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The Diamond Throne
The Threats Many dangers lurk in the Lands of the Diamond Throne. Despite the order and safety the giants provide, the world needs great heroes now more than ever. The following is only a short list of antagonists that threaten the otherwise peaceful lands.
The Legacy of the Dramojh First and foremost among the dangers to the realm are the legacies of the dramojh. These insidious tyrants may be gone, but their creations, such as lamias, nagas, harpies, manticores, medusas, slassans, and other creatures, still haunt ruined citadels and wilder areas at the edge of the Diamond Throne’s patrols. Most dramojh fortresses were razed when the giants defeated them 350 years ago. Some remote forts were merely sealed, however, and a few reportedly were missed. While giant divinations showed that the dramojh were extinct, some of their hidden caches or abandoned citadels may remain. The dramojh were corrupt and so insidious, they left behind terrible curses, plagues, and destructive spells waiting to be triggered by intrusion into the remaining fortresses or simply by the passage of time. The creatures’ inhuman vengeance extends far beyond the grave. One current magical disease, called the “rot from within” (see sidebar, page 22) may very well have been released in the Bitter Peaks by just such a contingency.
Havinar Balacos Just as some brave heroes champion concepts like freedom, light, and life, others champion more sinister forces. Perhaps worst among them are champions of death. The most powerful champion of death known today goes by the name Havinar Balacos. People know few truths about this mysterious figure, but they have heard many rumors. Havinar Balacos is a human whose face is unknown. He wears heavy armor adorned with the trappings of his fixation: skulls, bones, and other symbols of death. He delights only in death (but not necessarily suffering). His goal is to kill every living thing in the world, starting with the intelligent creatures. Dealing death is his only pursuit—he does not crave power, gold, or knowledge, except where they might help him kill more creatures. Current reports say this diabolical villain has gathered a group of followers by lying to them about his true motives. Likewise, he may be attempting to ingratiate himself in the ranks of the chorrim, offering them some kind of aid, although the only thing he is truly concerned about is fomenting a large-scale war and the casualties it will bring. Havinar Balacos: Male human chm19 (death): CR 19; Medium humanoid; HD 19d10+95 (204 hp); Dying/Dead –6/–20; Init +1 (Dex); Speed 20 feet; AC 30, 31 vs. ranged (+1 Dex, +14 armor, +5 shield); touch 11, flat-footed 28; armor check penalty –6); BAB +19; Grapple +22; Single Atk +24 melee (1d8+1d6+6, crit. 19–20/×2, longsword); Full Atk +24/+19/+14/+9 melee (1d8+1d6+6, crit. 19–20/×2, longsword); Face/Reach 5 feet/5 feet; SA +1 damage to living creatures, death’s wrath, finger of death; SQ Immune to negative energy spells; Hero Points 2; SR 30; SV Fort +18, Ref +11, Will +13; Str 17, Dex 12, Con 20, Int 14, Wis 11, Cha 17 Languages: Common Skills and Feats: Diplomacy +14, Knowledge (geography) +10, Knowledge (history) +13, Knowledge (magic) +10, Ride +13, Sense Motive +8, Spot +22; Bloody Strike, Cleave, Exotic Armor Proficiency, Mounted Combat, Paralyzing Blow, Power Attack, Shield
