4 minute read
Herald of Kyuss
from Elder Evils - 3.5e
Spell Focus (necromancy), Spell Penetration, Tomb-Tainted
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SoulLM, Weapon Finesse, Willing DeformityB Skills Bluff +15, Concentration +24 (+28 casting defensively),
Decipher Script +13, Diplomacy +5 (+7 against evil creatures), Disable Device +8, Disguise +3 (+5 acting), Escape
Artist +14, Heal +17, Hide +16, Intimidate +8 (+10 against evil creatures), Knowledge (arcana) +26, Knowledge (history) +17, Knowledge (the planes) +13, Knowledge (religion) +26, Listen +14, Move Silently +14, Search +25, Spellcraft +28, Survival +14 (+16 on other planes, +16 following tracks) Possessions combat gear plus ring of protection +3, amulet of natural armor +3, bracers of armor +6, cloak of resistance +2, gloves of Dexterity +2, mask of Intellect +6, 2 pinches of diamond dust (50 gp) for nondetection, 2 fl asks of unholy water for unholy storm, onyx (50 gp) for death armor, symbol of Nerull Spellbook spells prepared plus 0—all except abjuration and illusion; 1st—erase; 4th—animate dead, ice storm; 5th—blight Major Desecration (Su) As the desecrate spell, extending out in a 90-foot radius, but affects only allied undead. Tomb-Tainted Soul Edwin is healed by negative energy and harmed by positive energy as though he were undead. Worm-Smite (Ex) Once every 5 rounds, Edwin can make a touch attack to deliver a worm-smite. A creature struck by this attack must succeed on a DC 22 Refl ex save or become covered in ravenous worms. On Edwin’s next turn and every turn thereafter, the target takes 7d8 points of slashing damage as the worms consume the target’s fl esh and burrow into its organs. The worms remain until destroyed or removed—or until the target is slain, indicating the worms have devoured their victim. A target can use a full-round action to attempt to remove the hungry worms. Escaping requires a DC 22
Refl ex save. Rolling on the ground—and thus crushing the worms—provides a +2 circumstance bonus on the save. Dealing at least 20 points of fi re damage destroys the worms, but deals the same amount of damage to the victim as well. Conjuration (teleportation) spells or spell-like effects can also extricate the target from the worm-smite. Constructs, elementals, oozes, and creatures of the incorporeal subtype are immune to this ability. Cursed Glance (Sp) Seven times per day when a visible enemy within 60 feet targets Edwin with an attack or spell,
Edwin can, as an immediate action, force the opponent to make a DC 18 Will save or take a –2 penalty to AC and on saving throws for 1 round. Discorporate (Ex) As an immediate action,
Edwin can discorporate, collapsing into a pile of slithering vermin.
There’s one Fine worm (AC 20, 1 hp each) for each hit point Edwin possessed prior to discorporating. In the round when he uses this ability, the worms fall to the ground, fi lling his space. Unless each worm is destroyed within 1 round, the writhing worms burrow into the earth or slither away. As long as any component vermin survives, Edwin can, within 24 hours, breed and create a new body to house his malicious essence. Frightful Presence (Su) Edwin inspires terror whenever he uses his worm-smite ability. All creatures witnessing the attack must succeed on a DC 20 Will save or become shaken, remaining so as long as they remain within 60 feet of Edwin. A creature saving against the frightful presence cannot be affected by Edwin’s frightful presence for 24 hours. Skills Edwin has a +10 racial bonus on Escape Artist, Hide, Listen, Move Silently, and Survival checks. HERALD OF KYUSS “Behold, the great Worm stirs! Go out and spread the word, for he shall come and make worthy the unworthy, redeem the wicked, and purge the unclean.” —The Herald of Kyuss The Herald of Kyuss is the Worm’s high priest, prophet, and disciple. The Herald conceals his awful form behind many different masks. The Herald can be anyone and anywhere, watching and waiting for the moment to strike. GOALS As a devoted servant, the Herald seeks little else than to serve the pleasure of his master. It is enough for him to murder and devour—to spread unrest and violence in the Worm’s name. The Herald must often guess at his master’s wishes since Kyuss rarely deigns to communicate his wants, leaving the Herald to interpret the silence to the best of his ability. USING THE HERALD The Herald is a faceless enemy, a hidden threat to cause trouble for the player characters. Using his change shape ability, the Herald can masquerade as anyone, and can play the part of a trusted ally or a longtime companion. When the PCs seek out Wormcrawl Island, the Herald should accompany them, then betray them at their most desperate moment. DESCRIPTION Kyuss’s Herald prefers the form of a young, lithe woman, getting what he wants through seduction and deceit. His normal form is a disgusting blending of worm, octopus, and insect. The Herald is monstrous, but also quite clever. He speaks eloquently and The Herald of Kyuss has impeccable manners.
Illus. by S. Srisuwan