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EltonJ
Learned Scribe
USA
101 Posts |
 Posted - 05 Sep 2010 : 19:55:14
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I just thought of something.
I don't really care if Bhaal is dead, Kazgoroth represents the force of Change in the Moonshaes. I'm going to add Kazgoroth to my campaign and have the PCs go up against the beast.
Only this time, he's an aspect of Malar instead of Cyric. (Besides, Kazgoroth isn't Cyric's style). Now that would be a fun addition to the game.
image related to Kazgoroth's first attack [ http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/4e/20080110_drfe_1full.jpg ]
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Elfinblade
Senior Scribe
Norway
377 Posts |
Posted - 05 Sep 2010 : 22:03:52
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| Love that painting. |
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froglegg
Learned Scribe
317 Posts |
Posted - 06 Sep 2010 : 23:14:54
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Whats the story behind that painting?
John |
Long live Alias and Dragonbait! Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb the Realms need you more then ever!
On my word as a sage nothing within these pages is false, but not all of it may prove to be true. - Elminster of Shadowdale
The Old Grey Box gets better with age! |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4258 Posts |
Posted - 06 Sep 2010 : 23:45:09
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| I like the idea of Kazgoroth being usurped by Malar...fits nicely. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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EltonJ
Learned Scribe
USA
101 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2010 : 01:23:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
I like the idea of Kazgoroth being usurped by Malar...fits nicely.
Douglas Niles said Kazgoroth was an aspect of Malar before Black Wizards was printed. |
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Thauramarth
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
735 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2010 : 08:10:42
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quote:
Originally posted by EltonJ
quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
I like the idea of Kazgoroth being usurped by Malar...fits nicely.
Douglas Niles said Kazgoroth was an aspect of Malar before Black Wizards was printed.
I don't even remember if I was aware of Doug Niles's stance, but in my Realms, Kazgoroth always was a servant of Malar, and in my version of history, Malar replaced Bhaal altogether in the Moonshaes. He just seems like a more "natural" enemy of the Earthmother than Bhaal. |
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Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2010 : 16:16:07
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quote:
Originally posted by froglegg
Whats the story behind that painting?
The painting depicts an even in the history of the Moonshaes, specifically the capture of King Durnhal and Queen Morgan of Corwell in the Year of the Wrathful Revenant (295 DR). The artwork was commissioned for the Grand History of the Realms web enhancement and illustrated by Ryan Barger.
I actually purchased a print of that piece after the article was published. It remains one of my favorites.
Attached below is the original Art Order for this piece. You can see that the artist did an amazing job of faithfully recreating the scene from the text:
quote:
Description:
The warrior king Gwylloch watches approvingly as his son Prince Ketheryll leads captives from a docked warship and marches them toward the imposing Castle of Skulls. Most of the captives are muscular Viking-like seamen who are chained to each other as they are led from the sea vessel. But Prince Ketheryll personally leads his prized captives to cower in the mud before his father the High King. The evil prince has captured King Durnhal and Queen Morgan of Corwell. In the background, surrounded by a thick pine forest looms the Castle of Skulls, a large fortification constructed from the bones (skulls primarily) of the High King’s enemies.
High King Gwylloch is a human male in his 40s. He has dark hair and a long full beard reaching down to his chest as is the tradition of the Ffolk. He is dressed in fully military regalia and wearing the Crown of the Isles* upon his head. He should look very pleased by his son’s accomplishment.
Prince Ketheryll is a human male around 20 years of age. He is slightly taller than his father, standing around 5’11”. He has dark hair and full beard (though not long like his father’s). His armor and clothing should be worn and dirty, possibly blood stained.
King Durnhal is a human male in his mid 30s. He has been captured and beaten by Prince Ketheryll on the voyage to the Castle of Skulls. He is easily identified by the symbol of the silver bear emblazoned on his cloak.
Queen Morgan is a human female in his mid 30s. She should be beaten and tired, holding on to her husband and they wallow in the mud before High King Gwylloch.
*Crown of the Isles is passed down to each successive generation of monarch. This same crown is also depicted in BRJ-2, BRJ-3, and BRJ-5 described in this document. The Crown of the Isles is a plain as far as crowns go: a circlet of gold, with eight points rising along its circumference.
Caption:
Prince Ketheryll returns victoriously to the Castle of Skulls
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Brian R. James - Freelance Game Designer
Follow me on Twitter @brianrjames |
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Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2010 : 16:21:27
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| As you'll read in the Grand History Moonshaes web enhancement, I associated Kazgoroth "the Beast" with Malar beginning with the entry in c. -2,000 DR. It's not until later, 201 DR, that Bhaal assumes control of Kazgoroth. |
Brian R. James - Freelance Game Designer
Follow me on Twitter @brianrjames |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2010 : 20:29:46
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If you spin things right, you can make Bhaal himself a fragment of Malar. What if Bhaal was just an alias of Malar?
Obviously Bhaal wasn't the first god of murder, but what if he stole the portfolio from an earlier 'Bhaal' (maybe the Demon Lord Baal!)? What if he absorbed the divine essence of some (Moonshae variant) Avatar of Malar/Herne, ousted the former god of Murder with that power, and then decided to incorporate 'hunting sentient beings' into his murder portfolio? After all, for it to be murder, it must be pre-meditated, and therefor there is an overlap with 'The Hunt'.
On the other hand, Malar may have just been masquerading as Bhaal on the Moonshaes, if the real Bhaal had little interest there, or even with his permission. Bhaal may have made an agreement with Malar rather then fight him, and gave him all the 'non-civilized' aspects of killing for pleasure and/or profit. Bhaal seems more into the Assassin-guild/city end of his portfolio, so it makes some sense to leave the 'brutish' end of things to Malar.
Ergo, Malar may have had 'bad press' in the Moonshaes (after killing Cernunnos centuries ago?), and used Bhaal's name to gain followers in an area bhaal himself cared little about.
Or, as I said at the beginning, perhaps 'Murder' is simply an aspect of 'The Hunt'. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 08 Sep 2010 23:14:55 |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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Thauramarth
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
735 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2010 : 23:34:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Brian R. James
As you'll read in the Grand History Moonshaes web enhancement, I associated Kazgoroth "the Beast" with Malar beginning with the entry in c. -2,000 DR. It's not until later, 201 DR, that Bhaal assumes control of Kazgoroth.
Ah. Now the copper piece doth drop. I may actually have gotten the notion from the web enhancement, rather than develop it all by me lonesome self. |
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EltonJ
Learned Scribe
USA
101 Posts |
Posted - 08 Sep 2010 : 00:16:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
If you spin things right, you can make Bhaal himself a fragment of Malar. What of Bhaal was just an alias of Malar?
Obviously Bhaal wasn't the first god of murder, but what if he stole the portfolio from an earlier 'Bhaal' (maybe the Demon Lord Baal!)? What if he absorbed the divine essence of some (Moonshae variant) Avatar of Malar/Herne, ousted the former god of Murder with that power, and then decided to incorporate 'hunting sentient beings' into his murder portfolio? After all, for it to be murder, it must be pre-meditated, and therefor there is an overlap with 'The Hunt'.
Or, as I said at the beginning, perhaps 'Murder' is simply an aspect of 'The Hunt'.
So Malar becomes a god of death. Of Death by hunting, correct? I really don't see a problem with that (and with the Soap Opera-ish activities of the Faerunian pantheon, it doesn't surprise me at all. Pretty soon, some deity will discover Mystra in the the shower. . . )
Like I said, Kazgoroth isn't Cyric's style. He's more Malar's style. Cyric is much more refined than Malar, and Malar is a lot like the man eating lion to the 19th century English hunter that hunts a man for sport (there are several stories that work on this theme).
Kazgoroth is a force of nature that appears every so often to upset the Balance. I even dare say he appears when the collective feeling of the people of the Moonshaes becomes too complacent (in a way, Kazgoroth can be a manifestation of the Earthmother) in their Balance. So Kazgoroth exists to remind the Ffolk that the Balance isn't something to be taken for granted, or more simply: "The World doesn't owe you a living."
Kazgoroth is an evil force, yes. But he's a destablizing force to remind everyone how important the Balance is to the Earthmother. So, in a way, Malar is malefic for a reason. He works with nature to remind everyone:
* how savage nature can get.
* Nature can't be completely tamed.
* It can be a wild and destructive force (Talos also represents this, makes me think that Talos should have a druid sect).
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4258 Posts |
Posted - 08 Sep 2010 : 00:39:17
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Perhaps Kazgoroth was a deity as well...or perhaps a fragment of a deity...
It could have been later that his name was used by others...or even that a god used the godly power of "possession" to awaken Kazgoroth. I always thought he was somewhat like a dinosaur in appearance...perhaps he is a very old deity/aspect of some sort used later. He also reminded me a great deal of the Tarrasque (sp?); but with a great deal more intellect. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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EltonJ
Learned Scribe
USA
101 Posts |
Posted - 08 Sep 2010 : 01:01:08
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalor Darden
Perhaps Kazgoroth was a deity as well...or perhaps a fragment of a deity...
It could have been later that his name was used by others...or even that a god used the godly power of "possession" to awaken Kazgoroth. I always thought he was somewhat like a dinosaur in appearance...perhaps he is a very old deity/aspect of some sort used later. He also reminded me a great deal of the Tarrasque (sp?); but with a great deal more intellect.
I was going to illustrate him by using a Kaiju.
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EltonJ
Learned Scribe
USA
101 Posts |
Posted - 10 Sep 2010 : 05:48:28
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| Is it me, or the last post on this scroll isn't showing up for all? |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4258 Posts |
Posted - 10 Sep 2010 : 06:19:05
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quote:
Originally posted by EltonJ
Is it me, or the last post on this scroll isn't showing up for all?
Not sure what you meant by that mate.
I have been doing some thinking of Kazgoroth though...I think he would have made a fine Batrachi or Sarukh (sp?) god. Most likely that is exactly what he was...and later absorbed by more "human" appearing god(s). |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Razz
Senior Scribe
USA
749 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2010 : 02:14:30
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I think one other important aspect is this:
What're the stats of Kazgoroth? (3.5e) |
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EltonJ
Learned Scribe
USA
101 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2010 : 04:30:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Razz
I think one other important aspect is this:
What're the stats of Kazgoroth? (3.5e)
I'm not using D&D any edition for this game. So, I'm not the best one to answer this question. |
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Dalor Darden
Great Reader
USA
4258 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2010 : 05:57:38
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The only statistics I have on the Beast are 2nd Edition stats:
quote:
Frequency: Unique
No. Appearing: 1
Armor Class: 0
Move: 12"
Hit Dice: 16
Hit Points: 120
% In Lair: 0
Treasure Type: See Below
No. of Attacks: 3
Damage/Attack: 1d12/1d12/3d10
Special Attacks: See Below
Special Defenses: See Below
Magic Resistance: 60%
Intelligence: High
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Size: L (18 feet tall)
Psionic Ability: Nil
The origins of Kazgoroth lurk in the past, nearly as distant as those of the goddess herself. In the pantheon of the Realms, the Beast is manifested as an aspect of Malar (MAY-larr), the Beastlord. On the Moonshaes, however, this aspect has a specific purpose: the disruption of the Balance.
The Beast is a formidable foe in combat, yet whenever possible it seeks to do battle through shrewdness and trickery rather than straightforward melee...only struck by magical weapons of +2...no magic resistance against druidical spells...shape change at will...down to halfling size...cannot assume a form larger than its own...cause lycanthropy with its bite, if it chooses...detect magic and detect invisibility in 24" radius at will...permanent charm upon a victim at a range of 1" or less. A side effect of this charm is that the victim must roll a successful saving vs. spell each week or lose a point of charisma permanently (to a minimum of 3). Once per week it can cast a death spell at a character of 7th level or lower...unique ability to perform a corrupted type of mass charm spell, creating for itself a band of fanatically loyal undead troops known as Blood Warriors...up to 500 individuals...as long as the unit has a strong commander to serve as the Beast's lieutenant...
...Kazgoroth draws power from the goddess herself...If Kazgoroth is slain by any means other than the Sword of Cymrych Hugh, it will return within 3d6 years. If this sword is used to kill it, and the remains of the beast are burned to ashes, it is rumored that it can be destroyed permanently.
Very clearly it says here that not only is this monster an aspect of Malar, but that it draws its power from the Earthmother!
Pretty clear here to me that he is as old as the world itself perhaps...and that maybe, if he has always been an aspect of Malar, that Malar is nearly as old as the world as well. |
The Old Grey Box and AD&D for me! |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36968 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2010 : 14:30:33
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If Kazzie draws power from the Earthmother... That indicates a connection to her, for me. What if Kazzie was once part of the Earthmother? Maybe he was one of her kids, like the Leviathan, the Pack, and the unicorn. Maybe he was an aspect that went rogue -- or the idea I like -- was corrupted by Malar or another evil entity.  |
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EltonJ
Learned Scribe
USA
101 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2010 : 16:16:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
If Kazzie draws power from the Earthmother... That indicates a connection to her, for me. What if Kazzie was once part of the Earthmother? Maybe he was one of her kids, like the Leviathan, the Pack, and the unicorn. Maybe he was an aspect that went rogue -- or the idea I like -- was corrupted by Malar or another evil entity.
The Forgotten Realms exists somewhere in our Universe. Since our universe is a Relative Polarity Universe, Kazgoroth was created not only by the Earthmother, but the Ffolk themselves. Kazgoroth's goal is to disrupt the Balance.
His goal is to simply bring conflict, to bring the Moonshaes out of balance so that the Ffolk can restore the Balance. I'd say he appears at any time the people get complacent in the Balance or take the Balance for granted. He's there to remind the Ffolk how predatory nature can be, and how savage it can be. Kazgoroth was created to balance the Balance. In effect, when the Balance swings too much towards "civilization," he appears to bring the wild back to the Moonshaes. His motives are destroying the Earthmother, but if you notice in the stories he doesn't pollute. Unless you call the beings he spawns as a type of pollution.
The Moonshaes would be lost without Kazgoroth. If Kazgoroth is destroyed, something or worse -- SOMEONE -- else will take his place. The balance will be disrupted if Kazgoroth is destroyed, therefore, Malar would probably create something else to rampage across the Moonshaes. Or worse yet, Malar may forget about the Moonshaes but Cyric might take notice. |
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Green Giant
Seeker
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2010 : 17:55:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Razz
I think one other important aspect is this:
What're the stats of Kazgoroth? (3.5e)
I created an unofficial 3.5 version of Kazgaroth in the old Deity Stats - Avatars and all levels of Deities thread.
Kazgaroth the Beast
Huge Outsider (Chaos, Evil, Extraplanar, Shapechanger)
Hit Dice: 48d10+528 (1,008 hp)
Initiative: +6 (+2 Dex, +4 Improved Iniative)
Speed: 40 ft., 60 ft. on all fours
AC: 40 (-2 size, +2 Dex, +30 natural) touch 10, flat-footed 38
Base Attack/Grapple: +48/+76
Attack: Claw +68 melee (4d6+20)
Full Attack: 2 claws +68 melee (4d6+20) and bite +69 melee (8d6+10/19-20 plus 1d4 acid plus curse) and tail slap +68 melee (4d8+30).
Face/Reach: 15 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Acidic bite, curse of lycanthropy, improved grab, spell-like abilities, swallow whole, tail knockdown
Special Qualities: Abomination traits, acid immunity, change shape, DR 15/epic, darkvision 60 ft., druidic weakness, insidious charm, low-light vision, regeneration 15, rejuvenation, SR 35, scent
Saves: Fort +37, Ref +30, Will +32
Abilities: Str 51, Dex 14, Con 33, Int 15, Wis 19, Cha 15
Skills: Bluff +37, Climb +55, Concentration +36, Diplomacy +35, Disguise +37 (+41 acting), Handle Animal +27, Hide +29, Intimidate +57, Jump +55, Knowledge (arcana) +27, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +27, Knowledge (geography) +27, Knowledge (nature) +53, Knowledge (religion) +27, Knowledge (the planes) +27, Listen +43, Move Silently +37, Search +27, Sense Motive +29, Spot +43, Survival +49 (+53 to underground, avoid getting lost, other planes and find or follow tracks; +55 aboveground), Swim +55.
Feats: Alertness, Blind-Fight, Cleave, Great Cleave, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Iniative, Improved Multiattack, Iron Will, Large and in Charge, Lightning Reflexes, Multiattack, Power Attack, Track, Weapon Focus (bite)
Epic Feats: Devastating Critical (bite), Dire Charge, Overwhelming Critical (bite)
Climate/Terrain: Any land (Moonshaes)
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: ?
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Chaotic evil
Advancement: -
In its true form, Kazgaroth resembles a huge tyrannosaur with forelimbs, that while short, match the rest of its body and allow the Beast to run on all fours if it wishes. The Beast possesses a broad, powerful, scaly body and tail with a maw that drips mildly acidic saliva. It massive hindlegs end in heavy, clawed feet. In this form (and in other forms if the Beast loses self-control), Kazgaroth’s beady eyes glow a fierce red.
Combat
While the beast prefers to engage its foes through trickery, deceit, and the use of mortal pawns, Kazgaroth revels in the bloodlust of combat when it arises.
Kazgaroth’s natural weapons are treated as chaotic-aligned and evil-aligned for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction.
Change Shape (Su): The Beast can assume any form as the shapechange spell. It can only assume humanoid forms of the victims he has eaten, however.
Curse of Lycanthropy (Su): Any humanoid or giant hit by the Beast’s bite attack must succeed on a DC 20 Fortitude save or contract lycanthropy. The breed of lycanthrope matches the ethical element of the victim’s alignment (lawful, neutral, chaotic), but is always evil.
Druidic Weakness (Ex): The Beast is especially vulnerable to spells and effects cast from druids. It is unable to regenerate any damage from them and it cannot use its spell resistance to block them.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, the Beast must hit an opponent of up to one size smaller with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can try to swallow the foe the following round.
Insidious Charm (Sp): The Beast can charm any single living creature within 10 feet (as charm monster) at will. A successful DC 16 Will save negates the effect. The duration is permanent; however, once per week the victim charmed must make a Will save at the same DC or take 1 point of Charisma damage (to a minimum score of 3) that cannot be removed until the charm is broken. Dispel magic has no effect on an eternal charm, though break enchantment frees the victim (the Beast’s caster level is 24th level). The save DC is Charisma-based.
Regeneration (Ex): The Beast takes normal damage from epic good-aligned weapons, the Sword of Cymrych Hugh, and from spells or effects cast from druids.
Rejuvenation (Su): The Beast is very difficult to destroy and will restore itself in 3d6 years. The only permanent way to destroy the Beast is with the Sword of Cymrych Hugh.
Spell-Like Abilities: 1/week – finger of death (DC 19); 1/year – blood warriors of Bhaal. Caster level 24th. These save DCs are Charisma-based.
The following abilities are always active on the Beast’s body, as the spells (caster level 24th): detect good, detect magic, see invisibility. They can dispelled, but the Beast can reactivate them as a free action.
Swallow Whole (Ex): The Beast can swallow a grabbed opponent of up to two sizes smaller by make a successful grapple check.
The swallowed creature takes 15d6 points of acid damage and 5d6 points of bludgeoning damage per round from the Beast’s gizzard. A swallowed creature can cut its way out by using a light slashing or piercing weapon to deal 75 points of damage to the gizzard (AC 20). Once the creature exits, muscular action closes the hole; another swallowed opponent must cut its own way out.
The Beast’s gizzard can hold 2 Medium, 8 Small, 32 Tiny, or 128 Diminutive or smaller opponents.
Summon Hell Rexes (Sp): Five times per day, the Beast can summon a half-fiend awakened tyrannosaurus.
Tail Knockdown (Ex): Any opponent of up to one size smaller hit by the Beast’s tail must make a DC 45 Reflex save or be knocked prone. This save DC is Constitution-based.
Abomination traits: Immune to polymorph, petrification, and other form-altering attacks; not subject to energy drain, ability drain, ability damage, or death from massive damage; immune to mind-affecting effects; nondetection; true seeing at will; blindsight 500 ft.; telepathy out to 1,000 ft.
The Goals of Kazgaroth
The Beast draws power from decay, death, and corruption it causes. It exists simply to upset the balance of the Earthmother’s domain as such druids draw its greates ire and it seeks to corrupt or destroy them. It is deadly afraid of the mystical sword of Cymrych Hugh, the only thing that can permanently slay him.
The Cult of Kazgaroth
The cult of Kazgaroth is common among the firbolgs of the Moonshae Isles (use the same statistics as normal firbolgs from MM II except change their alignment to chaotic neutral and reduce their charisma by 6 points due to their misshapen and ugly forms). Its cultists seek the corruption of moonwells found in the Isles and to bring about death and destruction.
Clerics affiliated with the Beast have access to Chaos, Death, Destruction, and Evil.
Sources: Villain’s Lorebook (2E), PHB 3.5, DM 3.5, MM 3.5, Epic Level Handbook (3E), and Draconomicon (3.5E).
Blood Warriors of Bhaal
Necromancy [Death, Evil]
Spellcraft DC: 854
Component: V,S
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 300 ft.
Area: 100-ft. radius
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Fort partial
Spell Resistance: Yes
To Develop: 7,686,000 gp; 154 days; 307,440 XP. Seed: slay (DC 25), animate dead (DC 23). Factors: 1-action casting time (+20 DC), animate and control 500 HD of undead (+720 DC), change area to 20-ft. radius (+2 DC), change target to area (+10 DC), increase radius to 100 ft. (+16 DC), set undead to blood warrior (-4 DC), slay 500 HD (+42 DC).
When you cast this spell, you snuff out the life of up to 500 HD worth of living creatures. Afterward, it animates up to 500 HD worth of any humanoid creatures that were slain by the spell into blood warriors. These blood warriors serve you indefinitely and do not count toward the limit for controlling undead.
Blood Warrior
Blood warriors are a type of undead soldier. The beings cursed with this affliction quickly come to resemble zombies with gray, dessicated flesh. Their eyes glow a fierce, infernal red, however. A blood warrior usually carries the arms and armor it favored before its death and transformation.
A blood warrior speaks whatever languages it knew in life.
Sample Blood Warrior
An armored warrior appears before you, a longsword in its hands. Its flesh is strangely gray and dessicated almost like a zombie’s if it wasn’t for its eyes which burn red with lust for blood.
This example blood warrior uses an 8th-level human fighter as the base creature. Its ability scores before its transformation were Str 17, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8.
Blood Warrior, 8th-Level Human Fighter
Medium Undead (Augmented Humanoid)
Hit Dice: 8d12 (57 hp)
Iniative: +7
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares)
AC: 25 (+1 Dex, +9 full plate, +3 shield, +2 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 24
Base Attack/Grapple: +8/+13
Attack: +1 longsword +15 melee (1d8+6/17-20) or masterwork longbow +12 ranged (1d8/x3).
Full Attack: +1 longsword +15/+10 melee (1d8+6/17-20) or masterwork longbow +12 ranged (1d8/x3).
Face/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Qualities: +2 turn resistance, aura of retribution, blood haste, darkvision 60 ft., diet dependent
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +5
Abilities: Str 21, Dex 17, Con -, Int 6, Wis 16, Cha 6
Skills: Climb +5, Intimidate +2, Jump +5, Listen +6, Ride (horse) +9, Spot +6, Swim -1.
Feats: Alertness, Cleave, Improved Critical (longsword), Improved Iniative{B}, Mounted Combat, Power Attack, Ride-By Attack, Spirited Charge, Weapon Focus (longsword), Weapon Specialization (longsword).
Environment: Any land (Moonshae Isles)
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 9
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Chaotic evil
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: ?
Combat
A blood warrior fights without caution to gain the blood it is dependent upon. It is often encountered mounted upon a skeletal horse.
Possessions: +1 full plate, +1 heavy steel shield, +1 longsword, masterwork longbow, 20 arrows, gauntlets of ogre power. 900 gp
Creating a Blood Warrior
Blood Warrior is an acquired template that can be added to any humanoid creature (referred to hereafter as the base creature).
A blood warrior uses all the base creatures’ statistics and special abilities except as noted here.
Size and Type: The creature’s type changes to undead (augmented humanoid). Do not recalculate base attack bonus, saves or skill points. Size is unchanged.
Hit Dice: Increase all current and future Hit Dice to d12s.
Armor Class: The blood warrior’s natural armor bonus improves by 2 over that of the base creature.
Attack: The blood warrior retains all the attacks of the base creature and also gains a slam attack if it didn’t already have one. If the base creature can use weapons, the blood warrior retains this ability. A blood warrior fighting without weapons uses either its slam attack or its primary natural weapon (if it has any) when making an attack action. When it has a weapon, it usually uses that instead.
Full Attack: A blood warrior fighting without weapons uses either its slam attack or its primary natural weapon (if it has any) when making an attack action. If armed with a weapon, it usually uses the weapon as its primary attack along with a slam or other natural weapon as a natural secondary attack.
Damage: A blood warrior has a slam attack. If the base creature does not have this attack form, use the appropriate damage value from the skeleton’s claw attack table. A creature that has other kinds of natural weapons retains its old damage values or uses the appropriate value from the skeleton’s claw attack table, whichever is better.
Special Attacks: A blood warrior retains all the special attacks of the base creature.
Special Qualities: A blood warrior retains all the special qualities of the base creature and gains those described below.
Aura of Retribution (Su): A blood warrior that is destroyed within a 30-foot radius of another blood warrior inflicts 1 point of damage upon that warrior with no save. This can affect as many blood warriors that were within the radius and if they too are destroyed, they cause an aura of retribution. The damage dealt is not subject to negation or reduction because of resistance, immunity, damage reduction, spell resistance, or the like.
Blood Haste (Su): A blood warrior who has recently slain a living being (within the last hour) and performs a ritual that coats himself in the blood of the victim can operate as if under the haste spell for 5 rounds. The ritual is a full-round action that provokes an attack of opportunity. Activating the blood haste is a free action that can be used once and within an hour of the ritual.
Turn Resistance (Ex): A blood warrior has +2 turn resistance.
Diet Dependent (Ex): Blood warriors are diet dependent upon blood.
Abilities: Increase from the base creature as follows: Str +2, Dex +4, Int –4 (minimum 3), Wis +4, Cha –2 (minimum 1). As am undead creature, a blood warrior has no Constitution score.
Skills: Same as the base creature. Do not reduce existing skill ranks because of the drop in Intelligence, but apply the new Intelligence modifier normally to any Intelligence-based skill checks and to the numbe of skill points gained when the blood warrior gains new levels.
Feats: A blood warrior retains all its feats and it gains Improved Iniative as a bonus feat.
Organization: Solitary, pair, company (3-5), or march (50-500).
Challenge Rating: Same as the base creature +1.
Treasure: Standard.
Alignment: Always chaotic evil.
Advancement: By character class.
Level Adjusment: ?
Special
A blood warrior can be created with a create undead or create greater undead spell.
Sources: Villain’s Lorebook (2E), PHB 3.5, DM 3.5, MM 3.5, and Libris Mortis (3E). |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2010 : 18:27:34
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Nice work Green Giant. 
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
If Kazzie draws power from the Earthmother... That indicates a connection to her, for me. What if Kazzie was once part of the Earthmother? Maybe he was one of her kids, like the Leviathan, the Pack, and the unicorn. Maybe he was an aspect that went rogue -- or the idea I like -- was corrupted by Malar or another evil entity.
I like this idea - if the Earthmother is an older, more primal (as in Primordial) version of Chauntea - similar to the relation between Gaia and Rhea in Greek myth - many of her 'children' could represent various aspects of nature, in a more primal, NON-human form. Kazgoroth might be the bestial representation of 'the hunt' - sort of a 'necessary evil' for the balance.
It may have been just one more demi-power (like Herne/Cernnunos) that Malar had on his 'to do' list. Kazgoroth simply represented the need to hunt to survive, whereas Malar represent the primal bloodlust and enjoyment of 'the kill'. Rather then destroy or absorb him, however, he may have felt it more beneficial in the long run to have Kazgoroth serve him (thus turning Kaz evil). Malar may have lent him to Baal, or Baal may have just used it without permission (something that Malar probably meant to address eventually, but the ToT made it a non-issue).
I see the Unicorn, Leviathan, and Pack, along with Kazgoroth and probably many others (Nobanion & Lurue?) as the primordial versions of 'Exarchs' (or demi-powers in the old lingo). Every being of 'god level' would need servants, so it makes some sense the Primordials had their own. Maybe that's who (pre-4e) Archons served originally. More primal versions of demi-powers, before humans and other sentients began worshiping their own, deific variants (like saints and devas).
Which now makes me wonder if the (tiny) Chultan Pantheon is a remnant of this 'older religion'. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 11 Sep 2010 18:29:58 |
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freyar
Learned Scribe
Canada
220 Posts |
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Malecentaur
Acolyte
1 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2010 : 19:11:33
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quote:
Originally posted by Brian R. James
As you'll read in the Grand History Moonshaes web enhancement, I associated Kazgoroth "the Beast" with Malar beginning with the entry in c. -2,000 DR. It's not until later, 201 DR, that Bhaal assumes control of Kazgoroth.
The web enhancement seems te be gone from the Wizard home page. Does anyone have a copy somewhere? It was magnificently detailed with information I haven't seen anywhere else, including the Grand History of the Realms book. The scene of the painting mentioned in this thread for instance was mentioned only in this web enhancement. |
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Zireael
Master of Realmslore
Poland
1190 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2010 : 19:58:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Malecentaur
quote:
Originally posted by Brian R. James
As you'll read in the Grand History Moonshaes web enhancement, I associated Kazgoroth "the Beast" with Malar beginning with the entry in c. -2,000 DR. It's not until later, 201 DR, that Bhaal assumes control of Kazgoroth.
The web enhancement seems te be gone from the Wizard home page. Does anyone have a copy somewhere? It was magnificently detailed with information I haven't seen anywhere else, including the Grand History of the Realms book. The scene of the painting mentioned in this thread for instance was mentioned only in this web enhancement.
I don't recall seeing a WE for GHoTR at all. Anyone know about it? |
SiNafay Vrinn, the daughter of Lloth, from Ched Nasad!
http://zireael07.wordpress.com/ |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2010 : 20:00:30
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There was one.
Can't find that ATM, but I found this - Elminster Ascending
Just what is the point of re-packaging these novels YET AGAIN? 
And re-naming it From Annotated Elminster??? Is this some sort of deception to get fans (or their 'loved ones' around the holidays) to buy these same books again?
Whatever... I think I need a a shower... 
EDIT: Just checked through their archive, and it hasn't been moved to their pay section (which MANY formerly free materials have been). I've also tried my limited 'bag of tricks' to get to the old location of the article, but their site now redirects you.
Business Rule #387: Don't charge customers for something you used to give away - all it does is piss people off. Once you establish entitlement you cannot get rid of it. 
Anyhow, its good to see that they finally hired competent webmasters. To bad its to our detriment LOL
"Ride into the Gaping Maw of Awesome"?! 
Just wow.... at least it makes me chuckle... |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 16 Oct 2010 20:20:46 |
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Thauramarth
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
735 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2010 : 20:33:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Malecentaur
quote:
Originally posted by Brian R. James
As you'll read in the Grand History Moonshaes web enhancement, I associated Kazgoroth "the Beast" with Malar beginning with the entry in c. -2,000 DR. It's not until later, 201 DR, that Bhaal assumes control of Kazgoroth.
The web enhancement seems te be gone from the Wizard home page. Does anyone have a copy somewhere? It was magnificently detailed with information I haven't seen anywhere else, including the Grand History of the Realms book. The scene of the painting mentioned in this thread for instance was mentioned only in this web enhancement.
I got a PDF-ed version of it. I can send it by E-mail, if you want (send me a PM with an E-mail address, and it shall be sent post haste). |
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althen artren
Senior Scribe
USA
780 Posts |
Posted - 24 Oct 2010 : 04:24:27
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The Castle of Skulls. I wish more would be given about that place.
Moonshae was my first work from the Realms and I always imagined
would that place would look like. |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
8035 Posts |
Posted - 01 Dec 2010 : 09:55:52
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I'd like to back up to something said at about the middle of page 1,quote:
Dalor Darden
Very clearly it says here that not only is [1] this monster an aspect of Malar, but that [2] it draws its power from the Earthmother!
This statement was automatically accepted as true (or at least plausible) in subsequent replies.
[1] is fairly evident, although I'm confused as to whether Kaz was an aspect of Malar or of Bhaal. In canon.
[2] is where I don't quite follow. Where in Dalor's (or other) sources is it at all asserted or suggested that Kaz's powers or origins are somehow related to the Earth Mother (Chauntea)? I'll admit it's been a while since I read the Darkwalker novels. |
[/Ayrik] |
Edited by - Ayrik on 01 Dec 2010 11:30:07 |
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Kazgoroth
