Flamecaster’s Bolt in Faerûn

Burning Hands Trap: CR 3; magic device; proximity trigger (alarm); automatic reset; spell effect (burning hands, CL 5th, 5d4 fire, Reflex DC 11 half);

Search DC 26; Disable Device DC 26.

Volcanic Cavern

Within the main cavern the temperature rises to severe heat levels (above 110°F). A brazier filled with fire and lava has been dug into the center of the cavern floor.

Brazier

The fire warden spends most of its time here. It assumes intruders are after Flamecaster’s Bolt and attacks on sight.

Inner Tunnel

Severe heat conditions prevail here as well. The tunnel ascends toward the center of the volcano via more hewn stairs.

Lava Pool

Extreme heat conditions (140°F) prevail around the lava pool (within 10 feet). See page 304 of the Dungeon

Master’s Guide for information on lava effects. The fire warden sometimes spends time in the lava pool (it always has Flamecaster’s Bolt with it). FLAMECASTER’S BOLT IN FAERÛN

Kossuth, the Firelord, rules all aspects of flame and is the patron of fire elementals. His worshipers revere fire as a purifying force as well as the source of passion and artistic invention. A greater plan seems to be at work, however—one the deity’s followers themselves might not know. Kossuth’s adherents are fascinated by Flamecaster’s Bolt, with its ability to withstand flame while dealing out fiery punishment. In a FORGOTTEN

REALMS campaign, the fire warden might be a servant to the Firelord, tasked with guarding the legacy weapon until it is needed in the pursuit of Kossuth’s plans. Instead of being guarded by a fire elemental, Flamecaster’s Bolt might be in the possession of a fire genasi adherent of Kossuth. An example of such a defender is presented here.

Champion of Kossuth

Female fire genasi hexblade* 5 CN Medium outsider (native) Init +1 Senses darkvision 60 ft., Listen +1, Spot +1 Languages Common, Ignan, empathic link AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14

CR 7

hp 37 (5 HD); healing flames Resist +2 on saves against fire spells and effects, mettle Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +3 Speed 30 ft. (6 squares) Melee mwk greatsword +8 (2d6+3/19–20) or Ranged Flamecaster’s Bolt +8 (1d8+1/19–20) Base Atk +5; Grp +7 Special Actions hexblade’s curse 2/day, marked target Combat Gear potion of bull’s strength, potion of cure moderate wounds Hexblade Spells Prepared (CL 5th): 1st—magic weapon Spell-Like Abilities (CL 5th): 1/day—control flame 1/day—bless (only with Flamecaster’s Bolt) Abilities Str 14, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 8, Cha 14 SQ familiar, scry on familiar, share spells Feats AlertnessB (if familiar within 5 ft.), Combat

CastingB, Healing Flames**, Least Legacy (Flamecaster’s Bolt)B, Weapon Focus (light crossbow) Skills Bluff +7, Concentration +6 (+10 casting defensively), Diplomacy +6, Disguise +2 (+4 acting in character), Intimidate +8, Knowledge (arcana) +6, Listen +1, Spellcraft +6, Spot +1 Possessions combat gear plus masterwork chain shirt, masterwork greatsword, Flamecaster’s Bolt, 20 bolts Mettle (Ex) As evasion, but successful Will or Fortitude save instead. Hexblade’s Curse (Su) Free action; a single foe within 60 feet takes –2 on attacks, saves, damage, and checks for 1 hour. Will DC 14 negates. Marked Target (Su) On command, can cock and fire empty Flamecaster’s Bolt to launch a harmless bolt of energy. With a successful ranged touch attack, the bolt strikes a single target up to 400 feet away, taking no range increment penalties. Struck target outlined by a faerie fire spell. Caster level 5th.

*Hexblade class detailed in Complete Warrior, page 6. **Feat detailed in Races of Faerûn, page 164.

Rat Familiar CR —

N Tiny magical beast Init +2 Senses low-light vision, scent, Listen +1, Spot +1 Languages empathic link AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 13 hp 18 (5 HD) Resist improved evasion Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +5 Speed 15 ft. (3 squares), climb 15 ft., swim 15 ft. Melee bite +8 (1d3–4) Space 2-1/2 ft.; Reach 0 ft. Base Atk +4; Grp –8 Abilities Str 2, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 6, Wis 12, Cha 2 Feats Weapon Finesse Skills Balance +10, Climb +12, Hide +14, Listen +1,

Move Silently +10, Swim +10, Spot +1