunuure you were, Old Goat! Sure [Link]'t. Just,,, dun'L say it." , n moment or three, and allow me—?"
you were'" Dalamar lofted ids eyebrows. Three heads nodded, mouths busy
“Lady ye stand in imminent peril "Prudence? In die Lord Mage oi with fine food and drink, and [Link]-
of falling into the deep sarcasm that Grcyhavr'k?" stcr turned and crooked a finger.
stretches Between us. And plum¬ “Lack of prudence?” Morden- The television!® remote control
meting—screaming, mind ye—a long, fcainen replied, in precise mimicry rose from atop it and floated across
long way? of the dark elfs lone. uln anyone the room to Mordenkainen, bobbing
liYou'd like that, wouldn't you?" having anything to do with the Tower slow1 Lyp u prig h L an d almost j an n ty. The
"Gods, little fishes, and spells Lo of High Sorcery?” Old Mage was taking care to make its
IMS the one into the oLherJ" Morden- Dalamar paled, anger kindling in approach seem whimsical, not the arc
knmen sighed. |Jlfs started already!* his eyes, of any sort of striking weapon.
'] knew there W3S some thing I'd “Easy, now," Rhnmgfer said wea¬ The arch wizard of Greyhawk eyed
missed from these lit lie gatherings," rily. "Easy. There's food in plenty for it warily as it glided to a Ink in Iron*
Dala mar obse rved sa rd on i t: ally, everyone, and all of us have edges to of him, its array of buttons turned
snooping a hand tul of olives into Ms ou r egos as sharp as any sword. Let us toward him. “One button is red the
mouth and washing them down with relax, devour these superb Lands, a ad hue q fwarning bemakou Ls, yes ?—-and
a dozen of ray pre-poured martinis. set aside strife Ibra time. The chance bears the label ‘Power.1, Tlieyre none
L|I think 1 like you, wench* By La king to do ho should itself be precious, and too subtle in Liiis world, are they?”
it ycut rsp f You're saving me from the lids should be a refuge For us all." 11 Nay, thafs not a failing they ever

role ofbeing browbeaten by two tow¬ “Agreed, F.l rninsUr, and wlMdu^xt - Hteni guilty oi?' Ehaiuster ngreed.
ering old breakwirid.s ofmagesT edly" Mordenkaipen said quietly, "Press thaL button, with the Lop of
"Wench?Jr Ryutheene squeaked# 11 Ye L h o w dare an y of i is re lax, v.: he a oi i r the control" :hc gestured to indicate
her voice rising like a siren as il went every word i.s recorded? And a grcaL which cud of die floating thing way
on* "Wench? WENCH?" md staring eye regarding our"eveiy its rtop) “pointed toward yon black
swallow, sneer. ;md nos^-tingering?"' glass. A picture will appear, and prob¬

I
Jjls there, somethin” wrong with her
hearing?" the dink elf asked the room ably loud sounds?
at laTgc, nibbling on sharp old Cheddar n the sudden tense Lienee that Mordenkainen waggled Ms fin¬
cheese and reaching tbr the bottles of fell on I lie heel of Lliose words, gers, and a celery slick rose from the
wine behind it. "Or her wits?1 J froze, ice settling around my hear*: of a sour cream., onion, and

SO DR AC ON 359 September 2DQJ

GOODBYE AND HELLO, AS ALWAYS ECS GREENWOOD

three-cheese dip, glided^eptly tn the "You have spent too much time pok¬ " Nay, nay. none ofthose’tlimgs. He
control, rind nudged Lite red but Lon. ing around this stinking backwater. crates entertainment. And for him,
The television burst into life. pre- Far too much Eimc. Arc the women hearing—from me some paltry
sentinga sudden scene of a basketball here: pankularly ardent?'' explanations ofwhal we spoke of ls
game in lull swing, sneakers squeak¬ '"Yes/" Elminster replied, just as imteilainmejii enough/1
ing as long-limbed, fast men raced serenely as before, scooping a hand- J,Aiih so he’s n Ewuing courtier]"
across the screen. [Link] of macadamia nuls into ills hand Mordcnkaineu said delightedly, "A
"See?" Elminster said finally. “The an d su rv eyi n g them ciiti mlly b store 'fan/ they call it here, right?1' He wag¬
flour beneath them is polished wood, star Ling Lo munch. gled his fingers and the television
the lightning bright Lhe chamber Rau theene Tolled her eyes again, ■wenl dark.
very ki:gr set; all die people seated J'He is" Elminster agreed gravely.
watching? This is not the room [Link] *4 paw can the women of this "Although perhaps now is the right
sitting in. but a window into eSsewhexe, Kj place be so ardently aliur- time to teH thee he writes down
like a Jcrjroq spdJ. Ye are not sLuring aL M .. /ing," Dalarmr asked a tittle accounts of our converse, and has
a camera,but rather—" later, fraying at Ole still-laden table 1 hern printed in a publication famous
'Tl-s, vcsEDa Lunar agreed inipab'entl y,. as he leaned back with a contented bs tJ'iis world, bight 'Deacon.'1’
staring in fascination at the screen sigh that turned, into a helohT "when Mnrdenkameris trown was as
uWliat is this, that were watching?'" they must be so confounded fat? sudden as it was dark, "Tn a dragon?
''Ayer7 Mordenkainen agreed, obvi¬ Tf they ail eat like this, all tbr Lime, Why would anyone be so lightning-
ously less entranced than the dark elf they must be as large in the bellies blasted-wits as to do that? ] low does
"What by the Broken Circle is that?” as giant [Link] Or cows from the most he write it, anyway? Tracing letters of
"Raskelball. Yet another sport — hisb fields, or wyverns bulging before bluod or bile on the wym-Ts .spleen or
remember when I tried to explain Lbey give birth,,," scales? And hmv does Lhe dragon feel
hockey, and ye wondered how my one "Mot being dullards, we do in tact about it?’r
could be so stupid as to ibrre the war¬ comprehend your concept," Ram "Probably none too pleased, ii
riors Lu wear their swordhlades oil theene told him icily, daintily licking someone guts it and spreads fts
their feet?—invented as something to her fingers dean aJ cei' reducing a Jnnards out for ah to read,1' Ran
do during winters that doesn't involve bowl ufehieken whigs to bared bones. theene murmured, and then made a
making babies. This one concerns ye ■'There’s no need to expound upon It face. “The flies. The maggots.”
and some mends running around at such length.” "T hardly Lhmfc1' Dakinw said
a tooth and hurling a bail through "1 must confess.," El minster said archly, "even the crazed humans of
a basket. While .mother team tries hastily, before another dispute could this world w£E! appreciate being called
to stop you, and hurl that same bail erupt, "that not every inhabitsrU maggots. That term seems to have y
through their basket."' of this world eats so handsomely widespread, capacity to annoy/1
Rau theene rolled beT eyes, "Why These, ah, ottering? art; prepared for Mordenkamen sLood. JbSo this
this mania for hurling bails every¬ us by a man who dwells here because unseen scribe feeds us royally and
where? And no, before either of you be feels deeply honored by our pres¬ writes about usP lo these years?"
Keek to spout lascivious responses., ence, and desires us to take our ease "Aye," Elminster replied cauLiously.
fin not trying to be ribald," and find contentment.” "Has he shown off out brilliance
"They have to use bails/' Klmin- "Deeply honored; does he, now?" properly?1-
ster said mildly, "They king ago ran Ran theene asked softly, her eyes nar¬ J'IIc has/' the Old Mage confirmed
out of their supplies of the severed rowing in suspicion, “h he biding eagerly
heads of vanquished toes,” here in Lhe room with us? Using J'11 lien he may li vc,” Mu rdenkaitj en
"Why not just use the hockey magic, perhaps?” said grandly- and vanished.
things- 'pucks/ weren't they?—or rJNor" El minster said lirmiy "to Dalamar snatched up a tub of ice
llie rocks thev1 slide around in that both your questions. Ik is not in cream and bowed. "Agreed* Bui no
curling game? T know, I know, they this room at this time, he isrit using spells this time. Goodbye, as they say
didn't have rubber disks or glossy magic, and in fact has no talent for in this world." Abruptly he was gurfe.
round stoned with handles when they the u ye of magic” Elminster turned to [Link],
started those games. But they had La “Then why docs be feed us so "More wincr Lady?”
have been using some thing; what?'" handsomely? hi he looking to gain She gavt bin' n dazri i n g ku i i 1c.N'ext
"Frozen cow pats” El minster some ho Ed over us? Is hr so stupid as time. Goodbye and hello, as always.”
explained serenely to believe he can drug or poison lls? My armchair was suddenly empty.
MoTdenkainen tende red a momen¬ Or is he 1 nuking for our sendee, as a Elmiustef shrugged, winked up at
tary cold stare across the table:. sort of favor or repayment?" me, and went on caliiig.

S2 DRAGON 359 September 7.QD7

 Iminster
Versus

-t

VERHEARD IN THE
"No, no, 1 mean good wizards. You knowr,
COMMON ROOM OF THE
the really famous kind. 1'he kind that peo¬
WORLD SERPENT INN:
ple write books ‘about"
“So how about wizards? Know any "Buddy, I know a pair of wizards who peo¬
Teal I y good wizards?’1 ple write whole scries ok books about,”
"Well, sure. I know plenty of wizards-1 “Oh realty? So which of them would come
could niltle off a laundry I is l of wizards out on top if they had to tight each other?”
longer than the Larrasq lie’s tail. Wizards “Now that, mv fresh-faced friend, is the
are a dime a dozen," millimi-gold-piecc quest ioii.”

©4 DRAGON 559 September 2007

I am Goalkeeper-—watcher, recorder, and I could make the arrangements, o f course.
rules master lor countless competitions You're not interested in the logistics of
oji equally innumerable planes. I've seen booking arenas or working with difficult
much in my time, and il" it's the spell-bat¬ schedules. No, you want to know who'd
tle to end aLL spell-bat tics you re after, 1 can ft in. Right? That's easy- Roth of them.
point you in the right direction. Now, let ihe explain. There’s all kinds of
When it comes to wizard duels, there's no reasons why one would beat the other, but
ticket that would sd I iuotc across any world what you need is some background, so you
than Raisllin versus Elminsler. Assuming can understand my [professional opinion.
ELMIN5TER VERSUS RAISTLIN cam banks

IN THIS CORNER. . - defeating him releases lots of nasty outsiders and drag¬
ons, to the detriment of his foes.
Elminster, the Sage of Shadowdale - Numerou s £nends, .alii cs, former lovers, and supportsrs.
Abeii-Torii's resident archmayt: paj-excellence is Elmin-
sterAimiair a household name among adventurers in I be Cons
lands of Far rim and widely regarded ns being respon¬ - Old and burdened by an enormous list of enemirs
sible for more fantastic exploits than any oLhcr wizard and rivals
of bis age—and his age has purportedly lasted centu¬ * Beholden to many allies and gods* who always nerd
ries. Elminster is famous for his pipe, his voluminous his help,
robes, his multi-faceted personality and his love of food, - T ,usty and indulgeot when it comes to the baser appe-
women, and magic {not necessarily in that order). Li Lc-s (see 'The Wizards Three").
A Chosen of Mystra, I he goddess of magic., Elminster is * Likes to keep a great deal of magical talismans,
rumored to have been her lover on at least one occasion, enchantments, reties, and amulets active at any one
and tutored many ol her other champions in the past. time, potentially opening the door Lo effects that target
He7s a thunder of the Harpers, he put Shadowdak on the such tilings,
map, and he's been to Hell and back... literally* NoLjust - Everyone knows who he is and where be lives.
a paragon of wizardry, Elminster has experienced life as
a thief a warn nr, a priest, and even a woman. He's quite Elmmster Wins!
die ali-roundrr, as you can imagine. Few mages have die When dealing with mages from other worlds, it's always
stomach for the kinds of things Elminster is said Lo have best to be prepared for strange and peculiar ways of using
dnner leL alone spend time in the places LI minster has magic, Thus informed! it's a simple matter of finding out
been. Fewer still come out on the other end with their how to counter the other mage's magics. This is Elmin¬
minds in one piece. ELminster s done it all. ster's bask approach to the confrontation with Raistl in
Majeie, who appears to he a whardly lightweight, judg¬
Pros ing by his incessant cough and skinny arms. The Sage of
* Bk s sc d h y the G od d e 55 of Magi c. Shadowdale talks up a storm, annoying Raistlin and clev¬
- Blood surges with magical power, eliminating mo si erly hiding a number of minor yet potent spells. When
common ail men Ls and symptoms of age, the battle begins, in earnest, with necromantic energy
pfti

- Skilled in combat, banditry, and the priesthood and flashy evocations flying everywhere, hlminster
- Garries a great big sword, senses die bad blood between Raistlin and Kryrm’s three
* Magical pipe has been known to defcaL oppo¬ vengeful Gods of Magic' He Jets Raistlin get the upper
nents all by ilself! hand for a moment long enough for an arcane message
- Countless magi cal lo reach the Moon Gods of Krynn. Hashing out a quick
wards and hanging deal with them, the three open up .n direcS channel lo the
spells mean that older magiir and—now bolstered by four deities ot magic*
including Mystra—Llminstcr shuts down Raistiin's ron-
nection to Prist, Present, Future, and magic in general,
Raistlin coughs as Elmmster blows pipesnaoke in the
Kryiinish mage's face, El minster is declared the winner
and catches the attention of a sultry Red Robe sorceress
on hi.s way back to Shadowdale.

"Jti any battle, Elminster doesn't care if he

survives—kit. down the centuries, HAS
sumued, in ihe process defeating
Countless spell-hurling sentient
creatures, snarling monsters, and
just plain angry husbands with
fhtch/brfcs. One ?nore sneering of a spdiiturltr
is just that: another fair of soon~to-be-empty boots,
left with smoke rising out of them while Eiminster
trundles off in search of afresh tankard."
—Ed Greenwood, Creator of the ForGoti i n Realms
 AND IN THIS CORNER.., my mind (hat Raistlin ivou(d Was* Elmfasfer out qf
the Forgotten Realms dean into GreyhawkT
Raistlin, the Master of Past and Present —Margaret Weis, Co-Creator of Dragonlance
On the world of Kiynnr there's never been a in^L quite as
ambitious or as talented is Raistlin. Majere. With his hour¬ Raistlin Wins!
glass eyes, golden skmP and die legendary Staff of Magius, ! he battle begins predictably, with El minster calling
Raistlin'.s dearly a different breed of wizard thin even the Raistlin a trail upstart and Kafrldin responding with
others among Krynffs Orders of High Sorcery; The yen i ng- a long, smoldering glare. Various magics are thrown
cs I mage to ever pasE the potentially lata] Tcsl of High Sor¬ about to determine Lhe weaknesses of each magus, but
cery; Raidlin never let his constant health problems and ii's Raistlin's experience with sensing die ebb and flow
sibling issues keen him from acquiring tremendous power, of time all around him that gives him an early advan¬
gathering items of arcane might, and chalk ngjng the. gods. tage. While Him ins ter fails La dispel or disjoin any magi r
Aside from his staffs a dragon ort; and an dispelled silver items Raistlin possesses (there are precious few to get
dagger. RaisLlin esehtiwc; magic items for the most parLr rid of> Rah din locates two of El minster's weak points:
railing them a crutch lor the weak Quite a bold statement! his extraordinary age foffset tv magical enhancements:
He's traveled hark in time, cheated death more than once, and his overwhelming appetite for cuisine and carnal
and helped the gods find Krynn after it had been stolen by endeavors. Fallowing a series of jaunts through time
the Queen of Darkness. You could probably find a wizard and space in winch 1dmiosier [Link] the younger
with a l^iggcr inventory of magical trinkets, or one with a mage and unsuccessfully brandishes sword, spell, and
nicer personality, but you won't find one with a more dis¬ skullduggery, Raistlin confronts the Sage of Shad-
ciplined commitment to overcoming the obstacles toward owdale with his lecherous past far from bis goddess's
Lrut magical pnwcT than Raistlin. attentions. Thus distracted, Raistlin leaves ElminsLer
exiled in a loop of history to indulge himself forever
Pros in wine, women, and song, ElminsLer eventually
« Not afraid to ehal 1 cngc authority. escapes, only to find that his immense age
- Vast magical knowledge surpassing his own has caught up with him, reducing him
world's conventions. . to a helpless fossil. Raistlin is declared
► Incredibly ambitious., focused, and disciplined. the winner] i
* Not reliant on magic items.
* Knows what it's like to be weak, bullied,
and threatened.
* Being Master of Past and Present means he's inti¬
mately familiar with time Slid alternate histories,
and he can foresee thousands of potential out¬
comes,
- Still mai lages i o affect wot I d - s p arming change desp i L e
bis death. rc saving You
vJ don't really know who V
Cons would v/in??l
* Frail and stricken with an in curable cough r the price "Of’ course not Luke 1 said, both
he paid to pass the Test; of them would, Ifs complicated;'
* Hated by many wizards who would love to see him fail. ' It sounds like this has nothing to
* Unpopular with the Gods of Magic, who be has do with their magical powers at aR just
managed to intimidate or sideline in his meteorit rise which of them figures out the other one 's
td pnwer. weakness and resorts to a cheap shot,"
■ Severe and caustic personality leaves him few allies. "Pretty much., yes. That's the way
* Haunted by Ids past and occasional reliance on magical duels usually work between M
his brother. ardunagesL .So.,, do you want me Lo
make the a^rangc^^ient5?',
“Raisflm 15 iTMrredfbiy dtsripifrieji He has devoted ^Please. You ean puL it on the
his life to the magic, tie doesn't drink or chase a n'fli mt of m y e rn pic-ye r,"

women (he lets women chase him), unlike his foe,

-ci lainh. ]iih- I*. II n ; ^^k
' VI:!
ivduM. probably enter this contest hunq-over k,.i- , T. ... ^ JM
from his nightly carouse. Thus (here is no doubt in
ECOLOGY fry Ed Greenwood and Johnathan M. Richards * illustrated by Peter Berqtinq

TABRASQUE
A ncient, ageless, and unstoppable,
all know to fear the unrelenting
devastation that is the tarrasque. A
TARRASQUE HUNT
Bam-bam-baml D radix slammed
the gavd down hard three times in
dead for eons, telling talcs so old that
the worlds those speakers mh^biLed
have themselves died, crumbling to
creature of legend, associated with rapid succession, "This meeting of dust around extinguished stars.
the greatest of heroes and the darkest the Monster Hunters Association is One such gem holds an account Lhat
of tunes, little is known of the heasL hereby openedf he intemed- might describe the fiisl appearance ot
’noddy held as the greatest of monsters. He pressed on with uncharacteris¬ a tarras-que, in a kingdom of elves, half¬
Reports ot the monstrosity's powers tic haste: "'Well worry about the nor¬ elves, humans,. and halilings known as
:md ways to sky it have changed over mal preliminary stuff later. Whai I Aerituenr. This ]S its tale:
time, but tales of'its brute destructive want to know—"and here his eager The Starfali Shield gleamed and
force remain ever constant. Yet, even gaze felt upon Willowquisp, Spon- sparkled day and night- The mighti¬
tiie least likely minors and purported tayne, and Suntleby, to whom he est spell-crafting Aeritucur had ever
banes are comforts for those who must had given an assignment the previ¬ seen—a wall of devouring magics to
face that which Is min unleashed. ous meeting—"is what can you tell k ee p th e Orgog and the Gn a wing Ones
me about the tarrasque?1* out. that the valiant strength of our
land not be sapped in ceaseless fighL-
Smme of die oldest riven records are ahlrzhiuihr or "speaking mg against such marauding monsters. There was much
gerusf The few magically- accompli shed elves and human rejoicing., and wonderment at the titanic achievement—
lorem asters- who can awaken such stones hear voices of elves particularly after the fell dragon Larau Thoon sneeringLy

DRAGON 353 September ?W7

dived deep intn the Stacfall, only to be KNOWLEDGE OFTHE TARRASQUE
caught, held frozen, and slowly me 1 Led The following table shows the results of a Knowledge (arcana) check as it relates
away+ despite every magic the wyrrn to the tarrasque. Information about the tarrasque is often held by scholars of
hurled. TruJy the 5 tar fall was a barrier ancienl history, lore books from fallen kingdoms, and wild-eyed refugees many
beyond compare, that girl fair Aer- pray are mad, Thetarrasque appears on page 240 of the Monster Mo nook
iLueur on ill ofits mountain flanks, to
keep or all sate. Knowledge (arcana)
YeL aL Oil- rising of the third moon DC Result
after the crafting .ofthe Slat fall, some¬ 30 The creature you face is none other than the tarrasque, a powerful
thing emerged from the dark woods monster known for its unstoppable destructive capabilities,
in its most remote location, Ln the 35 The tarrasque sleeps for months or years at a timef Bwakening for several days
demesne known as RondaeiaJr tor he between slumbers, During such time, it attacks and destroys all lhat it sees,
who lorded over iL An elf in La Hers, 40 Mere sight of the tarrasque when it attacks can inspire terror in- those
with a shattered .inn and so wracked who witness its destructive abilities, and its thick carapace keeps it safe
with pain that he could scarcely shuf¬ from most spells,
fle, appeared out of the dying sparks of 45 The tarrasque has the most powerful regenerative abilities known, and
a famridi spell, to gasp out that Rcm- can regenerate even after succumbing to a disintegrate spell or a death
daeial was gone, devoured with ail his effect. The only known way to permanently destroy the tarrasque is to use
household by a gigantic thing, a beast a Ltfish or mtrerde spell immediately after rendering it unconscious.
of great jaws that lore Llirough castle
towers nnd hill-tombs writh ease, hurl¬ road devouring every elf, horse, house’ it gnawed and clawed its way through
ing down Rondaerairs castle and the cat, and passing beast in the hamlets d the buildings toward mer dashing down
tow n o f' Ph o i idae ray aro Lid d i L Taurcmr, AladricFs Gate, Namath. and shops and L-mreled mansions alike with
"Rondaeid is laid waste," said he, “for Luuel's Tomb, I fled before it, and in the great sweeps of its taiL A hail of arrows
the creature ale every shilling knight marke L ■ Lt ywn u f Oiaunghgli e it only j list they hulled against itr .and a bright
who rode against if without pause nor found time enough to prepare the/rtr- lance of briilianfarmored knights, and
prudence., as. it s talked on down the siriffe casting that brought me bete, sr it ignored the one and smashed the

^eptenrrber 2007 DRAGON 3-59 89

ECOLOGY

other with its talons ere eating the rem¬ At firsl they could scarce believe that strode ouL of riven Lothaund and into
nants. So much T saw before my magic this one beast, however monstrous, the nearest mountain—into it, sinking
snatched me away.” could alone have been the bane of down into the solid stone as a swamp-
Now in the blight Court of Shelar- OraunghglicLr Yet they hurled their snake glides down under inky waters.
ralieif, Flighqueen of Aexitueui, tall spells at it. rode at it with lance and As suddenly as it had come, the Great
and wise courtiers scoffed at this Irlf- sword, sought to pierce it witb volleys Beast was gone.
i 11 o. Oh: the i r s w Li t s p ells to r ri them the from -.heir greatbows, and even spell- For the first time. For all too soon, if
one in Utters truly believed what he hurled savage monsters into its pathh came again.
said—but they held LhaL he must have to force it to fight them.—yea, even
been driven mad, or been eu spelled, to great dragons! rcwKinM
see things far from the truth. But the Great Beast devoured and Bv its physical build alone, a larrasque
YeL no sooner had they dismissed slew and prevailed,- laying waste to mi ph l easily be mis Lake n for a dino¬
lii s word s tb a n th e cham be r where f ar- all before it, until it came at last to saur, towering more than 50 feel la LI
strideTS appeared rocked at the arrival Lothaund, and breached Its walls, and and measuring at least 70 feet from
of a fair elven knight in scorched started to hurl iL down. Thousands of nose to toil- It stands upright on its
and riven armor, whose pleas for aid elves perished fighting it, and more powerful hind legs, witb its body
were shouts none could ignore. From tied, this knight among them. thrust forward and its long tail pro¬
[Link] Lius one came, nnd hi: cried This time the wise courtiers looked viding a counterbalance In general
that they had seen Oraunghglieir troubled,, and did not scoff when this stance, it moves much like a tyran¬
Lom apart and toppled from afar, sorry knight warned them that the nosaurus, although Its front limbs are
and mustered all the battle-might oi bright court [Link] not be saved, and significantly larger: while a tyranno¬
Lothaund, mages and swordwieldcrs perhaps not even Aeritueur itself sauri s has stumpy fore limbs unable
alike. to make wax on whatever had War-trumpets blared and spells even to reach its own head, the t ar¬
hurled down GraunghgJidr. cried warnings afair calling all the ras qucJ-S arms *ire long enough to
A great boast they saw, stalking mailed might of Aeritueur to fight touch Lhe ground as iL stands erect,
toward them like a wingless dragon tills one foe. and in fact Lhe creature has been
larger than any seen before, ponder¬ Yet even as a realm rose up in ala¬ known to "knuckle walk" in Lhe man¬
ous and slow. rum, swords flashing, the Great Bests* ner of some apes.

90 DRAGON 359 September 2007

 TARRASQUE PLOTS The bodily processes of a taimsque
The tarrasques is legendary for its single-minded rampaging and the fearsome destruc¬ ran readily digest :dl organic maltcn
tion it wreaks. Here are a few ways to introduce this destroyer into a campaign. living and dead, creatures and plants—
Arcane Glutton: A sudden surge in spell tasting or the use of 3 rare magic item even wood that has been painted or
i n an area “awakens" a tarrasque. It cuts a path of destruction toward the center of varnished. I he lone destroyer’s immu¬
the heaviest magic use, devouring all Jiving things, it continues its rampage until nity to poison leaves it unbanned bv
either it is sated or no magical source exists in the region for it to consume. dyes, paints, molds, other growths on
Artifacts End: The PCs come into the possession of a powerful but evil magi¬ decaying organic matter, and so on. A
cal treasure that can only be destroyed within the tar casques stomach. Unfor¬ tarrasque has an expanding gullet that
tunately, the tarrasque was last spotted mere months ago and 15 not Irkefy to holds creatures and objects swallowed
re awake for years. whole, which tumbles such devoured
Defending the Realm: The tarrasque has a special relationship with a kingdom, Hems around ana around in a contin¬
serving as its monstrous defender. Stealing a crown or other royaJ regalia, spilling uous spiral, working them down into
royaf blood cm a throne, or staying or kidnapping royalty causes the appearance a succession of three stomachs. These
of a ta masque that stalks those responsible. stomachs arc among the most eifretive
Ritual of Ages: A group of nihilistic tarrasqye monster cuJtists {see Dragon destructive engines in the multiveise
#296) seek to permanently awaken and worship the tarrasque as it brings about and little -even the most powerful
the end of civilization, m a gi cal a rlifactr a n sumve wifhi n.
The uppermost stomach is a hot, wet
Covering the tarrasque’s dorsal The tamaxque's carapace has been place of tumbling stones and internal
half is an exceptionally thick, highly described as looking like “melted spines (the stomach wall seems lined
reflective armored carapace covered diamond 1 (by those lucky enough to with thousands of bony knife-blades]
in massive spikes, while twin horns have encountered the creature and that breaks down large objects: its walls
of similar size and shape jut forth lived to tf 11 the tale), which accurately are durable and very strong, with mov¬
from the creature’s head. Lite horns describes the carapace's toughness, ing knots of muscle Q1.1L can literally
arc used offensively, while the cara¬ reflectivity, and overall smoothness. punch, squeeze, and claw at swallowed
pace serves a defensive role—not In truth, the tarrasques carapace is nut items. This stomach cm shatter large
only against physical attacks, but also made from diamond—-melted or oth¬ tucks down into smaller stones, break
against many magical aLtacks as well. erwise—having a unique composition. clods of earth into scattered motes.

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6UAD15 AND DRA0OU, IN FULL COLOR,
COLLECTED FOR TUE FIRST TIME/

DSP 216-128 Pages

ISBN 1-933288-56-6 $15.99
ECOLOGY

crack bark and bones, disnjjembeir bod¬ the vast majority of the energy is is why there is so much debate and
ies, and pun eta n: con miners so as It? stared. While it takes a great deni of mystery surrounding the local ion and
spill out "lilid. separate the contents. food to keep an active tarxasque nature of a tarrasque's lair.
Belts and ropes are typically samu into satedf Larrasques are actually quite While in .imstone state, a larrasque
shorter lengths- in this stamach, rind docile—this stored energy sustain¬ does not ^uHocale, buL sinks rapidly
glass is shattered. Metal items and ing them through deep, decades-long into a torpor in which its bodily pro¬
glass shards are typically moved on hibernations. cesses slowr and it hibernates until the
swiftly to the deeper stomachs. When preparing for such a hiber- need for new nourishment awakens
The middle stomach of a Carrasqut nation, a tarraaque employs one of its it into the "burrowing" slate again.
a churning, energetically puls¬ most unusual and Tardy witnessed In damp rock, where numeral-laden
ing fleshy cauldron of corrosive acid. abilities. Once fully glutted and ready waters percolate, and with a belly filled
Unique in ail the planes, this fluid pos¬ to go back to sleep, a tarrasque gains with the ruins of a large town or city,
sesses a disjunctive property,, capable the ability to earth glide in much this need might not arise ibr as long
of stripping the magical powers from the same way as xorns do: it bur¬ as 50 years, to dry' or caustic rock, or
consumed magics. Here everything rows through stone, dirt, or any sort if a tarrasque is disturbed by trem¬
breaks down. of earth except refined metal ot com ors (including Lhe relatively minor
The last stomach of a tamasque flnuous veins of pure metal as easily vibrations of nearby rock or creature
is a long, winding, rhythmically- as ti&h swim through water, without movements}, shifts in temperature, or
thrumming tube of great heat, where disturbing or dislodging anything or actual wounding (direct damage from
anything that survives the previons leaving a ftmnel or hole in its Wake. Llit: pick of li dwarf prospector or lhe
stomachs—typically only the stron¬ This lets Lhe beast access subterra¬ weapon, of an adventurer, fox example),
gest and rarebit me Lais- -meets its nean caverns its bulk would norm ally awakening might come [Link],
end. The acidic slurry boils off and is not allow it to reach. Lacking a large A larrjsque s carapace and outer
ab sor bed by t h e c r eatu re - enough cavern to lair in, it can earth hide are dearly visible to earth glid¬
It takes a tamasque mere moments glide kin til buried, to "be at one with ing or querying crealures who reach
to forre what it consumes dirough its die stone" (sharing space with solid one's immediate vicinity. Earth gliding
devastating digestive process. Despite rock, a condilion referred to as ,Jarn- creatures cannot glide into or through
the swiftness of this metabolism, stane" by some dwarven sages.;. This the volume of earth or rock occupied

92 DRAGON 359 September 3.007

by an am stone taiTasqne; its body So long as iL is np£ currently in [rat¬
seems "Lso I id.” Lu such creatures, who tle (as its primitive brain refuses to
are deflected aside from it. allow it to depart from a light while
A tarrasque comes out of torpor there is siiJl living morsels to ingest).
with astonishing speed if disturbed, It finds the nearest chunk of solid
typically taking only idq+i rounds to rock big enough 1o -support its mas¬
become fully aroused. While awaken¬ sive bulk and settles down within for
ing, a Larrasque has the same proper¬ a lengthy hibernation.
ties and vulnerabilities as when, sink¬
ing into torpor. A waking tarrasque
is unpredictable; iL might move away The trnrasque is widely held as the
from the disturbance, turn to con¬ Lcuigbest monster in Du mg*?ON <3 si
front it, or "flee" at high speed tor Dragons, despite there being crea¬
.some time and then try to settler down tures in the Monster Manual of higher
into torpor again. CRs. not to mention dozens of other
deadlier beasts in other books. As the
miMllMQflMilll iarrasque can be id vane ed to have
A tarrasque's actions are all driven by any number of Hit Dice, presented
one need: nearly insatiable hunger. It here is a GR 30 version ready to chal¬
lias ;-m in telle cl just above that of an lenge even epic-level heroes.
animal [Link] instinctively sees all other
creatures as footL {Of course^ it also TheTarrasque CR 30
sees trees and plants as food., build¬ Advanced tarrasque
ings as food, rocks and dirt as food, N Colossal magical bessl
and so on.) Given Us powerful regen¬ Jnrt i7; Senses scent; Listen +2“h Spol
erative abilities, it has little to fear +25_
from combat with most creatures,and AC 40, Uiucb 5, flat-fooled '12; Dodge
even those that have die capability of hp I ,539 hp [78 HD), regeneration 40:
killing it—like high-level spell cast¬ DR 15/epic
ers—don't register as anything other SR n
than another type of potential food. Em mime ability damage, disease, energy
Thus, a tarrasque never xetreat,* from dram, Fire, poison
battle, no matter how events might Fort >50rRef ^19, Will +28
turn against it. Speed 20 fl.
A tariasque is by no means an evil IVIeEee bite +&9 (hdB+19/1 6^20/x3)
or vindictive force. It is no more a and 2 horns +S7 (2d8+9)
source of evil than a hungry wolf or and 2 claws +37 (3d6+9) Five Dynamic Scenarios
lion, although this view is difficult, and tail slap +87 (4d&+9)
to maintain "by those whose homes, Space 30 ft. Reach 20 ft, Four New Characters
families, and entire lives have been Base Atk + ■'; Grp +94
destroyed by .such a ravenous beast. Atk Options Awesome Blow, Cleave, 4fhree Heroic Elves
The only real enmity the tarra-Hque Great Cleave, Improved Bull Rush,
"//, j
ever feels toward Its Living victims Is Improved Overrun, Mulfiattack, Fivo Mighty Peoples
rese rv ed iti r creat u re& c a pab I c f>f flig h t, Power Attack; improved grab, rush,
Since the tarrasque has no method of swallow whole One Exciting Game
ra nged attack, any creature capable of Abilities St" 48. Dea lb, Con 3:C Lit 3,
Hying beyond iLs reach has nothing to Wis 14, Cha i 4
fear—a fact that annoys a hungry tar-
rasque to no end.
Duct the Larrasque has its fill—a
SQ augmented critical, carapace,
frightful presence
Feats Alertness, Awesome Blow, Blind-
Free
process that can normally take up to Figh^, Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Online Demo:
a week, during which :ime it remains Dodge, Greas Cleave, Improved
completely awake and continually Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), [Link]
alert—the creature begins to get Improved lnit!artvel Em proved
drowsy and prepares for a long sleep. Natural Armor (x5). Improved

TABLESTAR
 golem's cursed wound ability,
The tarrasquc can be slain only by
raisirg fts ri on lethal damage total to
hs full normal hit points i IQ (or 1,549
hit points) and using a uffs/i oi rtwacfe
spell to keep it dead.
If the tarrasque loses a limb or
body part, the tost portion regrows
in ld6 minutes ■ the detached piece
dies and decays normally}. The
creature can reattach the severed
member Instantly by holding it to
the stump.
Improved Grab (Ex) To use
thi^> ability, the tarrasque
must hit a Huge or smaller
opponent with its bite aitack.
It can then attempt to start
a grapple as a free action
without provoking an attack
of opportunity, if it wins the
grapple check, it establishes a
hold and can try to swallow the
foe the following round.
Rush (Ex) Once per minute, the
n pirn ally si ow-m ov I n g la r rasque ca n
move at a speed of 150 feet-
Swallow Whole (Ex) t he tarrasque can
try to swallow a grabbed opponent
of Huge or smaller size by making
n successful grapple check. Once
inside, the opponent takes 2d8+#
points of crushing damage plus
2dS+6 points of acid damage per
round from the tarrasque's digestive
Juices. A swallowed creature can cut
its way out by dealing 50 points of
damage to the tarrasque's digestive
tract {AC 25). Oner the creature exits,
muscular action closes the hole;
another swallowed opponent must
cut its own way out. The tarrasque's
gullet can fiuid 2 Huge, 8 Large, 32

natural Attack {bite). disintegrate spell ora death effect. Medium, 12& Small, or. 512 Tiny or

Improved Natural Attack (claws), If the tarrasque fails its save against smaller creatures.
Improved Natural Attack (horns), a spell or effect that would kill it Augmented Critical (Ex) The

Improved Nutura Attack (tail slap), instantly (such as those mentioned tarrasque's bite threatens 3 critical

I mprove<:i C)verrun, Iron WiiI. Power above), the spell or effect instead hit on B natural attack roll of
Attack, toughness (*6) deals nor lethal damage equal to IS—70, dealing triple damage or
Skills Lister- +25, Search +16, Spot +lbT the creature’s full normal hit points a successful critical hit. Improved
Survival +21 (-?.'} Following tracks) +10 (or 1.549 hp). The tarrasque Critical doubles this to 16-20,
Regeneration (Ex) No form of cr:; is mmune to effects that produce Carapace (Ex) The tarrasque's armuHike

deals lethal damage to the tarrasque. incurable or bleeding wounds, such carapace is exceptionally tough and
The larrasqur ■? gene rates even as mummy rot, a sword with the highly reflective, deflecting all fays,
if it Fails a saving throw against a wounding special ahihly, or a clay lines, cones, and even magic missile

94 DRAGON 359 September 2007

 spells- There is a 30% chance of attacking. Affecced creatures must
reherting any such effect back at succeed on a DC 36 Will save or
the caster^ otherwise, i‘. is merely become shaken., remaining in that
negated. Check for reflection before condition as long as they remain with
foiling to overcome the creature's 60 fed. of the ta risque, The save DC
spell resistance. is Charisma-based,
Frightful Prentice (Su) ihe tarrasque Skills The Uirrjsquc hr^ a +8 racial
can inspire terror by charging or bonus on Listen and Spot checks. ^

“...That’s all the information me have,” explained Wt?-

tosaqiosp, his oversized tome of unusual creatures.
“Might I inquire as to your interest? Surdyyou don’t intend
a tarrasque hunt?”
iJWhy not?" asked Dredix, puffing out his chest. "We areh after allr the renowned
Monster Hunters, arid the Earrasqoe is merely an oversized monster. You yourself
said it could be killed with two spells in quick succession, a vindication of the
power of speHcraft over brute force if ever I heard one.”
"We'd be well out of otir league,,."1 began Spontayne,
uPshaw!” scoffed DreeliH. “Two iwish spells and weVe in busmessf"
"Sadly/' painted out Spontayne/' Msft is beyond our capabilities."
“So we take some money out of the coffers and pick up 3 couple of scrolls"
dismissed Dreelix. "'No big deal." At that Grin die the Coin-Counter expelled an
involuntary “Ee pi" As the Associations treasurer, he was well aware of the current
sad state of their coffers,
*fWhatr may I ask, is the sudden fascination with killing the tarrasque?"
asked Buntleby,
"As it happens/' replied Dreelix, "I was cleaning out my study, and discovered
this ancient tome From my old men tor." He pulled a dusty manual out from
under the head table, opening It to a diagram of the fabled beast and flipping it
around so the others could see. While Spcntayne and Willowquisp leaned for¬
ward to examine the book, Buntleby instead studied their illustrious President.
Dreelix seldom mentioned his old mentor, preferring that others assume he hid
never needed such assistance in mastering—if that was indeed the appropriate
word—the wizardly arts. For him to so casually mention he had once required
tutoring could only mem his attention was focused elsewhere.
"Look at this passage here/1 Dreelix said, pointing at a fading section. “Killing
the tarrasque releases a fortune of diamonds hidden In its shell T
Collectible, high quality
J|Why would it have diamonds in its shell?" queried Spontayne, puzzled.
"It's not as easy as you make rt out to be/1 scowled Buntleby. “The tarrasque isn't game coins to keep
a psrjata—you can't just whack it open and get your toy surprise-11 track of your lootl
“In any case,1” scoffed Willowquisp, “'This book is rathei outdated, II was use¬
ful for its time, but now the 'facts' contained therein are considered to be mere For use with your
legends and fables nowadays, nothing more.'"
'‘Hmmph]" glared Dreelix. grabbing back his tome.
favorite RPG or LARP
"TelI you what," suggested Spontayne, ,Jif you can find it, well kill ft."'
"Hmmph" Dreelix repeated, then pressed on with the rest of the evenings agenda.

--M--
s Apparently Dnedix's tome is similar to the 1983 version of Monster Maru/cft ft,
written by Gary Gygax for first edition ACH^D, In that venerable work—the tar-
rasque^s first appearance i n D^D—treating the monster's carapace with add and
heating it in a furnace yielded lOdlO diamonds valued at 1,000 gp each?

•n«™ ■ I King of the Castle

Cqmg Carnes Company Fry 1.14
www, campaigncoi ns. com
mil
, * V

Demon Days
try Wrtjfinng Baur ■ itfiutmted hj Ben Woollen

T he end is nigh] It's not the apoc¬

alypse, but it?s very dost' tbe
SPOILER WARNING!
Th r fol lowi n g s u m m a r ies are m earst
-£§-
the infinite hordes of the Abyss—-as
prepared as any mortal can be, forti¬
end of Lhe Savage Tide Adven¬ to ground DMs and PCs who have fied by planar allies recru ited with the
ture Path is just a matter of a few more played through the Savage ride help of die boatman C harem and flints
game session5! away for those who bavc- Adventure Path. PCs should nnt from lire arefcnaage Iggwilv. but what
been playing since the start With any read summaries for adventures brought you Ur lids point?
adventure Lliis epic it's easy to lose IheyVe yet to complete,
Lack of all the events so fax, and prob¬ There is No Honor
ably even lose a few PCs along the way. ADVENTURE TIE This all started long ago, when
Hint's a guide to what's come he tore This installment of Savage Tidings [Link] entreated you to hcLp secure
in the Savage Tide and some ideas for links to J!:Prince of Demons/ the access to her family vault then asked
where to take your characters next. twelfth installment of the Savage for your help with hex missing
Tide Adventure Path, presented in brother, Van thus. You found him at
What*9 Come Before Du no row #150. Parrot Island, where he trapped you
The events to date have led you, step in the tunnels below. You escaped
&-->& from them and found the Lotus
by step, from Vanderboxen Manor and
5 as serine to the Isle of Dread arid planes beyond. You are Dragon guild just about ready to take over the Sasscxine
prepared tor the final assault on the Gaping Maw against sea trade. Alas, V'anthus escaped , but not for long.

96 DRAGON 359 September 2007

The BnUywug Gambit in time to see it attacked by pirates guarding a profane temple.' Danger
You soughi onl KrakenJs Cove,, a lots- You helped for defenders and were did noL stop your advance, although
Lion mentioned m trhe documents i e lli'l i: e d w i Ll l Lav i ni a Vand i ■ rboj<• n - the demons and magic-slinging
found in the Lotus Dragon guild hall; The pirates were just scouLs, though, skin walkers came m ever greater
the place was in chaos, with flesh-eat¬ and you discovered that the Crimson numbers. The tempic was home to
ing pirates and many deadly creatures fleet was coming to pillage and rase KhaJa, an aspect of Demogorgon, and
running loose. Fighting off diseased Faishore. You helped prepare the his pel demons, Khsla’s death drew
and enraged beasts took val uable time, colony's defenses, forging alliances DemogufgSrYs at ten Lion direclly to
but you wound your way through the with Lhc natives, fighting dinosaurs, you toL' the first time.
caverns to encounter Captain Hailiss recovering and making repairs to the
J Live Li. She told you she stmt her first Sea tfycivu, nrad defeating an aspect Serpents of Scuttlecove
mate and bullywLLg conscripts Lu Pas¬ of an Olman god. When me Crim¬ Soon after, you discovered that
serine tor revenge against Vanthus. son Fleet hove into view, you crossed several shadoii? pearls had already
ihe race was on, bade to save the city swords with Lavmia's corrupted left she island,, bound for Scuttle-
drrrmg a festival celebrating the vie. brother Van thus and defeated him. coyc. At far shore, Lavinia had
toTy over Kyuss. Yon dodged assassin been abducted by her brother Van-
stilt-wallers and saved f ovinia from The Lightless Depths tbus. now n rid rad. Caplirn H.sr1-
the bullywugs and their allies. Having learned irora prisoners of iss javell, of Krakeu's Cove, asked
the Crimson Fh-et that the you to meet her in SctiUlecove so
The Sea Wyvein's Wake pearls came from the north end of the she mighE explain wheTe Lavinia
After a bit of rest, a thankful Lavinia Tsh of Dread, you sailed there to put was held. When you showed up as
had more work for you. It was time to a stop to their creation. There, you requested, yuan-tl ambushed- you.
set sail on the- Sen Wv'i-rnr and trans¬ found troglodytes adding Lu a much To End Lavinia, you hnd to rescue
port ,1 vital supply shipment to Far deeper opera bon. You went deep llarliss, who was both grateful and
short? on the Isle of Dread. After a stop below the Jsir of Dread, past ancient informative, and told you about the
at mined Tamnachan, you ran a Scar¬ wardlngs of Oltnan Limes, into lhc Crimson Fleer headquarters hid¬
let Brotherhood blockade arid found deep daik where mongrdmen and den n Lit fiir away -but magically
an old enemy stowed away. In the abolelhs lurked. One imprisoned shielded. There, you fought your
middle of a Sargasso sea, you found aboleth told you how Lo sabotage Lhe way past pirates, traps, ballistic,
and defeated a seaweed-dwelling knpnnrreaJed sbadrue pearls being and a yagiidloth, to the leader of
monstrosity, but your ship was caught created below in Gohsmorga, the the Crimson- Fleet, Cold Captain
by a slorrn, wrecking on the northern city of madness where lhc aholdhs Wycher, You also discovered that
shore of the hie of Dread. once ruled. In aziggurat deep below Lavinia was taken to a prison in
lhc island,, where kopni behemoths Gaping Maw, Demogorgon's layer
Here There Be Monsters and elders held sway you fought the of the Abyss. Worse, it was revealed
With ilia. Stfd Wyueni no longer sea- aberrations to a standstill, broke Lhe that dozens of shada& pearis had
worthy, the only option was a trek Windings that held back the abo- spread throughout the cities of
lhiough Ihe jungle, meeting dino¬ leths, -and destroyed the -Jounce of ihe world, ml Deniogorgon wrould
saurs and terror birds while taking foe shadow pearls. soon trigger I hem with a ceremony
the surviving passengers and crew in the Abyss. But ho tv to stop a
along to safety. On the fa I side of the City of Broken Idols demon lord on his home plane?
mountain range, a band of gargoyles Upon reSn.i ruing to Faishore, [Link]
repeatedly attacked. One of your heard from \ «aU n ia, this time concern - Into the Maw
allies was abducted by a bar-Jgura mg -<i missionary and a mysterious seal You ventured into the Gaping
demon deep in Lhe island interior related to ruins In ihe center of the Maw, tracking Van thus across rhe
Following his abductor led to a shrine island You learned that the demons Abyssal Ocean in search of* lhe
lu Ihe Prince of Demons, "Demogor- who infected the central plateau were prison Divided's Ire, Finding the
gon, and a battle against the bar-lgura no longer content to live In their city, island prison required some help,
and his brood of bile followers. but were spreading outward. The trip but with advice from minions of
to tlie plateau and its forbidden bland Orcus, your sailing finally took the
Tides of Dread held many dangers, such as a titanic right direction. Once there, you
With the demons at the shrine crocodile, demonic skin walkers, and defeated Van thus and dozens .of
defeated, you arrived at Faishore just a power fid vviistrilith demon—all demons Lo rescue Lavinia at lasL,

- q September 2QQ7 DRAGON 359 97

 but she was not die one who knew Allies in the Abyss
Dem ogorgon's weakness. Orgosh Characters die, and when in the
Lktr lidi told you Lhat the secret to Abyss they die more often than usual
stopping Demogorgon was known Here's a short list of possible cohorts,
to an exiled demon-—his iornaer stand-ins, and potential re placemen l
lover, Shami-Amourae—held in a PCs to use if your parly's body court!,
completely different prison. rises to extreme levels.
Bright Bjenedal: An aasimar
Wells of Darkness knight iS/sorrercr it with a lantern
A deepe e: pri s on tha u even Di vide d s aichoD familiar, is one of many
Ire, the Wells of Darkness held gods the ehfto lets on the planes who
and demon lords. Approaching Red sees the war against Demogorgpn
Shroud, a So'ccubiis. who rules the as a chance for glory. Anyone who
town of Broken Reach on Pazunia, fights DriUdgorgon and wins will
yon learned that Shami-Amourae Enemies of My Enemy be remembered., and Renedai plans
did Lryst with Dcmogorgon LintO Offended by the planar lift in the to be in the fore iron t.
she was imprisoned in the Wells ot Styx, the boatman Charon offered Flayed Mage Kcstagg: One oi
Darkness, Traveling to the Well ui you his help in Tallying Dexnogor- OrcLis’s servants, a dread wraith
Debased Bros, you fought chasme, gnn's ioes: Tggwilv, the Witch- warlock 7f might make- a terrifying
abyssal ghoulsr arid worse, bnt finally Queen of Ferre u Ian the da chin replacement For a standard spell-
freed Shann-Amourae with the help queen Morwtd; Ore us, vile Prince of caster, He knows murk about the
of a demon lord named Ahazu the the Undead; and even Malcanthet, undcad and necromancy, and can
Scizer. In return for her freedomr Queen of the Succubi. With a few serve as a use hi! source of Lnibrmx-
Shami-Amourae revealed the secret trips along the Styx, over YggdrasJL, tion front Orous's legions. He might
of Dcmongorgofrs split minds, and beyond, you found, the Prince show up as an uninvited 'liaison1'
Unfortunately, her freedom trig¬ of Demons has many enemies will¬ between the Prince of the Undead
gered a magical contingency that ing to bring their power to bear on and the PCs. He's rather obviously
tore a hole in the River Styx and the assault on Demogorgon’s home there to keep an eye on them and
brought some of Demogorgon's layer* With a mixture of diplomacy guard against treachery, but be also
servants to destroy anyone who and raw power, you forged alliances very much wants the mission to suc¬
had learned whit Shami-Amount to bring entire pLrnar armies to the ceed. A strange bed It I low.
might have told them, Fighting a mob cause, An assault on the infinite Fist of I he haw given A powerful
of bar-lgura mounted on retrievers, armies of the Gaping Maw began to mamt monk 5, he seeks to bring jus¬
yon drove them away under a rain seem a little less Like suicide, and a tice to the demonic ''criminals'1 who
of forget fill ness. little more like a plan. had a hand in upsetting the flow of

*****
SB DRAGON 359 Septrrber 2D07
 the River Styx. Rh a "huge job, but lawful nr good planes might have a people who need Lo hear. Commu¬
who better than an inevitable to start reason to light againsl the hordes nications are a powerful re sourer
Lhe smiting? of the Abyss. While no tiling quite for any invading army; make sure
Six-Fingered Legu: This hall- replaces n powerful IJC you've played you're prepared.
elven rogue ^/sorcerer ^arcane during the whole adventure path, at
trickster £ might join the party as least look at the possibilities to power ...And Beyond
a native guide who knows every- up with some celestial champion or What lies beyond the end of the
one and ever)1- liing oil the planes. heroic figure from myth and legend. Adventure Path? Sainthood, martyr-
With high ranks in Knowledge (the The big finale is not something you hood, annihilation in the vilest pits
planes} and some magic to comple¬ want to miss. of lhe multiverse—it’s hard lo say,
ment the party's weak points, Legu ready. If your character survives and
might prove usefu[ in scouting and What’s Next... Eriimiphs over Demogorgonr you
trickery, jus L in case o frontal assault At this point, you are either .iL epic can take pride In having defeated an
dne sn't work out. levels or very dose. It might be. enormous evil and saving the world
worth your while to figure our how from the madness of the shadow
Epic Allies to optimize your character's skills pearls,There are two ways to go from
If you’d rather play one of lhe MFCs or epic feats, but its also worth there: epic campaigning as a figure
the: party has approached recently or reviewing all the epic, equipment oflcgend or retirement from adven¬
a creature appropriate to the cam¬ granted to the parly before the turing life.
paign's epic planar power, there arc eve of battle, preparing a few con¬ A continued campaign means
plenty to choose from. Depending tingencies, and pfinning to play a fighting at a new- level entirely:
on what gods your deceased charac¬ tohort as needed. 11" yo;i have foiind your foes would be the remaining
ter worshiped, it’s possible an angel a legendary item, now% the time to demon lords, DemogOTgcmk scat¬
or other quasi-deity might take run use nurtrjifirtc or .gate for the details. tered followers, and other planar
interest and show up when his soul Now’s also the time to cash in, every powers that seek revenge against
fails to find its way to the heavens favor youVe ever earned from a Lhe forces of Good and Law. Ynin¬
without assistance. a6bler celestiaj, genie, nr .irchn]age. former allies might turn against
Sir Andros feaTnaugbt: At CR If not now, when? y 0 u. Yu ur lec e pt i on at ho me might
iSj the eladtin Sir Andros Fear- Paladins and clerics should pre¬ not -be what you expect, either.
naught from “ Enemy of My Ene¬ pare I heir last rites, for no soul Most people might not believe you
mies" might make an appropriate killed in the Abyss is likely to if you say you/ve fought demons in
replacement for a fallen PC. While he easily resurrected when soul* the Abyss; those who do know it for
perhaps not the most ttkable ally sucking demons abound. Each a fact might not want to stand so
the PCs have encountered thus iar, player should give some thought dose 1:o someone who hns clearly
his combat skills and association to whether he wants to continue made powerful and even divine
with Moxwelk court 1 ike Ly put him Lhe campaign after this adventure. cnemifefs. A continued campaign
in the frontlines of an assault on A final glorious battle is a great probably means leaving behind
Gaping Maw. end in a hero's life; think up some the Material Plane and fighting in
Prison Breakers: A number oi the last words for your character, just a bigger arena. If that’s what your
prisoners from Divided's Ire might in case. ’Better yet. think iap some group wants, there’s plenty to do.
"have been able to make their escapes heroic words for the possibility Clearly, a retirement to out
during the PCs' adventures in the that your character is the one who of lhe Seven Heavens might be
abyssal prison, Eager for revenge destroys the Frinct pf Demons. offered to 1 lawful good hero, nr
a gains L the villain who imprisoned Since the finale features plenty a hero's welcome from the Val¬
them, such escapees might make of armies and action, you711 wrant kyries Lo a chaotic good one. On
useful. if temporary, allies. to be sure to have a system of mes¬ rlit- other hand, you mi gif vim-
Other Outsiders: A celestial such sengers or couriers in place Lo ply retire your adventuring booLs
Lis a solar, planetar, or even Valkyrie communicate ro the various gener¬ and hoist a few tnnkards in Sigil,
(from Deities ^ Drrnfyotte, page 200) als, or at least to hear from them if the City of Doors, or in the tavern
might make an appropriate replace¬ things are going well or poorly in wherer many years ago, vour char¬
ment PC as Well the wider war. Familiars, mephits, acters firsL heard that Lady Lavinia
Wi th entire planar annic s de ployed , couriers, the sending spell—what¬ was looking for a little lie Ip with
almost any kind of outsider from the ever gets the news through to the her wayward brother, u*

100 DRAGON 559 5i>ptrnber 2007

 Q, Myth praanof, city of son?
>clf Mt <iQm. wise readers!'
|/r, fij volothmnp Qeddarvi famous mjjfam of the ktaks, "A 'olor to all at tint mkt
Yot art most mi to consult m in ail waif erf of lift mi ibt ^utilm-m particular the tittle
dark items’ mlmi iplds and other folk ofpower knit mot tm to koto.
therefore 'tis fiK|/j tune to aitfold com illicit Ion about (hi fabled Of if of font}, (Not the
Mtflh Naum ofold, that io mtwf tatts tell of nor ijct the finukhaunird min ofembed
dull rii cjj bn\ldin§i spilling out treasures so magical that thru blue ijlofv could be run for
milts hf nttjhi . but t he n-occupied ruin oftoday > the refounded city,
what follows my renn tantalninijif incomplete, but I assart you that even assembling ibis
meb war both difficult and dan/jeroas, Jot 1 am n tr ml\\n§ to bran mb perils foryam
place Hour deep trust in Voioi O1/)
f/ol&
lEejjgeiTEn r<£ALfi

by Eric L. Boyd, u>iih spcciaJ1 in induction by Ed Greenwood

illustrated hyJt-fj'Cadhh ■ cartography by Rob Lazzumli

f or millennia, the great tor¬

es? of Gorman th or has been SpOl LEfKWA KN1 NCj!
* fitting guardians} to enter Lite city.
The elves themselves stayed outside
known, as the Flvtm Woods, This article updates the current of the rums,holding them sacred Lo
home to the Fair Folk of Gorman situation in Myth D ran nor to the the memory of the time they dwelt
Uiyr (see the P’oegoT'i i- v Realms month of Marpenath in the Year of together in peace. Nonetheless, the
Cumpaign Setting and [Link] M355}, Risen Eifldn [1375 dr). It contains monstrous population of Myth
For nearly live centuries the mythnl- a great many spoilers for game Drumor slowly grew, ns beasts left
clad capital city of Cormanthyr was products such as Oy of the Spkter behind shed offspring and crea¬
known as Myth Drannox, the fabled Queen, Sfrfltfotudfjk: Scouring qf the tures from elsewhere in the Realms
City of Song. The history' of Gie city, Ixrrtd* Anuwocfr The Sundering afihe reached the city via long-forgot ten
from its founding jh Cormanthor World and novels such as BladtStqJJi ports Is exiling into the ruins. The
in -^893 r>R wills the summoning of the Last Myth3? series, and the War few bold adventurers who used
the Rule Tower, to the establishment of the Spider Queen series. Players magic to elude the ehen guard and
of its myth a I in the Year of Soaring and readers beware! reach the city rarely emerged.
*L. -■—^ In the Year of the Mooeifall (1344
Stars (zfa ntt), to its Ml in the Year
of Doom (714 dir) is well established dr)f die elders of Lhe Liven Court
and. not repeated ht: re. (See iosJ Empires ajFa&run for eBc ordered the Retreat. Most moon elves and sun elves of
Fullest acronn ting.) Gorman then departed for Fvermeet, leaving the Liven
In the wake of the Weeping War {712-714 dr), Myth Woods largely unguarded for- the firsi time in centuries,
DranuoJ'p also known as Gie City 0? Bnrdsr the City of Ui spring of Lhe Year of the Bloodbifd (134b ur), after
Beauty, the City of Love, the City of Might, and the- City two years of careful ttxpl ora lion oi the ruined city by
of Spells, became a fabled nun, whose mighty magics Brinite agents, the Eighth High Imperceptor oi Bane,
perpetually tempted power-hungry individuals and Szchulan Darkoon, ordered the creaLion of a portal Itcuu

sinister oiganiz^rtfons Lo explore its depths. The Fair Lhe Warrinfs Gate to Avemus, first layer of the Mime Hells
Folk of the Sven Woods did their best to guard against of Baa Lor. The Dark Lord% followers it-tended to call
Interlopers, particularly adventuring companies who forth a limited number of devils to deal wi^h the demons
sought only to plunder the ruins. lhe elven sentinels and yugoloths still lurking in the ruins, dating back to
allowed only dragons seeking lairs {whom they deemed Ihr end ufihe Weeping War, Their plan went awry when

102 DRAGON 359 September 2007

Milkizid, the Branded King, intervened, causing the por¬ Marpenoi.h, a possessing spirit known as TYranthiaxus
tal to remain open arid a I lowing harden oE devils to enter briefly seized control oi the entire City ot Song, wrap¬
the Realms. My Ur Drarmor was u middy overrun with ping the ruins in a dome of force and establishing a pod
devilsr but the Banites erected \ second sphere ofmagyc of radiance (eifectivejy .1 pod of raw magic, manifcsled
encircling Hie mylhal, keeping die legions ul die Nine as -water) in llit old Temple of Labelas Hnoreth. Both
Hells bound within the city's mins. entities were driven off by adventurers, leaving the mins
Over the next decade, agents of the Church of Banc once again open tor exploration.
spread tides throughout die JL>ragonreach and surround¬ In U ktar of the Year of the Prince, one heretofore
ing Linds that Myth Drannor's treasures were ripe for the nameless band, who laLer look to calling themselves die
taking, hoping to unleash a horde of adventurers who Knights of Myth Drannor, shattered the portal to Averinas
would deal with the fends Inhabiting the ruins. The rape and then took to guarding fhc mins against interlopers,
of the ruined city dial followed is known as die Time of with modesL success, in die decade that idJlowed, adven¬
the Seizing, Beginning in the Year of the Worm [w/j jj.r}, turers who made it past the Knights'gauntlet confronted
adventuring bands such as the Company of the Worm, devils, dragons, allioon (illithilldies), nagas, phaerimm,
the Company oft he Black Buckler the Men of the Scarlet ot her n d ven Inrin c [Link] n ies, and roimfl ess grea ter p r r <
Scimitar., the Women of the Windr the Blue Pis L, the Gum- ils. Many died horrible de Lillis, bul a few escaped with
pnny of the Purple Cloak, the Glass Goblet, the Vengeful ancient cninsr works of art, or items of precious- magic,
Blade, and die Company af the Cathiandcx pou red inlo encouraging others to follow in their wake.
the mined City of Song,, only to be set upon by growing 1 n the Year ot the Gauntlet (ip>o \n\), the Cult of thr
numbers of devils in fhe rity, Dragon discovered a recently formed pool of radiance ill
'['he Year of die Prince (1357 dr} saw two attempts by the depths of Castle Comianthor, After corrupting the
powerful outsidefs to saeize the mins. Djning the Time of poofs magic* the followers of the Scaly Way planned Lo
Troubles, an avatar of Lh,e Rolling Cod made a concerted Lniinerse Pelendralyiir, an n 11: e d draco he h .info J:h r pn ol
push to reach the city, creating Meander's Road from fhe and thereby give the undead horror additional powers,
ruins ofYulash to roughly the midway poinl between die but brave adventurers brought the Sacred One low and
two mined cities. Later that same year, in rhn month of destroyed the pool of radiance.

September 20G7 DRAGON 159 103.

 oLoV mAuidp EfflCLBO-'l)

destroyed the Monmigiord's leni-

In tine Year of Wild Magic (it,?1 D3?k
the Siiadovat of TiiultHnthar, City of LOCATIONS IN MYTH plu in the Wffitfipldsi claimed Castle
DEANNOE Cornua nth or as them sea" ot poweTr
Shade, covered the rained city with
I. Throne of Thought iind summoned the exiled arch-
;> d [Link], trapping a small col¬
ony of phacrimm inside tttc niythal. Z Army Barracks devil Mdkizid* 't hese efforts came
T Shaundakufs Throne In naught when Sefveril Miritai and
They began a campaign tu eradicate
the thorn backs, but an attack by the 4. Cormyrean Embassy (formerly the elven Crusade overran the City or

Chose n of iVTystra on Thullanthajr House Da hast) Song, at the cost of the commanders

above the sands of Amiirodi forced 5. House of Song life. Under the leadership of Usevele
the Shadovai* to withdraw from Myth 6. Castle Cormanthor Miritai, the elves re founded Myth

Drainier. The shades are thoughL Lo 7. Windsong Tower {ruinf detailed Dxannor, only +0 find themselves

have destroyed ail the pbaermun that m Anourach) under attack by an alliance oi Ziien-
lurked beneath, the ruins, but one nr 8. House Grangyl larim legions and the Masked Bri¬
9. Glyiryifs Poo! gades (Vbaeiiun-worshiping diow of
two might have survived.
In the Year of Rogue Dragons KfAlloom hm T louse Jaelre ;md Clan Auzkovyn).

(1373 or], Narlgathra, a red wyrm, II. House Dlardrageth

emerged from the ruins of Myth 1Z House of Antiquities MYTH
Dtajinor and flew south to attack c_ DBANNOR
Tangled Trees. She slaughtered the - -> _ The re founded City of Song is more
summertime residents, leaving only a hanatm of sur¬ armed camp under siege than thriving city. The popu¬
vivors to be discovered by tar wandering inhabitants lace is dominated by warriors, not commoners, almost

upon their return.. all of whom knight in the Crusade and now populate the
in the Year of Lightning Storms (1374 dr), in I he
ranks of the Army of Myth Dramatic. Most visitors to the
wake of a tailed assault on [Link]* the half-fiend rity cyme under armed guard as members of a merchant
gold elves of House DlardxagcLti returned Lo Myth caravan. The city's primary exports are antiquities looted
Dranncr. accompanied by a legion 01 tey'ri liberated ftom the rums—broken statuary, old coins, gems, jew ¬
from the Nameless Dungeon. The Abyss-lain ted elves elry. and magic. While Myth Dramrofs forges produce

1D4 DRAGON 359 Septemher 2007

a steady stream of' arms and mniamenLs* nearly JJ such
items are purchased by the Army of Myth Drannor to MYTH DR ANNOR’S 'ITTH VL
supplement its troops. Myth DrannoTs mythal was raised in the Year of
The city's elven population is growing slowly, as Soaring Stars (261 dr) by Mythatlthorand rhanyoih-
small hands of wandering wood elves native to Cor- ers, It spanned a far wider range than the actual city,
mauthor and a handful of immigrants from Ever meet centered cm CastlE dormant hoc The myth a I became
settle in the ciLy. The half :elf and human populations corrupted in die centuries following the Weeping
-
are growing by leaps and bounds. The former group War {71? DR-714 or). Under Matkiziefs tutelage,
is composed of Dcepiugdalc emigrants who desire Lady Sanya Dlardrageth reshaped the mythal's prop¬
to settle m the city of their ancestors, while the l at¬ erties, only to have them undone by Araevin. Teshurr,
ter group is driven largely by the economic hardship Grand Mage of the newly refounded City of Song,
afflicting Hills far and Scinlha. Other goodly races who has reshaped the mythal in hts own image. The
arc slowly Lrkkling into She city as well, drawn by a current properties of the mythal mriude the ability
sense of adventure, or a strong need for their skills sustain [hose w:ihin against hunger and age, tam¬
Si mult .in co u sly. She papulation of fiends, humanoids, ing of violent weather effects, and a bevy of other
aUioons, nagas, and phaerimm is melting away, as the protective abilities to defend the city's buildings and
monstrous legions that long dominated the city flee populace, See Lost Empires of Faerur] for more on ■
for parts mote welcoming to their kind. myth a is and how to create them.
Given the current hostilities that enmesh the Cdy
^ — -^7
of Song and the tart that Tie Crusade/Army of Myth
Bran nor never really slopped lighting even alter the and Soionor Thelandira, Among the NTfTQiiess (non-
city was won., Myth Drnnnor currently does not dif¬ elves), the most promintnL faiths include Lallinlider.
ferent iatc between military and law enforcement :a^s. Dglnua, and Stuiundakrul. and .ill three churches are
Therefore, crime generally falls into three categories; rebuilding their respective temples. Shrines to Miclikki,
looting, espionage, and sabotage. While the looting of Red Knight, T'cmpus, and Waukeen are also scattered
antiquities is officially banned, in practice it is widely through the city.
tolerated as it forms the backbone of the wartime econ¬
omy. Most residents denounce the wholesale stripping Myth Orion or (Small City}; Conventional (military); AI
of mins, but none can afford not to j_L least supple¬ CG; 15,000 gp limit; Assets 5,587,^00 gp; Population 7,450;
ment their income with a few discrete sales of c hoice Mixed {79% tdt; half-elf 5% human, 3% haliiing, z%
artifacts at Irregular intervals. Infiltration is largely the gnome, 2% other).
province of the Masked Brigades and Zhentarim spies,
who excel at espionage and acts of sabotage* While DAILY LIFE IN MYTH
rare, random acts of violence and outright Lhelt are DRANNOB
largely the province of power groups driven from Te Although the City of Song is enmeshed in an ongo¬
ruins, including dark nagas, fciy'ri, and alhooms, cither ing war with [Link] Keep and the Masked Bri-
directly or through their minions. gadesr open combat within the city limits is rare, as
The city itself is .1 mh of conventional buildings mosL of the fighting lakes place in the surround¬
and Lice structures favored by the fair folk. Centu¬ ing woodlands. Daily life is a mix of armed military
ries of neglect and abuse left the. city in ruins, with exercises, salvaging, debris clearing rebuilding and aid ¬
widt: swaths of the.1 city given over completely Ln rub¬ ing in unloading and distributing liie much-needed
ble and other sections reduced to buildings that ace a wears of merchant caravans bringing arms, armaments,
pale shadow of' their former glory, Since the- Crus ado nnd supplies. Violence, although rare, typically Lakes
reclaimed the City of Song, the new inhabitants have ihe ton; j of an unexpected explosion due to sabotage or a
knocked down many buildings and cleared the rubble monster unexpectedly rrupling from an unsecured ruin.
from much of the cily. The minority of bud dings lhal A group of adventurers walking through the city
could be saved are being rebuilt, but progress is ham¬ ei\countev regi 11 n r cherfepoi nIs n f majnr interseeftons
pered by the ongoing war. staffed by soldiers m Llie Army of Myth. DraimOn Tnitlic
tn She vanguard of I hose seeking Lo re found Myth on the main roads is light, but regular. For safety reasons,
Ocmtior, numerous churches have established shrines 11105 \ imhvidua \ s fm vel \ r- gmi ips of tw 1 > f it more, s t ■ -a ill -
or refurbished existing temples* Shrines dedicated to Eary passeisby are unusual {and draw attention). Open
members of the Seldarine are scattered through the shops are rare, as most store owners sell their wares by
city, and the church of Labelas .Enoreth is busy restoring .ippoimlmrnt nr during 'he few hours each day they are
the Throne of TbougkL The most popular elven faiths not otherwise engaged in supporting the war effort or
include the churches of Corelion Laretluan, Shevarash. defending the city. H

September 2007 DRAGON 359 105.

 DRAGONMARKS

ECHOES OF THE MOURNING

h$ Keith Baker - ifTusfrfiied by James Zhang.

ff sflfti /tit? /Af AAsy sfAAstftisAsy AAtiA Aw fssssrA/As AtiSsAfti aAAffAsn As

/, wAAs /fati/cfsf ifaff An /As AAsAs/y ytitititi. / AffSti many a As a /sAAs t/nsassZ
&f tAcAssevrAss, / iffjtit?sff> / A/f(v AAti //ti/sAtisy sA/Ati AAstfsnAny, ss sssss
/At Aw*/ Asysnrf /As fsAsAs, stiff* jftiA, As fiffiAs ti ff/ As Atitif/fss *As /wss.
a swAss tif*f//sssssj / stiffAfnst/ss Atit'ti Atiftititi JfSti tifirftifAtiAti StitiA a AtifA, A
/ftitiff/osA faff 0s J-tis/ AAati a tis ff/AAAf t/tititi j/titi As ti ti/A AAssvyA AAti m/w sf
AsSSStiS... tit A/ rfsns Ajf tiff Stiff AtiftfA. JAtij/ifAtiti, Ass/fti/ti/ti nAyAAAs AAs A ryAny
JAa/fffAff. AAe AlyAny A/sAAf, 'TAs J/tiAA. ^AAsifAAysti ssAti AAs sysAfsy sf
ftitiSttifses A* AAr/yffffs. /A A /Af fsns sf AAs A/sfftififfjy, aAsss ass AAs yAfs ystf
AAsA truss Any aAoA Atif fssvyAAtin tint/As s/AyAss As JcAsssaAss.
sAsjs aAsss//Ass, fA/s AAs titifffftifff AAtititiA —AtifAfSi AAxeesAtiAti cfAfstiff JAW

T he Mourning is a shadow hanging over Khor-

vaiie. An entire nation was dt^Lroyed and worse
lost everything with on I even known ng why? Does he
despise them, hating his monarch for sheltering these
still, transformed into a realm of horrors more people who once fought against him? Oris he a Cyrait
terrifying than even Droaam. The Mourning killed himself a man whose home and family were destroyed
moie than a million people and created hundreds nf by this magiol cataclysm? How does he live with the
thousands of refugees scattered across khorvaire. Fear horrors he has -seen?
brought an end to th f Last War—sheer shock and ter¬ Cyran nationality provides many opportunities nor-
ror. During the century of war, most soldiers, dung to mally impossible for PCs: a noble knight bom into a
the idea thal I he struggle would lead to a new and bet¬ family of tremendous wealth; a wizard and heir to one
ter Galifar. Now the heart of the old kingdom is gone, of the grandest arcane libraries in lGiorvaire; a rogue
replaced by an abomination. And no one "knows why. bom Into Llie most powerful crime guild in McLrol.
No one knows if it could happen again. Even in this Gold, arcane knowledge, criminal influence—all has
time of peace looms a feeling of impending doom, been stripped away by (lie Mourning, leaving only the
uncertainty, and lingering dread. In some cases, this bitter memory, Of course, there is always the chance
ha-;, led to hedonism nr a collapse in moral values, as that some measure of this past glory can be regained.
those who believe Lhe world is pnding have no (ear of Perhaps the mystic library remains intact in Lbe heart
the consequences of their actions. OLhers believe fhc of the MoumLmd. but can the PC recover Ms birth¬
Mourning is the wrath of Lhe gods mid have become right? Can the young crimelord find other survivors of
ever more austere and ascetic in the hopes their purity bis old guild and rebuild his family in Breland* Ann-
might save their nation . Both players and DM should dam of StormreachPTbc Mourning might have taken
consider the impact of the Mourning when designing away everything from a player character, but such a
characters. Has the Mourning touched the character tragedy gives the player an immediate goal—although
in any meaningful way? Is he afraid of it? Fascinated onf that redght take years to accomplish.
by it? Or does he believe it was a freak c\ entr a piece
of historv best forgotten? How does he led about CAUSE AND EFFECT
the Cyran refugees found across KborvaiTe? Docs he The [Link] Campaign Setting does not reveal the
pity Lhemh sympathizing with these people who have cause of die Mourning. Nor does Tbe Faujc of War the

106 DRAGON 359 Spptembcr 2007

sourcebook dedicated Lo the Las! Wair artificers studying the device acci¬ daelkyr to ascend to flic Moum-
but consider the fbHowmg possibilities, dentally triggered it, and now it is land itself and even now lie pre¬
* Hie Mourning wa?i caused by an building up energy for a second, pares a second attack.
experimental weapon created by more powerful blast, Any one of these—or more than
House Carmith. They are slid trying * The Mourning resulted from one—could be true. Each idea has a
lo locate and recover the artifact, the long-term buildup of magi- different effect on the future, as every
■ The destruction of Cyre was the r.d energies from the spelts ,ind nation searches ibr the cause of the
first stirring of the progenitor wym weapons used in the I ast War. Mourning. If it is a weapon, what hap¬
Kb yber, ] ong boun d within C b erron. * The event was the aftershock pens if one nation acquires; it? If on
Soon, the Dragon Below will shatter accompanying the release of a the other band, sages and artificers
the entire world. The broken shards mighty rakshasa Tajah, one of the can conclusively prove there is no
ofBbemm will rise toj out Siberys in great lords of Lhe Age of Demons. threat of a seen n d Mourn i n g? ra n an y-
the sky, while those few who remain After a hundred thousand years thing stop the nations from returning
will struggle for survival cm the new in prison, the fiend felt content to to war? Tor now; the Mourning acts as
world below. watch the world for Lhe lasL four a siren call feu adventurers. No nation
■ Hie Mourning was Lauded by ihe years as he assembled his forces. can afford to pass up a chance to solve
Chamber, using the same magic Wherever he goes, he will surely this mystery, but if someone does find
that shattered Xen'drifc. The drag¬ spread the Mourning in Ids wake. die answer, die consequence h mighl
ons have plans for Khomire and * The Mourning was the result of be far worse for Khorvaire than die
are willing to sacrifice millions of an attempt to open .1 massive gate Mou rning itself Tf the PCs discover
lives in pursuit of their goals. between. Ebert on and Xoriat, engi- die trudj, what do diey do with this
* Cyrau Torres recovered a weapon ti ee red both by tb e daelkvr tea p ped terrible knowledge?
tram Xendrik—a doomsday in Khyber and the greater powers White the search for the answer is a
weapon created during the last of the realm of madness. Although simple source of adventure, an uglier
days of the Age of Giants, The it failed, it did allow one of the option exists: the renewed threat*

September 2007 DRAGON 359 107

DRAGONMARKS KLII H GAKFR

What bajhens tin second Mourning all forms of scrying). The mernes hut 1 f the merries perceive the PCs as
occurs—a smaller, more controlled have the li:ll knowledge their origi¬ enemies Lhey can quickly become dan¬
Mourning that simply hngets Sharn, nators possessed—up until the Day gerous. Alternatively, an interaction
or Fairhaven, or Korth? What if of Mourning. They believe iL is still with meme& can provide an opportu¬
another nation holds the secret? Or die Q! nf Mourning—they are nity lo solve a mystery of ihc past—for
worse, a call of the Dragon Below or trapped, doomed to relive the same example, to locate a forgotten treasure
tiLiine other radical group? What ii no day over and over. The acLhrns of hidden by a group of soldiers pr reveal
nation can control Llie power behind, the PCs might change the course the identiLy id' an enpmy spy still at
the Mourning because ii occurred of that day, buL when the moment large m the wider world,
naturally—and will again, ever more of ^ht: Mourning comes, the scene The Silent City. The sound
frequently, in years to come? So tar, resets and begins anew, 24 hours in heard in the city ofTronish was a wall
tear of the Mourning lias kepi del the past. While solid, memes simply of despair as the mists swept over the
egates at the peace table, but a new fide from existence if they travel land. Today, magical silence blankets
Mourning could drive them too far from their the entire city. Within its walls, a vis¬
back to wax. And with the end original posts, as itor an hear no sound or cast spells
of the world looming, no atroc¬ requiring verbal components.
ity would be too great, The dothes and belongings
of1 the inhabitants lay scat¬
TRAVELING tered about, with
THROUGH anything made of
MADNESS flesh and blood
five AfaiiD/ts seemingly evapo¬
and the Player's rated, Shadows
Guide to Ebvmn and greater shad¬
discuss some of ows linger, spread
the wonders found around die city
when exploring the and hungering for
Monmland, Many the vital energies of
people have heard of the living. Perhaps the
the pristine corpses, of remnants of the people
the Glass Plateau, and of Tronmsh, these lost
Glowing Chasm, but sou ls present a threat to
these only begin to adventurers who merely
touch on the horrors of wish to communicate.
the land. Here ire a few As if shadows didn't
more challenges explorers present enough challenge
might face. to explorers, a daelkyr
Memories. Just as the power recently returned to the surface
of llie Mourning gave insub¬ and made a section ot the
stantial spells true life, it can silent cuy his fortress. Using
give m at c rial ibrm to pow¬ W telepathy to communicate
with his illithid lieutenants,
erful memories. Fxpinr
ers might stumble the daelkyr is assembling
upon a pitched battle an army of horrors in Tronmsh:
between two armies, a Cyra ii living spells, Mourn born monsters,
patrol struggling Lo escape the does any equipment or goods taken and stranger creatures of his own
oncoming mists, or a village seem¬ from them. Some mernes can see creation.
ingly untouched by the horror. As ex^ploreTs as they are. but many work for an added challenge, a DM ran
far is the explorers can tell, these newcomers into historical events: prevent players from speaking while
IJpeople"—mernes—are real. They adventurers might awaken in the their characters remain within the
can fight, and they have, all the abili night to 'a scrgeauL calling them to silent city. Players must write down,
tics of their oaigmak along with an battle, acting as if the PCs belong in all of their actions and pass them to
immunity to mind-affecting effects his squad. the DM for resolution. They might
and divination magic (they simply More often than not. an encoun¬ communicate wills one another
don't show up: they are invisible to ter with memes is simply unnerving, using pantomimer writing materials

106 DRAG 0 H 339 Septan ifcc r ,2007

DRAGON MARKS KEITH BAKER -

MOURNING MUTATE |AHRRRANT] doesn't change his fundamen¬

You survived the Mourning, but it left its mark upon your body. While one fea¬ tal nature. At his core, he simply
ture is especially noteworthy, you might have any number of purely cosmetic can't identify with any creature
oddities. Unusual skin, hair , and eye colors n re common, as arc strange rashes aside from other Mournboni.
or webs of scars* The- form of a warped feature is up Co you and the DM. !t ' There is simply sonic till ng wrong
rnight be out c.f proportion, ur it might be truly monstrous in nature. with oilier creatures: their body
Benefit: You gain a physical feature that grants you a rad a bonus on one language offends him, Lhey smell
type of check or action;The bonus mud be chosen from the following list. wrong, or Lhey remind him of
Mourning feature Benefit insects—stupid drones wailing to
Disturbing sores +•"! nr, saving throws vs. polison and disease be annihilated* He is a survivor.
{see beiow). He has seen the end of the world
Hideous testures +3 on Intimidate checks and walked away from it. iioon
Spongy flesh DR 3/- vs, ri on lethal damage the Mourning will come again,
Unnaturally flexible 43 on Escape Artist and those who survive it will be
Warped ears +3 on Listen checks his brothers. Until then, ail non-
Warped eyes +3 on Spot checks Mournbcim are simply walking
Warped limb Limb duals 4-2 damage with unarmed strike* corpses; try as he might, he cauT
Special: This feat is treated! as Aberration Blood (Lords- of Matf/aessr for pur Lhink of them in any other way.
poses of meettng leaL prereqursltos, Some Moumbom possess phys¬
if you have disturbing sores and successfully save against a disease by 3 or ical mutations, as represented by
fewer points, you avoid its effects. Lhe Mourning Mutate feat. Others
Yo u m ay or; I y ku this feat .at : st 1 eve I. seem normal but have developed
unusual powers, Warlocks, wAiders,
(if they've brought anything to write the mists. Some survived but trans¬ barbarians, bcguilers, ROTcer-
with and hive time to use it)r or other formed into monsters-—dungs exs, and favored souls (using the
Ibrms of non verbal cejmmunication. with little or no mental, ot physical domains of The Dragon Below) are
Horrors of the Past. Idle memes resemblance to their former selves, all common among the Mourn*
re p resen L only o ne exam pi fJ n f me mt> - beasts who now roam the broken horn. The spell components used
ties preserved by the Mourning. Other kingdom. A few, however, walked by Mourn burn spontaneous spell**
images of the past remain trapped out of the mists; people who some¬ casters usually differ radically from
within corpses themselves; a necio- how survived the Mourning with normal spell casters, involving ulu¬
mancer can touch an amplified form their memories intact While they lating howls, whispered gibberish,
of these memories using apeak u?tf}i resemble the people Lhey weie and graceful yet disturbing ges¬
ckud A lining creature who touches before the Mourning, something tures—and sometimes they even
such a corpse must make a DC Wil I within Lhem has changed: 'lhey change from casting to casting
save or become overwhelmed with tlie have become Moumbom. (the spell caster simply knows what
madness of the victim of the Mourn¬ Mourn born can come from any Lo do and acts cm pure instinct).
ing, the horrible sensations of the last race, and the affliction is not lim¬ Depp it e this oddity, a character
moments of life. This takes the form ited to humanoids—any intelligent, can still use Spellcrafl to identify
of a torj-fehert effect. The victim may living creature can become Moum- a spell cast by a Moumbom, based
make a new saving throw every id4 bom, and nt [past one Moumbom on "he visual manifestations of
rounds to overcome the effect, with a dragon exists in tine world, Two tlie magic.
cumulative +1 bonus ibr each cheek. things define the Moumbom; They While evil by nature* ifs still pos¬
If the victim survives, a chance exists possess an unusual reaction to heal¬ sible Lo have a Moumbom PC. He
that he retains some strong image ing magics and they utterly lack cafit change what he is. He can't con¬
from the experience, which could empathy. The Moumbom are pure jure sympathy for others. But he can
piny a role in an ad verdure Lo come. sociopaths, fascinated by the suf¬ still try. fighting a doomed battle to
He mighL even incorporate a full fering of others and always placing change his basic nature. Of rourse.
fragment oi the victim's personality, their own wellbeing above any other he might Simply desire gold or irdlu-
such as feelings for a loved one who concern, They are irrevocably evil in ence, playing the noble role because
survived the Mu tuning, alignment—not even magical effects it serves his purpose; The DM must
can change this. decide Lf a great er power influences
THK MOURNBORN A Mournbom might choose to the Hi lions of Lhe Moumbom or if
The Mourning killed the vast do good deeds for a lime or eve.n they are simply sociopaths with a
majority of the creatures caught in pi ay the rule uf Lhe hero; but this common bond, w

110 DRAGON 359 September 2007

 SAGE ADVICE by Andy CoJIins ■ illustrated hyAndj^m For*

0 •

This month, the Sage Lakes a look at the end of all things. Send your questions for
the Sage to [Link]@wLzards+com-

If the creator Of target of an effect dies, What counts as a single attack for the
does the effect end as well? massive damage rule (Payers Htand-
As a general role. no. although the hookf 145)? Do all the rays of a sconr/iiriLf

For obvious Teasonij, this k the last DM must be ready to apply reasonabh- ruv spell count as a single attack^
time: tfib£ Sage Advice will appear in cx cep Lions to tins. since they're coming from a single
the pages bf DfiACttN- If a wizard casts hultl person on you spell? What about the arrows from a
As any long-time reader of DjragOu and then is killed, Lire Jtoid person Spell Mauyshol attack?
knows, the column is one of the lorn doesn’t end. It also doesn't end if you’re The easiest rule uf thumb to use
gtst-mnning features in Lhu magazine’s killed, although thal/s usually of* moot is that if :dl the damage comes as the
hisfery. The firs! Sage Advice column concern to you. result of a single nttaek roll ox a single
was written fey Jean Weils and appeared hilled saving throw, it's Lrualed as being
i n issue #31 (cover date November 197c;;. What exactly as a death effect? Do all a single attack for the purpose of the
file author mo-' closely associaLed v.'jth effects and events that cause instant massive damage rule.
the column, however, is long-time sage death qualify as death effects? For example, every marching ray
Skip Williams, who helped desperate A'‘death effect" is a category of effect requires a separate attack roll, so they
players and DMs across tliree editions much likt: fear or riiiiid-aifectmg- don’t count as a single attack
of the game. Ordy those effects specifically All the arrows from a Many shot attack
I've been fortunate enough Lu add described in their text entries as death are treated art a single attack, since it's
thirty-seven columns of my own to effects quality as such. For example, only one attack toll.
this fine tradition. 1 thank those who spells willi the [Death; descriptor, such If the effect doesn't require an attack
came Lie tore me idi lighting the way. as Jin^er of death, are all death effects. roll (such as maapt: misiilt), the DM must
and also the kind editors aL Deacon Not everything that caiuses instant use his best judgment [and the effect's
for filtering the deluge ot questions dealli qualifies os a death effect For description) to determine whether it
each month . example, even though the decapitation counts as a single attack.
But don't worry—your rules effect of a vnrpal blade likely kills the tax-
stumpers need not go unanswered! get, it is not considered a "death effect " Wliat kind of action is Lbc assassin’s
Sage Advice lives on in its new home death attack?
at wwardsicgm/dud (actually, Llie Sage Can a character use a Bluff check to The assassin delivers his death
has been splitting, time between these feign death (and would a I leal check or attack with a single attack, which may
two domiciles fpr quite some time now, a Spot check he the used to see through be an attack action (standard action),
and the commute's heen killing him). his trickery)? If so, when he then the initial attack of a frill attack action
Every weekday, a new question and attacks is his opponent flat-footed? . i Lu.11-TO u Tid a ction), ■: 1 r c\ e 11 a 11 I; t act
answer is posted, and these answers llie rules are silent on this issue, so of opportunity*
are collected in the FAQ just like those it'd, be up *0 the DM to determine how
that .have seen print in these pages. (or if) this tactic might work- What happens to jo animal compan¬
Thanks for reading, and thanks for tsiuce you generally canrL take actions ion or familiar when its master dies?

your great questions, when it isn't your ? uro (other th ri n spe n:h The rules don’t specifically state
—Andy Collins and immediate actions}, "feigning death'1 what happen rt to one of these creatures
The Sage in reaction to being hit isn't possible. if its master dies. ItJs pTobably easiest

112 DRAGON 159 September 2007

to treat it as lemming to a normal urealtut of its kind when,
its rnasler dies, losing 3 31 abilities an & adjustments gained
from being an animal companion or a familiar.
If its creator returns to Life, die animal companion or
familiar automatically regains its abilities (according to
the masters new level, iflcrvd loss is involved), as long
as the master still qualifies to have an animal uompamon
or familiar.

What happens to a psicrysta] when its creator dies?

The rules don't specifically state what happens to a psi-
crysLal if its creaLoT dies. It’s probably easierL Lo licat il. as
being destroyed when its creator dies, but restored if its
creator returns to life (as long as the creator still qualifies
for line feat),

If my character is killed while wearing a jwg of regmmttfQTb

do I lose a level when it brings me back to life an hour later?
The question is moot, because it can't happen.
A ring of regeneration only works for a 'jiving wearer”
{Dnnjdtiri Mtirirr's Cuidt\ irja), so M won't help you if yim’re
killed. No Healing, no return from death, nothing.

]fa character dies while “ou the duck11 fur a disease or poi¬
son, does the: clock keep running w hile he's dead? That is,
does he need to keep making saves against these effects
while lie’s dead?
Diseases and poisons normally don't have any effect on
dead creatures, so the durations of Such effects would be
suspended while you're dead.
Since the raise dead spell cures (normal) poisons and dis¬
eases as part of bringing the person back to lire, any active
poisons or diseases lingering on the corpse would auto¬
matically cud without requiring additional saving throws.
Of course, this wouldn't restore any damage, drain, or other
effects already in place from those sources.
If such an effect could conceivably continue to affect a
dead creature, the DM must determine whether or not the
flock keeps running on such effects, and what exactly that
means in regards to saving throws.

If a character with negative levels is dead when the time

comes lo roll his Fortitude saviug throw to determine if
they become permanent, does he roll the save or does it
wait until he's alive?
Ifyoifre dead when the 24-liouj: clock elapses, you don't
have to roll the Fortitude saves at that time. You have to roll
Lhem immediately upon being re Lurried to life, however,
and if you've lost a level as part of that process you would
use your new base Fortitude save bonus (if different).

What special qualifies are retained after death?

It's simplest to rule that a dead creature retains any
special qualities that don't require activation, particularly
those related! to resistance or immunity to certain effects.
SAGE ADVICE

A creature immune to conjuration Do mtifjic /or and trap the sold work on
(healing) spell* in life, for example, a ghost?
is still immune to those when it’s Neither spell indicates that it affects
dead [so it can't benefit from raise only living creatures, so ghosts would
35? AD INDEX
dead), A creature with resistance to be vulnerable to both spells.
if you use magic jar to occupy product PAGE
fire should be difficult Lo immolate,
and a creature with DR lo/bkidgcon- Lhe "body" of a ghost, you’d occupy Do Gondrr Press 91
mg should he difficult to chop up its incorporeal ghostly Form (not
Dork Storm Pr ess 25
with axes. its corpse).
Similarly, using trap the soul on a [Link]/ZQgonia m

When a summoned creature with the ghost has no effect on its corpse, only Dwaiwi Farce IQl
death throes ability dies (such as a on its current (ghost) form.
Fanta-by Flight Games 33, Si
balor), what happens if it is ukilled'1
What happens to a ghost if it is Fly mg Buffalo Gamer Guide
in battle? Since iths summoned and
doesn't realty die, does its death destroyed in a way that doesn’t reduce GameMasteTytyUp Packs 73
throes ability function? And if so, its hit points to o, such as from a suc¬
GamcMask-iy Module; Inside back.
does its death throes ability occur cessful lurn check from a clerk with
double the ghost’s Hit Dice or an Games Workshop 35
before or after it returns from whence
it earne? unden lb Iij death spell? Do such effects GcnCuti Australia 39
Any effect triggered by a creature's prevent a ghost from reju vena Ling?
('i n-nlPukerHa [Link] &5
death in triggered even if Lhe crea¬ No.
The rejuvenation special quality King of the Castle G.-imes 95
rn re is summoned* It occurs before
Lhe creature returns to where it of the ghost template makes no refer¬ Made to Order fofjtofiwre Gamer Guid e
came from. ence to being reduced Lo o hp: "A ghost
Midwest List ^ Media 21
that would otherwise be destroyed
returns to its old haunts with a Mindstorm Labs 77
Does an undead creature stay undead
after it has been defeated? For exam¬ successful level check...” (Monster Miniature Marked 41
ple in a recent adventure an evil cleric Manual, 118).
Myth Masters 45
turned a FC into a zombie, then the Thereforcr it doesn’t matter how the
Nable Knight Games G.-cmer Guide
party destroyed llieir Former comrade. ghost is destroyed' it always rejuve¬
Now they want lo cast raise deciff on nates if it succeeds on Lhe level check [Link] m 309
him, but if he** still uintend if won't unless you set right whatever prevents
OffWodd Designs H
work and they would have to pay for a it from resting in peace.
Pathfinder In'i'ide front, 3
resurrect inn spell Instead*
It's not that he's J,stiUri undead that If a vampire is destroyed via turning Pierce Morgan 57
matters for [Link] dead, rfs that he undead or another effect that doesn't
Planet Storks Back
was undead when he was last '"killed specifically reduce it to o hp, does it
become gaseous and return to its cof¬ Pro Fanlajiy Software *3
or destroyed.''
If your buddy dies, gets turned i nto fin or is it completely destroyed? WhaL Qtircksylver Productions Gamer Guide
a zombie, and then gets destroyed, about if il’s disintegrated entirely?
Realty Simulations 127
you must tise resurrection to bring him A vampire only Lurns gaseous
when reduced Lo o or fewer hp. Other Reaper Miniatures *>7
back Lo life like lie was before he was
Liiioed into a zombie. methods that utterly destroy a crea¬ Smirk ^Dagger 59
You can'L use raise de-od in this cir¬ ture without reducing h to o hp 3Iso
South Peak Interactive: 17,19
cumstance, because it doesn't work destroy a vampire.
an, creatures who died while they The disintegrate spell first reduces a Spartans Unleashed fi3
were undcad. creature Lo o hp, so a vampire turns Spellbinder Rooks 99
gase o us if dlsin te grate d.
Stonehenge: Nocturne 53
Does time spent as an uudead crea-
Dow much damage can a dead body Stratus Artworks 49
Lure count against a character's nor¬
mal lifespan? take before ifs completely destroyed? Tabfestar Games 93
No. That's entirely up to the DM.
the Hil Pumte Gamer Guide
If you become undead, but then are If your characters insist on beating
a dead horse, use the hit point values TheQnlySheeLcom Gamer Guide
resurrected, you'd pick up life at the
same age as when yon died. for objects as a guideline, 2

114 DRAGON 353 September 2007

 CLASS ACTS hyjatms Lafond Sutter *- iliustroffri hy Jejf Carhxk

BODY
MODIFICATIONS
P resented below are several
different ideas to kelp you
in corporate beneficial body
alterations into your game and make
your character stand out in a crowd.
Aside from tattoos, all the modifica¬
tions 11sted here require the assis¬
tance of a professional to complete
properly—usually someone with the
ability to cast re^rpiiioir
Attempting to make the following
body modifications requires the cre¬
ator spend H uninterupted hours and
make u Graft (body modifiestions) or
Heal check to complete the opera¬
tion successfully. !iee the description
of each modification for its DC. Fail¬
ing this check, means the operation is
unsucecsfiil and Exposes t he subject
to filth fever ;'the subject still gets
to make saving throws, as normal,
albeit at a -2 penalty)- Uni ess other¬
wise noted, each procedure deals id6
points, of damage per level or 1 ID of
the character. This damage must be
healed magically in order to keep the
body from rejecting or healing over
the modification- If this damage is
allowed to heal oaturally over time,
the subject loses the benefits of the
body modification when brought
back to full health and must undergo
the procedure again.

COMBAT MOD
Combat body modifications take two
general forms.
Weapon; A fighter might choose
to have a punch dagger permanently
emerging from the skin above his
wrist or a monk might elect to install
silver and cold iron caps on her
knuckles [which count as silver or
cold iron gauntlets). Weapon combat

ns DRAGON 359 September 2007

 mods cost double the weapon's non- SKIN CASTER [GENERAL] cal fields stress Lhe body and reduce
magical coal (include masterwork and You copy all spells directly to your the subject's Constitution score- by 2
special material costs, hut not costs skin instead of a 5 pel I book. points for as long as the item remains
for any magical enhancemcuts}, Only Prerequisite; Prepares spells from wiLhin the characters body. Only rings,
light and one-banded weapons can a spell book. rods, and wondrous items crafted spe¬
be attached, and only to the subject's Benefit: You use your own bod/ cifically for this purpose can be used*
arms. Weapons attached in [his way as a spell book and need only he able They cost n-i/z times the normal price.
me used normally; as manufactured - to read your skin in order to prepare Removing an item from an extra body
weapon attacks. Implanted weap¬ spells, Transferring a spell to your slot requires a procedure that deals idG
ons themselves function normally, skin cds-ts ina gp per spell level of points of damage per level or 1 ID of
although the wi elder cannot use them the spell. Lhe character.
two-handed. Weapon combat mods Implanting an extra body slot
cannot be disarmed or dropped (but Due to the painful nature of both requires a DC jo Craft (body modifica¬
they can be sundered normally) and these operations and the potential tions) or Heal check.
they are always considered drawn. for social stigma, most who undergo
Attaching a bludgeoning weapon these procedures wait until they can LIVING SPELLBOOK
has a Craft (body modifications) or afford to use high-qualhv magical The Skin caster rbat allows a wizard to
Heal DC of 20. A piercing weapon is weapons nr materials: Note that most tattoo new spells directly onto her skin
DC 25, while a slashing weapon's DC lawful or good civilized places frown instead of her speUboak. Unlike the
is io. upon combat mods and characters Tattoo Magic feat (Races ofFaemn, 170),
Armor: Much less common is the with them invite extra scrutiny from the wizard must still prepare spells
permanent application of armor, in law enforcement. scribed in this manner as normal. If an
which the ciafter magically burns and opponent attempts to use erase on your
warps flesh to adhere to small steel EMBEDDED HOLY tattooed spells you are allowed 3 Forti¬
plates. A character wishing to gird SYMBOL tude save to resist the spell.
himself in ibis manner gains an armor Some especially fanatical clerics In order to gain the benefits of this
bonus up to *8, at a cost of300 gp and have their holy symbols surgically procedure, you must take the Skin-
5 pounds of encumbrance per point of implanted just beneath the outer layer caster feat. Scribing spells onto your
armor bonus. Armor combat mod Inns of skill on lliei r hands, arms, cheats, flesh requires a DC to Craft (body
a maximum Dex bonus of 9 minus the or faces. Such implants raise [hr skin, modifications) or Heal check.
armor bonus, an armor check penalty showing in perfect relief the symbol
equal to the armor bonus (masterwurk beneath. Such a holy symbol must be SKIN POCKETS
armor reduces this penalty by 1 as nor¬ made from metal (usually silver) and Instead ofs wall owing or otherwise con¬
mal), and an arcane spell failure chance costs loo gp. Clerics who choose this cealing contra band, b ra ve, d es peiate, or
of 5% per point of armor bonus. Up to path sometimes report their symbols merely eccentric ch&aclers might elect
+3 armor bonus counts as light armor ache any time they start to stray from to create a skin pocket: a spoL where
and allows normal speed, an armor their chosen alignments. the outer layer of skin is flayed, blister¬
bonus of +4 to +6 counts as medium Embedding a holy symbol requires like, from the flesh beneath it but iefi
armor, and an armor bonus inf +7 ot +8 a DC 25 Craft (body modifications) or Intact save for a small opening. "His
counts as heavy armor. Ileal check. cavity can hold anything up to the size
This armor can be spiked, con¬ of a dagger. Magical healing doses this
structed from special materials, and EXTRA BODY SLOT packet with a thin layer ot skin, leaving
made magical, all tor the normal Although viewed as extreme by many, only a swollen patch of flesh capable of
costs of such treatments. Remov¬ body modification is occasionally used escaping ail buL the most careful scru¬
ing an armor comb at mod deal hi id6 to give a character access to an addi¬ tiny (granting a +6 bonus on Sleight
points of damage per level or HD tional magic item body slot A small of Hand checks made to conceal Lhe
of the character and renders the wondrous item (no larger than dag¬ items}. Accessing the pocket requires j
plates useless. Characters choosing ger) is inserted into an incision as point of slashing damage.
this modification may not wear any far from other body slots as possible, Creating a skin pocket deals Lhe
other armor, although they may still generally beneath the ribs or along Lhe standard 1 point of damage per level or
use shields. thigh. The Item functions normally HD of the character and requires a DC
Attaching light armor requires a DC even if another item aheady occupies 20 Craft (body modifications) or HeaJ
20 Craft {body modifications) ot Heal Its normal body slot. This procedure, check. Reusing Hie same skin pocket
check. Medium armor has .'1 DC of 25, however, has grave drawbacks, as the reduces the total creation damage by 1
while heavy armor's DC is 30. overlapping and conflicting magi¬ point (to 3 minium of 1). G?

September 2007 DRAGON 359 117

CLASS ACTS by .4mbrr E. Scot! * illustrated by Sieve Ellis

WIZARD GUIDE
T his guide employs charts, rules
clarifications, suggestions, and
If the wizard’s resL is interrupted
add i hour to the amount of time
[Link] references to enh suite she must rest. When the wizard pre*
ami ease the playability of the wizard. pares her apcIEs, any spells rast in ihe
last 8 hour's count against her total
SPELLS daily limit.
A wizard must prepare her spells from, The wizard requires peace arid quiet,
her spell book every day. relatively stable surroundings, and
* She must rest for 8 hours before pre- i hour to prepare spells. Disrup¬
paring her spells. She need not sleep tion, such as an injury or failing a
every minute of this rest Lime, but paving throw, disrupts the wizard's
she must remain quiet and cannot spell preparation.
engage in combat, spell casting, sfefll Preparing less I ban her full daily
use, conversation, movement, or any allotment of spells takes less thin i
other task which requires physical hour, but always at least 15 minutes,
action or concentration, A wizard may leave some spell slots
* A ring of su 5f enniice do es no L affect the unfilled and study her spell hook to
amount nf lime a Wizard must rest fid them later in the. day.
before preparing spells. A wizard can only cast spells she
has prepared.
A wizard gains bonus spells based on
her Intelligence, If a wizard wears an
item that increases her Intelligence
while resting, and all through her
daily preparation time, she gains extra
bonus spells based on her height¬
ened Intelligence. Site loses
these bonus, spell slots if
.she loses or removes the
item granting her the Intel¬
ligence bonus.
Feats: Combat Casting,
Eschew Materials,
Greater Spell Focus,
Greater Spell Pen*
etrationr Improved
Counter spelt, Magical
Aptitude, Spell Focus*
Spell Mastery, Spell
Pent Lration (Floor's
UrtJidboak); Arcane
Consumption,
t Arcane Tough*
ness. Dampen
5pellr Elven Sped
Lore, Vatic Gaze
(Pkyer's Handbook II};
Ascetic Mage, Extraor*
 SPELLBOOK IMPROVED FAMILIAR
Pages at isi-level Sources: Complete Scoundrel (CISJ, Complete Wamor (CW;:,
o^fevd spells 19 pages Forgotten Realm? Grnlpnrg/i Setting (FRCS), Payers Guide
isl-levd spells 3 pages h i per Int bonus to Foerun (PFj1 Races of Faerun (RF), Serpent [Link] (SK),
Blank 7S pages -1 pec Int bonus and lome and Blood { I B).
Total 100 pages

Familiar Alignment Caster Level Source

Adding Spells Badger N 3rd CS
* Costs ioa gp per page Bcholderkin, eyeball NE 5th FRCS
* 1 page per spell level Cat, tressym2 N 5th FRCS
* Automatically gain 2 spells per level at not cost Death Fa ngH NE 9th RF
* Add additional spells: Spell craft DC 15 +■ spell I eve]; t-l Fermi an worker LN 7th FRCS
bonus on specialty school Imp LE 7th FRCS
JaculP CE gth SK
Setl Value Lizardj spitting crawler1 N 3rd SK
* 50 gp per scribed page Lynx1 N 3rd RF
* FuN spell book is worth 5,000 gp Mlarraun* N 5th SK
Mon st rows renti ped eP 5 m a \ 1 N 2nd CS
FAMILIARS Monstrous scorpion, Small N 3rd CS
Master Natural Monstrous spider, Small rsf 4th CS
Class Level Armor Adj* Pnt Special Muckd welled LE 5th SK
ist-and +1 & Alertness, improved Night hunter bat NE 5th FRCS
evasion, share spells, Osquip1 NE 5th RF
empaLhic link Pseud ad ragon NG 7th FRCS
3 rd—4th +2 7 Deliver touch spells Quasit CE 7th FRCS
5th~6th +3 8 Speak with master Shocker lizard N 5th FRCS
ylh-Bth +4 9 Speak with animals Snake, flying3 N 3rd RF
of its kind Snake, glacier4 N 3rd SK
9th-ioth *5 io Snake, tree pythonJ CE 3rd SK
uth-uth +6 u Spell resistance Sri,ike, whipsnake4 N 3rd SK
13 th--14th +7 12 Scry on familiar Stirge N 5th FRCS
15th—a6th +8 13 — Vargoullle5 NE 6th CS
17th-i£th +g 14 — Viper. Medium N 3rd CS
jpth~20lh +10 *5 —
1 locked in Monster Menus (App^i*- Monster? ofFaerQn.
dinary Concentration, Extraordinary Spell Aim. Mobile 2 Located in Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting.
Spell casting [Compktt Advcrtum1}; Arcane Mastery, Battle 3 Located in Races of Fmrtfn.
Casterh Extra Slot, Extra Spell, Innate Spell, Ranged Spell 4 Located in Serpent Kingdoms..
Specialization, Touch Spell Specialization (CompfefeArcane}; 5 Vargoullles su mmoned as Familiars do not possess the kiss
Arcane Disciple, Spell Focus {Chans, Frit, Good, [Link]) (Com¬ supernatural ability.
plete Di^frje); Alacrituus Cogitation, BallLecasLer Defense,
Battlecaster Offense, Energy Gestalt, Ranged Recall, Resid¬
ual Magic, Somatic Weaponry, reserve teats (Complete Mutjc) SPELLBOOK
Prestige Classes: Arcane archer, arcane trickster, A wizard's spellbook has 100 pages, costs 15 gp (blank), and
archmage, eldritch "knight mystic theurge (Duncjeon Mas¬ weighs 3 pounds,
ter* Guide); alienist, argent savant, blood magus, element id - A ist-level wizard's spellbook contains all nineteen o-level
Savant, enlightened fist; fatespiuner, geometer, initiate of spells (cantrips) and three 1st ■ level spelts (phis one addi¬
the sevenfold veil mage of die Arcane Order, master Lrans- tional ist-level spell per Intelligence bonus),
mogiifetr mindbender, wayfarer guide, wild mage (Com¬ - A wizard cannot east spells directly out of her spdlhook,
plete Arcane); daggcrspcll mage (Complete Adventurer); diviis c as if it were a scroll,
orack, geomancer, xainbowr servant void disciple (Complete * A wizard must h awe her spelIho o k available i n order to pre¬
Dm rue): abjurant champion, eldritch theurge. holy s courge, pare spells, except for read magic-—which she can always
nightmare spinner, ultimate magus, unseen seer, wild sod prepare—and any spells affected by the Spd3 Mastery fcaL
{CbmpJtffe Mage}* * A wdzaxd can scribe spells from a scroll or another spell -
book into her own, S

Senlpm^r 7007 DP AGON 359 119

CLASS ACTS fry E Wesliy Schneider* illusfmkd iyj-asun Enjle

FORGOTTEN
FAITHS
C hurches and temples rise and fall
just as do LiJl works of men. Faiths
lore stems from the visions of one
man, Yakov Dilisnya, a scion of a fam¬
that spanned realms one genera¬ ily steeped in infamy and betrayal
tion are th. c b al f-forgotten s upersti ti ons Regardless of the church's question¬
of the next and deities once feared able origins, Ezra's anchorites—as her
and exalted become myths and rle rirs are known—have done much to
memories. But as long as there are order and defend ihr domains uf lhe
those who remember the old Core and beyond, even if Lhe source of
ways and keep Lhcix faith alive, their powers is unclear. The Church of
these aged gods and religions Ezra has four distinct wings, one order
never die. Presented here are for each alignment drawn Lo lhe god¬
six cast-oil creeds drawn dess's worship. The bastions of these
from D&rD's past editions, orders are found in MnrdcrUshire
resurrected tq work liieir (lawful good,), Porta-Luurine (neutral),
deilies'will once more, and Nevtichar Springs (lawful evil), hut
D amain s refere nc ed all how to the authority of the Great
herein can be found Cathedral in Levkaxest (lawful neutral).
either in the Player's Ezra’s symbol is the silhouette of a
Handbook nr the black longsword on a white kiLe shield.
System Reference Portfolio: Protection, healing, order
Document. Domains: Good, Healing, Law,
Protection.
EZRA
Demigod (Lawful Neutral) THE GUARDIAN OF
In her church's teaching?;, Ezra was DEAD GODS
once a mortal eh amp son who sacri¬ l esser God (Lawful Neutral}
ficed hersclf^-either her mor¬ 'Hie enigmatic being now known as the
tal form or her greater divin- G uard ian of Dead Gods once belonged
ity—to enter the Demiplane to the Fharonic Pantheon, where he was
oi Mi read and defend the known as Aniibis- As a deity of Lhe dead,
people Lhrre, Much [Link] guided spirits from the Mate¬
of the goddess's his¬ rial Plane Lo the appointed planes of
tory is unclear, as their right fid rewards or pimislunents.
Lhe majority of For cnunlless centuries the jackal-
■ the church's headed god carried out this duty, until
he discovered an expanse of the Astral
Plane where gargantuan stone corpses
floated in quiet neglect through
the gray infinity. These were
Hie bodies of Head gods, dei¬
ties who had been forgotten or
slain through unimaginable acts.
As Anubis explored, he found
mortals al work .iUriong the dci-
iic corpses, mining, pillaging, and

120 DRAGON 35B Auyuil 2007

exploiting the one-time gods. Incense^, sustain him, he ever hungers for richer THE QUEEN OF AIR AND
Anubis cast off his divinity and betaine repasts. He possesses two formsr in his DARKNESS
something less and more. Now, as the lurid drviausness he is rbe Rake, an Intermediate God (Chaotic Lvll)
nameless Guardian of Dead Cods, he arisLocratic dven or half-elven rogue, The sinister queen of the Unseelie Court
protects the corpses of the gods, duoi- eonnoissom and sensualist, knowb rules from a throne of shadows deep
metifts. those among the godly dead, and cdqeable of countless worlds, art forms, within PaitdrinomLQiL Bodiless and bro¬
researches the nature of divine death. and decadences’ in his other form, the ken, she is bui a presence ui chill darkness
Seemingly knowing every threat that Beast, he is a savage force, a rapacious and evil emotions that drives her enslaved
intrudes upon the god corpses, Lhe creature concerned only with gore, end¬ dven, fey, and fiendish min ions to ruin all
Guardian can appear upon any dead lessly flowing rivers of blood, and die that the Fey Court works to preserve. Yet,
god to banish fhose who would despoil end of all things that bleed. Eanchelsis the queen was not always Lbis way. Once a
the massive corpses. Still possessing is worshiped throughout the planes by stunning tarry whose beauty rivaled that
the appearance of a black Jackal-headed vampires, drowr anti nil who hunger tor of the: Scctie queen Tihmm herself she
giant, the Guardian's role within the power and luxury. was corrupted by Lhe ten-faceted Bfriik
Pharnnk Pantheon was taken up by His symbol is a bat with glowing Diamond, a mysterious yet unfethomably

a new Ann bis. Where thb deity came red eyes. powerful aitiftrt of concentrated evil
from or if the original Anubis somehow- Portfolio: Blood, debailchcryt seduc¬ Since her uonupLiour she has jealously
managed to split his power into two tion, vampirism. sought to make the entire fairy race like
entities remains unknown. Careless of Domains: Charm,, Darkness, Death, hen depraved, ugly, and emotionless
worshipers and thus rarely venerated, Evil The Queen oi Air and Darkness's
the Guardian of Dead Gods has none¬ symbol is a black diamond.
theless attracted the following of small M ELLl FLEUR Portfolio: Darkness, magic, murder,
cults throughout the Outer Planes and, Lesser Cod (Neutral Evil) evil fey.
particularly, on the Aqtral Plane. Mdhfleur was not the hist tich, nor Domains: Air, Chaos, Darkness,
The Guardian has uo official sym¬ one of the greatest mortal wizards to Trickery.
bol, but his cults often use images of evei live, although he was prrhap.s Lhe
shattered statues, gigantic silhouettes, luckiest .An arcamst of considerable RAXIVORT
and the broken symbols oi dead gods might on an unrecorded world. Md- Lesser God (Chaotic Evil)
to identify them selves. lifleur meticulously prepared himself The feeble god of crawling, linking,
Portfolio: Dead gods, for his transition into lichdom. At the slink-mo, ;in d base things, Eaxivort - - the
Domains: Death. Knowledge, Pro¬ exact moment he preformed his ritual Night Flatterer—is the patrem of the
tection, Repose. Lranstbunation, though, an evil deity oi goblinlike race known as xvarts (see
great power sought to elevate one of his DiUGON ==339)- formerly the demon
KANCHELS15 iritis' nefarious worshipers to godhood- lord Grazzfs Master of Slaves, RaxlvoTt
Intermediate God (Chaotic [Link]) Somehow Mdliflcur's elaborate arcane controls the teeming hordes of vermin
In the earliest days of creation. blood workings accidentally captured Lhe rare that infe die streets of the Dark Prince's
served as the paint with which the god magic and channeled it from its multi-layer Abvssal capitol of Zelatar, pxi-
freshly inspired deities poured out intended source to the would-be lids, TnarSy the 45111 layer known aa Fugtown
their creative works. Upon the Material catapulting the wizard's ascend ancy to Tire petty vermin god recently betrayed
Plane, the bloo d of gods took lire forms godbood. Now a god? Mellifleur delights his master though, [breaking into Graz'zls
of new- worlds, vast continents, md in evil and leading powerful spellcast- deepest vaults and maid nr? off with sev¬
countless races. On one world* though, ers down Lhe road to lichdom, yet he eral of the demon lord's most precious
Llie works of the elveri pantheon, the also opposes the efforts of a power¬ trophies along with unfathomable wealth.
Seldarine, and a nameless creator of ful evil deity—whose Identity remains Tills fI 1 eft infiiriaLcd Graz'[Link] ordered
humans intruded upon one anothcT- unclear—lest his powers rightful owner RixivorL slain, but lhe wily xvart-god has
This accidental mixture birthed a being reclaim the magic that fuels Ins divinity. gone to ground beneath Hugtown and has
possessed of the incredible beauty and Thus, from Ms realm on Gehenna, die proven that he knows these depths even
[Link] of the elder elves, but with fickle Lkh-ford works plots o± imfatb- better than the layer’s Abyssal master-
the huger and ambition of humanity. omablc evil yet occasionally aids the although some evidence exists Hurt he
More and less than both races, the thing endeavors of servants ofgood. might have escaped to Pandemonium.
became known as Kanchelsis, the first Mcllifleurs symbol is a crystal vial RaxivorL's symbol is a blue, flaming
vampire, the. darkest secret of the Seiche in a skeletal hand with a ring on its hand.
ri pe. From his gore-soaked realm in die fourth finger. Portfolio: BaLs. were rats, rats, .warts.
Abyss, Kane heists endlessly thirsts for Portfolio: Urhdqrn, magic. Domains: Animal Chaos, Evil,
blood, and while the lives of mortals Domains: Deaths Evil, Tuck, Magic. Trickery. S

Lup-ember7007 DRAGON 359 1Z1

CLASS ACTS hy Jeremy Wrtfkr ■ Stustraftd by John Gramto

THE UNIVERSAL KEY

A locked door shouldn't end an. adventure, and a
locked chest shouldn't be a symbol of frustra¬
tion, Ideally, the party rogue has come along to
deal with such obstacles, but sometimes he's missing,
Htrying something nevvIJ with his skill selection, or dead.
In such circumstances, it generally tad s to the lighter to
resolve thr situation with the aid of the |J Universal Key."
In otheT word*, by pulling out atwo-
handed weapon, using Power
Attack, and smashing the
obstacle to smithereens. Ifs a
truism i fi D^D that few prob¬
lems ejdst that Power ALLack
can't solve—in one way or
another but once in a while
the feat alone is not enough.
Some of the alternative keys
in this article sre more specialized
versions of items found in Arms and Equip¬
ment Guide, and Puntjeofl scape.

ALTERNATIVE KEYS
The following additional tools can give you a hand in those
circumstances whey] yon don’t have ;i proper rogue.
Add Injector: "this simple device resembles a long funnel
(generally made of glass or some other acid-resistant mate¬
rial) with a narrow lube at one end and a [Link] storage con¬
tainer at the other, Tt delivers a powerful arid to burn through
the hinges or locks of chests, sales, and other containers, without
wasting arid or damaging the contents of these containers. Tt takes
?, minutes to use ail add i njector to apply add to a surface. When you
use it to bypass a lock, hinge, or other vulnerable point on an. object's
surface, the pTocisc delivery doubles the damage of the acid used-
A daman tine Bull Cutter; This resembles an oversized pair of
pruning shears with a serrated inner blade. It is specifically designed
to cut Llirough metal bars, bolts, and other obstructions with, ease, and
allows the wielder to attempt to cut through any bar less than 2 inches
in diameter with a hardness less than m Adamantine bolt cutters deal
2c points of damage plus 1 -1/2 times the wielder's Strength modifier per
round, bolt 1:utters make poor weapons, serving only as clumsy Hubs (-2
on attack rolls).
Adamantine Sledge; For the serious basher, this simple sledgehammer
is perfectly balanced and crafted from solid adamantine. When you use it Lo
attack a door, wall, container, ot other object. It is a 2-handed weapon that
deals idio points of damage to the object and ignores any hardness less
than 20. Despite its forte, however, it is difficult to use as a weapon in
combat, and you sutler a -z penalty on attack rolls with it
Adamantine Toolkit: This kit contains an adamantine file,
an adamantine drill (with bits of varying sizes), and 2 small
 UNIVERSAL KEYS FIND FLAW [GENERAL]
New Equipment Cost Weight Years of experience in bashing your
Acid injector 75 gp 2 lb. way through problems has given you
Adamantine bolt cutter 250 gp 7. I k ?n Insight into the mosteffidcntSvay
Adamantine sledge 2.50U gp 15 Ch. to batter things: to pieces. You know
Adamantine toolkit 750 gP sib. just where to hiL things in order to
Iron bane acid 30 gp 1/4 lb. destroy them as rapidly as possible.
Stonebreaker add 20 gp 1/4 ib. Prerequisites: Sir 13, Power Attach
Wood ripper acid 20 gp 1/4 lb. base attack bonus +6.
Benefit; Whenever you use the
adamantine hacksaw, it is specifically Wocdrippcr Acid: This special Power Attack feat while attacking
designed to allow nonprotessiomis to form of add effects only wood and an object, you may ignore 1 point of
bypass locked doors and open locked plant creatures. One flask of this acid the object's hardness for each porn-
chests* and liie Louis aie simple and deals 3d 10 points of arid damngc to that you subtract from your attack
straightforward (if somew hat slow).. The a wood object or plant creature and roll. This reduction m hardness
drill in this Id\ allows a rhnTacter to bore ignores hardness. Woo dripper acid stacks with any special ability uT Lht
a 1/2-inclj-diameto hole in any object 3 has no effect on magically tcioforced weapon you are using to ignore or
inches thick or less and with a hardness or enchanted wood, You can throw reduce hardness (such as from an
less than ?.c with a standard action. This woodripper add as a grenadelike adamantine weapon).
is often sntFiLnent Jo remove the locking weapon, in which esse it deals full Special: A fighter may select Find
mechanism from a door or container. damage lo any nun magical wooden Flaw as one of his fighter bonus feats.
The hacksaw can saw through up to 1 armor, weapon* or shield that your
inch of material with hardness, less than target might be wearing or wielding. Prerequisites: Craft Wonderous
20 with a standard action. item, hnock, creator must have the
Ironbane Acid: This special for in NEW MAGIC ITEM shape changer subtype.
of acid aflecLs only iron and other Some parties who lack a rogue seek Cost to create: 2,250 gp, iSc XP,
metals weaker than adamantine. One more subtle (or at leasl quieter) ways of
fin5ik of this acid deaJs 3d ] c poLuts 0f bypassing locks. EXISTING KEYS
damage to a metal object or creature In addition to the items presented
made entirely of metal (such as an Skeleton Key here, otheT tools for breaking and
iron golem) and ignores hardness, Price {Item Level): 4,500 (9th) entering exist in such sources as
iron bane acid has no e licet on ada¬ Body Slot: — (held) Arms and Equipment Guide, Complete
mantine or magically reinforced or Caster Level: 3rd Adventurer, Complete Scoundrel, and
enchanted met ah You can throw iron- Aura: faint: (DC 17) [Link] EjgtngtQnstape. The items listed he low
bane acid as a grenadelike wreapon. in Activation: 1 full-round action serve multiple purposes and axe not
which case it deals full damage to any Weight: 1 lb. specifically designed to bypass or
non magical metal armor, weapon, destroy locks (although in most cases
or shield that yemr target might be TWs unusual afyeef has two distinct parts: that is how they arc used).
wearing or wielding. a .vmafi metal handle and a thin Made Arms and Equipment Guide: Boh
Stonebreakcr Acid: This special a bo Eli 4 inches JuUij. The blade is made of cutters, standardr 6 gp, 5 lb,; glass
form of add affects only stone. One a shiny blue material iv/josc suffice ripples cutter, 2 gp, 1 lb,; hacksaw, common,
Ilask of this acid deals jdio po intis of and shift s like fJie $11 fare of water. 5 gp? 1 lb.; hacksaw, superior, 20 gp,
damage to a stone object or creature 1 lb.
made entirely of stone {such as a The skeleton key is an llousual item Complete Adventurer: Locks lip
stone golem) and ignores hardness, commonly found in the possession greaser 50 gp, o lb. (alchemical item);
Sfronebreaker arid has no effect on of doppelgangers and their ilk, who hmgsponn thieves' tools, 80 gp, 3 lb,;
magi rally reinforced or enchanted have an affinity with its shapeshilling masterwofk lungspoou thieves' tools,
stone. You can throw sLonebreaker properties. When inserted info a com¬ 150 gp, _i lb.
add a 5 a grenade like weapon r in mon Jour luck Llit blade Tipples and Complete Scoundrel; Rust cube,
which case it deals full damage writhes into the precise shape of the ico gp, 0 1b, (alchemical item).
lu any nonmagi cal stone object key needed to open the lock, even if the Duiagfionscape: Hacksaw, adaman¬
that your target might be carrying. luuk ih, much bigger ur much smaller tine* 600 gpr 1 lb,; hacksaw, common,
StoncbreakcT acid originally than the blade. Any lock that can be 5 gp, 1 lb.; hacksaw, superior, 20 gp, 1
appeared on page 35 of the Arms find unlocked with a physical key can also lb.; locks lick. 180 gp: /?. lb. (alchemi¬
Equipment Currie, be unlocked with a jiJfcffcftin b:y. cal item). dZ

September 2007 DRAGON 359 123

CLASS ACTS by Monte Coofc (a garner who's really going to miss Dragon) ■ illustrated by James Zhang

ARCANE LORE
ABILITIES
T he fruits of arcane knowledge
coml1 in, the form of spells Lo
well-known spells .md abilities carefully
cataloged and classified by mages every¬
east, familiar companions, and where. there still remains a mystery and
the ability to craft magic items. But a majesty of magic—no matter how
delving long into the lore of the super¬ much is defined, there will always be
natural, poring over dusty, nrnr-forgot¬ more than mortals know of its power.
ten tomes by candlelight until well into All of these feats grant supernatural
the witching hour and beyond, gives abilities. They cannot be dispelled, but
access to even more secrets than just they are suppressed in an auiinuitjkjkid.

those known to every simple appien-

Lice. The benefits of being truly e rs ed COUNTENANCE OFTHE
ha the arcane arts transform the body MAGE
and soul of Lhe mage. [Link] ancient magical secrets to con¬
While defined as feats, it’s trol your appearance.
impoi&tto note that these abili¬ Prerequisites: Lilt ij, Cha u, arcane
ties axe different from standard caster level 9th.
fra* sr at lea it in flavor These Benefit: You can alter vout appear¬
should, be assumed to be Lhe ance in subtle ways. Firs I and Foremost,
results pfEmdredii of hours of you can rid yourself oi dust, dirt, sweat,
research, Their secrets are often and grime using a full round of Lon-
1 unlocked by accident, while cm [ratio 31 whenever you wish. Like¬
looking Iqt an entirely wise, you can dry yourself style (and
d i fir rent secret in some color) your hair, shave or trim (or color)
book o (ancient lore, or your facial or body hair. These are all
making the tiniest of also fuU-xound actions,
errors while practicing If desired.„ you can adopt a single
a newly discovered spell. cosmetic affcctationH such as curi¬
Mages learn of them in ously shaped or colored evesf hair that
Lhe whispers of bound waves in an otherwise unfclL breeze, a
demons or the songs of strangely-shaped shadow, ana so forth.
caged angels. This affectation is permanent once
Arcane lore abili¬ chosen, cannot be changed, and has no
ties manifest as Lhe game died.
result of the intrica¬ Lastly, you can designate a single
cies of' magic. The it non-magical container no larger than 3
very existence sug¬ Feel by 3 feet by ^ feet into which yon
gests well springs of must place nothing but noninagical
eldritch knowledge apparel or jewelry, .By concentrating
capabilities for a round, yon can conjure any article
as yet untapped. hi the container and have iE appear on
Despite all the your body, instantly wearing it. If you
so desire. Idle clothing you wear in that
same position can be transferred back
to the cunlainer at the same time. Thus,
you can change
your clothing arid your jewelry when glide along the ground* You move at frightened for icLi+i rounds (no save).
you wish. You can conjure a warm dbak youj1 normal speed. Not only does this Creatures who hear your name must
for a chili evening, or simply dress provide a surprising visual effect, this make a Will save (DC 10 4 your arcane
appropriately for dinner at a moment allows you Lo move as long as your spdlcaSttng level -1- your Cha bonus; or
notice, in no way does this enable you feet touch the ground, even if they are become frightened for 3 rounds. Even
to conjure weapons or gear, bound. Further, you gain a +2 bonus those who succeed on die saving throw
on Balance cheeks and a 44 bonus on arc shaken for 1 round. Neither your
EARS OFTHEMAGE Reflex saves made to avoid falling (such presence nor knowledge of you lias any
You use arcane lore to enhance your as into a pit) or traps triggered by Step¬ effect on thi.s ability. Your name rtsdfhas
hearing to a supernatural degree. ping onLo die lloor. gained an inherent power all its own*
Prerequisites: frit 13, arcane caster This is a mind-affecting fear effect,
level 14th. HANDS OFTHE MAGE
Benefit: You designate one specific, You develop a supernatural affin¬ PRE5ENCE OFTHE MAGE
proper name. Thereafter, if anyone ity between your hand.? and a spe¬ Your delving into secrets unknown to
within a radius of 10 miles per your cific object using the nearly forgotten mortals has forever changed you on an
arcane spell-caster level speaks that teachings of a for-off time or place. Intangible level*
name, you hear it and instantaneously Prerequisites: Int 13, area ns raster Prerequisites: Inf u, Cha 17, arcane
know the direction of distance to, and level 14th. caster level iStlr
name of the speaker. No concentration Benefit: You can designate one Benefit Allies within 25 feet of you are
or notion is rr qi 1 ired to gain th i s kn 0 w I - object that you own and can lift on heartened and gain a +i morale bonus
edge, Incoming information docs nut your own without magical aid* The on saving throws and attack nulls.
distract or hinder you, although the object must have been in your posses¬ Non-aliied creatures within 25 feet
DM is free lo adjudicate that if ± greaL sion for at least a week and a day. Once of you arc slightly unnerved and suf¬
many people speak the name at once, designated, you can have the item fly fer a -1 penalty 011 saving throws and
the incoming information is lost, so to your hand(s) via telekinesis as long attack rolls.
wise mages choose uncommon names* as you can See it and have line of effect Further, nalural animals shy away
Most choose their own name. to iL dhe item travels to you in 1 round, from you, becoming uneasy within
You may choose a new name as a avoiding obstacles, regardless of dis¬ 2-1 feet. Any attempt by you or your
standard action once per year, but only tance. This is a free actio n. allies to influence an animal using a
one name can he designated at a time- Further, the item can be conjured to Charisma-based skill or ability (such
appear instantaneously in your hand as Handle Animal or wild empathy)
EYES OFTHEMAGE from any distance once per week. This within this area suffers a —1 penalty.
You master rare mysteries to enhance requires, a fill I round of concentration. Ride checks made within the area suf
your vision* You may designate a new object only fer a -2 penalty.
Prerequisites: int 13, arcane caster if the previous item is destroyed. Oth¬ The Latter two effects are mitid-
level 12th* erwise. your choice is permanent and affeding tear effects.
Benefit: Your eyes glow with a super¬ cannot be changed. The new object
natural sheen, granting you chrkvirion must meet all the same requirement's VOICE OFTHE MAGE
and low-light vision, if you already have of this feat as Lhc previous item. Prerequisites: InL 13, arcane caster
darkvision due hn your race, the range of Special: You may lake this feat mul¬ level 16th*
Llie darkvi Sion is increased by 6c feet. tiple times. Each Eime you doryou must Benefit: You can niter and modulate
Further, your eyesight becomes abso- choose a different item. your voice Lo give you a host of differ¬
lutcly perfect. You gain a bonus on ent vocal effects, making you sound
Search checks and a +1 insighL bonus NAME OF THE MAGE terrifying nr alien. You gain a +1 bonus
on all Tanged attacks due to a particu¬ Byplumbmgthe depths of el dritch knowl¬ on Disguise, Intimidate, and Perform
lar keenness of vision* edge, you have discovered dim secrets no checks made when using your voice.
mortal was ever meant to know. In addition, you can speak in a
FOOTSTEPS OFTHE MAGE Prerequisites: Arcane caster level 20th. normal tone, or even a whisper, to
Using obscure arcane fore, you gain Benefit: .Anyone other than you who creatures within 1 mile)* You may
die 1 bilLty to glide i ny?teriousiy along speaks your name L>ecomes greatly 1 I loose to cause sped-fir listeners
the ground. unnerved, as arc all who hear il (other (rather than all within shouting
Prerequisites: Int 13, arcane caster than you). If die creature who speaks distance) to hear your voice, but you
level mthr your name has as many or more Hit Dice must be aware of ihrir presence and
Benefit You can move without actu¬ as voujie is shaken fur 3 rounds (no save); general location. No line of sight or
ally taking steps. Instead, your leet if he has fewer I fit Dice than you, be is line ol effect is needed, however* 2

September 2007 DRAGON 359 125

COMICS

by Aaron Williams hr every vengeance there it an

umju w. [Link] equal and opposite revengeance.
XANP WE'RE X THAT’S X WE'VE JUST XI
WE TOOK OUT THE GOBLIN ARCHDUKE, / SEEN KILLING STUFF \
AND WE STOPPED THE DROWFS* FROM STILLKNOWN WHAT I-
FOR NOT BEING WE HEAR ABOUT FROM
"XjAKING OVER THE JNDSEPAEK. TAVERN RUMORS. NOBODY
ABLE TO SAVE
OUR OWN HOME COMES TO HIRE THE
X^THENWE
S TOWN? X "LOSER BRIGADE.11 we
' STOPPEP "THOSE 7^1 LxArtwiETFIhK \ MIGHT AS ‘WELL /
WHATSlTS FROM THAT 1 XaTiIS ays hans it up.
OTHER DIMENSION FROM I ttnT ?j£
POLLUTING THE OCEANS AX+Sh™
. WITH... WHAT WERE /1
X. THEY AGAIN?

HA-HAAA!
AT LAST/
X WE’VE x_
' FINALLY PONE >
tt, MY FRIENDS OUR
ANCIENT ENEMIES
. HAVE BEEN
V BROKEN! X
* AUA OBOW, HALF tWARF.
TRY HOT TO JMMf ABOUT fT.

y THAT’S X r TRY EATING X WAT’ DON'T YOU SEE?

OUR REVENUE? RAVENLOFT i THIS IS THE WORST THING WE COULD
1 CAME ALL THE sometime, rr S 1 po TO THEM! THEIR SPIRITS ARE
WAY FROM THE WORSE THAN v CRUSHED! THEIR LIVES ARE
TOMB OF GETTING OUT OF y>^r MEANINGLESS! s--
MINP F I
horrors FOR r^JURY DUTY. A r HITCH A RiPE? I'M
X THIS? a NOT INTO MY ' WA. / QUEEN \ < f
MUSHROOM FORM <4U fA&TARTE \ ,—
ANYMORE, SO I ‘MX {TO PAYING OFF Y ^ rV
WONT MOLD IP YOUR It/' THE NOBLES TS\
L UPHOLSTERY. A AXpX \ TO IGNORE j PA
r 'V \\ THEM, / " fV\

WE PICKED UP YOUR SCRYING A FEW r ASP TTS > X YOU HIRED X

PAYS AGO. I HOPE YOU LIKED THE THAT GYGAX THESE PEOPLE- r WEREN’T
PHANTASMAL HOME MOVIE GUYI HOWS IT BLAME YOUR INHUMAN YOU THE ONE
j> r- YOU’VE BEEN WATCHING. s GOLN’? a RESOURCES WHO SAT ON
X ,DEPARTMENT. A ME FOR TWO
/ I FOLLOWED X .MONTHS? y
THEIR iCKY-POO
r FOB. THE ™
“RESIDUE OF RECORD, J WAS ■ UH... “
NAUGHTINESS71 RECRUITED BY KiNDA. I THINK
FROM THAT RUDE TS SAFE TO
GRAFFITI ABOUT TRACY AND LAURA
V HICKMAN. ^ SAY WE BOTH
US IN THE SUFFERED A
V ADVENTURER'S J V LOT... y
\ GUILD BATH->
X ROOM, yr

126 DRAGON 359 September 2007

COMICS

1VE SAID IT
BEFORE, AMD I LL
SAY IT AGAIN “DARK
ROLE PLAYING IS
WAAAAAAAAAY
WHOOP
OVERRATED F0R6QT TO
START THE

\ 7
HUSIC..

D°-v> ?

*EL'*V,^OP
RVW

SO LONG, AND THANKS FOR ALL THE FISH!

©2001 SHETLAND PRODUCTIONS 30UN@[Link] W [Link]
UVEJOURhJAL: MUSkRAT~[Link]/ ^oo6^£Kfw
MY6PACE: WWW [Link]/MUSKRAT_30UW L dor* T0Wt*

12S DRAGON 359 September 2007

 Tbs

Stick
UK, Dragon, ^hmmhb
I'm not N Ctich Burlew
Sure I m allowed
r Through^ to, that room
lest i:uj. last pao-cX _ the back door, contains— ^A^Just
Le t ’ s make this gu i tk r T
^ [Link]._i rv!
we have a meeting in V ^o! Von w
l Rhode Is [and in £Q J^L can’t! JB
QIC,, jump
mmules. ^ /"
on, everyone^

WARNING?
F-rernn^.H rtfir,
nf pir«i> ar aiKef
FjlrlJ;r-

Apologies,

Eh, don' t
Yes! The ^ f thank us We just
Get back ^ r The webr ^ sweet Taste of provided a largely symbolic!
here, you web comic you Say?....Now freedom1 Thank gesture that doesn't A
punks! T 'I kick your there's an you1 V actually change
^unoriginal butts! j idea... ^ anyth
§W*m
we should
*r 1 }fif K V be fhonking

For what?

September 2007 DRAGON 359 129

COMICS

mxrnr
Hj^srfl LA WTOVAV WE'RE STORIES ARB DIFFERENT FRO A PEAL UfF
Vl'STA, / TALKING PECflUSF, UJ A STOfty. YOU CAN PICK* f\
AMIGQS-1 4\ ABOUT SEQUENCE Of EVENTS LUJTH A AftiXtMUM OF
--v^AX^ENWU&Sf j £XC!TFXfWT PATHOS, AND SO Or/- /*MP AT
A CERTAIN POrMF, PfCCflRE "THE f/JjD"
WITHOUT Kfl\//WO TO PEAL WiTH THE LESS
7?/rtA; tSLftAfO^OgS AFTEKyyjfrTTf,

>UPFRFUND
LEAN-UP
SITE

pEATH HAS fltmVZ 0E£AJ A POPULAR FADING- IF MOST PfoPlE PREFER. HAPPY ENDINGS —
OMIY BECAUSE T'S so FWAL„, as long-
AS YOU'RE NOT TElulHG- A STOftY ABOUT OKAV-f/AIFf TOLI ARF DECLARED RULER OF
GHOSTS, \J AM HIRES, UCHES. ZOM& IBS, Tfft EARTH? WEALTH, FAME AN V (GLORY
gods, VBMoros. HBvi\nncATio/u APE YOURS T YOUR EFlEM/ES PftLL AT YOUR
super -Heroes. FEET AND YOLlA PSION LASTS ft
THOUSAND VEAPSF HAPPY?/
FOOLS? VOuCANtiOTKOL
ABF T AM PROTECTED SY ^fAND YOU SAID X SHOULD*
A FORCE TOO FOmpFOL- CHOCK- THE RiNG INTO SHOT
TO RESIST— A THE VOLCANO. OP.
SUCCESSFUL WfUH&r

S»*L
sgl»
ffr'si
WHILE SOME STORYTELLERS ANV SOME TIMES THE MOST'' S7CIST AS LONG AS YOU AVOID
NEVER DO SET AfiouNp SATISFYING ENDING IS THAT AU. TIME U>ORS,T~
T° ENDING THINGS. achieved by simply o-n/ffi/G <r l. i cuE EAID!NO- ■ > >
THE REAVERS WHAT WEY WANT
CUKT u/HflT ARE"
-ANP THIS LUIll BE DOB VHK VOO VoiNGr
LAST SHOT AT FfNMVf JTwELLT
Doing spyanvd * Dry1 c-kay:
m—^K7/-~^T O'VF AfF
VA HAND?

IWIFil
of w
MBWWlWfii
.'aec-zfuDfi^
.CiMHmCK *
■TRtio&yr

-TRANK YOU- ANQGOCP NIGHT/

130 DRAGON 359 Sep Lumber 2007