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<blockquote data-quote="Waylander the Slayer" data-source="post: 6493906" data-attributes="member: 1830"><p><strong>Iron DM Round 1, Match 2- Waylander vs Deuce</strong></p><p></p><p><u><strong>The Ingredients </strong></u></p><p><strong>Endless Quest </strong>- The Otyugh Murthag’s Journey. The PC’s quest for the cure.</p><p><strong>Dicey Situation </strong>- What to do with Alloric/Friends/ those infested. What to do with PCs infested</p><p><strong>Obsessive-compulsive Otyugh</strong> Murtag, who continues his sojourn through the warrens infecting people</p><p><strong>Void</strong> Adventure location; both within and without</p><p><strong>Suspiciously Nice Village</strong> Those Villages cured of the Void Plague</p><p><strong>Wolf in sheep's clothing</strong> Alloric; a sweet six year old</p><p></p><p><strong><u><span style="font-size: 12px">The Void Plague </span></u></strong></p><p><em> A mid to high level fantasy adventure </em></p><p></p><p></p><p><em> Not by my own will but the shepherd's folly.</em></p><p><em>The beast reared by me will make me his prey,</em></p><p><em>For gratitude cannot change nature. </em></p><p></p><p>Father Phineas, Priest of St. Cuthbert, was appalled at what he was witnessing- So called adventurers about to slaughter a small babe- ravening about prophecy and the child being touched by the Old Ones themselves. <strong>“Stop,”</strong> he commanded, his cudgel stopping the descending blade. <strong>”No one will harm the babe. I will raise him myself to be a good man, prophecy or no.”</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Introduction</strong></p><p>The void plague ravages village after village on the Old Coast; the onset of the disease identifiable by nausea, diarrhea and high fevers. Thankfully, a savior has been found; a young child of six, Alloric, who appears to be able to cure the disease but with a touch. Those healed also seem to go through a wondrous transformation where they are peaceful, calm and positively nice at all times! What could be wrong? </p><p></p><p><strong>Adventure Background</strong></p><p>Six years ago Alloric , as he was subsequently named, was saved from being killed by Father Phineas. The boy’s now dead parents were cultists to Tharizdun, and had already completed the ritual through an artificial known as the Void Stone dedicating the child, as prophesied as the avatar of the Old One himself, to the Father of Elder Evils, the Author of Wickedness, the Eater of Worlds, the Despised. </p><p></p><p>The boy is an exemplar of goodness to all outward appearances, and with great magical powers manifesting quickly. But unbeknownst to all; great evil blossoms in his heart, along with a devious plan to subjugate all that is being put into motion.</p><p></p><p>Vast swaths of the Old Coast sits on the remnants of the wicked city of Phadera; destroyed long ago in a cataclysm. Now, the ruins create a warren of catacombs and passages that interconnect the entire area, though few if any are brave to venture into this maze, including underneath the church of St. Cuthbert. Alloric met his first servant, perhaps sent to him by the Despised himself here; the revered Otyugh Murthag the Plaguebearer. A touch from the blessed child manifested the Void Plague in Murthag- an infestation of undetectable void worm eggs. The beast’s nature was the perfect incubator and carrier- now compelled to travel through the warrens, infesting village after village.</p><p></p><p>The plague spread from village to village, with priests and healers befuddled by the disease. Thankfully, the touch of Alloric appears to heal the sick, even removing other “taint” from their nature. However, what is truly happening is that Alloric’s touch is hatching the void worms by creating a “void” inside each person’s brain, and thus hatched the worms embed themselves within each person’s brain, controlling them, as well as being psychically commanded by Alloric as needed.</p><p></p><p><strong>Hooks</strong></p><p>- The PCs are approached by a relative of those “cured” claiming odd and very unnatural/nice behavior</p><p>-One of the PCs themselves are infested, and have to travel to Alloric to be “healed.”</p><p>-The PCs home village/base was infested and cured, during the PCs absence (the rest of the scenario assumes this hook). </p><p></p><p><strong>Event 1- A Surprisingly Pleasant Homecoming</strong></p><p>Clean streets, everyone going about with a smile, the suspected brigands/robbers/cultists/angry bakers all being rather pleasant, formal, helpful and nice! </p><p><em>Encounters</em></p><p>GMs are encouraged to play it up. Potential encounters include:</p><p>- Jilted lovers being sweet and loving.</p><p>- Nasty family members now being very nice and pleasant</p><p>- Store owners not bargaining</p><p>- Everyone working together!</p><p>PCs, as paranoid as they are, will naturally think that it is a set up! Enquiry will easily reveal recent facts, including the sudden onset of the Plague and the magical cure by the blessed child Alloric of St. Cutbert. </p><p></p><p>If the PCs investigate further, they can follow the following suggested clues (DCs etc. as appropriate):</p><p>- The more powerful members of the town seem missing. If asked, others will say that they have left to help with the plague (pretty true- see below)</p><p>- Examining Poop/Vomit remnants indicate signs of parasitic infestation and also a strange substance; related knowledge checks reveal that the substance is really a “mini-void” and absence of matter. </p><p>- Cutting someone open/killing them and opening up the brain cavity reveals a mini void in the brain with strange floating worms. Such exposed worms will lunge for the nearest PC and try to burrow into their brain.</p><p>- Following the Spore Trail lead to the warrens under the village. </p><p>- General information gathering about the plague can reveal a pattern of infestation from village to village, that can be backtracked to the Village with the temple of St. Cuthbert.</p><p></p><p><strong>Event 2- The Endless Quest of Murthag the Blessed</strong></p><p>Murthag’s compulsion makes him continue on without recourse, following the warrens from village to village (and town or city if so evilly predisposed). Murthag also attracts other Otyugs who see the beast as being blessed and chosen, and follow/protect guard him.</p><p></p><p> Additional “followers,” especially those of adventuring ilk previously infested also now guard the Otyugh to ensure his safety. This include friends/lovers/former associates of the PCs who are now controlled by the “curing” of the void plague. Also, the longer the PCs delay confronting Murthag the greater his retinue will be.</p><p></p><p><em>Encounters</em></p><p>- With a clutch of Otyughs now guarding Murthag’s vanguard</p><p>- Other former PCs and NPCs who defend Murthag to the death. The PCs can chose to not kill them, making the combat that much more difficult.</p><p>- Battle with Murthag itself poses a high risk of the PCs being infested with the void plague.</p><p></p><p><strong>Event 3- The Chosen of St. Cuthbert</strong></p><p>Following the trail of Alloric is easy and the PCs can find the child in an infected village healing the sick, along with the proud Father Phineas. If confronted, the poor child will cower in fear, and not take any direct assertive action.</p><p></p><p><em>Encounters</em></p><p>- An irate Father Phineas and his retinue of Cuthbertites who are appalled at the PCs behavior</p><p>- The villagers who will aggressively defend the poor little child</p><p>- The “cured” villagers who as compelled by Alloric will aggressively defend the poor little child</p><p></p><p><strong>Event 4- Possible Cure- Into the Void</strong>(One suggested ending only- see event 5 for others) The cure to eliminate the void worms can be found in their natural habitat- an asteroid in the great void, accessible either through a spell jamming ship or gate found deep in the ruins of Phadera (either a substance or plant found in void space). </p><p></p><p><em>Encounters</em></p><p>- Gith and others; including social encounters and research on the nature of the creature</p><p>- Followers of Tharizdun who actively attempt to thwart the PCs</p><p>-Other Cultists/creatures/void tainted found in the remenants of Phadera</p><p></p><p><strong>Event 5- Conclusions</strong></p><p>A lot depend on how the PCs handle themselves in these very tricky situations. A real cure for the Plague is left open ended. Perhaps it is as easy as a higher level healing spell; but even here, it will be a difficult decision in who gets healed. The same goes with how to handle Alloric, as the boy does not detect as evil and will not physically engage the PCs at any time, and will plead for his life and for their kindness. How to “kill” a six year old boy is also left to the GM.</p><p></p><p><strong>Potential templates to build on for Alloric & Murthag</strong></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/aberrations/veiled-master" target="_blank">http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/aberrations/veiled-master</a></p><p><a href="http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/aberrations/otyugh/otyugh-plaguebearer" target="_blank">http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/aberrations/otyugh/otyugh-plaguebearer</a></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Waylander the Slayer, post: 6493906, member: 1830"] [b]Iron DM Round 1, Match 2- Waylander vs Deuce[/b] [u][b]The Ingredients [/b][/u] [b]Endless Quest [/b]- The Otyugh Murthag’s Journey. The PC’s quest for the cure. [b]Dicey Situation [/b]- What to do with Alloric/Friends/ those infested. What to do with PCs infested [b]Obsessive-compulsive Otyugh[/b] Murtag, who continues his sojourn through the warrens infecting people [b]Void[/b] Adventure location; both within and without [b]Suspiciously Nice Village[/b] Those Villages cured of the Void Plague [b]Wolf in sheep's clothing[/b] Alloric; a sweet six year old [b][u][SIZE=3]The Void Plague [/SIZE][/u][/b][u][/u] [i] A mid to high level fantasy adventure [/i] [i] Not by my own will but the shepherd's folly. The beast reared by me will make me his prey, For gratitude cannot change nature. [/i] Father Phineas, Priest of St. Cuthbert, was appalled at what he was witnessing- So called adventurers about to slaughter a small babe- ravening about prophecy and the child being touched by the Old Ones themselves. [b]“Stop,”[/b] he commanded, his cudgel stopping the descending blade. [b]”No one will harm the babe. I will raise him myself to be a good man, prophecy or no.”[/b] [b]Introduction[/b] The void plague ravages village after village on the Old Coast; the onset of the disease identifiable by nausea, diarrhea and high fevers. Thankfully, a savior has been found; a young child of six, Alloric, who appears to be able to cure the disease but with a touch. Those healed also seem to go through a wondrous transformation where they are peaceful, calm and positively nice at all times! What could be wrong? [b]Adventure Background[/b] Six years ago Alloric , as he was subsequently named, was saved from being killed by Father Phineas. The boy’s now dead parents were cultists to Tharizdun, and had already completed the ritual through an artificial known as the Void Stone dedicating the child, as prophesied as the avatar of the Old One himself, to the Father of Elder Evils, the Author of Wickedness, the Eater of Worlds, the Despised. The boy is an exemplar of goodness to all outward appearances, and with great magical powers manifesting quickly. But unbeknownst to all; great evil blossoms in his heart, along with a devious plan to subjugate all that is being put into motion. Vast swaths of the Old Coast sits on the remnants of the wicked city of Phadera; destroyed long ago in a cataclysm. Now, the ruins create a warren of catacombs and passages that interconnect the entire area, though few if any are brave to venture into this maze, including underneath the church of St. Cuthbert. Alloric met his first servant, perhaps sent to him by the Despised himself here; the revered Otyugh Murthag the Plaguebearer. A touch from the blessed child manifested the Void Plague in Murthag- an infestation of undetectable void worm eggs. The beast’s nature was the perfect incubator and carrier- now compelled to travel through the warrens, infesting village after village. The plague spread from village to village, with priests and healers befuddled by the disease. Thankfully, the touch of Alloric appears to heal the sick, even removing other “taint” from their nature. However, what is truly happening is that Alloric’s touch is hatching the void worms by creating a “void” inside each person’s brain, and thus hatched the worms embed themselves within each person’s brain, controlling them, as well as being psychically commanded by Alloric as needed. [b]Hooks[/b] - The PCs are approached by a relative of those “cured” claiming odd and very unnatural/nice behavior -One of the PCs themselves are infested, and have to travel to Alloric to be “healed.” -The PCs home village/base was infested and cured, during the PCs absence (the rest of the scenario assumes this hook). [b]Event 1- A Surprisingly Pleasant Homecoming[/b] Clean streets, everyone going about with a smile, the suspected brigands/robbers/cultists/angry bakers all being rather pleasant, formal, helpful and nice! [i]Encounters[/i] GMs are encouraged to play it up. Potential encounters include: - Jilted lovers being sweet and loving. - Nasty family members now being very nice and pleasant - Store owners not bargaining - Everyone working together! PCs, as paranoid as they are, will naturally think that it is a set up! Enquiry will easily reveal recent facts, including the sudden onset of the Plague and the magical cure by the blessed child Alloric of St. Cutbert. If the PCs investigate further, they can follow the following suggested clues (DCs etc. as appropriate): - The more powerful members of the town seem missing. If asked, others will say that they have left to help with the plague (pretty true- see below) - Examining Poop/Vomit remnants indicate signs of parasitic infestation and also a strange substance; related knowledge checks reveal that the substance is really a “mini-void” and absence of matter. - Cutting someone open/killing them and opening up the brain cavity reveals a mini void in the brain with strange floating worms. Such exposed worms will lunge for the nearest PC and try to burrow into their brain. - Following the Spore Trail lead to the warrens under the village. - General information gathering about the plague can reveal a pattern of infestation from village to village, that can be backtracked to the Village with the temple of St. Cuthbert. [b]Event 2- The Endless Quest of Murthag the Blessed[/b] Murthag’s compulsion makes him continue on without recourse, following the warrens from village to village (and town or city if so evilly predisposed). Murthag also attracts other Otyugs who see the beast as being blessed and chosen, and follow/protect guard him. Additional “followers,” especially those of adventuring ilk previously infested also now guard the Otyugh to ensure his safety. This include friends/lovers/former associates of the PCs who are now controlled by the “curing” of the void plague. Also, the longer the PCs delay confronting Murthag the greater his retinue will be. [i]Encounters[/i] - With a clutch of Otyughs now guarding Murthag’s vanguard - Other former PCs and NPCs who defend Murthag to the death. The PCs can chose to not kill them, making the combat that much more difficult. - Battle with Murthag itself poses a high risk of the PCs being infested with the void plague. [b]Event 3- The Chosen of St. Cuthbert[/b] Following the trail of Alloric is easy and the PCs can find the child in an infected village healing the sick, along with the proud Father Phineas. If confronted, the poor child will cower in fear, and not take any direct assertive action. [i]Encounters[/i] - An irate Father Phineas and his retinue of Cuthbertites who are appalled at the PCs behavior - The villagers who will aggressively defend the poor little child - The “cured” villagers who as compelled by Alloric will aggressively defend the poor little child [b]Event 4- Possible Cure- Into the Void[/b](One suggested ending only- see event 5 for others) The cure to eliminate the void worms can be found in their natural habitat- an asteroid in the great void, accessible either through a spell jamming ship or gate found deep in the ruins of Phadera (either a substance or plant found in void space). [i]Encounters[/i] - Gith and others; including social encounters and research on the nature of the creature - Followers of Tharizdun who actively attempt to thwart the PCs -Other Cultists/creatures/void tainted found in the remenants of Phadera [b]Event 5- Conclusions[/b] A lot depend on how the PCs handle themselves in these very tricky situations. A real cure for the Plague is left open ended. Perhaps it is as easy as a higher level healing spell; but even here, it will be a difficult decision in who gets healed. The same goes with how to handle Alloric, as the boy does not detect as evil and will not physically engage the PCs at any time, and will plead for his life and for their kindness. How to “kill” a six year old boy is also left to the GM. [b]Potential templates to build on for Alloric & Murthag[/b] [url]http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/aberrations/veiled-master[/url] [url]http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/aberrations/otyugh/otyugh-plaguebearer[/url] [/QUOTE]
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