Mask of Vhaeraun - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Mask of Vhaeraun

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
paulstrait
May 02, 2010 23:46:26 In my campaign, cultists of Vhaeraun are trying to resurrect the dead drow deity. I created this artifact, appropriate for the upper paragon tier, as a part of the ongoing plot with these cultists. Any and all feedback welcome!

Mask of Vhaeraun

This solid black mask was worn by Vhaeraun’s avatar during the Time of Troubles.

Body Slot: Head

Property: You gain blindsight 10.

Property: You gain a +2 item bonus to Perception checks.

Property: You gain a +4 item bonus to Bluff checks.

Power (At Will): Dark Embrace of the Shadow. A fragment of your shadow rises up and flies toward the face of an ally, forming the shape of a mask before dissipating. Immediate Reaction. Trigger: You receive a status effect that is negated upon making a saving throw. Close burst 5. Target: 1 ally in burst. Effect: You transfer the status effect to your ally.

Power (Encounter): Slayer in Shadow. Fear, Implement, Psychic, Shadow. Darkness clouds the eyes of your enemy, and you manipulate its fears, causing it to slash in a panic when its allies approach. Standard Action. Ranged 5. Target: 1 creature. Intelligence vs. Will. Hit: 1d10 + Intelligence modifier psychic damage, and the target is blinded until the end of your next turn. Until this blindness ends, you can use an opportunity action to compel the target to make a melee basic attack as a free action against any enemy that enters a square adjacent to the target. The target makes the attack without the penalty to attack rolls from being blinded.

Power (Daily): Vhaeraun’s Gallows. Conjuration, Force, Implement, Shadow, Teleportation. Shadows coalesce into a black gallows, and a noose of force drops around your foe’s neck. Standard Action. Ranged 5. Target: 1 creature. Intelligence vs. Reflex. Hit: 4d6 + Intelligence modifier force damage. Miss: Half damage. Effect: You conjure a gallows in an unoccupied square adjacent to the target. The gallows occupies its square, and it lasts until the end of the encounter. The gallows can be attacked and has 35 hit points. Until the gallows vanishes, you can use a free action to teleport the target to a square adjacent to the gallows at the end of each of the target’s turns.

The mask is a soft-spoken tempter. Instead of ordering or begging its possessor to perform an action, it offers quiet suggestions that help both the owner and the item’s agenda. Sometimes it whispers into the owner’s ear; at other times, its thoughts manifest in its possessor’s mind and are indistinguishable from naturally occurring ones. The owner also has regular dreams revealing the power and glory attainable if the Mask’s directions are followed. The artifact is especially eager to suggest that its possessor aid in plots, intrigues, and events that increase drow influence and real power in the surface Realms, while frustrating the plans of drow priests (particularly those who serve Lolth), and continuously fomenting rebellion and/or disobedience among drow males. Drow thieves in need must be aided (even if female): healed, bailed out of jail, or forcibly rescued. Drow men oppressed or under attack by drow women must be physically aided in any circumstances. Cruelties against drow men must be avenged.

Concordance

Starting score : 5

Owner gains a level: +1d10

Owner betrays a comrade to gain an advantage: +2

Owner aids a drow thief in trouble (max 1/day): +2

Owner avenges the honor of a drow male (max 1/day): +2

Owner defeats a follower of Lolth (max 1/encounter): +1

Owner or ally kills a non-Lolth worshipping drow: -2

Transcendent (21 or higher) – The Mask exults in its ideal servant and grants the possessor greater power.

Property: You cease to age.

Property: The Mask’s item bonus to Stealth checks increases to +4.

Power (Encounter): Vhaeraun’s Blessing. Free Action. Use this power before you make an attack roll. If the attack hits, it deals necrotic damage and you regain 15 hit points.

Pleased (16-20) – The Mask is pleased with its owner’s actions – for now. The artifact focuses on advancing Vhaeraun’s agenda and finds its owner to be a useful servant. It occasionally asks the owner to perform certain tasks, in return for a reward.

Property: The Mask’s item bonus to Bluff checks increases to +6.

Power (Daily): Vhaeraun’s Scalpel. Reliable, Shadow, Weapon. Standard Action. Target: 1 creature. Dexterity +2 vs. AC. You can score a critical hit on a roll of 18-20. After making the attack roll, you can turn the attack into a miss. Hit: 6[W] + Dexterity modifier damage.

Satisfied (12-15) – The owner has proved to be a worthy representative of Vhaeraun, and the Mask works to shape the wearer into an even better tool. At this point, the Mask attempts to encourage the possessor with promises of wondrous rewards, but still includes the occasional threat to provide extra motivation.

Property: You gain a +2 item bonus to stealth checks.

Normal (5-11) – The Mask encourages its new owner, boosting confidence and granting powers. Otherwise, the artifact offers quiet promises of the glories and wonders to come. It does not threaten the owner… yet.

Unsatisfied (1-4) – The Mask thinks its possessor might be unsatisfactory, but still attempts to exert influence. At this point, the Mask mixes threats and promises in equal measure and fills the owner’s mind with horrific visions of the price of failure.

Special: The artifact’s item bonus to Bluff checks decreases to +2. The owner cannot use ‘Vhaeraun’s Gallows.’

Angered (0 or lower) – The Mask seeks its possessor’s death at the hands of Vhaeraun’s faithful, or by one more worthy to wear it. The Mask ceases to communicate unless the owner begins behaving appropriately.

Property: The Mask calls out to the greedy, the evil, and any of Vhaeraun’s faithful within 10 miles, drawing them with thoughts of murder and theft. You take a -2 penalty to all defenses against Vhaeraun’s faithful. This penalty applies whether you are using or even holding the Mask.

#2
suin_bahhar_02
May 03, 2010 7:56:22 Awesome.

Given Vherauns merger into the Masked Lady I wonder if a little bit of Eilistraee is left in Vhaerauns Mask.

This version seems very well balanced though, so adjusting it to include some swordmaidenesque traits would likely push it into difficult design.
#3
paulstrait
May 13, 2010 22:11:33 Did Vhaeraun merge with Eilistraee? I knew she killed him... In my game, there are three repositories of Vhaeraun's power: 1) the mask; 2) his body floating aimlessly in the Astral Sea; and 3) a reflection of his divine essence beyond time/space.

I'm not sure what my Vhaeraun worshipping player is going to do with this yet -- possibilities include: 1) the demigod epic destiny, where he ascends to become the new Vhaeraun; 2) he helps the cult of Vhaeraun bring V back to life; 3) V never comes back to life, but he takes control of and shapes the cult anyway; 4) he goes back in time and prevents V from being killed.

In any event, my player is very psyched about finding this item!
#4
paulstrait
May 13, 2010 22:12:26 I just added some things to the list of events that change the mask's concordance... anyone using this item might benefit from this list, although it is tailored to things that are possible in my campaign...

Concordance
Starting score : 5
Owner gains a level: +1d10
Owner founds a community of drow on the surface: +5
Owner becomes a double agent ostensibly serving Lolth: +4
Owner significantly assists another follower of Vhaeraun in becoming a double agent ostensibly serving Lolth: +3
Owner leads an army of drow or a coalition of drow and other elves/eladrin into battle (max 1/month): +3
Owner converts a follower of Lolth (max 1/encounter): +3
Owner earns a public position of trust in a large surface community without concealing his/her drow nature (promoting the acceptability of drow on the surface): +3
Owner seriously betrays a comrade to gain an advantage (e.g., lying/cheating/killing etc.... max 1/day): +2
Owner aids a drow thief in trouble (max 1/day): +2
Owner avenges the honor of a drow male (max 1/day): +2
Owner slays a priestess of Lolth (max 1/encounter): +2
Owner gains the trust of a small surface community without concealing his/her drow nature (promoting the acceptability of drow on the surface): +1
Owner betrays a comrade to gain an advantage in a minor way (e.g., transfers a status effect selfishly, injure allies without using war wizardy, etc... max 1/day): +1
Owner slays a follower of Lolth (max 1/encounter): +1
Owner travels/adventures with another drow/eladrin/elf/half-elf on a long-term basis: +1
Owner takes advantage of or manipulates a non-drow/eladrin/elf/half-elf: +1
Owner forges an alliance with a community of a very powerful race (e.g., Mind Flayers, Aboleth, Giants, etc.): +1
Owner is materially complicit in the success of a community or house of Lolth-worshipping drow: -4
Owner or ally kills a non-Lolth worshipping drow (except out of absolute necessity): -2
Owner travels/adventures with a non-drow/eladrin/elf/half-elf on a long-term basis: -1
Owner commits an act of self-sacrifice that does not directly further the goals of Vhaeraun: -1

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 paulstrait May 02, 2010 23:46:26	In my campaign, cultists of Vhaeraun are trying to resurrect the dead drow deity. I created this artifact, appropriate for the upper paragon tier, as a part of the ongoing plot with these cultists. Any and all feedback welcome! Mask of Vhaeraun This solid black mask was worn by Vhaeraun’s avatar during the Time of Troubles. Body Slot: Head Property: You gain blindsight 10. Property: You gain a +2 item bonus to Perception checks. Property: You gain a +4 item bonus to Bluff checks. Power (At Will): Dark Embrace of the Shadow. A fragment of your shadow rises up and flies toward the face of an ally, forming the shape of a mask before dissipating. Immediate Reaction. Trigger: You receive a status effect that is negated upon making a saving throw. Close burst 5. Target: 1 ally in burst. Effect: You transfer the status effect to your ally. Power (Encounter): Slayer in Shadow. Fear, Implement, Psychic, Shadow. Darkness clouds the eyes of your enemy, and you manipulate its fears, causing it to slash in a panic when its allies approach. Standard Action. Ranged 5. Target: 1 creature. Intelligence vs. Will. Hit: 1d10 + Intelligence modifier psychic damage, and the target is blinded until the end of your next turn. Until this blindness ends, you can use an opportunity action to compel the target to make a melee basic attack as a free action against any enemy that enters a square adjacent to the target. The target makes the attack without the penalty to attack rolls from being blinded. Power (Daily): Vhaeraun’s Gallows. Conjuration, Force, Implement, Shadow, Teleportation. Shadows coalesce into a black gallows, and a noose of force drops around your foe’s neck. Standard Action. Ranged 5. Target: 1 creature. Intelligence vs. Reflex. Hit: 4d6 + Intelligence modifier force damage. Miss: Half damage. Effect: You conjure a gallows in an unoccupied square adjacent to the target. The gallows occupies its square, and it lasts until the end of the encounter. The gallows can be attacked and has 35 hit points. Until the gallows vanishes, you can use a free action to teleport the target to a square adjacent to the gallows at the end of each of the target’s turns. The mask is a soft-spoken tempter. Instead of ordering or begging its possessor to perform an action, it offers quiet suggestions that help both the owner and the item’s agenda. Sometimes it whispers into the owner’s ear; at other times, its thoughts manifest in its possessor’s mind and are indistinguishable from naturally occurring ones. The owner also has regular dreams revealing the power and glory attainable if the Mask’s directions are followed. The artifact is especially eager to suggest that its possessor aid in plots, intrigues, and events that increase drow influence and real power in the surface Realms, while frustrating the plans of drow priests (particularly those who serve Lolth), and continuously fomenting rebellion and/or disobedience among drow males. Drow thieves in need must be aided (even if female): healed, bailed out of jail, or forcibly rescued. Drow men oppressed or under attack by drow women must be physically aided in any circumstances. Cruelties against drow men must be avenged. Concordance Starting score : 5 Owner gains a level: +1d10 Owner betrays a comrade to gain an advantage: +2 Owner aids a drow thief in trouble (max 1/day): +2 Owner avenges the honor of a drow male (max 1/day): +2 Owner defeats a follower of Lolth (max 1/encounter): +1 Owner or ally kills a non-Lolth worshipping drow: -2 Transcendent (21 or higher) – The Mask exults in its ideal servant and grants the possessor greater power. Property: You cease to age. Property: The Mask’s item bonus to Stealth checks increases to +4. Power (Encounter): Vhaeraun’s Blessing. Free Action. Use this power before you make an attack roll. If the attack hits, it deals necrotic damage and you regain 15 hit points. Pleased (16-20) – The Mask is pleased with its owner’s actions – for now. The artifact focuses on advancing Vhaeraun’s agenda and finds its owner to be a useful servant. It occasionally asks the owner to perform certain tasks, in return for a reward. Property: The Mask’s item bonus to Bluff checks increases to +6. Power (Daily): Vhaeraun’s Scalpel. Reliable, Shadow, Weapon. Standard Action. Target: 1 creature. Dexterity +2 vs. AC. You can score a critical hit on a roll of 18-20. After making the attack roll, you can turn the attack into a miss. Hit: 6[W] + Dexterity modifier damage. Satisfied (12-15) – The owner has proved to be a worthy representative of Vhaeraun, and the Mask works to shape the wearer into an even better tool. At this point, the Mask attempts to encourage the possessor with promises of wondrous rewards, but still includes the occasional threat to provide extra motivation. Property: You gain a +2 item bonus to stealth checks. Normal (5-11) – The Mask encourages its new owner, boosting confidence and granting powers. Otherwise, the artifact offers quiet promises of the glories and wonders to come. It does not threaten the owner… yet. Unsatisfied (1-4) – The Mask thinks its possessor might be unsatisfactory, but still attempts to exert influence. At this point, the Mask mixes threats and promises in equal measure and fills the owner’s mind with horrific visions of the price of failure. Special: The artifact’s item bonus to Bluff checks decreases to +2. The owner cannot use ‘Vhaeraun’s Gallows.’ Angered (0 or lower) – The Mask seeks its possessor’s death at the hands of Vhaeraun’s faithful, or by one more worthy to wear it. The Mask ceases to communicate unless the owner begins behaving appropriately. Property: The Mask calls out to the greedy, the evil, and any of Vhaeraun’s faithful within 10 miles, drawing them with thoughts of murder and theft. You take a -2 penalty to all defenses against Vhaeraun’s faithful. This penalty applies whether you are using or even holding the Mask.
#2 suin_bahhar_02 May 03, 2010 7:56:22	Awesome. Given Vherauns merger into the Masked Lady I wonder if a little bit of Eilistraee is left in Vhaerauns Mask. This version seems very well balanced though, so adjusting it to include some swordmaidenesque traits would likely push it into difficult design.
#3 paulstrait May 13, 2010 22:11:33	Did Vhaeraun merge with Eilistraee? I knew she killed him... In my game, there are three repositories of Vhaeraun's power: 1) the mask; 2) his body floating aimlessly in the Astral Sea; and 3) a reflection of his divine essence beyond time/space. I'm not sure what my Vhaeraun worshipping player is going to do with this yet -- possibilities include: 1) the demigod epic destiny, where he ascends to become the new Vhaeraun; 2) he helps the cult of Vhaeraun bring V back to life; 3) V never comes back to life, but he takes control of and shapes the cult anyway; 4) he goes back in time and prevents V from being killed. In any event, my player is very psyched about finding this item!
#4 paulstrait May 13, 2010 22:12:26	I just added some things to the list of events that change the mask's concordance... anyone using this item might benefit from this list, although it is tailored to things that are possible in my campaign... Concordance Starting score : 5 Owner gains a level: +1d10 Owner founds a community of drow on the surface: +5 Owner becomes a double agent ostensibly serving Lolth: +4 Owner significantly assists another follower of Vhaeraun in becoming a double agent ostensibly serving Lolth: +3 Owner leads an army of drow or a coalition of drow and other elves/eladrin into battle (max 1/month): +3 Owner converts a follower of Lolth (max 1/encounter): +3 Owner earns a public position of trust in a large surface community without concealing his/her drow nature (promoting the acceptability of drow on the surface): +3 Owner seriously betrays a comrade to gain an advantage (e.g., lying/cheating/killing etc.... max 1/day): +2 Owner aids a drow thief in trouble (max 1/day): +2 Owner avenges the honor of a drow male (max 1/day): +2 Owner slays a priestess of Lolth (max 1/encounter): +2 Owner gains the trust of a small surface community without concealing his/her drow nature (promoting the acceptability of drow on the surface): +1 Owner betrays a comrade to gain an advantage in a minor way (e.g., transfers a status effect selfishly, injure allies without using war wizardy, etc... max 1/day): +1 Owner slays a follower of Lolth (max 1/encounter): +1 Owner travels/adventures with another drow/eladrin/elf/half-elf on a long-term basis: +1 Owner takes advantage of or manipulates a non-drow/eladrin/elf/half-elf: +1 Owner forges an alliance with a community of a very powerful race (e.g., Mind Flayers, Aboleth, Giants, etc.): +1 Owner is materially complicit in the success of a community or house of Lolth-worshipping drow: -4 Owner or ally kills a non-Lolth worshipping drow (except out of absolute necessity): -2 Owner travels/adventures with a non-drow/eladrin/elf/half-elf on a long-term basis: -1 Owner commits an act of self-sacrifice that does not directly further the goals of Vhaeraun: -1