Chapter Two
• A god physically manifests within its area of effect (5 percent chance for destabilization). • A god dies within its area of effect (25 percent chance for destabilization). An unstable well affects all spellcasters in its area of effect as if someone had cast a curse of power† spell upon them (cannot be avoided by a successful saving throw). Further, after a month of instability, the power of the well starts to move in cycles. This cyclical power “spin”—often described as an ebb and flow—has both of these effects: 1. Every other day, all spells operate as if cast by someone two levels higher than normal. On other days, all spells operate as if cast by someone two levels lower than normal. 2. Every other day, all creatures gain a +2 enhancement bonus to Strength. On other days, all creatures suffer a –2 enhancement penalty to Strength. Unstable wells have the same chance of stabilizing on their own as stable wells have of destabilizing. The spell stabilize energy well† can also be of use. The willful act of a god also could stabilize an energy well.
Multiple Energy Wells If more than one god died in a particular area, two (or more) energy wells might develop in close proximity to one another. If this happens, expect some strange effects. First of all, there is a fair chance that one or both of the energy wells will become unstable. Multiple unstable energy well effects stack. Further, in the area occupied by both (or all) of the energy wells, spell effects dependent upon the caster level become 1d20 rolls instead. So if someone casts pass without trace, instead of affecting one creature per level for 10 minutes per level, it affects 1d20 creatures for 1d20x10 minutes. A fireball spell inflicts 1d20 d6 (maximum 10d6) damage. A Spellcraft check (DC 20 + spell level) allows a cast spell to function normally, but if the Spellcraft check fails, the player uses a d10 rather than a d20 to determine level effects. A wish or miracle spell can transform this overlapping effect into a purely beneficial or detrimental one—where spells cast in the overlapping area operate as if the caster were either 1d6 levels higher or lower (depending on the desire stated when casting the wish or miracle.)
Godsblood Although authorities often can trace the origin of relics and artifacts back to the actual physiognomy of a god, perhaps the most useful by-product of the corpus dei is the fluid the
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corpse exudes. This fluid, often collected in sacred receptacles or otherwise blessed containers, is called godsblood. Godsblood’s appearance and qualities depend on the nature of the deceased deity. It could appear as black, tarry ooze; a thick, viscous paste; or a clear, bubbling watery substance. Godsblood is usually found in a small pool or oozing out from godflesh (see page 29). Such a find normally yields 1d12 + 1 ounces of the stuff. A typical corpus dei might spawn 1d6 such Galathak’s Grave pools, but this numThe tower appeared overnight. ber varies wildly with The meteor had struck a few days before. The each individual god impact destroyed the village of Yellowrock and and the circumeveryone who lived there. Those that saw the falling star and lived said that it looked more stances around the like a man—or a giant—falling from the death. Many pools are heavens than a star. A few wizards said that strange energies were coming from the hidden, invisible until meteorite’s impact crater, so Queen Reatha certain conditions are positioned an elite force of eldritch warriors‡ to watch the crater and assess any threat. met, or they might The morning after they arrived, a tower was just be extremely hard growing up out of the middle of the crater. Its to get to. Simply digsmooth, rocky sides seemed like flesh, and cracks in the sides of the tower oozed a thick, ging down into a cordark red—almost black—liquid. Rising up from pus dei will not autothe top of the tower were five pointed protrusions, making the entire structure resemble a matically produce clawed arm reaching up out of a pit. godsblood. (It doesn’t The tower pulsed with dark energy, occasionwork that way.) These ally emitting tiny, dark motes that traveled up into the sky or sank down into the ground. pools are usually not Occasionally, the watchers spotted large found farther than insect-things scuttling about outside the tower and down in the crater. The leader of 500 yards from the the eldritch warriors sent two of his force corpse. down into the crater to investigate further. They never came back. Godsblood is potent stuff. Anyone On the next day, when the followers of Galathak appeared, the eldritch warriors realized what at the source imbibing was happening—and what they stood next to. at least an ounce for The clerics of the evil god of darkness and destruction clearly had no power, but they were the first time is affectwell armed with magical devices. They sought ed as though by a heal to get at the tower and drink its seeping blood. They craved the power pulsing from the tower spell, as well as bull’s and the sparks of energy that leapt out of it. strength, cat’s grace, and They desired to feast on the remains endurance spells—all of their own dead god. cast at 20th level. The eldritch warriors attacked the evil horde and their black dragon ally. The battle was Later draughts—even great. So great, in fact, that many blame it for godsblood from a the creation of the energy well and the spells and powers unleashed that day. In any event, different god—do not the heart of that energy surge consumed them grant any special benall. The tower cracked but did not crumble. Now known as Galathak’s Grave, the crater and the efits. The god’s aligntower rising up from it form the center of a city ment does not affect devoted to wickedness and evil. Resident sorcerers and necromancers draw the nature of the godsupon the energy loosed from it. blood in any way. Further, characters who drink the godsblood or coat their flesh with it also gain access to the godsblood feats described in Chapter
