Omen of the Black Dragon
Mike Phillips
[m s phil] at [birds.wm.edu]
[Once again, I find it necessary to make a prefatory remark or two.
This adventure was run after The Scarlet Scarring, and like its
predecessor, it owes its existence to John R. Troy
<[j troy] at [GEnie.geis.com]>. He came up with the original idea, I just
fleshed it out into a module-like format. This is not to say that I
never come up with an original adventure, merely that he has given me a
lot of useful stuff while I've been developing background and other
necessaries.]
Player's Introduction:
HP's with any of the following K/S Areas will experience a dream:
Astrology, Divination, Fortune Telling, Mysticism, or Priestcraeft.
> A strange dream invades your sleep. It begins with a view of the sea,
> extending to the horizon, waves gently rolling across your vision.
> Then, you see clouds forming, and a sinuous, black reptile, with a long
> body and fearsome snout, tears its way free of the waves. Floating in
> the air above the water, it looks about, almost as if frightened. If
> you are not mistaken, it appears to be a stylized dragon, not unlike
> those found on heraldic symbols.
> The clouds continue to roil, forming into a dark mass, from which
> pounces a giant black cat. The dragon makes an attempt to dodge, but
> the cat chases it. The black clouds issue forth a horrible serpent,
> which rains insects and demons. The dragon, in its attempt to escape,
> destroys many of these foes, but it is eventually subdued by the giant
> cat.
> In the background, at the edge of the waters, you see land. In fact,
> if you are not mistaken, it appears to be the coastline of Vargaard! A
> roar, or perhaps plea, for help issues from the dragon as it is
> swallowed by the cat, and then the vision fades, and you awaken.
The Markthegn, your employer, summons you the morning following this
strange dream. He gestures to one of his advisors. "Guillaume is my
chief Diviner, as you may know. He has worked long and hard to come
into contact with Taknari Chang, a powerful and aged indentured servant
from Ch'in, who has served his masters willingly."
He clears his throat. "Until recently, that is. He is now enslaved,
and employed by a dishonorable man. He seeks escape, warning that all
Vargaard must beware the coming of Darkness. His intent is to aid us,
for he believes that the Evil will appear here first." Tarrant shakes
his head. sighing. "He is currently being held on a ship, registered in
Hispanola, and your job is to get him off."
As you consider questions to ask, he holds up a hand. "Discretion is
very important. I cannot stress that enough. A war with Hispanola
would wreck this nation, economically if not militarily. To that end,
you will be given one of the most precious items from the state arsenal,
our flying carpet. Also, you will be given a small rod which has been
attuned to Taknari's spirit. You can use it to track him. Regrettably,
we do not know where the ship currently is, although Taknari's
communication indicated that it might be docked at Falcondon."
He stands, concluding, "It is extremely important that discretion is
exercised, and that he is brought to us safely. That is why I am
entrusting him to you. Best of luck, and my seneschal will conduct you
to the arsenal to collect the carpet." He and his advisors sweep from
the room.
JM's Introduction:
This adventure takes place in the harbor of Lisolet, the second-largest
city in Grandmark. The adventure is designed for 4 to 6 beginning HP's,
probably with fewer than 20 AP/G's apiece. Note that a cleverly-played
Morlaxa vs. inexperienced players playing Heka-users will probably
overmatch them. Keep in mind her tendency to 'toy' with her victims,
and the desire to tantalize and torture rather than kill.
I. Falcondon's Harbor
Finding the vessel on which Taknari is imprisoned is a trivial task,
although the HP's should approach it with some caution (after all,
Grandmark and Falcondonia are quietly preparing for war with each
other). The situation should be tense, and the HP's should hopefully
manage to get to Falcondon, probably by flying and over the water, under
the cover of night.
The Markthegn's information is correct, and, among the many vessels at
anchor and docked, there is a carrak registered to Hispanola in the name
of Don Canbuva. The vessel, the Conquistador, sways gently where it is
moored. Regardless of the time of night, two crew-members are on watch,
one fore and one aft, calling out to each other every fifteen minutes.
If it is early in the evening, the crew will likely be carousing, as
they have several days yet before they leave. However, the harbor is
patrolled by two small skiffs of Falcondonian men-at-arms, the Harbor
Guard. They are on the look out for smugglers and other suspicious
people.
If the HP's are patient, they will discover that daytime is a bad time
to attack (too many witnesses), in the early evening the vessel is
nearly deserted, but there are harbor guards around, but in the wee
hours of the morning, the vessel (like all of the harbor) is quiet and
still. This is, indeed, the best time to approach (the crew will mostly
be asleep, the mercenaries will likely be asleep as well, although
Morlaxa might actually be awake).
The Conquistador will depart one week after the HP's arrive in
Falcondon, heading towards Wildedge, should the HP's wait that long.
II. The Carrak Conquistador
The Conquistador is an impressive vessel, and its current crew numbers
about 150 (fairly small for a vessel this size). There is a complement
of 20 Dakhlan mercenaries on board as well, all under the command of Don
Canbuva (who, in turn, is working with Morlaxa, so her commands are
obeyed as well). The crew will generally not be predisposed to
molesting the HP's, provided that they avoid molesting the crew.
However, the sentries will call out an alert should the HP's be seen
sneaking on board, and that will rouse the alarm.
Provided the HP's have not lost the wand, they will be able to locate
the cabin which holds Taknari with ease (it is a room near the Captain's
quarters in the aft section of the vessel). The door is locked, but it
is easily opened from the outside (the key is hanging on the wall).
Opening the door without murmuring the word "Morlaxa" will cause the
Trigger Effect lain on the door to take effect, which sends a silent
alarm to Morlaxa. She will instantly be aware that the door has been
inappropriately opened, and she will undertake some Divination Castings
to determine who is seeing Taknari.
Taknari is easily untied and released, although he will be missing all
of his equipment and components. Fortunately, he has lain a specific
casting of his own devising upon certain pieces, and he knows their
direction at all times. It is a trivial matter to find the room holding
that chest, also a locked room (this time, however, the key is not
hanging on the wall), an officer's study.
Within the room, the chest stands on a table, and there are a couple
chairs scattered about. It is otherwise unfurnished. The chest has a
particularly complicated series of Triggered Effects and multi-part
dweomers. First. a second silent alarm will alert Morlaxa to the
current state of affairs, and she will waken (and sober) the Captain if
he is asleep (see III. Final Confrontation for full details). Second,
it will summon an Atlantlan Spirit Warrior (see OP's section for full
details). If this is an inadequate challenge for the HP's, feel free to
make it two or three. Third, it will cause a magickal silence within
the confines of the room, to last for a full hour. The upshot of the
latter will be that the players cannot communicate their actions to one
another and should submit actions by note, and any specifically verbal
effect (e.g. a command word) cannot be performed. All attacks and
Castings will otherwise go off normally. Any and all Perception checks
should be made at least at one DR more difficult, if not several
(depending on how important auditory clues might be).
At any rate, after defeating the Spirit Warrior, they will likely flee
towards their carpet in order to escape. A surprise or two awaits them
yet!
III. Final Confrontation
Upon receiving the first silent alarm, Morlaxa will immediately awaken
(if asleep, which she will not be during most of the night), and she
will head to the Captain's quarters, where she will awaken and sober him
as necessary. Upon receiving the second alarm, knowing that the
infiltrators are in an area of silence, she will quickly gather the
Dakhlan mercenaries and seek out their means of egress (such as the
carpet), and she will gather them there.
In the meantime, the Captian will take a quick look at his crew, and if
it looks like they have been abused or some members slain, he will rouse
them to defend the ship. Note that the crew will be unlikely to fight,
unless one or more of them are slain or otherwise injured. If they are
simply put to sleep or confined, they will probably not be angry enough
to do anything about it. Either way, Don Canbuva will seek out Morlaxa
and join her. If the HP's are very quick, they will reach the carpet,
Morlaxa, and the mercenaries before he does, although he will join them
about 10 CT's later.
By the time the HP's reach the carpet, Morlaxa will have summoned an
Air Elemental (or possibly a Water Elemental, although the latter is
unlikely if she has found the carpet), and the 20 mercenaries and the
witch will certainly be ready for the HP's.
The exact direction taken in the combat will vary considerably by the
party, but Morlaxa will be concerned with self-preservation enough that
the mercenaries will be between her and the HP's, and the Air Elemental
will flank them. If/when she becomes seriously threatened, and it is
obvious that they are losing, she will dive overboard (protected by her
Cape) and swim some distance away (completely submerged, since she can
breathe water while wearing the Cape and expending small amounts of
Heka), only to bring out her Broom and fly away.
Don Canbuva will assault the HP's with fury, although he will flee if
pressed and attempt to gather the crew (if he has not already done so).
Note that if he is accompanied by the crew, the HP's will have a
particularly difficult time, but the crew can probably be frightened
away by the HP's providing a really flashy show of devastating magick.
If overwhelmed, the HP's will be imprisoned and sold to a slave caravan
in a short while.
If the HP's are successful in escaping, and Morlaxa is still alive, she
will implore her Master to send a Sky Serpent after them. The request
will be granted, and possibly more than one will be sent if life isn't
challenging enough already for the HP's. Unless immobilized and somehow
slain, Morlaxa will likely become a long-term villain, as she does not
take defeat easily.
IV. Loose Ends/Other Threads
The Markthegn will be pleased if Taknari is delivered to him, and he
will promptly employ the diviner. Taknari will warn that evil is
clouding the horizon, but he is uncertain what shape it may take. The
carpet will need to be returned to the Markthegn's arsenal (it is, after
all, intended primarily for important state missions). If the HP's
successfully take the Shocksword from Don Canbuva, or any of the devices
or paraphernalia from Morlaxa, they will be permitted to keep it.
If victory is total, the EP's slain or captured, the pursuing fiends
destroyed, Taknari recovered, and a major international incident
avoided, an award of 15 to 20 AP/G's (depending on the time required to
complete the mission) should not be unresonable. However, since Morlaxa
will flee if obviously facing defeat, and a major confrontation is
likely to kick up a stink, this is a very unlikely outcome!
If Taknari is delivered to the Markthegn, and things go fairly well,
the HP's deserve around 10 AP/G's (half that if an international
incident is started, a bare 2 AP/G's if war is precipitated).
If the HP's are forced to retreat, leaving Taknari in the hands of the
EP's, then they should be given a second chance, provided they pursue
the vessel. Give them 2 or 3 AP/G's for trying, then half their earned
reward upon successful completion of the mission.
As for the evil threatening Vargaard, it is up to the JM. One very
obvious suggestion (and the one I am using, at least for now, in my own
campaign) is that the evil tide will be directed by an Atlantlan ancient
and evil power. The same one, in fact, with whom Morlaxa and her mentor
signed Pacts, and possibly the same Fiend behind some (or all) of the
covens in Falcondonia. Worse, the forces employed by this evil being
are linked to the Accursed, and to certain Unseelie creatures (including
a band of Slaugh which will attempt to infiltrate Grandmark by offering
to become advisors to the current Markthegn, Tarrant!)
V. Magick Items and New Castings
The following are several magickal items encountered in the Omen of the
Black Dragon, and they are unique to this module. In addition, a
Casting used by Morlaxa (but not found anywhere on the vessel) is
detailed as well.
The Shocksword: This long sword appears ordinary, except for the
beautiful sapphire in its hilt and the slight blue tint to the blade.
In battle, it causes damage as per a normal long sword, plus 1D6 points
of Electrical damage (which can quickly prove telling against a
heavily-armored opponent). In addition, the shocksword is able to throw
up to six bolts of lightning per day. The first lightning bolt is at no
cost, but each additional lightning bolt costs 10 Heka per bolt for each
additional bolt thrown (i.e. 10 for the second bolt, 30 (10+20) for the
third, 60 (10+20+30) for the fourth, and so on). This Heka is drawn
from the persona wielding the blade. In no case may the blade throw
more than six bolts in any given 24 hour period. Each bolt of lightning
causes 6D6 points of Electrical PD, emanates from the tip of the blade,
and reaches as far as a full rod. The bolt is a mere five feet wide, so
it is unlikely that more tha two people can be caught by it.
The Flying Carpet: By means of a command word, the pilot may establish a
temporary link with the carpet, which allows him to concentrate on the
carpet and direct its movement. While so directing, the pilot may not
engage in any other activity that requires any amount of concentration
(such as weaving a Casting or combat), unless he sets the carpet on a
straight course and makes no further adjustments.
Dweomercraeft, General (Grade III)
Morlaxa's Unbreakable Silence Cantrip
Time: 1 CT per STEEP Other Heka Costs:
Area: sphere, 1 rod radius per 10 STEEP R&D: Nil
Distance: 1 chain Other: Nil
E/F/M: This Cantrip causes all sound within the area to be completely
silenced, causing difficulties with coordination of effort and
communication. Castings can still be focused (unless they have a
specific verbal component, such as naming a True Name, or a Command must
be delivered to the subject) with no additional penalty, but Perception
is stunted because of the lack of audial clues.
VI. OP's
Crew members
M: 60, EL: 48 P: 70, WL: 52, CL: 63 S: 60, EL: 48
MM: 30 MR: 30 PM: 35 PN: 35 SM: 30 SP: 30
MMCap: 12 MRCap: 12 PMCap: 17 PNCap: 17 SMCap: 12 SPCap: 12
MMPow: 9 MRPow: 9 PMPow: 14 PNPow: 14 SMPow: 9 SPPow: 9
MMSpd: 9 MRSpd: 9 PMSpd: 14 PNSpd: 14 SMSpd: 9 SPSpd: 9
Initiative Modifiers: -6 with short sword
Attacks:
Attack FAC Attacks/CT DT Damage
Short Sword 27 3/2 P 3D6
Armor:
Area Pierce Cut Blunt Fire Chem. Stun Elec.
Ultra 3 5 2 5 5 1 5
Super 3 5 2 5 5 1 5
Vital 3 5 2 5 5 1 5
Non 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Average 2 3 1 3 3 0 3
Armor: Clothing, treat as Byrnie
Average Armor: 2
Commentary/Description:
The crew serves the Conquistador first, and Hispanola second. While
they are privateers (or at least crew on a privateering vessel), they
will look out for themselves first and each other second. They will
likely flee from a serious-looking party that is well-armed and armored,
although they can be incensed if significantly affronted or if one of
their number is slain. They are easily spooked by significant displays
of magick.
Dakhlan Mercenaries
M: 60, EL: 48 P: 75, WL: 56, CL: 67 S: 60, EL: 48
MM: 30 MR: 30 PM: 45 PN: 30 SM: 30 SP: 30
MMCap: 12 MRCap: 12 PMCap: 17 PNCap: 12 SMCap: 12 SPCap: 12
MMPow: 9 MRPow: 9 PMPow: 14 PNPow: 9 SMPow: 9 SPPow: 9
MMSpd: 9 MRSpd: 9 PMSpd: 14 PNSpd: 9 SMSpd: 9 SPSpd: 9
Initiative Modifiers: -2 with long sword
Attacks:
Attack FAC Attacks/CT DT Damage
Long Sword 36 3/2 C/P 4D6
Armor:
Area Pierce Cut Blunt Fire Chem. Stun Elec.
Ultra 13 25 9 11 9 11 -6
Super 12 37 24 11 11 13 -13
Vital 10 20 7 8 8 8 -3
Non 11 22 8 9 7 11 -6
Average 11 26 12 9 8 10 -7
Armor: Chain, Byrnie, Skull Cap (iron), Camail, Boots
Average Armor: 9
Commentary/Description:
The Dakhlan Mercenaries report to Don Canbuva first and Morlaxa second.
They will almost certainly not be encountered (since they bunk fore and
Taknari is in the aft compartments) until the very end. They are
dedicated to their commission and well aware that there is nowhere for
them to run on the boat, and that neither Morlaxa nor Don Canbuva will
be nice to them if they flee. They will fight to the death if put into
such a situation (although they will surrender honorably if and only if
they are definitively losing and are offered the chance).
Don Canbuva (Privateer)
Vocation: Pirate
SEC: 7
M: 92, EL: 73 P: 106, WL: 79, CL: 95 S: 74, EL: 59
MM: 46 MR: 46 PM: 53 PN: 53 SM: 40 SP: 34
MMCap: 16 MRCap: 16 PMCap: 19 PNCap: 19 SMCap: 14 SPCap: 14
MMPow: 16 MRPow: 16 PMPow: 17 PNPow: 17 SMPow: 13 SPPow: 10
MMSpd: 14 MRSpd: 14 PMSpd: 17 PNSpd: 17 SMSpd: 13 SPSpd: 10
Attractiveness: 12
Joss: 5
Initiative Modifiers: -5 for Shocksword
Major K/S Areas:
Combat, Hand Weapons 51
Combat, HTH Lethal 51
Combat, Hand Weapons, Missile 51
Criminal Activities, Physical 41
Seamanship 51
Navigation 51
Swimming/Diving 41
Endurance 41
Attacks:
Attack FAC Attacks/CT DT Damage
Shocksword 57 2/CT C/P 4D6+8*
* plus 1D6 points of Electrical damage
Armor Chart:
Area Pierce Cut Blunt Fire Chem. Stun Elec.
Ultra 18 39 21 13 13 20 -13
Super 15 34 19 10 12 17 -10
Vital 10 20 7 8 8 8 -3
Non 14 28 14 11 11 13 -10
Average 14 30 14 10 11 14 -9
Average Armor: 12
Armor: Crested Helm, Brassarts, Chausses, Camail, Boots, Byrnie,
Chainmail (If he has time, or is used as a continuing villian, note that
he would normally weare more - this assumes a night-time attack and
minimal time to put on armor)
Heka-Generation Chart:
K/S Area STEEP Heka Generated Notes
Fortune Telling 31 31 + 10 = 41
Endurance 41 41 + 17 = 58
Pantheology 33 33 + 0 = 33
Total 238 (including P TRAIT)
Commentary/Description:
Don Canbuva is a domineering man, and he is the Captain of the
Conquistador (assigned to the vessel after the death of the previous
Captain). He is a good and effective leader, both on land and at sea,
and he is committed to Hispanola. He is moderately protective of
Morlaxa, although he is well-aware that she can generally take care of
herself. He is prone to drink, however, and he spends many evenings
sleeping off the effects of a night of rowdy partying.
Strategy:
Don Canbuva will likely not have much time to get into his armor, so he
will throw on the pieces mentioned above very quickly, grab his magickal
sword and begin rallying the crew. In general, he will fight until it
is obvious that he is losing, at which point he will flee (and try to
rally crew or mercenaries, as necessary). If he has time, he will throw
on some other armor (some greaves, epillirons, breastplate, gauntlets,
etc).
Morlaxa (Elemental Mage & Witchcraefter)
Vocation: Mage (Elemental School)
SEC: 5
M: 118, EL: 94 P: 76, WL: 57, CL: 68 S: 100, EL: 80
MM: 58 MR: 58 PM: 38 PN: 38 SM: 50 SP: 50
MMCap: 20 MRCap: 20 PMCap: 14 PNCap: 14 SMCap: 18 SPCap: 18
MMPow: 20 MRPow: 20 PMPow: 12 PNPow: 12 SMPow: 16 SPPow: 16
MMSpd: 18 MRSpd: 18 PMSpd: 12 PNSpd: 12 SMSpd: 16 SPSpd: 16
Attractiveness: 18
Joss: 9
Major K/S Areas:
Combat, Hand Weapons 31
Espionage 30
Subterranean Orientation 30
Heka-Generation Chart:
K/S Area STEEP Heka Generated Notes
Dweomercraeft, General 61 61 + 118 = 179
Dweomercraeft, Elemental 61 61 + 58 = 668
Dweomercraeft, Black 51 51 + 20 = 71
Witchcraeft 51 51x5 + 50 = 305 Pact (x5)
Divination 41 41 + 18 = 59
Sorcery 21 21 + 16 = 37
Conjuration 41 41 + 16 = 57
Alchemy 34 34 + 50 = 84
Astrology 34 34 + 18 = 52
Exorcism 31 31 + 18 = 49
Heka-Forging 31 31 + 38 = 69
Magick 61 61 + 118 = 179
Metaphysics 34 34 + 18 = 52
Pantheology 30 30 + 0 = 30
Demonology 34 34 + 20 = 54
Gemsmith/Lapidary 31 31 + 12 = 43
Occultism 31 31 + 0 = 31 Total 1687 (incl M&S TRAIT)
Commentary/Description:
Morlaxa is a vile being, evil through to her very cold heart. She has
tormented and teased Taknari, countering his Castings with her own. She
forged a Pact with an Atlantlan Ancient Master, and she has been granted
a multiplier of 5 as a result. In addition, she is able to summon
certain Netherbeings, although her Pact is very strict over when she can
summon them.
Perhaps the darkest secret she possesses is that her mentor, a vile and
evil witch from the wilds of Falcondonia, is also an agent of the
Accursed. While Morlaxa is, as yet, unaware of the full extent of that
particular loosely-knit organization, she is vaguely aware that her
mentor's colleagues are planning something devastating for the continent
of Vargaard, beginning in Grandmark.
Note: It is probably easiest for the JM to give her just about every
Casting for each K/S Area, and take time prior to running the adventure
to work through which are readied and which she would likely use (based
on the JM, the players, and the HP's). A few suggestions are below.
Strategy:
Morlaxa is fiendishly clever, but she also has a tendency to apply that
cleverness to new ways of torturing other people. She will have cast an
Armor, Physical and Armor, Heka on herself immediately before any
confrontation, with 100 points of each. In addition, she has an Armor,
Mental and Armor, Spiritual awaiting their Triggers (Mental and
Spiritual damage, respectively), each also at 100 points. Also, she has
a Flight Cantrip Triggered, waiting for her to twist her hands in a
unique way, so that she can fly with effectively no notice.
She will flee if it appears that things are going against her, taking
full advantage of her Witch's Cape (see Mythus Magick for full details)
and swimming away if necessary. She will gloat and counter her
opponents (or match them Casting for Casting, if she can), letting her
minions do the primary work. If in a situation where it is obvious that
she is winning, she will offer her opponents a chance to surrender, in
which case she will imprison them to the best of her considerable
ability,
Morlaxa possesses a Ring of Hardiness, which grants her average armor
of 10 against all attacks, as well as a miniaturized Broom secreted on
her person and her Cape. She also has two philtres of darkness (see
Mythus Magick for effects).
VII. Monstrous Things
Spirit Warrior
Identifier: Spirit
Habitat:
Size: Human size
Modes & Rates of Movement: Human Standard
Initiative Modifiers: -14 with Spear
Invulnerabilities: Nil
Susceptibilities: Nil
Quirks: Nil
Attractiveness: Average
Average Armor Protection: 9
Heka-engendered: 100 (one-time)
Dodging/Avoidance:
Statistical Detail:
M: 60, EL: 48 P: 80, WL: 60, CL: 72 S: 60, EL: 48
MM: 30 MR: 30 PM: 40 PN: 40 SM: 30 SP: 30
MMCap: 12 MRCap: 12 PMCap: 14 PNCap: 14 SMCap: 12 SPCap: 12
MMPow: 12 MRPow: 12 PMPow: 13 PNPow: 13 SMPow: 12 SPPow: 12
MMSpd: 9 MRSpd: 9 PMSpd: 13 PNSpd: 13 SMSpd: 9 SPSpd: 9
Attacks:
Weapon FAC #AT DT Base
Spear 51 3/2 P 4D6+2
Armor:
Area Pierce Cut Blunt Fire Chem. Stun Elec.
Ultra 10 15 15 15 15 20 -10
Super 12 18 17 17 17 21 -7
Vital 16 25 23 18 18 23 -13
Non 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Average 9 14 13 12 12 16 -7
Commentary/Description:
This is a spirit summoned by Morlaxa to guard the chest of Taknari's
possessions. It was once a proud Atlantlan warrior, and it still
possesses some of the skills that made it such a fine warrior. It is
similar to the Medium's Spirit Warrior, brought by the Spirit Warrior
Cantrip, although there are some minor modifications since it was a gift
from Morlaxa's Master.
Air Elemental
Identifier: Elemental, Major
Habitat: Elemental Plane of Air
Size:
Modes & Rates of Movement:
Fly
Initiative Modifiers: -10
Invulnerabilities:
Non-magickal weapons
Electricity
Susceptibilities:
AErth
Quirks: Nil
Attractiveness:
Average Armor Protection:
Heka-Engendered:
Dodging/Avoidance:
Statistical Detail:
M: 60, EL: 48 P: 250, CL: 225 S: 60, EL: 48
MM: 30 MR: 30 PM: 125 PN: 125 SM: 30 SP: 30
MMCap: 12 MRCap: 12 PMCap: 45 PNCap: 45 SMCap: 12 SPCap: 12
MMPow: 12 MRPow: 12 PMPow: 40 PNPow: 40 SMPow: 9 SPPow: 9
MMSpd: 9 MRSpd: 9 PMSpd: 40 PNSpd: 40 SMSpd: 9 SPSpd: 9
Natural Weapons:
Weapon BAC #AT DT Damage
Natural Forces 50 2/CT * 5D6
* wind (Cut) or lightning (Electric)
Armor:
Area Pierce Cut Blunt Fire Chem. Stun Elec.
Ultra 40 40 40 0 0 40 *
Super 30 30 30 0 0 30 *
Vital 20 20 20 0 0 20 *
Non 10 10 10 0 0 10 *
Average 25 25 25 0 0 25 *
* Invulnerable
Commentary/Description:
The Air Elemental is serving Morlaxa, and it will attack as commanded by her.
Atlantlan Sky Serpent
Identifier: Serpent, Minor
Habitat: Nether Planes-Pandemonium
Size: 12 x man-size
Modes & Rates of Movement:
Slither: 68 yds/BT
Walk: 136 yds/BT
Run: 272 yds/BT
Fly: 336 yds/BT
Initiative Modifiers: Normal, but see Powers
Invulnerabilities:
All non-enchanted weapons (except gold)
Chemicals
Disease
Electricity
Fire
Poison
Susceptibilities:
Insinuation: Silver (x2)
Exposure: Direct sunlight or equivalent (D6+1 PD/CTs Daze after 2 BTs)
Quirks: Nil
Attractiveness: -9 = Blasphemous
(check vs. SM CATEGORY at: Dazing = "Hard"; Fleeing = "Difficult";
Insanity = "Hard")
Average Armor Protection: Nil
Heka-Engendered: 6
Dodging/Avoidance: Nil, 20/15/10
Natural Weapons:
Attacks BAC DT Base
Poison Breath* 35 Poison 66**
Bite 40 P 9D3+9
Constriction 30 B 3D3+3***
* 2-yard range, 1 target
** One-time instant
*** Constriction will, in addition to inflicting damage, seize its
victim on the initial strike and continue to damage him automatically
each CT after that until the victim dies, the attacker takes over its CL
in Physical damage, or the attacker decides to release the subject. The
subsequent damage is Impact.
Powers:
Darkseeing (as daylight)
Heal Self (3D3 points of PD each Battle Turn)
Shape Change (to human/Serpent form 2/day)
Silent Movement (Slithering)
Wound, Mental/Spiritual (by Gaze, 1-chain range, if not otherwise
using another attack form, damage 6D3, 6 total of both/day)
Casting Ability:
Priestcraeft, Gloomy Darkness, Grades I - VI, 680 Heka available
Statistical Detail:
M: 120, EL: 96 P: 680, WL: 510, CL: 120 S: 120, EL: 96
MM: 60 MR: 60 PM: 340 PN: 340 SM: 60 SP: 60
MMCap: 20 MRCap: 20 PMCap: 120 PNCap: 120 SMCap: 20 SPCap: 20
MMPow: 20 MRPow: 20 PMPow: 40 PNPow: 40 SMPow: 20 SPPow: 20
MMSpd: 20 MRSpd: 20 PMSpd: 180* PNSpd: 180* SMSpd: 20 SPSpd: 20
Armor Scheme:
Area Pierce Cut Blunt Fire Chem. Stun Elec.
Ultra 16 24 32 * * 32 12
Super 12 18 24 * * 24 9
Vital 8 12 16 * * 16 6
Non 4 6 8 * * 20 *
Average 10 15 20 * * 20 *
* Invulnerable
Commentary/Description:
A Serpent of this sort, a Minor one, is a very nasty thing indeed, and
its opponents should be happy they aren't facing a more potent one! The
Serpent's head resembles a cross between a snake's and a crocodile's,
with long front fangs as has a snake, and rows of lesser teeth besides.
The creature has an Ophidian body some 50 feet long, about 2 feet in
diameter at its thickest part. Set along the middle third of the body,
the thickest portion, are 6 pairs of legs of the sort which enable the
Serpent to move at either a sprawling or erect gait, or slither
noiselessly along ways no bigger than 2.2 foot diameter. It also has
the ability to fly magickally.
Its intelligence allows it to use a Gaze attack to weaken foes not
driven from its presence by the very sight of the Serpent. It will then
move to attack at close quarters, attempting to constrict one opponent
while it assails another with breath and fang.
Sky Serpents of this sort are minor servants of the Atlantlan Ancient
Masters, and they are never encountered without some sort of Atlantlan
deital interference.