Chapter Four: Creatures
Shadow Troll Encounter (EL 10)
Slassan
While attending the joining of close friends, the PCs notice some large, hulking figures outside the bounds of the ceremony. But the figures suddenly disappear. It seems that the groom, a year earlier, encountered a trio of shadow trolls on the road that intended to eat him. He bargained for his life by promising them 1,000 gp worth of magic items. They surprised him by accepting the deal, but when he got away he assumed he was free and clear—he thought they would never find him. In fact, he bragged of his bargaining talents to all who would listen. But these shadow trolls are no slowwitted brutes. They tracked him down and intend to collect the debt—but first they want to exact some revenge. Their plan is to slip silently and invisibly through the shadows and into the kitchen supplying food for the festivities to poison the meal. The PCs should stop the trolls from their dastardly deed, but those interested in justice, duty, and honor might be inclined to force the groom to uphold his end of the bargain. Others might just see the trolls as extortionists and give their debt claim no credence.
Large Aberration Hit Dice: 10d8+20 (65 hp), dying/dead –3/–15 Initiative: +3 (Dexterity) Speed: 30 feet AC: 20 (–1 size, +3 Dexterity, +8 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 17 Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+15 Attack: Claws +11 melee (1d5+5) Full Attack: 2 claws +11 melee (1d5+5), bite +6 melee (1d8+2) Face/Reach: 5 feet by 5 feet/10 feet Special Attacks: Poison, spell-like abilities, quicken spell-like abilities Special Qualities: Scent, SR 25, camouflage, immune to poison Saves: Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +11 Abilities: Str 20, Dex 17, Con 15, Int 21, Wis 15, Cha 19 Skills: Alchemy +10, Climb +18, Jump +18, Knowledge (magic) +18, Listen +10, Sneak +13*, Spellcraft +18, Spot +15 Feats: Brandish Magical Might, Focused Healing, Iron Will, Power of the Name, Sense the Unseen
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