Piranha Swarm

Piranha need no introduction, but their fiendish brethren do. Found in some tributaries of the Styx, these hellish fish will strip suffering souls to the bone in seconds.

Piranha Swarm - CR 5
neutral Diminutive Animal (swarm, aquatic)
Init +8
Senses: Spot +15

AC: 19 (+4 size, +4 dex, +1 natural)
HP: 44 (HD: 10d8)
Fort: +6 Reflex: +10 Will: +4

Speed: 30 feet
Attack: swarm (4d6)
Special Attacks: Distraction
Space / Reach: 10 ft. / 0 ft.

Special Abilities: immune to weapon damage, swarm traits
Feats: Improved Initiative, Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Lightning Reflexes

Abilities: Str 1 Dex 19 Con 10 Int 1 Wis 10 Cha 4


Distraction (Ex): Any living creature that begins its turn with a piranha swarm in its space must succeed on a DC 14 Fortitude save or be panicked for 1 round. The save DC is Constitution-based.



Stygian Piranha Swarm - CR 10
neutral Diminutive Animal (swarm, aquatic)
Init +8
Senses: Spot +23

AC: 24 (+4 size, +4 dex, +6 natural)
HP: 133 (HD: 20d8 + 40)
Fort: +14 Reflex: +19 Will: +8

Speed: 30 feet
Attack: swarm (8d8)
Special Attacks: Distraction
Space / Reach: 10 ft. / 0 ft.

Special Abilities: immune to weapon damage, swarm traits
Feats: Improved Initiative, Improved Natural Attack, Iron Will, Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Lightning Reflexes, Great Fortitude, Run

Abilities: Str 1 Dex 21 Con 14 Int 1 Wis 10 Cha 4


Distraction (Ex): Any living creature that begins its turn with a piranha swarm in its space must succeed on a DC 19 Fortitude save or be panicked for 1 round. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Fiendish Orcish Berzerker Horde

One of my Savage Tide players plays a teifling cleric who focuses on conjuring monsters. He asked about developing a creature, or a group of creatures that he can summon using the Summon Monster spells, who would be the same basic creatures at each level but would improve as he used higher level Summon Monster spells. I love coming up with custom stuff like this that makes the story we're all telling richer, so I started working with him to come up with something.

First I wanted to get a ballpark of how tough of a creature you get form SM 1-9. A little surveying and I came up with this chart. It's just an average of some monsters you get for each level of the spell.

SM level HD CR
1 1 1
2 2 2
3 4 3
4 6 4
5 8 5
6 10 5-7
7 12 6-9
8 15 8-10
9 18 11-12

His character is one of the daughters of his previous characters, Doombringer, an Orcish Warblade who died and became a petitioner in Archeron before traveling back to the mortal world to help throw down the Temple of Elemental Evil. That character retired to the outer planes somewhere and became something of a lord. Therefore we decided that his daughter could summon up orcish hordes from the netherworld to aid her. These are the stats for the summoned orcs, one stat block for each Summon Monster spell from 1 to 9.

Orcish Berzerkers in your game: Feel free to borrow these bruisers for your game. If your players ever end up in archeron, or if they're facing any type of orcish warlord these guys make a great army, or even just a crack squad or extra-bloodthirsty orcs in a group of normal orcs.

For your players, they could just as easily be re-cast as berzerkers from valhalla or another heavenly realm, summoned by a good cleric to help in their battles.

Summon Monster 1 orcish berzerker - CR 1
ce medium outsider
Init +0
Senses: darkvision

AC: 13 (studded leather +3)
HP: 9 (HD: 1d8+1)
Fort: +3 Reflex: +0 Will: -1
Resist cold & fire 5
Spell Resistance 6

Speed: 40 feet
Attack: greataxe +5 (1d12 + 4)

Special Abilities: rage (+2 / +3 to attacks, +1 hp, -2 AC)
Feats: Weapon Focus Greataxe

Skills: Climb +5, Jump +5
Abilities: Str 17 Dex 11 Con 12 Int 6 Wis 8 Cha 6

Equipment: Greataxe, Studded Leather Armor



Summon Monster 2 orcish berzerker - CR 2
ce medium outsider
Init +0
Senses: darkvision

AC: 14 (studded leather +3, natural armor +1)
HP: 13 (HD: 2d8+2)
Fort: +4 Reflex: +0 Will: -1
Resist cold & fire 5
Spell Resistance 7

Speed: 40 feet
Attack: greataxe +6 (1d12 + 4)

Special Abilities: rage (+2 / +3 to attacks, +2 hp, -2 AC)
Feats: Weapon Focus Greataxe

Skills: Climb +5, Jump +6
Abilities: Str 17 Dex 11 Con 12 Int 6 Wis 8 Cha 6

Equipment: Greataxe, Studded Leather Armor



Summon Monster 3 orcish berzerker - CR 3
ce medium outsider
Init +0
Senses: darkvision

AC: 15 (studded leather +3, natural armor +2)
HP: 22 (HD: 4d8+4)
Damage Reduction: 5 / magic
Fort: +5 Reflex: +1 Will: +0
Resist cold & fire 5
Spell Resistance 9

Speed: 40 feet
Attack: greataxe +9 (1d12 + 6)

Special Abilities: rage (+2 / +3 to attacks, +4 hp, -2 AC)
Feats: Weapon Focus Greataxe, Cleave

Skills: Climb +7, Jump +8
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 11 Con 12 Int 6 Wis 8 Cha 6

Equipment: Greataxe, Studded Leather Armor



Summon Monster 4 orcish berzerker - CR 4
ce medium outsider
Init +0
Senses: darkvision

AC: 16 (studded leather +3, natural armor +3)
HP: 37 (HD: 6d8+6)
Damage Reduction: 5 / magic
Fort: +6 Reflex: +2 Will: +1
Resist cold & fire 5
Spell Resistance 11

Speed: 40 feet
Attack: greataxe +11 (1d12 + 6)

Special Abilities: rage (+2 / +3 to attacks, +6 hp, -2 AC)
Feats: Weapon Focus Greataxe, Cleave, Power Attack

Skills: Climb +8, Jump +9
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 11 Con 12 Int 6 Wis 8 Cha 6

Equipment: Greataxe, Studded Leather Armor



Summon Monster 5 orcish berzerker - CR 5
ce medium outsider
Init +0
Senses: darkvision

AC: 17 (studded leather +3, natural armor +4)
HP: 44 (HD: 8d8+8)
Damage Reduction: 5 / magic
Fort: +7 Reflex: +2 Will: +1
Resist cold & fire 10
Spell Resistance 13

Speed: 40 feet
Attack: greataxe +13 (1d12 + 6)

Special Abilities: rage (+2 / +3 to attacks, +8 hp, -2 AC)
Feats: Weapon Focus Greataxe, Cleave, Power Attack

Skills: Climb +9, Jump +10
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 11 Con 13 Int 6 Wis 8 Cha 6

Equipment: Greataxe, Studded Leather Armor



Summon Monster 6 orcish berzerker - CR 6
ce medium outsider
Init +0
Senses: darkvision

AC: 18 (studded leather +3, natural armor +5)
HP: 58 (HD: 10d8+10)
Damage Reduction: 5 / magic
Fort: +8 Reflex: +3 Will: +2
Resist cold & fire 10
Spell Resistance 15

Speed: 40 feet
Attack: greataxe +15 (1d12 + 6 / 19-20 x 2)

Special Abilities: rage (+2 / +3 to attacks, +10 hp, -2 AC)
Feats: Weapon Focus Greataxe, Cleave, Power Attack, Improved Critical Greataxe

Skills: Climb +10, Jump +11
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 11 Con 13 Int 6 Wis 8 Cha 6

Equipment: Greataxe, Studded Leather Armor




Summon Monster 7 orcish berzerker - CR 8
ce medium outsider
Init +0
Senses: darkvision

AC: 19 (studded leather +3, natural armor +6)
HP: 81 (HD: 12d8+24)
Damage Reduction: 10 / magic
Fort: +10 Reflex: +4 Will: +3
Resist cold & fire 10
Spell Resistance 17

Speed: 40 feet
Attack: greataxe +17 (1d12 + 6 / 19-20 x 2)

Special Abilities: rage (+2 / +3 to attacks, +24 hp, -2 AC)
Feats: Weapon Focus Greataxe, Cleave, Power Attack, Improved Critical Greataxe

Abilities: Str 18 Dex 11 Con 14 Int 6 Wis 8 Cha 6

Skills: Climb +11, Jump +12
Equipment: Greataxe, Studded Leather Armor




Summon Monster 8 orcish berzerker - CR 10
ce medium outsider
Init +0
Senses: darkvision

AC: 20 (studded leather +3, natural armor +7)
HP: 96 (HD: 15d8+30)
Damage Reduction: 10 / magic
Fort: +11 Reflex: +7 Will: +4
Resist cold & fire 10
Spell Resistance 20

Speed: 40 feet
Attack: greataxe +19 (1d12 + 6 / 19-20 x 2)

Special Abilities: rage (+2 / +3 to attacks, +30 hp, -2 AC)
Feats: Weapon Focus Greataxe, Cleave, Power Attack, Improved Critical Greataxe, Lightning Reflexes

Skills: Climb +13, Jump +13
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 11 Con 14 Int 6 Wis 8 Cha 6

Equipment: Greataxe, Studded Leather Armor




Summon Monster 9 orcish berzerker - CR 12
ce medium outsider
Init +1
Senses: darkvision

AC: 23 (dex +1, studded leather +3, natural armor +9)
HP: 111 (HD: 18d8+36)
Damage Reduction: 10 / magic
Fort: +13 Reflex: +9 Will: +7
Resist cold & fire 10
Spell Resistance 23

Speed: 40 feet
Attack: greataxe +23 (1d12 + 6 / 19-20 x 2)

Special Abilities: rage (+2 / +3 to attacks, +36 hp, -2 AC)
Feats: Weapon Focus Greataxe, Cleave, Power Attack, Improved Critical Greataxe, Lightning Reflexes, Iron Will

Skills: Climb +14, Jump +15
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 12 Con 14 Int 6 Wis 8 Cha 6

Equipment: Greataxe, Studded Leather Armor

The Scholar's Lair

Here is where the player characters will find Jurgen the Learned, deep beneath the sewers and crypts of the city.Features of the Area:
Lighting: Illuminated by wall torches every 20 feet
Walls: Polished Granite
Floor: Brown Polished Flagstone

Room of Testing:
The PC's enter the first room of the lair from the west by a door disguised as a sarcophagus. Lining the circular room are eight more upright coffins, making nine in the room total. Inscribed in the middle of the room on the floor in common is the following riddle:

One comes in, and the Six take heart.
Fire brings death where the rest stand guard,
In the room of Nine, as time moves backward.

As the map indicates, all but the entrance and exit sarcophogi are trapped (Detect: DC 20 Thievery, Disable: 3 checks DC 25 Thievery). If one of the traps is activated, it unleashes a close blast 3, attacking all within blast at +7 vs. Reflex. On a hit, the explosion deals 3d6 + 4 fire damage, and the target is pushed 2 squares and knocked prone. If the players set off a trap, Jurgen will hear them, but ignore their troubles, preferring to let nature run its course on stupid people.

The Study
As the PC's enter from the door to the north, they are welcomed in by the glow of a fireplace along the east wall, where a large pot is producing the hearty smell of stew. Flanking the hearth and lining the south and north walls there hang lush tapestries depicting tales of yore. Rows of bookshelves occupy most of the east wall, with topics ranging from the fanciful to the mundane to the outright macabre. And in a large, comfortable chair in the middle of the room sits Jurgen, appearing deep in study of an ancient tome you would imagine he could not lift.
As the door creaks open, he looks up at you with a bemused smile, saying: "Ah, welcome to my humble home, young travellers," as he folds the enormous book and drops it unceremoniously on the table next to him.
If the PC's wish to ask him questions, He will hand them a puzzle box, saying: "If you can open this box, I may find you worthy enough to discourse with. Otherwise I may have to show you the exit," pointing to a large wooden door in the south wall.

Jurgen's Puzzle Box - 125 XP
Skill Challenge:
To open the box, the players must succeed at 4 skill challenges DC 20 using either Arcana, Thievery, or Insight before 3 failures. Each time a player fails a check, the box attacks the player (+7 vs. Will), forcing her to drop the box on a successful attack. The box contains one level 2 to level 4 wondrous item, such as a Belt of Vigor or Everlasting Provisions, which Jurgen will allow the players to keep.
If the players succeed, Jurgen will allow the players to remain and offer them some of his stew while he exchanges questions and answers with them. He will answer one question for each question the players answer for him. Surprisingly, Jurgen knows much about the happenings on the surface, and will always reveal the least amount of information possible.
If the players fail to open the box, Jurgen will exchange 3 questions with them before asking them to leave his den. He will, as they are leaving, invite them to return to try the puzzle box again if they need more information.

Dream Song

Dream songs are bard song that affects dreams. When sung as the party rests, this song can transport the party to the Dream Plane as they sleep, providing the bard hits all the right notes (DC 20 Perform check).

Dream Songs can also be used to provide effects for the following day. Each standard bard song can be played as the party rests to put tunes in their heads for the next day, providing morale boosts, the ability to heal quicker, etc. These effects are equivalent to the standard bard abilities.

Bards may only place one song in the heads of their companions, and that song plays over and over until the bard wills it to stop.

Unwilling participants must make a will save (DC 10 + the bard's level) at any time to overcome the effects.

Scholar in the Crypts

Presented here is an npc that the PCs may run into and be able to get information from. Unbeknownst to them he is also a worshiper of Vecna and will embroil the players in his plots if they do deal with him....

Beneath the sewers and catacombs of the city lives Jurgen, a hermit scholar with the mental appetite of a terrask. For many years he traveled with adventurers in search of treasure and knowledge, but has lately retired to his lair to do more extensive research out of harm's way. But by no means has his ambition dwindled.

Appearance:
Jurgen is pale, tall, and skinny, with the stoop of someone who is used to doing a lot of reading. His unkempt hair is black with patches of silver on the temples, and behind a pair of spectacles gaze a pair of piercing blue eyes. Sometimes, if one looks hard enough, she can see a glimmer of slow movement behind them. He wears simple robes of deep blue fabric with white scrollwork along the hems in Supernal. He carries no weapons on his person (he keeps his pact blade ready with Drawmij's instant summons)

Mannerisms:
Jurgen appears to be a polite, congenial man with an easygoing tone. Sometimes he can seem to be almost absentminded, forgetting where he put something for a second, before discovering it with an affirmative "ah." He is very patient, and never lets his true motives show.

Goals:
Jurgen is a priest of Vecna, and is by nature a keeper--and exploiter--of many secrets. He mainly wishes to further the goals of Vecna, including eliminating the influence and worshipers of other deities. In doing so he schemes to begin a new world order under Vecna, and follow in his deity's footsteps by becoming a lich king.

Using Jurgen in your Game: It is best to introduce Jurgen to your characters early on in the game. He will be far to powerful for them to defeat at this point, and he will only be interested in helping them in order to gain their trust so that he can begin to use them to accomplish his own ends.
He will attempt to enlist the PC's to retrieve components for the ritual to become a lich, such as: dragon's blood, arcane phylactery pieces, and the ritual in book form. As a master of the arcane, Jurgen also longs for the Eye and the Hand of Vecna, and will pay the PC's handsomely for them, in gold or with information. He will gladly assist the PC's while they work to further his own secret ends, and he will part with information that will help them do so--but never more that he absolutely has to. Additionally, he will hide parts of the truth in order to set the PCs against his enemies, or cover for his own ill deeds. The priest will also enlist the aid of others to follow the PC's and ensure that his goals are met, whether they know it or not.
If you use Jurgen in this way, it may also be good to provide them with a more reliable, if perhaps less well-informed, source of information as well.

Jurgen the Learned

Level 18 Cleric, Multiclass Warlock(Star Pact) Human Male. Age 45, Height 6'3" Weight 150lbs. Unaligned. Initiative: +14 Senses: Normal Vision. Passive Insight: 30 Passive Pereption: +25 Hit Points Max: 99 Bloodied: 49 Surge Value: 25 Surges per day: 7 Resist: 5 necrotic, 5 poison Saving Throws: +3 Defenses: AC: 28 Fort: 21 Ref: 21 Will: 27 Speed: 6 Action Points: 1 Basic Attacks Basic Melee: Pact Blade (Sickle) +15 vs AC 1d6+6 dmg +5d6 +1d10 on critical hit Basic Ranged: Eldritch Blast +18 vs Ref 1d10+9 dmg +5d6+1d10 on critical hit Powers At Will: Sacred Flame, Lance of Faith, Eldritch Blast Encounter: Plague of Doom, Enthrall, Dire Radiance, Sign of Ill Omen, Dreadful Word Daily: Purifying Fire, Blade Barrier, Thief of Five Fates Utility: Astral Shield, Knights of Unyielding Valor, Divine Vigor, Ambassador Imp Feats: Pact Initiate(Star Pact): Dire Radiance Novice Power: Dreadful Word Acolyte Power: Ambassador Imp Adept Power: Thief of Five Fates Improved Initiative +4 to Initiative Action Surge: +3 to attack bonus when an action point is used Weapon Focus: Light Blade Human Perseverance: +1 to Saving Throws Linguist: Supernal, Abyssal, Draconic Action Recovery: When you spend an action point to gain an extra standard action, immediately roll a saving throw against each condition affecting you a save can end. Great Fortitude: +2 to Fort Saves Devastating Critical: +1d10 on a Critical Hit.

Skills: Acrobatics: +9 Arcana: +16 Athletics: +8 Bluff: +13 Diplomacy: +13 Dungeoneering: +15 Endurance: +9 Heal: +20 History: +16 Insight: +20 Intimidate: +13 Nature: +15 Perception: +15 Religion: +16 Stealth: +10 Streetwise: +13 Thievery: +9 Ability Scores: Str: 8 (-1/+8) Con: 11 (0/+9) Dex: 12 (+1/+10) Int: 15 (+2/+11) Wis: 22 (+6/+15) Cha 18 (+4/+13) Languages Known: Common, Elven, Giant, Supernal, Abyssal, Draconic Equipment: Pact Blade +5, Sickle Magic Holy Symbol of Vecna +5 DeathCut Armor +5 Power (Daily, Necrotic): Immediate Reaction. You can use this power when an enemy hits you with a melee attack. Deal 2d10+4 necrotic damage Ring of Protection +1 Handy Haversack Simple Blue robes Rituals Known Drawmij's Instant Summons Raise Dead Secret Page Magic Mouth Phantom Steed Leomund's Secret Chest Planar Portal Linked Portal View Object Consult Oracle

Stealing Moments Released!

This is a dungeon adventure for 10th-level characters. Finally released (in third printing!) after much deliberation and perfectionism... finally getting over that... Here's the blurb:

A group of rogues has moved into a cave in the Silvermist Mountains a few miles uphill hike from the local town of Farreach. These false heroes were once noble and devout, but have become corrupted by loot, lust, and the desire for greater power. They are now working for, or more accurately controlled by, begotten of the old ones, who in turn are working for a stalking eye. They have been performing experiments on the Silver Orb of the Ages, a magic artifact made of magesilver, a magic metal which amplifies arcane magical power.

The Orb can help control the flow of time, making it a powerful item indeed. However, the stalking eye knows not how to wield the Orb's power, and must rely upon the false heroes to learn its secrets.

The party steps in and time flies like an arrow.

This adventure features the veteran writing of Stephen Hilderbrand, author of six other role-playing adventures soon to be published by Unicorn Rampant and Inverspace Press.

And here's the download link.

Dustling

These are the dust devils that we think of.

They are actually the minions of dust devils, trapped in a pact that required them to become indentured servants of these devils.

Dustling
Size/Type: Small Elemental (Air, Extraplanar)
Hit Dice: 1d8 (5 hp)
Initiative: +4
Speed: Fly 100 ft. (perfect) (20 squares)
Armor Class: 14 (+1 size, +1 Dex, +2 natural), touch 14, flat-footed 13
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/-3
Attack: Slam +3 melee (1d4)
Full Attack: Slam +3 melee (1d4)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Flyby
Special Qualities: elemental traits
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +4, Will +0
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 13, Con 10, Int 4, Wis 11, Cha 11
Skills: Spot +3
Feats: Flyby Attack
Environment: Elemental Plane of Air, deserts
Organization: Solitary or Swarms
Challenge Rating: 1/2
Treasure: None
Alignment: Usually neutral
Advancement: 2 HD (Small)
Level Adjustment: —

Combat

They live in a perpetual whirlwind state, allowing them to make flyby attacks against their opponents.

The Cursed Seat of the Seer: 4th edition conversion

The Cursed Seat of the Seer (4th level encounter - 976 xp)

Dungeon Features: Secret Doors in this area are priest-doors, concealed to appear to be part of the ornately carved stone or wood they are set into, and are a DC 18 Perception check to find.

This temple is much transformed after the attack on it. It is surrounded by magical briers, and inside orcs feast on the townsfolk, who have been transformed into animals.

Exterior

Surrounded by small outlying buildings, this large and stately temple is completely overgrown with gargantuan brambles, to the point where is is nearly concealed. A large double door can be glimpsed through the thorn-covered trunks of the plants.

Creatures: In order to enter the temple via the doors one must somehow pass through the patches of Brier Brambles that block the doorways. Other methods of entry include flying or climbing up and breaking through some of the stained glass windows on the east face of the temple. Either method requires navigating the brambles, which will attempt to grab the intruders. Each door and window is guarded by a pair of Offshoots. The brambles will not attack or otherwise reveal themselves until victims are within reach.

2 x Brier Bramble Offshoots (BO on map): 50 xp each

Interior

The smell of offal, greasy cooking fires and rotting flesh permeate this area. The interior of the temple is also sparsely overgrown with patches of the thorny brambles which push up through the flagstones. Several dead peasants and acolytes are caught in their branches. The stone walls are adorned with tapestries of the Seer's visions and the stories of the petitioners helped by them. Several carcases worth of bones lie upon the floor.

Through an open set of ornately carved wooden doors a large chapel stretches. A column-lined walkway is flanked with brambles burst up through the flagstones. At the far end upon a three-stepped dias is a plain stone chair. Light through the stained glass windows above is dimmed by more thorny growths.

Creatures: Nearly 100 domestic animals cower in the temple. They are the temple priests and townsfolk who had come to observe the coronation, magically transformed into sheep, pigs and dogs. More summoned Briar Brambles guard this area, along with a group of orcs and a Dust Devil that have been left behind by the vengeful family to ensure that the temple is not re-inhabited.

3 x Brier Bramble Offshoots (BO on map): 50 xp each
1 x Brier Bramble (BB on map): 200 xp
4 x Orc Drudges (Od on map): 44 xp each
1 x Orc Berserker (OB on map): 175 xp each
1 x Dust Devil (DD on map): 175 xp

Tactics: The brutes will likely be roused by anyone entering the temple and will have assembled to defend it. The orcs may attempt to push intruders into the brambles as they fight, and will mercilessly hack at anyone caught in them. The Dust Devil will attempt to disarm and harry those in the back ranks of the party. If the group is defeated, the dust devil will attempt to flee and return to the warlock to inform him that someone has reclaimed the temple. The orcs will fight to the death.

Treasure: Almost the only thing left in the temple's treasury is a scroll of Remove Affliction that the temple priest (in his form as a ram) will bring to the party if they are otherwise unable to disenchant the villagers. The orcs have coins totaling 90 gold and 200 silver on their persons.

Development: Once the giants are slain and the elemental has fled, the party should be able to return the remaining animals to their human forms, who creep cautiously up to the PCs once the violence has ended.

Once freed they will relate what happened: the new priestess was in the process of being anointed when a holy trance came upon her. Her eyes rolled up into her head and she began speaking in a strange, strained, voice. "I see... doom! The drake... he is brought low by his son..." The peasants go on to inform their rescuers that a witch and two warlocks, one young and one of middle age, suddenly appeared in a burst of flame and interrupted the anointing of the new Seer and turned them all into animals. One of the older villagers, the abbot of the temple, will angrily go on to identify the witch as the evil old witch who used to live in the village, but was driven off years ago. Some say she inhabits a farm nearby in the wild woods to the east, and the players will be given approximate directions by one of the village's hunters.

Attempts to scry upon the priestess will fail, as she is in the Dragon's lair, which is warded against scrying.

lance

One of my only complaints about 4th edition Dungeons & Dragons is the limited selection of weapons and armors. I do like the improving armors with the higher tiers. But as a fantasy and history buff, it just doesn't feel like D&D unless there are knights in shining armor. And they just seem silly without their lances. So I've written up statistics here for lances, balanced 4th edition style, and written to present the weapon in a fresh way that creates interesting tactical possibilities.
Lances can only be used effectively from a mount's back when it moves, and they are somewhat clumsy, but they are very powerful due to the momentum from using them on a moving mount. So with much fanfare, I present "The Lance"!

This weapon resembles in many ways a longspear, and can only be used to attack from the back of a mount. It may also only be used to attack while charging or immediately following a move of at least 3 squares. It has a heavy counterweight on the butt that balances the weapon and allows it to be used with only one hand. The weapon is a one-handed martial spear type, has a proficiency bonus of +1, deals 1d12+1 points of damage and has reach 2.

Time Ward

Time
Level: Clr 4, Time 4
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Living creature touched
Duration: 1 min./level
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless)

The subject is immune to all time domain spells and any negative time effects. This spell doesn't remove and temporal effects that the subject is already experiencing, nor does it protect against natural aging.

GenCon 2008 - more fun than you can shake a staff at!

This is part two of my GenCon 2008 Chronicles. On day two we got up before the dawn in spite of driving all night the previous night. Here we are getting breakfast and ramping up for the day. That's the glow of the sun about to come up behind us there.


We saw lots of families at the con this year. I thought this father mother daughter group was too adorable. They were playing an RPGA game together, and they were all in costume. If I ever have kids I'm sure I'll subject them to the same. Of course once they hit puberty they'll join the football team or become cheerleaders to rebel :)


And there were lots of babies at the con this year. I didn't really notice any last year but they were a noticeable contingent this year. Even one of the RPGA judges was running games with his infant strapped to his chest.


And of course on Saturday there was the costume contest. I didn't get a good enough seat to get good pictures of all the amazing costumes that participated, but here's a couple I liked that were out and about. These guys were super cute.


And this girl's costume was also amazing. Everything she's wearing she made herself from scratch, from the dress to the parasol to the jewelery. The only costume I liked better was the Blood Elf in level 70 raid gear: her hair was in perfect blood elf style and she did a fighting demonstration in her costume! I'm still looking for pics of her. So I can ask her to marry me.


Some cute girls in armor.


And some tired looking barbarians.


One of the painting contest winners on display.


In the dealer's room there was this amazing table. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.


I was afraid to ask how much it was. Hand made. Luckily there were cards with the price on them.

$10,000. Gulp. Maybe next year.



At this point we've almost leveled our RPGA characters and have basically defeated the con. It's Saturday night and we have to decide between live dubbing of hentai by the theater audience and going to the GenCon dance.


So we went to the dance. The theme was steampunk so we saw even more great costumes there.






And then it was back into the car to return from whence we came. In this case Austin, but we knew we were on the road with kindred spirits.



Till next year, thanks GenCon!

Dust Devil

These air spirits hail from the elemental chaos and look like whirlwinds about the size of a man. Found on high mountaintops and low planes, they dance in places where the winds are wild. They are swift combatants and often tear objects from their opponents hands as they batter them.

Dust Devil: Level 4 Skirmisher
medium elemental magical beast (air) - XP 175
Initiative +7 Senses Perception +1

HP 52; Bloodied 26
AC 18, Fortitude 19, Reflex 21, Will 17
Immunity disease, poison; Resist 5 lightning
Speed 7

Powers
Buffet - (standard melee; at will)
+9 vs. AC; 1d6 + 4 damage, and push 1.

Disarming Winds - (standard; encounter, recharge 4-6)
+7 vs. Reflex, 1d6 + 4 damage, push 1, and make opposed attack roll (+7) to disarm the target.

Whirling Leap - (move; encounter, recharge 5-6)
Fly 10

Alignment Unaligned Languages Primordial
Str 10 (+2) Dex 17 (+5) Wis 9 (+1)
Con 12 (+3) Int 5 (-1) Cha 7 (+0)

Tactics: Dust Devils will try to keep moving as they fight, disarming foes one by one.

Dust Devil Lore
A character knows the following with a successful Arcana check:
DC 15: These elemental creatures are swift to anger, and can make brief leaps through the air.

Dust Monster

Known in tales for turning items to dust, this creature presents an unexpected challenge for many a victim. Most who survive a battle with them end up weaponless and facing perils deeper in the dungeons in which they dwell. It is said that dust monsters control time itself, sending objects so far into the future that they become dust on contact.

Dust Monster
Size/Type: Medium Aberration (Time)
Hit Dice: 8d8+5 (42 hp)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 18 (+3 Dex, +5 natural), touch 13, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+3
Attack: Antennae touch +3 melee (dust)
Full Attack: Antennae touch +3 melee (dust) and bite -2 melee (1d3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Dust
Special Qualities: Darkvision, scent
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +5
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 18, Con 13, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 8
Skills: Listen +7, Spot +7
Feats: Alertness, Track
Environment: Underground
Organization: Solitary or pair
Challenge Rating: 6
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 8-10 HD (Medium); 11-15 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: —

The hide of these creatures varies in color from a white underside to a yellowish tan upper back. A dust monster's prehensile antennae can turn any item to dust on contact.

Like its distant cousin, the rust monster, the typical dust monster measures 5 feet long and 3 feet high, weighing 200 pounds.

Dust monsters serve beings who can control time with greater power and precision than them, usually serving as a line of defense in their towers and lairs.

Combat

A dust monster can sense an object from up to 90 feet away. When it detects one, it dashes toward the source and attempts to strike it with its antennae. The creature is relentless, chasing characters over long distances if they still possess intact objects but usually ceasing its attacks to devour a freshly meal just turned to dust.

The creature targets the largest object available, striking first at armor, then at shields and smaller items. It prefers ferrous metals (steel or iron) over precious metals (such as gold or silver) but will devour any object if given the opportunity.

Dust (Ex): A dust monster that makes a successful touch attack with its antennae causes the target object to turn to dust, blowing away or falling into a pile on the floor and becoming useless immediately. The touch can destroy up to a 10-foot cube of an object instantly. Magic armor and weapons, and other magic items, must succeed on a DC 17 Reflex save or be affected. The save DC is Constitution-based and includes a +4 racial bonus. Time warded objects are not affected.

No make whole or mend spells can repair the object; it is simply lost to the ages.

Any weapon that deals damage to a dust monster turns to dust immediately. Flesh is not affected.

Ritual and Creature: Brier Brambles

This ritual will be featured in the 4th edition conversion of the upcoming adventure Anointing the Seer, which is due out this month. Once released we will include a free 4th edition conversion of the adventure for everyone who gets a copy at RPGnow.com. In the meantime keep your eyes here for more tidbits.

Ritual: Brier Brambles
Level: 10
Category: Warding
Time: 10 minutes
Duration: Permanent
Component Cost: 400 gold
Market Price: 1200 gold
Key Skill: Arcana or Nature

Sowing glowing seeds upon the earth before the doors and speaking the words of this ritual, a dense mass of thick, thorny vines springs up from the earth and blocks the way. "That should keep them from following us!"

This ritual summons a group of stationary magically animated vines that prevent passage. Upon completion of the ritual a Brier Bramble and a number of Offshoots grow up in the locations of your choosing within 10 squares of the caster. The number of Offshoots is dependent on your Arcana or Nature check.

Arcana or Nature Check	Number of Offshoots
19 or lower	2
20-24	3
25-29	4
30-34	5
35-39	6
40 or higher	7

The brambles obey simple commands from the ritual caster to the extent of their limited abilities ("crush him, don't crush her", "part and let me pass" "destroy any goblins that come this way" and so forth).

The Brambles persist for 24 hours or until destroyed. The ritual caster can extend the duration for another 24 hours by spending a healing surge. If the effect is sustained for a year and a day, it becomes permanent.

Brier Brambles: Level 5 soldier
large magical beast (plant) - XP 200
Initiative +4 Senses Perception +3

HP 68; Bloodied 34
AC 21, Fortitude 21, Reflex 19, Will 19
Vulnerable fire (takes ongoing 5 fire damage [save ends] when damaged by fire).
Speed 0

Powers
Thorny Lash - (standard melee; at will) -
+12 vs. AC; 1d10 + 4 damage.

Crushing Embrace - (standard melee; encounter, recharge 4-6) -
+10 vs. Reflex, 3d8 + 4 damage and target is grabbed. While grabbed target takes ongoing 5 poison damage until unconscious, at which point the briers hold them without doing further harm.

Firmly Rooted -
The brier brambles cannot be pushed, pulled or slid.

Alignment Unaligned - Languages none
Str 18 (+2) Dex 15 (+5) Wis 15 (+1)
Con 15 (+3) Int 1 (-1) Cha 1 (+0)



Brier Brambles Offshoots: Level 4 minion
large fey magical beast (plant) - XP 50
Initiative +4 Senses Perception +3

HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 20, Fortitude 19, Reflex 18, Will 18
Speed 0

Powers
Thorny Lash - (standard melee; at will) -
+10 vs. AC; 1d10 + 4 damage.

Crushing Embrace - (standard melee; encounter, recharge 4-6) -
+8 vs. Reflex, 3d8 + 4 damage and target is grabbed. While grabbed target takes ongoing 5 poison damage until unconscious, at which point the briers hold them without further harm.

Firmly Rooted -
The brier brambles cannot be pushed, pulled or slid.

Alignment Unaligned - Languages none
Str 17 (+5) Dex 14 (+4) Wis 14 (+4)
Con 14 (+4) Int 1 (-2) Cha 1 (-2)

Tactics: Brier Brambles are simple combatants due to their immobility. They will simply attack whoever they are told to attack when they are approached.

Brier Brambles Lore
A character knows the following with a successful Arcana check:
DC 15: These magical brambles will attack anyone approaching, but cannot move from where they are rooted.

GenCon 2008 !

I'm back at GenCon for the second year in a row. This time artist Dan Smith came along for the ride, and we brought some copies of Claw Claw Bite and The Horror of the Old Ones along to get into the hands of the unsuspecting public here.

First of all, it was a long and grueling ride up from Austin to Indianapolis. 19 hours. Here's us contemplating the trees about 12 hours into the drive.


And this is us looking smug (or is it dazed?) after finally arriving and getting our badges for the weekend of gaming debauchery.


Next it was off to the dealer's room to talk to the folks at Paizo about putting some of our stuff in their booth on consignment. Not to spill any beans, but they're talking about making their Pathfinder system (which sold out in one day at their booth) into a brand that others can publish under, just like the d20 system logo. I was so excited because that's exactly what I was hoping they'd develop, and if it works out Unicorn Rampant will publish our d20 / 3.5 material under that brand.

Of course, my favorite part about the dealer's room is the miniatures.


Dan's favorite part was the booth bunnies. There were a lot less this year than last year, including a disappointing lack of any showing of a Conan booth and the attendant she-ras. Or maybe I just missed it.

And of course there were some great costumes again this year. I may cover the costume contest tomorrow, but regardless there will be more pictures in my next post of costumed attendees. Here's Dan's pretending not to be impressed by this girl's great 5th element costume.


After that it was off to the huge RPGA room for some gaming of our own. His paladin did fine and my Eladrin warlord survived in spite of taking over 30 points of damage from a very nasty were-rat under the streets of Waterdeep. Here's a glimpse of the room. There are about three times as many tables as you can see in this picture just for RPGA events. Overall this represents about 1/20 th of the total gaming taking place at GenCon this year. It's pretty mind-boggling, really.


Well, I'm off to bed. At 8 AM our characters need to head off to Baldur's Gate to tackle another adventure!

-Adam

Gix'vaeri

This is the character I'm playing in our gaming group's first 4th Edition game. Dan's running us through The Keep on the Shadowfell and it's a blast so far. I usually DM so it's nice to be able to focus on role-playing. I was trying to imagine what it would be like to have a dragon-like head and not much in the way of lips, and came up with a pretty good voice for Gix. I end up sounding like a cross between Sean Connerey and Admiral Akbar, and it's great fun. He's 3rd level now but here he is as he started.

Gix'vaeri
male dragonborn warlord 1

Hit Points 24
Bloodied 12 Healing Surge 6 Surges Per day 8
Initative +0 Action points_______

Defenses
AC Reflex Fortitude Will
+16 +11 +15 +14

Attacks
Basic Melee Attack: +7 (greatsword) Damage: 1d10+4
Basic Melee Attack: +6 (maul) Damage: 2d6+4
Basic Ranged Attack: +? (shuriken) Damage: 1d4

Racial Traits
Height: 6' 2" Weight: 220 lbs Size: Medium
Speed: 6 squares Vision: normal
Languages: Common, Draconic Alignment: good

Racial Ability:
Dragonborn Fury: When you’re bloodied, you gain a +1 racial bonus to attack rolls.

Draconic Heritage: Your healing surge value is equal to one-quarter of your maximum hit points + your Constitution modifier.

Dragon Breath: You can use dragon breath as an encounter power.

At Will Powers

Wolf Pack Tactics Warlord Attack 1
Step by step, you and your friends surround the enemy.
At-Will ✦ Martial,Weapon
Standard Action Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Special: Before you attack, you let one ally adjacent to either you or the target shift 1 square as a free action.
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage.
Increase damage to 2[W] + Strength modifier at 21st level.

Commander’s Strike Warlord Attack 1
With a shout, you command an ally to attack.
At-Will ✦ Martial, Weapon
Standard Action Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: An ally of your choice makes a melee basic attack against the target
Hit: Ally’s basic attack damage + your Intelligence modifier.


Encounter Powers

Dragon Breath Dragonborn Racial Power
As you open your mouth with a roar, the deadly power of your draconic kin blasts forth to engulf your foes.
Encounter ✦ Fire
Minor Action Close blast 3
Targets: All creatures in area
Attack: Strength + 2 vs. Reflex
Hit: 1d6 + 1 damage.

Inspiring Word Warlord Feature
You call out to a wounded ally and offer inspiring words of courage and determination that helps that ally heal.
Encounter (Special) ✦ Martial, Healing
Special: You can use this power twice per encounter, but only once per round.
Minor Action Close burst 5
(10 at 11th level, 15 at 21st level)
Target: You or one ally in burst
Effect: The target can spend a healing surge and regain an
additional 1d6 hit points.

Guarding Attack Warlord Attack 1
With a calculated strike, you knock your adversary off balance and grant your comrade-in-arms some protection against the villain’s attacks.
Encounter ✦ Martial,Weapon
Standard Action Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 2[W] + Strength modifier damage. Until the end of your next turn, one ally adjacent to either you or the target gains a +4 power bonus to AC against the target’s attacks.
Inspiring Presence: The power bonus to AC equals 1 + your Charisma modifier.


Daily Powers

Lead the Attack Warlord Attack 1
Under your direction, arrows hit their marks and blades drive home.
Daily ✦ Martial,Weapon
Standard Action Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 3[W] + Strength modifier damage. Until the end of the encounter, you and each ally within 5 squares of you gain a +3 power bonus to attack rolls against the target.
Miss: Until the end of the encounter, you and each ally within 5 squares of you gain a +1 power bonus to attack rolls against the target.


Class Features

Combat Leader: You and each ally within 10 squares who can see and hear you gain a +2 power bonus to initiative.

Inspiring Presence: When an ally who can see you spends an action point to take an extra action, that ally also regains lost hit points equal to one-half your level + your Charisma modifier (3 hp).

Inspiring Word: Using the inspiring word power, warlords can grant their comrades additional resilience with nothing more than a shout of encouragement.

Ability Score Check Modifier
Str 18 +4
Dex 10 +0
Con 12 +1
Int 13 +1
Wis 11 +0
Cha 16 +3


Skills (Ability) Trained Modifier
Acrobatics (Dex) +0 -1
Arcana (Int) +1
Athletics (Str) Trained +9 -1
Bluff (Cha) +3
Diplomacy (Cha) Trained +8
Dungeoneering (Wis) +0
Endurance (Con) Trained +6
Heal (Wis) Trained +5
History (Int) +3
Insight (Wis) +0
Intimidate (Cha) +5
Nature (Wis) +0
Perception (Wis) +0
Religion (Int) +1
Stealth (Dex) +0 -1
Streetwise (Cha) +3
Thievery (Dex) +0 -1

Feat
Power Attack
Prerequisite: Str 15
Benefit: When making a melee attack, you can take a –2 penalty to the attack roll. If the attack hits, you gain a +2 bonus to the damage roll (or a +3 bonus to the damage roll with a two-handed weapon).

or...

Arcane Initiate
[Multiclass Wizard]
Prerequisite: Int 13
Benefit: You gain training in the Arcana skill.
Choose a 1st-level wizard at-will power. You can use that power once per encounter. (Ray of Frost)
In addition, you can use an orb, a staff, or a wand as an implement when using a wizard power or a wizard paragon path power.



Gear
Armor: chainmail
Weapon: greatsword, maul
Adventuring Kit: backpack, bedroll, flint and steel, belt pouch, 10 days trail rations, 50 ft hempen rope, waterskin
Gold: 0 gp

Summon Elemental

Summon Elemental - Wizard Attack level 5
An elemental of lower level than the caster appears, summoned from the Elemental Chaos, and you concentrate to make it attack your foes. Should your concentration fail, the angry elemental turns upon you!

Daily - Arcane, Conjuration
Standard Action Ranged 5
Attack: per summoned elemental
Hit: per summoned elemental
Effect: You conjure a non-elite, non-solo elemental of lower level than you in an unoccupied square within range, and the elemental can attack using one of it's standard action attacks.
Sustain Minor: You can sustain this power until the end of the encounter by making an Intelligence +5 vs. Will minor-action attack against the conjured elemental. If this attack fails, or if this check is not made due to lack of line of sight or for any other reason, the elemental becomes free to act on its own and immediately attacks the caster.
As long as control is maintained, as a standard action you can direct the elemental to attack using one of its standard-action powers. As a move action you can direct the elemental to move using it's move speed. As a minor action you can direct the elemental to use any minor-action powers it may have. Unless directed in this way the elemental takes no other actions unless it breaks free from your control.
Dismiss Minor: In order to dismiss the summoned elemental back from whence it came you must succeed at a Intelligence +7 vs. Will attack against it. Failure results in the elemental becoming free and attacking you as detailed above. If it manages to slay its conjurer, it is free to either return to the Elemental Chaos or remain to do as it wills.

"Three Strikes"

This longsword +2 has been passed down from generation to generation of elves, first discovered by Kiyarniar Buentiejal, famed founder of the wood elves Trangull Drevo. Rumors say that it was given to Kiyarniar by Corellon Larethian.

The owner can go below 0 hit points twice wielding this weapon, but on the third time her hit points reach 0, she finally dies, skipping stabilization attempts, etc.

This sword is also imbued with wounding.

Power Word, Nightmare

Enchantment (Compulsion) [Mind-Affecting]
Level: Brd 6, Sor/Wiz 6
Components: V
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One living creature with 100 hp or less
Duration: 30 minutes/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes

You utter a single word of power that instantly causes one creature of your choice to fall into a sleep and to be stricken by a series of nightmares. You control various parameters of the nightmare -- falling, death in the family, etc. The subject takes 1d4 damage per hour from the mental strain caused by the nightmares and physical strain caused by the body thrashing about. When the subject awakes, she loses 2d4 points of constitution until she can get a good night's sleep.

Any creature that currently has 101 or more hit points is unaffected by power word, nightmare if she is currently awake. However, if she is asleep when the spell is cast upon her, she is affected.

Stalking Eye

This is an eye of the Old One (featured in Unicorn Rampant's Horror of the Old Ones), one that was severed or broke free from the body of the colossal god. The stalking eye is deaf, so it can be snuck up on, but has a supernatural sense of sight.

Stalking Eye CR 13
lawful evil with chaotic tendencies
Large Aberration
Init: +3 Senses: darkvision 60'
Listen -2 Spot +22

Languages: Telepathy 60' and either common or none

AC: 26 (-1 size, +3 dex, +14 natural)
HP: 101 (12d8+44)
Defenses: SR 18, DR 5 / good
Saves: Fort: +9 Ref: +7 Will: +11

Speed: 5 ft., fly 20 ft.
Attack: Lightning Touch +9 ranged touch and bite +7 melee (2d4)
Full Attack: Lightning Touch +9 ranged touch and bite +7 melee (2d4)
Attack Options: Lightning Touch, Spells
Space / Reach: 10ft. / 5ft.
Base Attack: +8 Grapple: +12

SQ: DR 5/good, SR 18, All-around vision, flight
SA: spell like abilities: blur
Feats: Alertness, Flyby Attack, Great Fortitude, Ability Focus (Otherworldly Gaze), Quicken Spell-Like Ability (Blur)

Abilities: Str: 11 Dex: 16 Con: 18 Int: 16 Wis: 14 Cha: 15
Skills: Hide +10, Knowledge (arcana) +13, Knowledge (planes) +8, Search +18, Spot +22, Survival +6

Spell-like abilities: 1/day - blur (caster level 8)
DR: 5 / lawful (axiomatic)
Spell Resistance: 18

Combat

Stalking eyes will focus their otherworldly gaze on their prey, then close into melee with their claws and lightning touch, using their smaller eyes to affect their opponents and heal themselves.

Lightning Touch (Su): Stalking Eyes of the old ones can generate, as a free action, a burst of electricity from within their bodies that damages and may stun their victims. The touch deals 1d8 points of electricity damage and stuns the target for 1d4 rounds. A DC 21 Fortitude save avoids the stun effect - the save is constitution based. They may use this ability once per round, delivered by melee attack.

Otherworldly Gaze (Su): As a standard action begotten can focus their otherworldly gaze upon a mortal creature and create a haze of confusion as the spell. A DC 18 will save is required to avoid this confusion (save is wisdom based), which lasts as long as the begotten concentrates upon it. This is a mind-affecting ability.

The stalking eye also has a series of small eyes, each of which has its own ability per round, as it gazes at its foes:

Fear: works like the spell, but affects only a single creature.
Inflict Critical Wounds: (ranged, 30 ft.) inflicts 4d8+10 points of damage (Will half).
Cure Critical Wounds: heals 4d8+10 point of damage.
Slow: like the spell, but only affects one creature.
Dispel Magic: like the spell.
Fireball: like the spell.

Issue 14 Released!

Claw/Claw/Bite is a resource for storytellers and gamemasters to help create thrilling worlds of adventure for your players to test their mettle in. In each issue, you'll find new characters, creatures, magic items, encounters, and locations for use in your campaigns. We also include little nuggets that will enrich your world with interesting details and intriguing features.

Our goal is to be a "one-stop shop" for you, the gamemaster. With little or no tweaking on your part, you will be able to drop any game element from Claw/Claw/Bite into your adventure setting and run it how you see fit. All of our creations are designed for d20 fantasy rules. And of course, everything is carefully reviewed and balanced to fit into your game without disrupting your play balance or stumbling upon the False Heroes.

This issue of Claw/Claw/Bite includes:

* Five new spells including Spitfire and Sleep Ward
* Five new characters, the False Heroes!
* Seven new creatures, including various Begotten and the Shadow Swarm
* Seven new magic and mundane items, including the Coin of Unknown Fortune
* A new location, the Seat of the Seer
* And another installment of the comic Atavistic Onslaught.

Dream Port

Conjuration (Teleportation)
Level: Bard 3
Components: V, S, F
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched, or up to eight willing creatures joining hands in their sleep
Duration: Instantaneous, then lasting 30 minutes/level
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes

You move your dream self or some other creature's to the Dream Plane. If several willing persons link hands in a circle, as many as eight can be affected at the same time. Precise accuracy as to a particular arrival location on the intended plane is nigh impossible, but this can be improved with controlled dreaming, and once you have been ot the location in your dreams more than once. You can reach the Dream Plane from any other plane.

At the end of the spell, those affected return to their bodies on the plane that they left them.

Focus

An instrument that allows the bard to play a particular tune. The tune is what keys into the location in the Dream Plane. Those affected will hear this as the spell nears completion, as a reminder that they will soon return to their bodies.

The verbal component is a short story that tells the affected what to expect, describing the scene, etc. This can be provided before, during, or after the tune is played.

Bottle of Message

Just a castaway, an island lost at sea...

This bottle, when cast into a body of water, delivers a hand-written message quickly, as if by a written version of message. The body must spring from a natural water source. The message travels via the Elemental Plane of Water to its destination, who must also be near a body of water which springs from a natural source. A bathtub counts, assuming the water travels from an aquifer via an aqueduct. The bottle can be reused until it is broken.

Faint enchantment; CL 5th; Craft Wondrous Item, message (heightened); Price 2,000 gp.

Sleep Ward

Enchantment
Level: Clr 3, Bard 3, Sor/Wis 3
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 1 min./level
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless)

The subject is immune to all sleep spells, dreams, nightmares, and any sleep effects. This spell doesn't awaken a creature that is already sleeping, nor does it protect against normal sleep; if the target is naturally sleepy, sleep can still occur.

Power Word, Dream

Causes the target to enter a dream.

Enchantment (Compulsion) [Mind-Affecting]
Level: Brd 5, Sor/Wiz 5
Components: V
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One living creature with 100 hp or less
Duration: 1 hour/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes

You utter a single word of power that instantly causes one creature of your choice to fall into a sleep and to dream. The spirit of the individual passes into the Plane of Dreams. Any creature that currently has 101 or more hit points is unaffected by power word, dream.

Elven Maiden Come Gnome

This spell was originally developed by Foulmouth Goldshore, who uses to woo elven maidens.

Enchantment (Charm, Passion) [Mind-Affecting]
Level: Brd 3, Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One humanoid creature
Duration: 1 hour/level
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes

This charm makes the humanoid creature you have fallen in love with to regard you as its trusted friend and ally (treat the target’s attitude as friendly). If the creature is currently being threatened or attacked by you or your allies, however, the spell will automatically fail. Also, you must

As per charm person, the spell on which it is based, the spell does not enable you to control the charmed person as if it were an automaton, but it perceives your words and actions in the most favorable way. You can try to give the subject orders, but you must win an opposed Charisma check to convince it to do anything it wouldn't ordinarily do. (Retries are not allowed.) An affected creature never obeys suicidal or obviously harmful orders, but it might be convinced that something very dangerous is worth doing. Any act by you or your apparent allies that threatens the charmed person breaks the spell. You must speak the person’s language to communicate your commands, or else be good at pantomiming, and you must present a material component of value to the target to that target. This component is good for one instance of the spell only.

Golden Dragon Showers

This spell appears to rain showers of gold upon enemies. However, it actually casts molten metal upon the targets, burning them to cinders, dealing 1d10 per every 2 caster levels up to a max of 10d10 + 1d10 for each level of gold dragon.

Golden Dragon Showers
Evocation [Metal] and Illusion
Level: Sor/Wiz 4, Metal 4
Components: S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Target: Self
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Reflex half
Spell Resistance: Yes

It can only be cast in Foulmouth's golden dragon form, otherwise only requiring a single verbal component.

Pouch of Sating

This pouch provides fresh sustenance one person according to the hunger level of the owner. The pouch appears full and is as heavy as the amount of today's food left in it, but will only provide food for the owner, and only as much as she needs at the moment.

The food is kept fresh by being stored in a vacuum in a pocket dimension.

Moderate conjuration; CL 9th; Craft Wondrous Item, secret chest, create food and water. Price: 1,000gp per month's worth of food.