{"id":3578,"date":"2019-08-15T17:33:40","date_gmt":"2019-08-15T17:33:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mouseferatu.com\/2019\/08\/15\/defeating-the-risen-king\/"},"modified":"2019-08-16T22:48:00","modified_gmt":"2019-08-16T22:48:00","slug":"defeating-the-risen-king","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/mouseferatu.com\/?p=3578","title":{"rendered":"Defeating the Risen King"},"content":{"rendered":"

Defeating the Forgotten King<\/p>\n


\n–><\/p>\n

\n

Defeating the Forgotten King<\/p>\n

An Alternate System for the Sacrament of the Risen Abyss in Fortress
\nof the Yuan-Ti<\/em><\/p>\n

By Ari Marmell<\/p>\n

In adventure DD3:
\nFortress of the Yuan-Ti<\/a><\/em>, the PCs have multiple opportunities, through
\nvarious victories and objectives, to interfere with the Sacrament of the Risen
\nAbyss, a potent rite conducted by the Vanguard of Sertrous. Depending on how
\nwell the PCs do, they gain advantages against the Risen King, an undead monstrosity
\nagainst whom they would normally stand no chance.<\/p>\n

As published, Fortress of the Yuan-Ti<\/em>
\nrepresents this weakening through a system of action points. The PCs gain
\naction points for their actions, which they can then use in the final battle
\nagainst the Forgotten King. Presented here is an alternate system, perhaps
\nslightly more complex, but which some DMs and players may find more flavorful
\nand appropriate for the scenario as written.<\/p>\n

Disruption Points<\/p>\n

Assuming the PCs reach the final encounter, they will have
\ninterfered with the Sacrament of the Risen Abyss in some manner. No matter what
\nhappens now, the Forgotten King who rises from the bier will not be the undead
\nmonstrosity the Vanguard wanted him to be.<\/p>\n

But that doesn\u2019t mean he\u2019s not scary<\/em>
\npowerful. If the PCs accomplish nothing throughout the adventure, and then
\nexpect to take on the Forgotten King at the end, they\u2019re in for a nasty
\nsurprise: There\u2019s almost no chance they can defeat him.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, they don\u2019t have to. Throughout Fortress
\nof the Yuan-Ti<\/em>, the PCs have plenty of opportunities to interfere with the
\nSacrament. They can acquire or destroy components, slay participants, and
\nprevent sacrifices. Each of these actions is given a value in \u201cdisruption
\npoints,\u201d and the more disruptive the PCs are, the weaker the Forgotten King is
\nwhen he rises.<\/p>\n

Using these notes, and the checklist below, the DM
\nshould keep track of the PCs\u2019 accomplishments. Then, by consulting the
\nfollowing charts, she can determine the Forgotten King\u2019s abilities in the final
\nencounter.<\/p>\n

The DM should also keep track of the passage of time
\nbetween the start of the adventure and the PCs\u2019 encounter with the Forgotten
\nKing. If the PCs manage to complete the adventure in five days or fewer, they
\nearn 4 additional disruption points. If they take fewer than 10 days, but more
\nthan five, they earn 2 additional disruption points. If the PCs take more than
\n20 days, they lose. The Sacrament is complete, the King rises as CR 16, and his
\nthree advisors rise with stats equivalent to his CR 14 stat block. Devastation
\nensues.<\/p>\n

\n

Table 1\u20131: Disruption Points and the Forgotten King<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Disruption Points Earned<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Base Stat block<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

0\u20134<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

CR 16<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

5\u201318<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

CR 14<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

19\u201332<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

CR 12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

33+<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

CR 10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\n

Checklist<\/p>\n

Use the following checklist to determine what actions throughout
\nthe adventure are worth points, and how many. This list also includes the
\nadditional encounters presented in the Lost
\nPortals of Castle Serastis<\/a><\/span><\/em> article in Dragon Magazine.<\/p>\n

\n

Table 1\u20132: Disruption Points Checklist<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Action<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Area<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

DPs<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Rescue prisoners from the
\ndungeon<\/td>\n

\n

K9\u2013K10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Acquire or destroy the purple
\npowder<\/td>\n

\n

D2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Kill Golvul<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

D5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Acquire or destroy the crown<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

D5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Ally with Zoldathra<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

D7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Kill Vsolt<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

P3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Rescue the prisoners from the
\nsacrificial altar<\/td>\n

\n

P4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Acquire or destroy the
\nphylactery<\/td>\n

\n

W<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Acquire or destroy the scepter\/Siolim\u2019s
\nidol<\/td>\n

\n

C<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Acquire or destroy the Sertrous-touched
\nstone<\/td>\n

\n

B<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Destroy two heads of the
\nserpent sculpture<\/td>\n

\n

E1*<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Disrupt the acquisition of
\nfurther slaves<\/td>\n

\n

E2*<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Kill the ritual casters<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

S4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1, 2, or 3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

* These encounters are found in the web article<\/p>\n

\n

\n

In addition to granting disruption points, certain
\nactions have further effects on the King, as shown on table 1\u20133: PC Actions and
\nthe Forgotten King. If the PCs accomplish four or more of these objectives, the
\nKing\u2019s effective CR is 1 less than his stat block would indicate. (Thus, if the
\nPCs gain enough points for the DM to use the CR 12 stat block, and accomplish four
\nof these objectives in the process, the King\u2019s total CR is 11.)<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Table 1\u20133: PC Actions and the Forgotten King<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Action Taken<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Area<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Effect on the King<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Rescue all three<\/em> groups of potential prisoners,
\nthus preventing further sacrifices<\/td>\n

\n

F (second encounter]), K9\u2013K10, and P4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Loses all Quicken Spell-Like Ability bonus feats<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Acquire or destroy the crown<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

D5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Loses fear <\/em>and aura of awe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Acquire or destroy the phylactery<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

W<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Loses animate dead<\/em> and poison blood<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Acquire or destroy the scepter\/idol<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

C<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Loses charm monster<\/em> and confusion<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Acquire or destroy the Sertrous-touched stone<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

B<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Loses writhing reach (reach becomes 5 feet) and baleful
\npolymorph<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\n

Forgotten King Stat Blocks<\/p>\n

In the final confrontation, use whichever of the following
\nstat blocks is appropriate, based on the PCs\u2019 disruption point total.<\/p>\n

\n

The Forgotten King\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CR
\n10<\/p>\n

hp<\/span>
\n138 (12 HD); fast healing 1; DR<\/span> 5\/good or
\nsilver<\/p>\n

CE Medium undead<\/p>\n

Init<\/span>
\n+8; Senses<\/span> blindsense 60 ft., darkvision 60
\nft.; Listen +5, Spot +5<\/p>\n

Aura<\/span>
\nawe (20 ft., DC 21), distraction (10 ft. DC 21), nightmare (5 ft., DC 21)<\/p>\n

\n

Languages<\/span> Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Yuan-Ti;
\ntelepathy 50 ft.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

AC\u00a0 22<\/span>,
\ntouch 19, flat-footed 18<\/p>\n

(+4 Dex, +5 deflection, +3
\nnatural)<\/p>\n

Immune<\/span>
\nelectricity, undead immunities<\/p>\n

Resist<\/span>
\nacid 5, cold 5, fire 5, turn resistance +8; SR<\/span>
\n17<\/p>\n

Fort<\/span>
\n+13, Ref<\/span> +12, Will<\/span>
\n+13<\/p>\n

\n

Weakness<\/span> king\u2019s relics, partial outsider traits<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

\n

Speed<\/span>
\n40 ft. <\/span>(8 squares)<\/p>\n

Melee<\/span>
\nmwk bastard sword +17\/+12 (1d10+4\/19\u201320 plus poison) and<\/p>\n

slam +14 (1d6+4
\nplus poison)<\/p>\n

Space
\n5 ft.; Reach 10 ft.<\/span><\/p>\n

Base Atk
\n<\/span>+6; Grp <\/span>+10<\/p>\n

Atk
\nOptions<\/span> poison (DC 21, 1d4 Con\/1d4 Con)<\/p>\n

Special
\nActions<\/span> hypnotic gaze (DC 21), invoke the serpent\u2019s wrath (DC 21),
\nrebuke undead 8\/day (+7, 2d6+17, 12th)<\/p>\n

Spell-Like
\nAbilities<\/span> (CL 12th):<\/p>\n

3\/day\u2014animate dead, fear <\/em>(DC
\n19)<\/p>\n

2\/day\u2014charm monster<\/em>
\n(DC 19), confusion <\/em>(1 target only, DC 19)<\/p>\n

1\/day\u2014baleful
\npolymorph <\/em>(DC 20), Evard\u2019s black tentacles <\/em>(special; see below)<\/p>\n

\n

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Abilities
\n<\/span>Str 18, Dex 18, Con \u2014, Int 21, Wis 20, Cha 20<\/p>\n

SQ<\/span>
\npartial outsider, poison blood, undead traits, unholy ward, writhing reach<\/p>\n

Feats <\/span> Combat
\nCasting, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (bastard sword)B<\/sup>, Improved
\nInitiative, Multiattack, Weapon Focus (longsword), Weapon Focus (slam)<\/p>\n

Skills<\/span>
\nBluff +15, Concentration +10 (+14 casting defensively), Diplomacy +20, Disguise
\n+15 (+17 acting), Intimidate +16, Knowledge (arcana) +14, Knowledge (geography)
\n+14, Knowledge (history) +15, Knowledge (nature) +14, Knowledge (nobility) +15,
\nKnowledge (religion) +15, Knowledge (the planes) +15, Sense Motive +15,
\nSpellcraft +17, Survival +5 (+7 on other planes, +7 avoiding getting lost and
\nhazards, +7 in aboveground natural environments)<\/p>\n

Advancement
\n<\/span>Special<\/p>\n

Possessions<\/span>
\nmasterwork bastard sword<\/p>\n

\n

The Forgotten King\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CR
\n12<\/p>\n

hp<\/span>
\n172 (15 HD); fast healing 3; DR<\/span> 10\/good or
\nsilver<\/p>\n

CE Medium undead<\/p>\n

Init<\/span>
\n+8; Senses<\/span> blindsense 60 ft., darkvision 60
\nft.; Listen +5, Spot +5<\/p>\n

Aura<\/span>
\nawe (40 ft., DC 22), distraction (20 ft. DC 22), nightmare (10 ft., DC 22)<\/p>\n

Languages<\/span>
\nAbyssal, Common, Draconic, Yuan-Ti; telepathy 50 ft.<\/p>\n

\n

\n<\/div>\n

\n

AC\u00a0 25<\/span>,
\ntouch 19, flat-footed 21<\/p>\n

(+4 Dex, +5 deflection, +6
\nnatural)<\/p>\n

Immune<\/span>
\nelectricity, undead immunities<\/p>\n

Resist<\/span>
\nacid 10, cold 10, fire 10, turn resistance +8; SR<\/span>
\n19<\/p>\n

Fort<\/span>
\n+14, Ref<\/span> +13, Will<\/span>
\n+14<\/p>\n

Weakness<\/span>
\nking\u2019s relics, partial outsider traits<\/p>\n

\n

\n<\/div>\n

\n

Speed<\/span>
\n40 ft. <\/span>(8 squares)<\/p>\n

Melee<\/span>
\nmwk bastard sword +18\/+13 (1d10+4\/19\u201320 plus poison) and<\/p>\n

slam +15 (1d6+4
\nplus poison)<\/p>\n

Space
\n5 ft.; Reach 10 ft.<\/span><\/p>\n

Base Atk
\n<\/span>+7; Grp <\/span>+11<\/p>\n

Atk
\nOptions<\/span> Combat Reflexes, poison (DC 22, 1d6 Con\/1d6 Con)<\/p>\n

Special
\nActions<\/span> hypnotic gaze (DC 22), invoke the serpent\u2019s wrath (DC 22),
\nrebuke undead 8\/day (+7, 2d6+20, 15th)<\/p>\n

Spell-Like
\nAbilities<\/span> (CL 15th):<\/p>\n

5\/day\u2014animate dead, fear <\/em>(DC
\n19)<\/p>\n

2\/day\u2014quickened charm
\nmonster<\/em> (DC 19), confusion <\/em>(1 target only, DC 19)<\/p>\n

1\/day\u2014baleful
\npolymorph <\/em>(DC 20), Evard\u2019s black tentacles <\/em>(special; see below)<\/p>\n

\n

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Abilities
\n<\/span>Str 18, Dex 18, Con \u2014, Int 21, Wis 20, Cha 20<\/p>\n

SQ<\/span>
\npartial outsider, poison blood, undead traits, unholy ward, writhing reach<\/p>\n

Feats <\/span> Combat
\nCasting, Combat Reflexes, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (bastard sword)B<\/sup>,
\nImproved Initiative, Multiattack, Quicken Spell-Like Ability (charm monster<\/em>)B<\/sup>,
\n<\/em>Weapon Focus (longsword), Weapon Focus (slam)<\/p>\n

Skills<\/span>
\nBluff +17, Concentration +12 (+16 casting defensively), Diplomacy +22, Disguise
\n+17 (+19 acting), Intimidate +18, Knowledge (arcana) +15, Knowledge (geography)
\n+16, Knowledge (history) +17, Knowledge (nature) +16, Knowledge (nobility) +17,
\nKnowledge (religion) +17, Knowledge (the planes) +17, Sense Motive +17,
\nSpellcraft +19, Survival +5 (+7 on other planes, +7 avoiding getting lost and
\nhazards, +7 in aboveground natural environments)<\/p>\n

Advancement
\n<\/span>Special<\/p>\n

Possessions<\/span>
\nmasterwork bastard sword<\/p>\n

\n

The Forgotten King\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CR
\n14<\/p>\n

hp<\/span>
\n207 (18 HD); fast healing 5; DR<\/span> 10\/good and
\nsilver<\/p>\n

CE Medium undead<\/p>\n

Init<\/span>
\n+8; Senses<\/span> blindsense 60 ft., darkvision 60
\nft.; Listen +5, Spot +5<\/p>\n

Aura<\/span>
\nawe (60 ft., DC 24), distraction (30 ft. DC 24), nightmare (15 ft., DC 24)<\/p>\n

Languages<\/span>
\nAbyssal, Common, Draconic, Yuan-Ti; telepathy 50 ft.<\/p>\n

\n

\n<\/div>\n

\n

AC\u00a0 28<\/span>,
\ntouch 19, flat-footed 24<\/p>\n

(+4 Dex, +5 deflection, +9
\nnatural)<\/p>\n

Immune<\/span>
\nelectricity, undead immunities<\/p>\n

Resist<\/span>
\nacid 10, cold 10, fire 10, turn resistance +8; SR<\/span>
\n21<\/p>\n

Fort<\/span>
\n+18, Ref<\/span> +15, Will<\/span>
\n+16<\/p>\n

Weakness<\/span>
\nking\u2019s relics, partial outsider traits<\/p>\n

\n

\n<\/div>\n

\n

Speed<\/span>
\n40 ft. <\/span>(8 squares)<\/p>\n

Melee<\/span>
\nmwk bastard sword +20\/+15 (1d10+4\/19\u201320 plus poison) and<\/p>\n

slam +17 (1d6+4
\nplus poison)<\/p>\n

Space
\n5 ft.; Reach 10 ft.<\/span><\/p>\n

Base Atk
\n<\/span>+9; Grp <\/span>+13<\/p>\n

Atk
\nOptions<\/span> Combat Reflexes, poison (DC 24, 2d4Con\/2d4 Con)<\/p>\n

Special
\nActions<\/span> hypnotic gaze (DC 24), invoke the serpent\u2019s wrath (DC 24), rebuke
\nundead 8\/day (+7, 2d6+23, 18th)<\/p>\n

Spell-Like
\nAbilities<\/span> (CL 18th):<\/p>\n

5\/day\u2014animate dead, fear <\/em>(DC
\n19)<\/p>\n

3\/day\u2014quickened charm
\nmonster<\/em> (DC 19), confusion <\/em>(1 target only, DC 19)<\/p>\n

1\/day\u2014baleful
\npolymorph <\/em>(DC 20), quickened Evard\u2019s black tentacles <\/em>(special; see
\nbelow)<\/p>\n

\n

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Abilities
\n<\/span>Str 18, Dex 18, Con \u2014, Int 21, Wis 20, Cha 21<\/p>\n

SQ<\/span>
\npartial outsider, poison blood, undead traits, unholy ward, writhing reach<\/p>\n

Feats <\/span> Combat
\nCasting, Combat Reflexes, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (bastard sword)B<\/sup>,
\nGreat Fortitude, Improved Initiative, Multiattack, Quicken Spell-Like Ability (charm
\nmonster<\/em>)B<\/sup>, <\/em>Quicken Spell-Like Ability (Evard\u2019s black
\ntentacles<\/em>)B<\/sup>, <\/em>Weapon Focus (longsword), Weapon Focus
\n(slam)<\/p>\n

Skills<\/span>
\nBluff +19, Concentration +14 (+18 casting defensively), Diplomacy +24, Disguise
\n+19 (+21 acting), Intimidate +20, Knowledge (arcana) +16, Knowledge (geography)
\n+18, Knowledge (history) +19, Knowledge (nature) +18, Knowledge (nobility) +19,
\nKnowledge (religion) +19, Knowledge (the planes) +19, Sense Motive +19,
\nSpellcraft +21, Survival +5 (+7 on other planes, +7 avoiding getting lost and
\nhazards, +7 in aboveground natural environments)<\/p>\n

Advancement
\n<\/span>Special<\/p>\n

Possessions<\/span>
\nmasterwork bastard sword<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The Forgotten King\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CR
\n16<\/p>\n

hp<\/span>
\n262 (21 HD); fast healing 7; DR<\/span> 15\/good and
\nsilver<\/p>\n

CE Medium undead<\/p>\n

Init<\/span>
\n+8; Senses<\/span> blindsense 60 ft., darkvision 60
\nft.; Listen +5, Spot +5<\/p>\n

Aura<\/span>
\nawe (80 ft., DC 26), distraction (40 ft. DC 26), nightmare (20 ft., DC 26)<\/p>\n

Languages<\/span>
\nAbyssal, Common, Draconic, Yuan-Ti; telepathy 50 ft.<\/p>\n

\n

\n<\/div>\n

\n

AC\u00a0 31<\/span>,
\ntouch 20, flat-footed 28<\/p>\n

(+4 Dex, +6 deflection, +12
\nnatural)<\/p>\n

Immune<\/span>
\nelectricity, undead immunities<\/p>\n

Resist<\/span>
\nacid 10, cold 10, fire 10, turn resistance +8; SR<\/span>
\n23<\/p>\n

Fort<\/span>
\n+20, Ref<\/span> +18, Will<\/span>
\n+17<\/p>\n

Weakness<\/span>
\nking\u2019s relics, partial outsider traits<\/p>\n

\n

\n<\/div>\n

\n

Speed<\/span>
\n40 ft. <\/span>(8 squares)<\/p>\n

Melee<\/span>
\nmwk bastard sword +21\/+16 (1d10+4\/17\u201320 plus poison) and<\/p>\n

slam +18 (1d6+4
\nplus poison)<\/p>\n

Space
\n5 ft.; Reach 10 ft.<\/span><\/p>\n

Base Atk
\n<\/span>+10; Grp <\/span>+14<\/p>\n

Atk
\nOptions<\/span> Combat Reflexes, poison (DC 26, 2d4Con\/2d4 Con)<\/p>\n

Special
\nActions<\/span> hypnotic gaze (DC 26), invoke the serpent\u2019s wrath (DC 26),
\nrebuke undead 9\/day (+8, 2d6+28, 21st)<\/p>\n

Spell-Like
\nAbilities<\/span> (CL 21st):<\/p>\n

5\/day\u2014animate dead, fear <\/em>(DC
\n20)<\/p>\n

3\/day\u2014quickened charm
\nmonster<\/em> (DC 20), confusion <\/em>(1 target only, DC 20)<\/p>\n

2\/day\u2014quickened baleful
\npolymorph <\/em>(DC 21), quickened Evard\u2019s black tentacles <\/em>(special; see
\nbelow)<\/p>\n

\n

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Abilities
\n<\/span>Str 18, Dex 18, Con \u2014, Int 21, Wis 20, Cha 22<\/p>\n

SQ<\/span>
\npartial outsider, poison blood, undead traits, unholy ward, writhing reach<\/p>\n

Feats <\/span> Combat
\nCasting, Combat Reflexes, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (bastard sword)B<\/sup>,
\nGreat Fortitude, Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Multiattack, Quicken
\nSpell-Like Ability (baleful polymorph<\/em>)B<\/sup>, <\/em>Quicken
\nSpell-Like Ability (charm monster<\/em>)B<\/sup>, <\/em>Quicken
\nSpell-Like Ability (Evard\u2019s black tentacles<\/em>)B<\/sup>, <\/em>Weapon
\nFocus (longsword), Weapon Focus (slam)<\/p>\n

Skills<\/span>
\nBluff +22, Concentration +16 (+20 casting defensively), Diplomacy +27, Disguise
\n+22 (+24 acting), Intimidate +23, Knowledge (arcana) +19, Knowledge (geography)
\n+19, Knowledge (history) +21, Knowledge (nature) +19, Knowledge (nobility) +21,
\nKnowledge (religion) +21, Knowledge (the planes) +21, Sense Motive +21,
\nSpellcraft +23, Survival +5 (+7 on other planes, +7 avoiding getting lost and
\nhazards, +7 in aboveground natural environments)<\/p>\n

Advancement
\n<\/span>Special<\/p>\n

Possessions<\/span>
\nmasterwork bastard sword<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Special
\nAbilities (all stat blocks)<\/span><\/p>\n

Aura of
\nAwe (Su)<\/span> Anyone attempting to attack the Forgotten King from within this
\naura must make a Will save to do so (as per sanctuary<\/em>). A creature who
\nsuccessfully saves is immune to this aura for 24 hours. This is a
\nmind-affecting effect.<\/p>\n

Aura of
\nDistraction (Su)<\/span> Anyone entering this aura hears the hissing of snakes
\nand the screams of the dying, and sees serpent-like shadows. This bestows a
\n1d4+1 Wisdom penalty, which lasts as long as the individual remains in the aura,
\nand for 2d4 hours afterward. Will negates; anyone who saves is immune to this
\naura for 24 hours. This is a mind-affecting effect.<\/p>\n

Aura of
\nNightmare (Su)<\/span> Anyone entering this aura suffers hideous visions of a
\ndying world, beset by undead and serpents. The shadow of Sertrous covers the
\nland, and civilization rots. The individual is paralyzed for 1d4 rounds (Will
\nnegates). After this time, she must make a second Will save or go mad (as per insanity<\/em>).
\nAnyone who makes either save is immune to this aura for 24 hours. This is a
\nmind-affecting effect.<\/p>\n

Evard\u2019s
\nBlack Tentacles (Sp)<\/span> The King\u2019s black tentacles<\/em> take the form of
\nshadowy snakes; anyone who takes grappling damage risks being poisoned as
\nthough the King had struck her directly.<\/p>\n

Hypnotic
\nGaze (Su)<\/span> Target dazed for 1 round, and suffers \u20132 to save against the
\nking\u2019s charm monster <\/em>and hypnotic gaze for 1d4 rounds, 30 feet,
\nFortitude negates. Anyone who saves is immune to the hypnotic gaze for 24
\nhours. This is a mind-affecting effect.<\/p>\n

Invoke
\nthe Serpent\u2019s Wrath (Su)<\/span> Every 1d4 rounds, as a swift action, the
\nForgotten King can cause a viper swarm to burst from the flesh of a living
\ncreature within 30 feet. The target suffers 10d6 points of damage (Fortitude
\nhalf). The swarm remains for 4 rounds, and serves the King as a summoned
\ncreature.<\/p>\n

King\u2019s
\nRelics (Ex)<\/span> Merth\u00favial<\/em> (DD1: Barrow of the Forgotten King<\/em>
\nor area K14) and the king\u2019s dagger <\/em>(area P4) bypass the Forgotten King\u2019s
\ndamage reduction. Anyone possessing the king\u2019s crown <\/em>(area D5) gains a
\n+2 bonus to caster level checks to overcome the King\u2019s spell resistance. Anyone
\npossessing the king\u2019s scepter<\/em> (area C) gains a +1 bonus to the save DC
\nof any spell she casts that targets the King; the scepter<\/em> must be fully
\nreassembled<\/em> to grant this benefit.<\/p>\n

Partial
\nOutsider (Ex)<\/span> Spells and abilities that cause extra hit point damage to
\noutsiders (such as outsider bane <\/em>weapons) deal extra damage to the
\nForgotten King.<\/p>\n

Poison
\n(Ex)<\/span> The Forgotten King\u2019s semi-mystical poison affects anyone he strikes
\nwith a natural attack or a weapon. The save DC is Charisma-based, not Constitution.<\/p>\n

Poison
\nBlood (Ex)<\/span> Anyone who damages the Forgotten King with a piercing or
\nslashing weapon suffers 2d4 points of damage from splashing blood (Reflex
\nnegates). Creatures immune to poison are unaffected.<\/p>\n

Unholy
\nWard (Ex)<\/span> The Forgotten King adds his Charisma modifier to attack rolls,
\nFortitude saves, and as a deflection bonus to armor class. He has bonus hit
\npoints equal to his Charisma modifier times his Hit Dice. These modifications
\nare already factored in to the stat block, above.<\/p>\n

Writhing
\nReach (Ex)<\/span> The Forgotten King\u2019s body seems to ripple and shift. Although
\nhis arms do not appear abnormally long, he has reach.<\/p>\n

\n

Viper Swarm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CR
\n3<\/p>\n

hp<\/span>
\n22 (5 HD)<\/p>\n

Tiny animal (swarm)<\/p>\n

Init<\/span>
\n+3; Senses<\/span> low-light vision, scent; Listen +6,
\nSpot +6<\/p>\n

Languages<\/span>
\n\u2014<\/p>\n

\n

\n<\/div>\n

\n

AC\u00a0 17<\/span>,
\ntouch 15, flat-footed 14<\/p>\n

(+2 size, +3 Dex, +2
\nnatural)<\/p>\n

Immune<\/span>
\nswarm immunities<\/p>\n

Resist<\/span>
\nhalf damage from slashing and piercing<\/p>\n

Fort<\/span>
\n+4, Ref<\/span> +7, Will<\/span>
\n+2<\/p>\n

\n

\n<\/div>\n

\n

Speed<\/span>
\n15 ft. <\/span>(3 squares), climb 15 ft., swim 15 ft.<\/p>\n

Melee<\/span>
\nswarm (1d6 plus poison)<\/p>\n

Space<\/span>
\n10 ft.; Reach<\/span> 0 ft.<\/p>\n

Base Atk
\n<\/span>+3; Grp <\/span>\u2014<\/p>\n

Atk
\nOptions<\/span> distraction, poison (DC 10, 1d6 Con\/1d6 Con)<\/p>\n

\n

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Abilities
\n<\/span>Str 4, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2<\/p>\n

SA <\/span>distraction,
\npoison<\/p>\n

SQ<\/span>
\nswarm traits<\/p>\n

Feats <\/span> Weapon
\nFinesse<\/p>\n

Skills<\/span>
\nBalance +11, Climb +11, Hide +15, Listen +6, Spot +6, Swim +5<\/p>\n

\n

\n<\/div>\n

\n

Distraction
\n(Ex)<\/span> Any living creature that begins its turn with a swarm in its space
\nmust succeed on a DC 12 Fortitude save or be nauseated for 1 round.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Defeating the Forgotten King –> Defeating the Forgotten King An Alternate System for the Sacrament of the Risen Abyss in Fortress of the Yuan-Ti By Ari Marmell In adventure DD3: Fortress of the Yuan-Ti, the PCs have multiple opportunities, through various victories and objectives, to interfere with the Sacrament of the Risen Abyss, a potent […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-3578","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-old-news","7":"czr-hentry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/mouseferatu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3578","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/mouseferatu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/mouseferatu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/mouseferatu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/mouseferatu.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3578"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/mouseferatu.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3578\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/mouseferatu.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3578"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/mouseferatu.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3578"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/mouseferatu.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3578"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}