Chloris The Bloody Claw

BEN SHALOM

The peak ofMount Thoularn was once adorned by five colossal statues oflitorian tribe leaders.Their shape was thoughtfully carved into black volcanic rock by giant hands. At the base ofthe sculptures the words “Remember the five fingers that were once a fist” were masterfully inscribed in silver letters.The statues were built in memorial for three lost litorian tribes,destroyed by the dramojh.

Three centuries ago,while the dramojh concentrated their war efforts against the giants,several tribes,including the proud Smathor (“Red Claws”) and the Purathandor (“Silvery Manes”),turned as one against the tyrants that ruled the land with an iron fist in what was later named The Great Rebellion. And so it came to be that when the first giants entered Lotharandor,they discovered a land that was already free.

It was not a peaceful land,however.The Smathi were unsatisfied with the Purathandi efforts during the rebellion. Rumors turned into accusations that were whispered,then spoken,then shouted:“Where were the Silvery Manes when so few proud tribes stood against the Scaled Ones?”

The smearing oftheir name and reputation enraged the Purathandi,and The War ofthe Tribes broke out.As the violence escalated,the Smathi—all but destroyed in The Great Rebellion against the dramojh—were at the brink of extinction.It was the giant governor,Poh-Narsod who ended the war between the tribes and established the Peace Vow.

Years passed,and the Smathi grew in number.Their wounds healed,but their pride seemed forever impaired.Among them grew a new generation that carried the burden ofdisgrace.They owed their lives to the giants who had saved them from obliteration,and some considered this a fate worse than death. From this generation ofvictims,Mavuane was born.

It was Mavuane who led many young Smathi to the peak ofMount Thoularn on a rainy day later known as “The Day ofthe Weeping Blackstone.” She spoke with a clear voice against the patronizing giants who had robbed her tribe of their honor and pride,and she asked her fellows to fight for freedom by her side.Her words found the heart ofthe young warrior known as Chloris,but her eyes found the eyes ofhis elder brother,Charon.He refused to accept her vision,however,and left to join the Peace Vow faction.

And so,when the moment ofchoice arrived,it was the brave young Chloris who smashed the statue ofPurathandor’s tribe leader atop the mount,becoming the first to swear allegiance to Mavuane.Her band came roaring down the mountain,charging with fierce and grim determination against the Peace Vow giants.Many hearts became hard and many hands learned war the day the Blackstones wept.

For seven years Chloris fought in the service ofMavuane. Countless times he painted his claws red,countless times he charged against all odds in her name,spreading havoc in his path,confusing the mightiest offoes with his utter lack ofhesitation.He always thought ofhimselfmore as a servant ofthe revolutionary than a servant ofthe revolution.He carried Mavuane’s word through the battlefields and turned her from a fanatic preacher into a prime political leader.The Purathandi called him “The Bloody Claw,” and the giants feared him.

Few suspected that Chloris also carried a passion for Mavuane in his heart.He nurtured his romantic dreams secretly,anticipating the right moment to share them with her.

After Chloris slew the giant head ofthe Peace Vow faction, his own brother,Charon,took his place as their leader. Charon asked for a meeting with Mavuane and,against Chloris' advice,she accepted.

Charon and Mavuane conferred,but the negotiations were fruitless.Mavuane returned from the meeting burning with anger.She refused to share any details,which troubled Chloris deeply.Mavuane was now more determined than ever before to defeat the Peace Vow faction and execute her vengeful justice upon her enemies.Tired ofwar,Chloris hoped for a swift victory and a love to flourish in the peace that should follow.But a loathsome betrayal denied him his dream.

At the foot ofMount Thoularn the battle ensued.Chloris was fighting at the side ofhis beloved Mavuane when his brother,Charon,invoked The Power ofthe Name and compelled him to sheathe his sword.His eyes refused to believe the sight ofMavuane struck down by the giant governor Poh-Narsod in the heat ofChi-Julud.The warring sides parted,and the battle soothed quickly as Mavuane’s warriors scattered.Chloris took the dying Mavuane in his arms and,with tears in her eyes,she begged him for forgiveness: She was a fool,she said,and her foolishness deprived the Smathi oftheir hope for freedom and honor.She confessed to Chloris that she was infatuated with his brother.After years ofabstinence,she offered herselfto him during the negotiations,and his refusal to accept her was the cause for her wrath.

Chloris was enraged.The envious warrior decided to avenge Mavuane’s death by taking Poh-Narsod’s life.He invoked the name ofMavuane,roaring his intentions loud and clear.His brother answered with an oath ofhis own:that as long as he had fists to serve him,eyes to see,and warm blood flowing through his veins,Poh-Narsod shall not be harmed.Chloris’ last vestige offeeling for his brother was gone.

Combat

Chloris charges into melee wearing Mavuane’s splendorous armor (this is the source ofat least some ofthe rumors regarding the allegedly vengeful and relentless spirit of Mavuane).He is truly awe-inspiring and seems fearless.He combines his dancing bastard sword,wounding battle claws,and his summoned shield and weapon to create a masterful combination ofdefense and offense,timed to the second.

Using Chloris

At 44 years old,Chloris stands 6 feet,5 inches tall.He weighs 195 lbs.and has brown eyes.His brownish fur shows a red tint around the paws,and a branding mark symbolizing freedom shows through the fur on his neck.

Today,Chloris is a man with a cause.He must kill governor Poh-Narsod before a year and a day pass or disgrace the memory ofMavuane and lose the cause he had fought for— though he sometimes doubts it was ever there in the first place.When he feels he lacks confidence in the cause,he draws strength from the memory ofhis beloved Mavuane.

The few who are closest to him can tell that Mavuane’s memory constantly torments his waking hours.Fewer still know that sometimes he unknowingly curses her in his sleep.

In a conversation,Chloris seems rather boring—all he ever talks about is killing Poh-Narsod.Even his deputies find his single-minded behavior lately disturbing.

Chloris, male litorian Cmp15 (Freedom,Mavuane): CR 15;

Medium humanoid;HD 15d10+45;hp 136;Dying/Dead –3/–17 dead;Init +3;Speed 20 feet;AC 30 (+2 Dex,+13 armor,+1 luck,+3 deflection),touch 16,flat-footed 27;BAB +15/+10/+5;Grapple +19;Attack +20 melee (1d8+7,19–20/×2, dire greater battle claw);Full Attack +20/+15/+10 melee (1d8+7,19–20/×2, dire greater battle claw);SA Call upon power,take on the mantle;SQ Low-light vision,freedom’s will,

freedom’s strength,invoke the name,call shield,heartening cry;Hero Points 0;SV Fort +12,Ref+9,Will +10 (+12 vs. enchantments);Str 18,Dex 16,Con 17,Int 12,Wis 13,Cha 8 Languages: Litorian,Common,and Giant Skills and Feats: Climb +3,Craft (sculpture) +3,Heal +6,

Intimidate +7,Jump +8,Knowledge (geography) +3,

Knowledge (history) +3,Listen +3,Search +3,Spot +10,

Wilderness Survival +10;Bonded Item (Mavuane’s armor),

Exotic Armor Proficiency,Exotic Weapon Proficiency (agile),Exotic Weapon Proficiency (heavy),Power Attack,

Power Charge,Speed Burst Call Shield (Sp): Once per day for 15 minutes,Chloris can summon a +4 long shield that a foe cannot take against his will,although it can be dispelled.The shield negates 50 percent ofthe critical hits he might suffer. Call Upon Power (Su): Four times per day,Chloris gains a +2 enhancement bonus to Strength and Constitution for up to 15 rounds as a free action. Call Weapon (Sp): Once per day for 15 minutes,Chloris can summon a +4 defending weapon that a foe cannot take against his will,although it can be dispelled. Heartening Cry (Su): Once per day as a free action,Chloris gives a battle cry that rallies and inspires his allies.All allies within 30 feet gain a +1 morale bonus to attack rolls, saving throws,and checks for 10 rounds.Further,all allies within the area under the effects ofan unwanted enchantment can make another saving throw against the effect (at the original DC) to throw it off. Takeon the Mantle (Su): Once per day Chloris gains a new form called “The Roaring Thunder.” This form lasts 30 rounds, adds a +4 enhancement bonus to Strength,Constitution,and

Charisma,and grants him DR 10/magic (or 10/+1) and SR 26. Freedom’s Will (Su): Chloris enjoys a +2 resistance bonus to spells ofthe enchantment school. Freedom’s Strength (Su): Chloris enjoys a +1 luck bonus to attack and damage rolls when in a fight to free someone or something from captivity,or against an oppressive force or figure. Invoke the Name (Su): Chloris gains an additional attack at his highest bonus ifhe swears to do a task in Mavuane’s name. Possessions: Mavuane’s armor (+3 articulated plate fitted with +2 armor spikes), +1 dire greater battle claw ofwounding, +2 dancing dire bastard sword, ring ofprotection +3, terrifying battle colors† (4 doses)

New Magic Item

Terrifying Battle Colors†: After being applied,each dose of this oil activates upon the user’s first Intimidate attempt, regardless ofits success.The effects are as a heightened gaze ofterror spell.

Moderate enchantment;Caster Level 15th;Craft SingleUse Item,heightened gaze ofterror; Price 3,750 gp;Weight —