GuardianLurker
Adventurer
Below I've detailed what was originally a Maguffin for my PCs - I had them scrambling on an extended scavenger hunt and they desperately needed a way to store, hide, and transport the stuff. Thus "Fluffy".
However, they've recently started pestering me for Fluffy's stats, and I've found myself starting to improvise my way into trouble. So I decided (mostly for my own sanity) to do it. However - the result is more than a little complex, so I need some help checking it out and balancing it. Thus here.
Thanks in advance, guys.
[h1]The Drake's Hold[/h1]
The Drake's Hold, known by its current owners as "Fluffy", is a unique magic item created by an unknown, but obviously very highly skilled wizard. It combines the abilities of a bag of holding, a carpet of flying, and a familiar. More importantly, it grows in power based on the amount of treasure stored within it.
Initially, the Drake's Hold appears to be nothing more than a small box made of polished ironwood, inlaid with sablewood, and bound with adamantium. The inlay on the lid presents the image of five dragon-heads, two each roaring to either side and one roaring out of the center. Each dragons' eyes are carved metals corresponding to their metallic type. Though the inlays are not colored or painted in anyway, they are sufficiently detailed for a student of dragon-lore to identify them. The lower left is a brass dragon, above it a copper dragon. The lower right is a bronze dragon, above it a silver dragon. In the center is a gold dragon.
The two sides of the box depict inlaid dragon wings that are also cunningly carved as handles. The wings seem to subtly shift over time, dpeicting each of the metallic dragon types in turn.
The back of the box has five inlaid dragon tails that intertwine in the center.
The front of chest has 5 pairs of dragon-claw clasps that serve as locks. The left-most pair are in the shape of a brass dragon's claws. To their right, a pair of copper dragon claws. In the center a pair of gold dragon claws. To the right of center, a pair of silver dragon claws. And the right most pair are in the shape of a bronze dragon's claws.
The legs of the box are actually fully carved statuettes of the metallic dragons, supporting it with their backs and outstretched wings. All of the dragons depicted are Wyrmlings of their type. A Brass dragon functions as the front left leg, a bronze dragon as the front right leg. A copper dragon is the back left leg, and a silver dragon the back right leg. Additional support is provided by a fifth, center leg in the shape of a gold dragon.
As the box grows in size, the leg-statuettes advance to their next stage in growth, progressing as a normal dragon would and ultimately assuming the forms of Great Wyrms of their types.
[h2]Stats as a Magic Item[/h2]
To grow to its next stage, the Drake's Hold must "consume" precious metals, gems, and magic items.
Magic items so consumed permanently lose their powers as the binding soul energy and magic (i.e. the XP expended during the item's creation) are absorbed by the Drake's Hold to fuel it's growth. Magic items must make a Fortitude save each time they are placed within the drake's hold to avoid being drained. The Drake's Hold can only drain 100 times its age category in experience points at any one time. Items cannot be partially drained. Fully drained items can be re-enchanted as normal.
Precious metals and gems are consumed when the lid of the drake's hold is shut. The Drake's Hold can only consume an amount of gems and metals equal to 1000 times its age category in gold piece value at any one time. Metals and gems so consumed vanish.
To grow to the next age category, the Drake's Hold must consume a total amount of gold piece equivalent and experience points equal to the difference between it's current value and the next value on the chart.
Example:Fluffy is currently a young adult, worth 74000 gp and 2960 xp. To grow to an adult, Fluffy must consume 11000 gp of precious metals and gems, and drain 440 xp from magic items. Moreover, it can only consume 5000 gp each time it's lid is closed, and drain 500 xp from any magic items placed within it.
Owners: When describing the special abilities the Drake's Hold gains over time, the word "owners" referes to any being that knows its command words. If owners' orders conflict, the Drake's Hold obeys the owner that has known its command words the longest. In the case of a tie, the Drake's Hold will try to satisfy all orders of the highest precedence if possible, or if not, will do nothing.
Caster Level:All special abilities function at the 20th caster level.
As Mount: The Drake's Hold functions as a mount, with a maximum carrying capacity of the list amount, and able to bear riders up to the listed size. Its flying manuverability is poor, at best. The Drake's Hold obeys the directions of its rider or its owners. If the directions conflict, the owner's directions take precedence.
As Container: The Drake's Hold provides an extra-dimensional space of the listed capacities. The Drake's Hold provides neither air nor sustenance to any living being contained within it.
Nondetection: As the 3rd-level wizard spell, but only on the contents.
Alarm:At first, the Drake's Hold provides a mental alarm to its owners, every time it is opened and closed. This notification is limited to one mile. Later, the Drake's Hold is able to cast Alarm, as the spell. The owners will receive a mental alarm.
Arcane Lock:The Drake's Hold can place itself under arcane lock when desired by its owners, and only its owners may then open it.
Lit Interior:The interior of the Drake's Hold is lit by a sourceless light. The spillage from this light illuminates a 5' radius. It does not interfere with low-light or dark- vision.
Multiple Trap Spells: The owners may place any number of magical trap spells (such as fire trap) on Drake's Hold. If the spell would cause the destruction of Drake's Hold (such as Explosive Runes), the item remains unaffected, though the victims still suffer the spell's effects.
Handy: As with the Handy Haversack, the desired item is always on top and within immediate reach.
Dimensional Anchor:The interior of the Drake's Hold is now protected by a dimensional anchor.
[h2]When bonded as a Familiar[/h2]
To gain these abilities, the Drake's Hold must have been bonded to an arcane spellcaster using the Improved Familiar feat. However, the increased abilities do not depend the master's level, but rather the growth of the Drake's Hold (as detailed above).
Breath Weapon:All breath weapons are a line, 5' wide, 5' high, and 5'xthe age category long. E.g. When the Drake's Hold is a Mature Adult, it may breath a line of fire 35' long. As a Wyrm and Great Wyrm, the Drake's Hold may breath its breath weapon in a cone instead if it so desires.
Each head breathes weapons corresponding to the metallic dragon depicted (except the gold head, which breathes a sonic weapon instead of a cone of fire). All of the heads may breathe a combined total of times per day equal to the amount listed. E.g. as an Ancient, the Drake's Hold may breath with its gold head twice, its silver head twice, and its copper head once, or any other total equalling 5.
The Brass Dragon head breathes Fire or Sleep.
The Copper Dragon head breathes Acid or Slow.
The Bronze Dragon head breathes Lighting or Repulsion.
The Silver Dragon head breathes Cold or Paralyzation.
The Gold Dragon head breathes Sonic or Weakness.
All non-damaging effects last 1d6+(age number) rounds. Weakness deals (age number) points of strength damage.
All save DCs are equal to twice the Drake's age category.
Familiar Abilities:As the normal familiar abilities. Speak with Objects and Speak with Magic Objects function as the spell Stone Tell, except their targets are limited to non-magical objects (such as a chair) and magical objects (such as a Short Sword +1) respectively.
Senses: The Drake's Hold has greatly inferior senses. While it does possess Blindsense to 30', it is unable to perceive any more than the shape of the "objects". It is thus unable to make critical attacks. This blindsense is a magical awareness not a physical one, and counts as a supernatural ability. The Drake's Hold is otherwise unable to see or hear its external environment. It can see and hear everything sotred within it perfectly well however, and once the interior becomes lit, can see and hear its external environment within a 5' range (quadruple all distance penalties to listen and spot checks) - if the lid is open.
However, they've recently started pestering me for Fluffy's stats, and I've found myself starting to improvise my way into trouble. So I decided (mostly for my own sanity) to do it. However - the result is more than a little complex, so I need some help checking it out and balancing it. Thus here.
Thanks in advance, guys.
[h1]The Drake's Hold[/h1]
The Drake's Hold, known by its current owners as "Fluffy", is a unique magic item created by an unknown, but obviously very highly skilled wizard. It combines the abilities of a bag of holding, a carpet of flying, and a familiar. More importantly, it grows in power based on the amount of treasure stored within it.
Initially, the Drake's Hold appears to be nothing more than a small box made of polished ironwood, inlaid with sablewood, and bound with adamantium. The inlay on the lid presents the image of five dragon-heads, two each roaring to either side and one roaring out of the center. Each dragons' eyes are carved metals corresponding to their metallic type. Though the inlays are not colored or painted in anyway, they are sufficiently detailed for a student of dragon-lore to identify them. The lower left is a brass dragon, above it a copper dragon. The lower right is a bronze dragon, above it a silver dragon. In the center is a gold dragon.
The two sides of the box depict inlaid dragon wings that are also cunningly carved as handles. The wings seem to subtly shift over time, dpeicting each of the metallic dragon types in turn.
The back of the box has five inlaid dragon tails that intertwine in the center.
The front of chest has 5 pairs of dragon-claw clasps that serve as locks. The left-most pair are in the shape of a brass dragon's claws. To their right, a pair of copper dragon claws. In the center a pair of gold dragon claws. To the right of center, a pair of silver dragon claws. And the right most pair are in the shape of a bronze dragon's claws.
The legs of the box are actually fully carved statuettes of the metallic dragons, supporting it with their backs and outstretched wings. All of the dragons depicted are Wyrmlings of their type. A Brass dragon functions as the front left leg, a bronze dragon as the front right leg. A copper dragon is the back left leg, and a silver dragon the back right leg. Additional support is provided by a fifth, center leg in the shape of a gold dragon.
As the box grows in size, the leg-statuettes advance to their next stage in growth, progressing as a normal dragon would and ultimately assuming the forms of Great Wyrms of their types.
[h2]Stats as a Magic Item[/h2]
To grow to its next stage, the Drake's Hold must "consume" precious metals, gems, and magic items.
Magic items so consumed permanently lose their powers as the binding soul energy and magic (i.e. the XP expended during the item's creation) are absorbed by the Drake's Hold to fuel it's growth. Magic items must make a Fortitude save each time they are placed within the drake's hold to avoid being drained. The Drake's Hold can only drain 100 times its age category in experience points at any one time. Items cannot be partially drained. Fully drained items can be re-enchanted as normal.
Precious metals and gems are consumed when the lid of the drake's hold is shut. The Drake's Hold can only consume an amount of gems and metals equal to 1000 times its age category in gold piece value at any one time. Metals and gems so consumed vanish.
To grow to the next age category, the Drake's Hold must consume a total amount of gold piece equivalent and experience points equal to the difference between it's current value and the next value on the chart.
Example:Fluffy is currently a young adult, worth 74000 gp and 2960 xp. To grow to an adult, Fluffy must consume 11000 gp of precious metals and gems, and drain 440 xp from magic items. Moreover, it can only consume 5000 gp each time it's lid is closed, and drain 500 xp from any magic items placed within it.
Code:
Age.....Age
Number..Category......Size..Int..AC..Hardness..HP
1.......Wyrmling......D.....1....14..5.........15
2.......Very.Young....T.....2....13..6.........25
3.......Young.........S.....3....13..7.........35
4.......Juvenile......S.....4....14..8.........45
5.......Young.Adult...S.....5....15..9.........55
6.......Adult.........M.....6....15..10........65
7.......Mature.Adult..M.....7....16..11........75
8.......Old...........M.....8....17..12........85
9.......Very.Old......M.....9....18..13........95
10......Ancient.......L.....10...18..14........105
11......Wyrm..........L.....11...19..15........115
12......Great.Wyrm....L.....12...20..16........125
Age.....Speed......As.Mount......As.Container..
Number..Foot..Fly..Weight..Size..Weight..Volume..
1.......30....0....0.......N/A...100.....15
2.......40....0....25......D.....250.....30
3.......40....20...50......D.....500.....70
4.......40....30...100.....T.....1000....150
5.......40....40...150.....T.....1500....250
6.......40....50...200.....S.....2000....350
7.......40....60...250.....S.....2500....500
8.......40....70...325.....S.....3000....750
9.......40....80...400.....M.....4000....1000
10......40....90...500.....M.....5500....1350
11......40....100..650.....L.....7000....1700
12......40....120..800.....L.....10000...2200
Age
Number..Ability...............Gold....XP
1.......Nondetection..........21500...860
2.......Alarm (O/C)...........27500...1100
3.......Arcane Lock...........57000...2280
4.......Lit Interior..........64400...2576
5.......Multiple Trap Spells..74000...2960
6.......Handy.................85000...3400
7.............................95000...3800
8.......Dimensional Anchor....185000..7400
9.............................195000..7800
10......Alarm.................209000..8360
11............................222000..8880
12............................236000..9440Owners: When describing the special abilities the Drake's Hold gains over time, the word "owners" referes to any being that knows its command words. If owners' orders conflict, the Drake's Hold obeys the owner that has known its command words the longest. In the case of a tie, the Drake's Hold will try to satisfy all orders of the highest precedence if possible, or if not, will do nothing.
Caster Level:All special abilities function at the 20th caster level.
As Mount: The Drake's Hold functions as a mount, with a maximum carrying capacity of the list amount, and able to bear riders up to the listed size. Its flying manuverability is poor, at best. The Drake's Hold obeys the directions of its rider or its owners. If the directions conflict, the owner's directions take precedence.
As Container: The Drake's Hold provides an extra-dimensional space of the listed capacities. The Drake's Hold provides neither air nor sustenance to any living being contained within it.
Nondetection: As the 3rd-level wizard spell, but only on the contents.
Alarm:At first, the Drake's Hold provides a mental alarm to its owners, every time it is opened and closed. This notification is limited to one mile. Later, the Drake's Hold is able to cast Alarm, as the spell. The owners will receive a mental alarm.
Arcane Lock:The Drake's Hold can place itself under arcane lock when desired by its owners, and only its owners may then open it.
Lit Interior:The interior of the Drake's Hold is lit by a sourceless light. The spillage from this light illuminates a 5' radius. It does not interfere with low-light or dark- vision.
Multiple Trap Spells: The owners may place any number of magical trap spells (such as fire trap) on Drake's Hold. If the spell would cause the destruction of Drake's Hold (such as Explosive Runes), the item remains unaffected, though the victims still suffer the spell's effects.
Handy: As with the Handy Haversack, the desired item is always on top and within immediate reach.
Dimensional Anchor:The interior of the Drake's Hold is now protected by a dimensional anchor.
[h2]When bonded as a Familiar[/h2]
To gain these abilities, the Drake's Hold must have been bonded to an arcane spellcaster using the Improved Familiar feat. However, the increased abilities do not depend the master's level, but rather the growth of the Drake's Hold (as detailed above).
Code:
Age.....Age
Number..Category......Str..Dex..Con..Int..Wis..Cha..Familiar Ability
1.......Wyrmling......10...11...---..6....2....1....Alertness, Improved Evasion,Share Spells, Empathic Link
2.......Very Young....10...11...---..7....3....2....Touch
3.......Young.........11...11...---..8....4....2....Speak with Master
4.......Juvenile......11...12...---..9....5....3....Speak with Magical Objects
5.......Young Adult...12...12...---..10...6....3....
6.......Adult.........12...12...---..11...7....4....Spell Resistance
7.......Mature Adult..13...13...---..12...8...4....
8.......Old...........13...13...---..13...9....5....Scry on Familiar
9.......Very Old......14...13...---..14...10...5....
10......Ancient.......14...14...---..15...11...6....
11......Wyrm..........15...14...----..16...12...6....
12......Great Wyrm....15...14...---..17...13...7....
Age................Damage
Number..BAB...Init..Slam..Claw (x5)..
1.......+1....+0....---...---
2.......+2....+1....1d4...---
3.......+3....+1....1d6...---
4.......+4....+1....1d6...1d3
5.......+5....+1....1d6...1d3
6.......+6....+2....1d8...1d4
7.......+7....+2....1d8...1d4
8.......+8....+2....1d8...1d4
9.......+9....+2....1d8...1d4
10......+10...+2....2d6...1d6
11......+11...+2....2d6...1d6
12......+12...+3....2d6...1d6
Age.....Breath Weapon
Number..Damage..Times/Day..Types
1.......---.....---........---
2.......---.....---........---
3.......---.....---........---
4.......---.....---........---
5.......---.....---........---
6.......3d4.....1..........Brass
7.......4d4.....2..........Brass, Copper
8.......3d6.....3..........Brass, Copper, Bronze
9.......4d6.....4..........Brass, Copper, Bronze, Silver
10......3d8.....5..........Brass, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold
11......4d8.....5..........Brass, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold;Cone
12......3d10....5..........Brass, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold;ConeBreath Weapon:All breath weapons are a line, 5' wide, 5' high, and 5'xthe age category long. E.g. When the Drake's Hold is a Mature Adult, it may breath a line of fire 35' long. As a Wyrm and Great Wyrm, the Drake's Hold may breath its breath weapon in a cone instead if it so desires.
Each head breathes weapons corresponding to the metallic dragon depicted (except the gold head, which breathes a sonic weapon instead of a cone of fire). All of the heads may breathe a combined total of times per day equal to the amount listed. E.g. as an Ancient, the Drake's Hold may breath with its gold head twice, its silver head twice, and its copper head once, or any other total equalling 5.
The Brass Dragon head breathes Fire or Sleep.
The Copper Dragon head breathes Acid or Slow.
The Bronze Dragon head breathes Lighting or Repulsion.
The Silver Dragon head breathes Cold or Paralyzation.
The Gold Dragon head breathes Sonic or Weakness.
All non-damaging effects last 1d6+(age number) rounds. Weakness deals (age number) points of strength damage.
All save DCs are equal to twice the Drake's age category.
Familiar Abilities:As the normal familiar abilities. Speak with Objects and Speak with Magic Objects function as the spell Stone Tell, except their targets are limited to non-magical objects (such as a chair) and magical objects (such as a Short Sword +1) respectively.
Senses: The Drake's Hold has greatly inferior senses. While it does possess Blindsense to 30', it is unable to perceive any more than the shape of the "objects". It is thus unable to make critical attacks. This blindsense is a magical awareness not a physical one, and counts as a supernatural ability. The Drake's Hold is otherwise unable to see or hear its external environment. It can see and hear everything sotred within it perfectly well however, and once the interior becomes lit, can see and hear its external environment within a 5' range (quadruple all distance penalties to listen and spot checks) - if the lid is open.
Last edited:
