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AbyssalIncursionAnexpansionforBaldur’sGate:Descentinto
Avernus
Designer:JamesIntrocaso
Cartography:KaylaClineandWizardsoftheCoast
Art:Publisher’sChoiceQualityStockArt©RickHershey/FatGoblinGamesandWizardsoftheCoast
SpecialThanks:ChrisLindsayandAdamLee
Disclaimer:JamesIntrocasoisnotresponsibleforanysuddensavagery,grossness,orhungerpangsforhumanoidfleshthatmayoccurwhileinteractingwithBaphometandYeenoghu.
ABYSSALINCURSION 2
IntroductionTheRiverStyxismorethanamagical,mind-wipingriver.ItisapaththatconnectstheLowerPlanesofthemultiverse.DemonsfromtheAbyssridethisriverintoAvernus,wheretheyclashwithdevilsinthenever-ending,brutalconflictknownastheBloodWar. AbyssalIncursionprovidesthreenewadventurelocationsyoucanaddtoAvernus,whichisdetailedinchapter3ofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus.Thesenewlocationsholdchallenges,rewards,andexpandthestoryoftheadventure.ThecharacterscanvisitoneormoreoftheselocationsastheyexploreAvernusandsearchforwaystofreethecityofElturelfromtheNineHells.EachlocationcanbeanywhereyoulikeontheRiverStyx.
OverviewThissupplementhasthefollowingsections:
• Chapter1:ElementalGalleon.AnelementalgalleonfromtheworldofEberronisstuckintheRiverStyx.Ifthecharacterscandealwiththeboat’syugolothinhabitantsandfindawaytogetthevesselmoving,theycanusetheboattotraversetheriver.
• Chapter2:Baphomet’sBarge.BaphomethasinvadedtheNineHellsaboardhiswarbarge.Thecharactersmightcomeheretocutadeal,freeaprisoner,orbattleBaphomet.
• Chapter3:Yeenoghu’sMonster.Yeenoghu’sforcesridetheRiverStyxinamassivebeastcalledCrokek’toeck.Thecharactersmightenterthebeastforanynumberofreasons,liketodestroythedemonlordortouseCrokek’toeck’sbileasawaytobreakthechainsofElturel.
• AppendixA:Monster&NPCStatistics.StatisticsforcreaturesusedinthelocationsnotfoundintheMonsterManual.
• AppendixB:MagicItems.DescriptionsformagicitemsfoundinthelocationsnotfoundintheDungeonMaster’sGuide.
UsingtheLocationsTousethelocationsinAbyssalIncursion,youneedtheD&Dfiftheditioncorerulebooks:Player’sHandbook,DungeonMaster’sGuide,andMonsterManual.YoualsoneedacopyofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus,thoughwithadjustmentyoucouldusetheselocationsaspartofanotheradventure.YoumayalsowanttoaddencountersfromtheDM’sGuildAdeptsproduct,EncountersinAvernus,whichcontainsanentirechapterdevotedtoencountersontheRiverStyx. TheMonsterManualcontainsstatblocksformostofthecreaturesfoundinthisproduct.AllthenecessarystatblocksareincludedthereorinappendixA.Whenacreature’snameappearsinboldtype,that’savisualcueforyoutolookupthecreature’sstatblockintheMonsterManual,unlessthetextinsteadrefersyoutothemonsterappendixinthisbook. SpellsandequipmentmentionedinthetextaredescribedinthePlayer’sHandbook.MagicitemsaredescribedintheDungeonMaster’sGuide,unlesstheadventure’stextdirectsyoutoanitem’sdescriptioninappendixB.
Textthatappearsinaboxlikethisismeanttobereadaloudorparaphrasedfortheplayerswhentheircharactersfirstarriveatalocationorunderaspecificcircumstance,asdescribedinthetext.
DescriptiveBulletPointsThisproductusesdescriptivebulletpointstohelpDMsparseinformationthefirsttimethecharactersenteranewarea.
• Textthatisinitalicslikethiscanbereadaloudorparaphrasedtotheplayers.
• (Textinparentheseslikethiscontainsinformationthatislikelyhiddenfromthecharacterswhentheyfirstenterthearea.)
ABYSSALINCURSION 3
AbbreviationsThefollowingabbreviationsappearinthisbook:
• AC=ArmorClass• DC=DifficultyClass• XP=experiencepoints• pp=platinumpiece(s)• gp=goldpiece(s)• sp=silverpiece(s)• cp=copperpiece(s)• NPC=nonplayercharacter• DM=DungeonMaster
EncounterDifficultyMostoftheencounterlocationscontainchallengesappropriateforcharactersoflevels8and9.Therearesomeencounterscontainedinchapters2and3thatarefarbeyondthecombatcapabilitiesofcharactersoftheselevels,sincecharactersmayapproachBaphometorYeenoghuduringtheendoftheiradventuresinAvernus.Youcanaddmonstersandadjusthitpointsandotherstatisticsasnecessarytochangethedifficultyoftheseencountersasyouseefit.
ABYSSALINCURSION 4
Chapter1:ElementalGalleonFaerûnisnottheonlyworldoftheMaterialPlane.IntheheroicfantasyworldofEberronshipspoweredbyboundwaterelementalsmovethroughtheseasattremendousspeeds.Oneoftheseelementalgalleons,theMirror’sEdge,liesinactiveintheRiverStyx,beachedagainstastoneisland.WhiletheboatattractssometalkamongthefiendsofAvernus,thegalleon’sarrivalcoincidedwiththatofBaphometandYeenoghu.Thedevilsaretoobusyfightingoffinvaderstoinvestigatetheboat,buttheBloodWarhasnotdeterredanarcanalothfromclaimingtheshipashisown.
StoryHooksThecharactersmightcometotheelementalgalleonforthefollowingreasons:
• Theyhearaboutorseethegalleonandwishtosearchforsurvivors,searchfortreasure,orclaimtheship.
• TheylearntheshipisfilledwithmercenaryyugolothsandwishtohirethefiendsforhelpinAvernus.
MarkofStormElementalgalleonsarepoweredbyawaterelementalboundinaringthatsurroundstheship.Thesegalleonsareownedandcrewedbythehalf-elfmerchantfamilyknownasHouseLyrandar.SomemembersofHouseLyrandarareblessedwithmagicsigilsontheirskincalleddragonmarks.Amongotheruses,themagicoftheLyrandardragonmark,theMarkofStorm,controlsandguidestheelementalsboundtothegalleons.MostgalleonscanonlybepilotedbyacreaturewiththeMarkofStorm,butthemodificationsmadetotheMirror’sEdgetoallowitholdaStygianwaterelementalalsoallowanyonetopilottheshiponceadragonmarkedmemberofHouseLyrandarbindstheelemental.
TheFailedExperimentBarrield’Lyrandar,adragonmarkedhalf-elfwizardandcaptainoftheMirror’sEdge,believedshecouldcreateanevenfastergalleonifsheboundanelementalformedofthewildwatersoftheRiverStyxtohervessel.Usingherhouse’sconsiderableresources,shetransportedtheMirror’sEdgeanditscrewtoAvernus.BarrielenactedaritualthatcreatedaStygianwaterelementalandboundittothegalleon. Theelementalmadethevesselfasterthananticipated,andtheshipwoundupbeachedontherocksofanislandintheriver.Thecrashcausedseveralsailorstobethrownoverthedeckintothewater.Thosewhodidn’tfallintotheriverfellvictimtoitseffectswhentheelementalcamefreeandattacked,leavingthecrew,includingBarriel,undertheeffectofafeeblemindspell.BarrielmanagedtolocktheelementalinanironflaskbeforesuccumbingtotheeffectsoftheStygianwater.
TheArcanalothVorcas,anarcanalothinAvernushopingtoprofitfromtheBloodWar,gotnewsoftheshipandinvestigatedthevehiclewithapackofmezzoloths.Afterkillingtheremainingcrewandthrowingthecorpsesoverboard,VorcasscoursBarriel’smind.Ifthearcanalothcanfindouthowtheshipworks,hecanusethepowerfultoolorsellit.HisattemptstowrenchanswersoutofBarrielyieldlittleinformation.
ABYSSALINCURSION 5
ApproachingtheShipTheMirror’sEdgesitsinthemiddleoftheRiverStyx,partiallybeachedagainstasmallrockisland.Whenthecharactersseethegalleoninthedistance,readorparaphrasethefollowingboxedtexttosetthescene:
AgalleonwithnosailsandenormouswoodenarchesextendingfromitssinglemastandsidesisbeachedagainstanislandintheRiverStyx.Thearcheslookasiftheyholdaninvisibleringthatencirclesthevessel. Thesideoftheshipispaintedwiththefadedimageofashieldcontainingtheswirlingkrakententaclesframedbyfourlightningboltsabovetheword,“LYRANDAR.”Belowthissigilisthename“MIRROR’SEDGE”inflowingscript.
AsuccessfulDC13groupDexterity(Stealth)checkapproachesthegalleonwithoutthemezzolothsinareaG1noticing.Ifthemezzolothsdonoticethecharactersapproaching,theypreparetoattackbutwaituntilthecharactersareonboardtheship.Theydonotwanttodrawanyunnecessaryattentiontothemselvesandarewillingtoletthecharacterspassbytheship.
ShipFeaturesThegalleonhasthefollowingfeatures:
• TheMirror’sEdgehasthestatisticsofagalley(see“OwningaShip”inchapter5oftheDungeonMaster’sGuide)exceptthatitsspeedis30mphwhenpoweredbytheStygianwaterelementalanditonlyrequiresacrewof5.
• Themaindeckofthegalleon(areaM1)is10feetabovethewaterleveloftheRiverStyx.
• Theareasbelowdeckhave8-foot-highceilingswith6-foot-highdoorwaysconnectingthem.
• Thewallsanddoorsofthevesselaremadeofwood.DoorshaveAC15,18hitpoints,andimmunitytopoisonandpsychicdamage.
• Theareasbelowdeckarebrightlylitbyhanginglanternswiththecontinualflamespellcastonthem.
MezzolothLoyaltyThemezzolothsworkingforVorcasarepaid1,000gpeachfortheexcursionintoAvernus.Ifthecharactersofferoneofthemezzolothsarewardworthmorethan1,000gp,thefiendgladlyworksforthecharactersinstead.
ShipAreasThefollowingencounterlocationsarekeyedtothemapoftheMirror’sEdge.
M1.MainDeckThemaindeckoftheshiphasthefollowingfeatures:
• Twofour-armedinsectoidfiendscarryinglargetridentschattertoeachotherinastrangelanguage.
• Loadedballistaeonswivelsareoneithersideofthedeck.
• ThewindsofAvernushowloverawidecargoopeninginthefloor’scenter.
BallistaeFormoreinformationontheballistae,see“SiegeEquipment”inchapter8oftheDungeonMaster’sGuide.
CargoOpeningTheopeninginthedeckfloorleads8feetdowntoareaM6.
ABYSSALINCURSION 6
MezzolothsThetwomezzolothsondeckareboredandspeakinAbyssal,sharingstoriesoftheirbattlesfightingtheBloodWartopassthetime.TheyhaveordersfromVorcastoattackanyintruders.Ifafightbreaksout,bothmezzolothsinareaM4investigate.Eachmezzolothfightsuntilreducedto20hitpointsthenflees.
M2.ForecastleTheforecastlehasthefollowingfeatures:
• Dustcoversaonce-gleamingsteelramintheshapeofalightningboltaffixedtothefrontoftheship.
• Stairsleaddown10feettothemaindeck.
M3.SterncastleThesterncastlehasthefollowingfeatures:
• Carvedtolooklikeakrakenspreadingitstentaclesoutevenlyaroundacircle,theship’swheelstandsatopthedeck.
• Stairsleaddown10feettothemaindeck.
WheelAdetectmagicspellrevealsthewheelradiatesanauraofabjurationmagic.AsuccessfulDC12Wisdom(Perception)checknoticesasmallsymbolcarvedintoahandleonthewheel.ThissymbolisthedragonmarkofHouseLyrandar,theMarkofStorm.AcharacterthathasseenBarrield’LyrandarinareaM5recognizesthemarkasthesameoneonherarm. WhenBarrieltouchesthewheel,theshipbeginstohumwithmagicenergy.IftheStygianwaterelementalcontainedintheironflaskinareaM4isonthedeckoftheshipwhileBarrieltouchesthewheel,theelementalisdrawnintotheringaroundtheship.ThepoweroftheelementalbeingdrawnintotheringcausestheMirror’sEdgetoshift,freeingitfromtherockisland.Barrieldoesnotneedtobealivewhenshetouchesthewheeltoactivateitsmagic. ThisshiphasbeenmodifiedandcanonlycontainanelementalformedofStygianwater.Itcannotcontaintypicalelementals,andanyone
canpilotthegalleononcetheStygianelementalhasbeenboundtotheship.
M4.Mates’CabinTheMirror’sEdgehadtwomateswhostayedinthesequarters.Ithasthefollowingfeatures:
• Apairofhammocksholdred-eyedinsectoidswhochatterquietlytoeachother.
• Beneatheachhammockstandsasmallchest.• Severalromanceandadventurenovelsarescatteredonthefloor.
• Pungentliquidtarfillsasteelpailofftothecorner.
ChestsThechestsholdclothesthatbelongedtothematesintheship.AsuccessfulDC15Intelligence(Investigation)revealsayellowdiamondissewnintotheliningofashirt(see“Treasure”).
MezzolothsThetwomezzolothstalkwitheachotherinInfernalaboutthedealtheyhavewithVorcas,makingsuretheyarebeingpaidequallythendiscussinghowtogetmoremoneyfromthearcanaloth.Theyhaveorderstoattackanyintruders.Ifafightbreaksout,thetwomezzolothsinareaM1investigate.Eachmezzolothfightsuntilreducedto20hitpointsthenflees.
NovelsThenovelshavenameslikeArdorinAcheron,HeldbyaBeholder,LoveintheLastWar,MyFlayer,TentacleFlumph,andVorpalJustice.
TarPailAsuccessfulDC15Intelligence(Investigation)checknoticesthatsmallspecksoftarsplatteredonthegroundandwallsallaroundthebucket,asifsomeonedroppedsomethingheavyinsideofit,sendingdropletseverywhere.ThetariscoolenoughtotouchbutithasnotyethardenedthankstotheconstantheatofAvernus.Acharacterthatdumpsoutorreachesinsidethetarfindsanironflask.
ABYSSALINCURSION 7
TreasureTheyellowdiamondsewnintotheshirtisanelementalgem. TheironflaskinthetarpailcontainstheStygianwaterelementalBarrielusedtopowertheMirror’sEdge.Thiscreaturehasthestatisticsofawaterelementalwiththefollowingchanges:
• Theelementalhas168hitpoints.• Whenacreaturethatisnotafiendtakesdamagefromtheelemental’sslamorwhelmattack,itmustsucceedonaDC20Intelligencesavingthroworsuffereffectsasifithadfailedasavingthrowagainstafeeblemindspell.Ifacreaturefailsitssavingthrowandremainsunderthespell’seffectfor30consecutivedays,theeffectbecomespermanent(nosave)andthecreaturelosesallitsmemories,becominganearmindlessshellofitsformerself.Atthatpoint,nothingshortofawishspellordivineinterventioncanundotheeffect.
M5.Captain’sCabinThiscaptain’scabinbelongedtoBarriel.Itcontainsthefollowingfeatures:
• Atacirculartable,ajackal-headedfiendcladinpurplerobesstaresintenselyatabruisedhalf-elfwithastrangebirthmarkonherrightforearm.
• Standingatthedoor,aninsectoidfiendwithalongtridentglaresattheelfwithhatefulorangeeyes.
• Anopenfootlockersitsnearabedinthecorneroftheroom.
Vorcas,anarcanaloth,isusingthedetectthoughtsspelltosearchthemindofBarrield’Lyrandar(seeappendixA).
MezzolothThemezzolothfollowsVorcas’lead.Whenthearcanalothattacksorflees,sodoesthemezzoloth.
ABYSSALINCURSION 8
RoleplayingBarrielBarrielisundertheeffectofthefeeblemindspell(thankstogettingattackedbytheStygianwaterelementalinareaM4)andcannotcommunicatewiththecharacters.IftheysaveherfromVorcas,shefollowsthem.Thehalf-elfwasputunderthefeeblemindeffect2d10daysago. IfthecharactersfreeBarrielfromthefeeblemindeffect,Vorcas’mindreturns.Sheknowswheretofindtheironflask(seeareaM4)andhowtocangettheMirror’sEdgefunctioningagain(see“Wheel”inareaM3).Asthanksforsavingher,BarrielletsthecharactersusetheMirror’sEdgeaslongastheyneedit(whichalsoallowshertocontinueherexperiment).Oncethecharactersaredonewiththeship,BarrielpilotsthevesseloutofAvernusandtriestofindaroutebacktotheMaterialPlane. Barrieliseccentric.Sheisinquisitivetothepointofrudeandfascinatedbyallthingsmagic.
RoleplayingVorcasIfthecharactersbattledthemezzolothsinareasM1orM4,VorcasisawarethecharactersareontheMirror’sEdge.Hepreparesforthecharacter’sarrivalbyreadyinganactiontocastthefingerofdeathspelltargetingBarrielshouldthecharactersattack.VorcastellsthecharactersheispreparedtokillBarrieliftheyattackwhentheyentertheroom.He’snotbluffing.Ifthecharactersattack,Vorcasfightsuntilreducedto40hitpointsthenflees. IfthecharactersnegotiatewithVorcas,thearcanalothproposesanagreement.IfthecharactershelpVorcasgettheshipinworkingcondition,thearcanalothdropsthemoffanywherethey’dlikeinAvernusbeforepilotingthevesselbacktohishomeplaneofGehenna.Ifthecharactersagree,VorcasshareseverythingheknowsabouttheMirror’sEdge(see“Vorcas’Notes”). Vorcasstaystruetohisword,unlessthecharactersopenlycarryapowerfulartifactliketheHandofVecna,theShieldofGargauth(seeappendixCofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus),ortheSwordofZariel(seeappendixCofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus).Ifthisisthecase,Vorcasbetraysthecharactersoncethe
Mirror’sEdgeisoperational,aimingtostealtheartifact. Vorcasismoredangerousthanheseems.Thearcanalothiseruditeandcalm,evenwhenangryormakingthreats.Hedoesnothesitatetobetrayanycreatureifitsaveshislifeorgainshimwealth.AfterdaysofprobingBarriel’smindandsearchingtheship,he’sreadytokillherandstartexperimentingtogettheMirror’sEdgeoutofAvernus.
Vorcas’sNotesVorcaspiecedtogetherthefollowinginformationabouttheMirror’sEdgeandwroteitdownontheparchmentonthetableinPrimordial:
• TheMirror’sEdgeispoweredbyaspecialkindofwaterelementalformedfromthewatersoftheRiverStyx.
• ThestrangemarkonBarriel’sforearmistiedtothewheeloftheship.WhenBarrieltouchestheship’swheel,itcanbindtheelementaltotheMirror’sEdge.
• BindingtheelementaltotheshipshouldunbeachtheMirror’sEdgefromtherocks.
• TheStygianwaterelementalistrappedinamagicitemsomewhereontheship,butafterscouringtheareasbelowdeckVorcashasnotfoundit.
TreasureInadditiontoBarriel,Vorcas,andthemezzzoloth’sequipment,theopenfootlockerholdsBarriel’ssparerobesandherspellbook,whichcontainsallofthespellsshehaspreparedplusconjureelemental,conjureminorelemental,featherfall,gaseousform,gustofwind,icestorm,lightningbolt,andthunderwave.
M6.CargoHoldCratesoffoodandbarrelsofwatermeantforthecrewoftheMirror’sEdgewerekeptinthisarea.TheyugolothssmashedthecontainerswhilesearchingfortheStygianwaterelemental,spillingtheruinedcontentsoverthefloor.Thisareaiscoveredindifficultterrain.
ABYSSALINCURSION 9
SiegeAmmunitionThereare2d10intactballistaarrowsamongthedetritus.
M7.CrewQuartersThecrewoftheMirror’sEdgehadprivatequartersthathavebeenransackedanddestroyedbyyugolothshuntingfortheStygianwaterelemental.Smashedchestsandtornapartfurniturecoverthefloor.Thisareaiscoveredindifficultterrain.
ABYSSALINCURSION 10
Chapter2:Baphomet’sBargeBaphomet’swarbargetravelsdowntheRiverStyx,releasinghordesofdemonsintoAvernustoslaughterZariel’sarmies.Wheneverthemoodstrikeshim,Baphometwadesintothefrayhimself,slaughteringallthosewhorefusetobowbeforehim.TheHornedKinghasascoretosettle.
StoryHooksThecharacterscouldarriveatBaphomet’sbargeforoneofthefollowingreasons:
• ThecharacterscometothebargetostealHeartcleaver(seeappendixB),Baphomet’sglaive,becauseitcanbeusedtobreaktheinfernalchainsthatbindElturelliketheSwordofZariel(seechapter5ofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus).
• ThecharacterswanttokillorallywithBaphomet(seechapter5ofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus).
• BeforethecharacterstraveledtoAvernustheylearnedfromSylviraSavikas(seechapter1ofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus)thatVallaMaltar,ahumandemonologistfromCandlekeep,traveledtotheNineHellsandwascapturedbyBaphomet.Sylviraasksthecharacterstosaveherfriend.
• ThecharactersagreedtofreeAlamazeezub(seeareaO8)aspartofadealmadewithanotherdevil.
• ThecharactersencounterthebargebychanceastheytraveltheRiverStyx.
BaphometBaphometistheminotaurdemonlordofthehuntandsavagery.Hisbloodlustisinsatiable.ThePrinceofBeastsdelightsinthecarnageoftheBloodWar,butthisexcursionintotheNineHellsmeansmorethanusualforBaphomet. ThelasttimetheHornedKinginvadedZariel’srealm,hefoughttheduchessone-on-one.Thoughneitherkilledtheother,ZarieldidremoveoneofBaphomet’ssixhorns.TheobviousinjuryturnedthePrinceofBeastsintothelaughingstockoftheAbyss.Hereturnedto
Avernuswithmorethanadesiretohunt.BaphometwantstoconquertherealmanddestroyZariel.
RoleplayingBaphometBaphometisinAvernustoslaughterhisenemies.Hisprimalbloodlustandneedforvengeanceareunstoppable.Unlessthecharactersfindawaytogaintheupperhand,theHornedKingattacksthemonsight.Baphomettakessavagejoyinmurder.Hefightstothedeath,butdoesnotpursuethecharactersiftheyflee(unlesstheystealHeartcleaverfromthedemonlord).WhenBaphometisincensed,thedemonlordcastsasidehisglaive,Heartcleaver(seeappendixB),andattackswithhishornsandbitetoprovehissuperiority. Baphometdoesnotusetheabyssalmaze(areaO5)tocallforthdemonstoattackthecharactersuntilallmonstersotherthanhimselfondeckaredead.HesaveshisarmiesforZariel’sforces. IfthecharacterssufferdefeatatthehandsofBaphomet,hetakesthemprisoner.HeputsanymagicitemstheyhaveintothedeadpurpleworminareaO9thenthrowsthecharactersintotheabyssalmaze(areaO5)toentertainthedemonswithin.
ABYSSALINCURSION 11
ApproachingtheBargeBaphomet’sbargetravelsontheRiverStyx,prowlingfordevils.WhenVazlagrub,Baphomet’sgoristrobodyguardandlookout,spiesprey,thebargeunleashesahordeofdemons.Whenthecharactersseethebargeinthedistance,readorparaphrasethefollowingboxedtexttosetthescene:
ThefaintchatteringofwickedbeastsgrowslouderasanenormousironboatapproachesontheRiverStyx.Thickspikesonthevessel’shullimpaleflayeddevilcorpses.Twoenormouspaddlewheelsontheportandstarboardsidesofthebargekeepitmovinginthewater. Stonegrindsonstoneasatieredandtaperedcolumnofdiscsinthecenteroftheship’sdeckrotates.Eachdiscspinsinadirectionoppositetotheonesaboveandbelowit. Demonsandminotaurswalkthedeck,decoratedwithhoopsofbonethroughtheirnoses.Toweringabovethembellowingordersisagreatblack-furredminotaurwithfivehornssproutingfromhissavagehead.
Approachingthebargewithoutbeingseenisnoeasytask.CharacterswhoapproachviatheRiverStyxmusthavethepilotoftheirboatsucceedonaDC17Dexteritycheckwithwatervehiclestoapproachthebargewithoutbeingnoticed.CharacterswhoapproachviatheairmustsucceedonaDC17groupDexterity(Stealth)checktoapproachthebargewithoutbeingnoticed.CharacterswhofailordonotmakethesechecksarenoticedbyVazlagrubwhentheygetwithin600feetofthebarge. Ifthecharactersarenoticed,Baphomet’sforcestakearoundtoraisethealarmthroughouttheship.Thenthedemonsattackwiththecannons(see“BargeFeatures”).
BargeFeaturesThebargehasthefollowingfeatures:
• Thebargehas800hitpoints,AC19,adamagethresholdof25,andimmunitytopoisonandpsychicdamage.
• Thedeckoftheshipis20feetabovethewaterleveloftheRiverStyx.
• Theareasbelowdeckhave30-foot-highceilingswith25-foot-highdoorwaysconnectingthem.
• Thespikedhulloftheshipcanbeclimbedwithoutanabilitycheck.
• Ifthebargeramsacreatureoranothervessel,thetargettakes16(3d10)piercingdamage.
• Theforedeck,portdeck,starboarddeck,andsterndeckeachhavealoadedcannon(see“SiegeEquipment”inchapter8oftheDungeonMaster’sGuide)shapedlikeascreamingminotaurwithtencannonballsanda500-poundbarrelofsmokepowdersetnexttoit.
• Ifasmokepowderbarreltakes5ormorefiredamage,thebarrelexplodesina20-foot-radiussphere.CreaturesinthespheremustmakeaDC15Dexteritysavingthrow,taking33(6d10)firedamageonafailedsave,andhalfasmuchdamageonasuccessfulone.
• Thewallsanddoorsofthevesselaremadeofiron.DoorshaveAC19,36hitpoints,andimmunitytopoisonandpsychicdamage.
• Theareasbelowdeckarebrightlylitbyhanginglanternswiththecontinualflamespellcastonthem.
BargeAreasThefollowingencounterlocationsarekeyedtomapofBaphomet’sbarge.
O1.ForedeckVazlagrub,Baphomet’sgoristrobodyguard,standsatthefrontoftheshipwatchingtheriver,shore,andskiesforanypotentialprey.Whenshespotsanycreaturesthatarenototherdemons,sheyellsbacktoBaphometwhogivestheordertoattack.Ifafightbreaksout,thecreaturesinareasO2,O3,andO4investigate.
O2.PortDeckThreehornedvrocksloungeaboutthedeck,waitingforanopportunitytojointheBloodWarbattle.Inthemeantimetheytrytoavoidbeinggivenorders.Ifafightbreaksout,thecreaturesinareasO1,O3,andO4investigate.
ABYSSALINCURSION 12
O3.StarboardDeckAfur-coveredglabrezubarksatacrewofthreeminotaursthatoperatethecannons.Whenenemiesarespottedapproachingtheship,theytakeuppositionatacannon.Ifafightbreaksout,thecreaturesinareasO1,O2,andO4investigate.
O4.SternDeckBaphomet(seeappendixA)barksordersinAbyssaleverydemonondeckcanhearandactsasdescribedin“RoleplayingBaphomet.”Ifafightbreaksout,thecreaturesinareasO1,O2,andO3investigate. IfBaphometdies,theabyssalmazestopsfunctioning(seeareaO5)andthebargestopsmoving(seeareaO6).
TreasureBaphometwieldsHeartcleaver(seeappendixA).
O5.AbyssalMazeTheabyssalmazeispartbuilding,partportaltotheAbysswiththefollowingfeatures:
• The maze is a six-story tapered column. Its first level has a 30-foot-radius bottom and its sixth level has a 15-foot-radius top. Each level is 15 feet high.
• The first, third, and fifth levels of the structurerotate clockwise. The second, fourth, and six levels rotate counter-clockwise. A successful DC 17 Strength (Athletics) check climbs the outside walls of the maze.
• Each level has four 10-foot-high closed doors, spaced evenly around the level.
• The interior of the maze is an ever-shifting series of rooms and corridors controlled by Baphomet.
ABYSSALINCURSION 13
LinkedtoBaphometBaphomet’sabyssalmazeislinkedtohisEndlessMazelayeroftheAbyss.EverydaythebargecallsforthmoredemonsfromtheHornedKing’slayerandholdsthemintheshiftingabyssalmaze.Baphometcontrolsthestructurewithhisthoughtsandcreaturesinsidethemazecannotfindtheirwayoutuponenteringit. Threetimesperdayasanaction,Baphometcanmakeallthecorridorsofthemazealigntowardexits.Whenthishappens,thelevelsofthemazestopspinninganddemonspouroutofitsdoorsuntilthestartofBaphomet’snextturn.RollontheAbyssalMazetabletodeterminewhichdemonscomeforth. IfBaphometdies,themaze’scorridorsalignanditstopsspinning.Allofthedemonsinsideofitcomepouringout(rollthreetimesontheAbyssalMazetabletodeterminewhichdemonsareleftinsidethemazewhenBaphometdies).
AbyssalMazed12 Demons1 10d10manes2 6d10dretches3 2d8barlguras4 2d6chasmes5 2d6vrocks6 2d4hezrous7 1d6glabrezus8 1d4nalfeshnees9 1marilith10 1goristro11 1balor12 Rolltwiceonthistableandusebothresults
TrappedintheMazeCreaturesthatenterthemazebecometrappedinsideofitandcannotescapeuntilBaphometuseshisactiontomakethecorridorsoftheplacealignwiththeexits.Creaturesthatenterthemazetogetherareabletostaytogetherinsideofit. Atthestartofeveryhouroneormorecharactersareinsidethemaze,rollad20.Onaresultof6ormore,thecharactersencounteroneormoredemonsinthemaze.RollontheAbyssalMazetabletodeterminethedemonstheyencounter.Onarollof5orless,Baphometuseshisactiontoopenthemaze,whichallowsthe
characterachancetoescapeontheirnextturnbyusing20feetofmovementtogettothenearestmazeexit(chosenbytheDM). SecretExit.AcharacterinsidethemazecanmakeaDC25orIntelligencecheckwithcartographer’sornavigator’stoolsorWisdom(Survival)checktofindasecrettunnelthatleadstooneofthedoorsonthefirstlevelofthetower.Onasuccess,thecharacterfindsthetunnelandisabletogetoutofthemazeaftermoving60feet. VallaMaltar.VallaMaltar(chaoticgoodfemaleRashemihumanmage),ademonologistfromCandlekeep,appealedtoBaphometforhelptotrytostopZariel’splanwithElturel.TheHornedKinglaughedatthisappealandputVallaintheabyssalmaze. TheshiftinglandscapeoftheabyssalmazemakesitdifficulttofindVallawithin.AcharacterinthemazecanmakeaDC20Wisdom(Survival)checkatthestartofeachhourtheyspendinthemazetotrackValla.Onasuccess,thecharacterfindsher. Whenfound,Vallahasnospellslotsremainingandthreelevelsofexhaustion.Herknowledgeofdemonskeptheralive.IfthecharactersrescueValla,shestayswiththemuntilElturelissaved.Herknowledgeofdemonsissecond-to-none,andsheisbravetothepointoffoolishness. IfthecharacterssaveValla,shetellsthemtheremightbeawaytotrickYeenoghuintobreakingtheinfernalchainsthatbindElturel.Yeenoghu’spet,Crokek’toeck,producesabileinitsliverthedemonlordfindsirresistibleanddelicious.PouringthisbileontoElturel’schainsattractstheBeastofButcheryandmakeshimdevourthechains.ThebileisfoundinsideareaY4ofCrokek’toeck(seein“Yeenoghu’sMonster”).
O6.CrewQuartersThemazethatisthecrewquarterscontainsthefollowingfeatures:
• Thesmellofironanddeathpermeatesthischamber.
• Bloodandsundereddevilbodiescoverthefloor.• Foursnarling,gore-coveredminotaursdevourthecorpses.
ABYSSALINCURSION 14
MinotaursFourminotaursareenjoyingafeastafteralongdayofslaughter.Theyattackthecharactersonsightandfighttothedeath.
O7.AmmunitionHoldThecargoholdhasthefollowingfeatures:
• Tenenormousbarrelsofsmokepowderarechainedtothewall.
• Onehundredcannonballssitindivotsinthefloor.
SmokepowderThebarrelsofsmokepowderweigh500poundseachandareflammable(see“BargeFeatures”).Ifalltenofthebarrelsexplodeatonceinthisroom,itcausesenoughdamagetocreateaholelargeenoughtosinkthebarge.
O8.PainWheelThisroomcontainsthefollowingfeatures:
• Onthefloorinthecenteroftheroomanenormousgearturnsclockwiseasableedingpitfiendwearinggoldshacklesonhiswristsmarchesontopofthemachinerytokeepitmoving.
• Abalorroarswithgleefullaughterasitfliesbehindthepitfiend,whippingthedeviltokeephimmoving.
• Twogiantgearsagainstthewallinterlockwiththelargergearatthecenteroftheroom.Thesidegearsturnthebarge’soutsidepaddlewheelstokeepthevesselmoving.
ABYSSALINCURSION 15
GearsThegearatthecenteroftheroomhasa30-footradiusanda5-footheight.Thesidegearsareeach25feethighand35feetwide. Thewholegearsystemturnsthepaddlewheelsontheoutsideofthebarge.Baphometbellowscommandsabovedeckwhenhewantsthebargetomoveforward,stop,orbackup.Ifthegearstopsturning,thebargestopsmoving.
RoleplayingAlamazeezubAlamazeezub,apitfiendwith100hitpointsremainingandwearingdimensionalshackles,isoneofZariel’sgeneralswhowascapturedandenslavedbyBaphomet.ThepitfiendhatesNurgol,hisbalorjailor.IfAlamazeezubnoticescharacters,hetriestomakeadealwiththemforhisfreedomusingtelepathy(seeappendixAofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus).AlamazeezubdesiresfreedomandvengeanceagainstNurgolandBaphometaboveall. Iffreed,AlamazeezubasksthecharacterstoescortherbacktoZariel’sflyingfortress(seechapter3ofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus).Thepitfiendcanhelpthecharactersbypassencounterswithdevilspeacefullywhilesheiswiththem.
RoleplayingNurgolNurgol,abalorwithsixhorns,isassavageandviolentademonasexists.ThebalortakessuchpleasureintorturingAlamazeezub,shemustcontrolherselfsoshedoesn’tkillthedevil.Ifthedemonnoticesthecharacters,sheattacksandfightsuntilreducedto60hitpointsthenflees.
TreasureAlamazeezubwearsdimensionalshackles.
O9.Baphomet’sQuartersAdetectmagicspellrevealsthatthedoortothischamberradiatesanauraoftransmutationmagic.WhenacreaturethatisnotBaphomettouchesorattacksthedoor,thatcreaturemustsucceedonaDC17Wisdomsavingthroworbeturnedintoagoatasifaffectedbythepolymorphspell.Adispelmagicspellcastonthedoorrendersthedoor’smagicinertfor1hour.A
characterwhounderstandsthenatureofthedoorcanmakeaDC15Intelligence(Arcana)check.Onasuccess,thecharacterknowsacreaturethatsmearsBaphomet’sbloodonitselfbeforeopeningthedoorisimmunetothepolymorpheffect. BaphometpreferstostayabovedeckwhileinAvernusanduseshisprivatequarterstorestwheninjured.Thisroomhasthefollowingfeatures:
• Pungentodorscomefromagiantbedmadeofbonesandcoveredintheflayedskinsofvariouscreatures.
• Alargegongandamalletstandona5-foot-hightablenexttothebed.
• Thewallsarecoveredfloor-to-ceilinginthemountedheadsofdevils,celestials,giants,dragons,monstrosities,andotherlargecreaturesBaphometkilled.
• Thelargestofthetrophiesisthestuffedcorpseofapurplewormwithanopenmouthismountedontheceiling.
GongThegonghasa5-footdiameter.Adetectmagicspellrevealsthatitradiatesanauraofconjurationmagic.Whenthegongisstruck,Vazlagrub,Baphomet’sgoristrobodyguard,isimmediatelysummonedintotheroomtoanunoccupiedspaceclosesttothegong.
MountedHeadsAdetectmagicspellrevealsthatfiveofthemounteddragonheads,oneblack,oneblue,onegreen,onered,andonewhite,radiateaurasofevocationmagic.WhenacreaturethatisnotademontouchesanyofthemountedheadsorBaphomet’sbed,oneortwoofthedragonheadsrandomlyactivateandbreatheaburstofenergyatthecreatureasrolledontheMountedDragonHeadstable.ThecreaturemustmakeasavingthrowusingtheDCandabilitylistedonthetable,takingallthedamagenotedonafailedsaveorhalfasmuchonasuccess.Adispelmagicspellcastononeoftheheadsmakesthatheadunabletoproduceenergyfor1hour.
ABYSSALINCURSION 16
MountedDragonHeadsd6 Dragon Save Damage1 Black DC18Dexterity 54(12d8)acid2 Blue DC19Dexterity 66(12d10)lightning3 Green DC18Constitution 56(16d6)poison4 Red DC21Dexterity 63(18d6)fire5 White DC19Constitution 54(12d8)cold6 Rolltwiceandusebothresults,ignoringthisresulton
subsequentrolls.
MountedWormAcharactercanclimbthemountedheadsuptotheopeningoftheworm’smouthwithoutneedingtomakeanabilitycheck,thoughdoingsosetsoffatrap(see“MountedHeads”).Thestretchedcorpseofthewormis10feethigh,50feetlong,and20feetwide. A3-foot-high,10-foot-long,3-foot-wideironchestsitsatthetailendoftheworm.Thechesthasaglyphofwardingspellcastontheoutsideofitslid.AsuccessfulDC17Intelligence(Investigation)checknoticestheglyph.IfanyoneotherthanBaphomettouchesthechest,theglyphtriggersaresurrectionspellthatbringsthepurplewormbacktolife(withthenormalpenaltiesofthespell).Anycreatureinsidethewormwhenitisbroughtbacktolifecountsasswallowed.Oncealive,thewormisabletofreeitselffromthehooksmountingittotheceilingonitsturnaspartofitsmovement.
TreasureThechestinsidethepurplewormholdsfourdiamonds(worth500gpeach),gauntletsofogrepower,and10,000gp.
ABYSSALINCURSION 17
Chapter3:Yeenoghu’sMonsterYeenoghutravelsAvernusinanenormousdemoncalledCrokek’toeck.TheancientbeingwascreatedbyYeenoghuandlookslikeagiantmudskipperwiththefurandearsofahyena.ThemassivecreaturecanswimtheRiverStyx,leaphighintotheair,andcrossthewastesofAvernuswhileswallowingYeenoghu’senemiesandvomitingtheBeastofButchery’shordesontotheBloodWar’sfrontline. Crokek’toeckcanbefoundintheScabthatsurroundstheBleedingCitadel(seechapter4ofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus)orfreelyroamingthewastesofAvernusafterthecharactersfreethefiendordestroytheScab.
StoryHooksThecharacterscouldfaceYeenoghuandCrokek’toeckforthefollowingreasons:
• ThecharacterscometothebargetostealtheButcher(seeappendixB),Yeenoghu’sflail,becauseitcanbeusedtobreaktheinfernalchainsthatbindElturelliketheSwordofZariel(seechapter5ofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus).
• ThecharactersdesirethebileofCrokek’toecktotrickYeenoghuintodevouringtheinfernalchainsthatbindElturel(seeareaY4).
• ThecharactersagreedtofreeCalaxat(seeareaY5)aspartofadealtheymadewithanotherdevil.
• IfCrokek’toeckhasbeenfreedfromtheScab(seechapter4ofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus)characterscanencounterCrokek’toeckbychance.
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YeenoghuTheBeastofButcheryisneveronetopassupanopportunityforslaughter.YeenoghuwasdefeatedbyZarielontheMaterialPlaneduringhisraidofthevillageofIdyllglen,andhasneverforgottentheembarrassment.HisgoalinAvernusistocauseasmuchpainandfrustrationtoZarielaspossiblewhiletakingpleasureintheviolentdelightsoftheBloodWar.
RoleplayingYeenoghuYeenoghuisasviolentabeingasexistsinthemultiverse.Hedoesnotnegotiate.Hedoesnotretreatorsurrender.TheBeastofButcherylivestokill,maim,andtorture. ThoughYeenoghuenjoysagoodkill,heandhisminionstakegreatpleasureincausingpainandsorrowbeforedeath.Anycharactersthedemonlorddropsto0hitpointswakeimprisonedinareaY5ofCrokek’toeck,perhapswithamissing,devouredlimb(see“Injuries”inchapter9oftheDungeonMaster’sGuide).Yeenoghukeepsthecharacters’equipmentinareaY4inthefleshnodule.Hisminionstorturethecharactersfor2d10daysbeforedevouringthem. IfthecharactersfleefromYeenoghu,thedemonlorddoesnotgivechaseifthereareotherenemiestoslaughter.OtherwiseYeenoghuchasesthem(see“Chases”inchapter8oftheDungeonMaster’sGuide).
ApproachingCrokek’toeckThemostlikelyplaceforthecharacterstoencounterCrokek’toeckisinsidetheScab(seechapter4ofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus).IfthecharactersencounterCrokek’toeckoutsidetheScab,usethefollowinginformation. WhenthecharactersseeCrokek’toeckinthedistance,readorparaphrase:
SavagelaughterringsoutamidthesoundofsomethingenormousbreachingthesurfaceoftheRiverStyx.Acolossalfur-coveredcreaturewithanenormoushead,bulgingeyes,twofrontflippers,andalongtadpolebodystandsonthebanksvomitinggnollsanddemonsoutofitsmaw.Thesemonstershitthegroundreadyforbattle,eagertoconsumeallthatliesintheirpath. Suddenlythemonsterretchesupanenormousfurballthatexpandsandstandstobecomeahorrifyinggiantgnollwithmattedhairwieldingathree-headedflail.Theenormousgnollletsoutasavagewarwhoopashechargesahead,hisdemonicminionsfollowingwithgleefulhunger.
WhenthecharactersapproachCrokek’toeck(seeappendixA),tengnolls,twentydretches,andYeenoghu(seeappendixA)walkalongsidethemonster.Rollanydie.Onanevenroll,themonstersarelookingforafight.Onanoddroll,themonstersaredistractedslaughteringagroupofdevils. Ifthedemonsarelookingforafight,asuccessfulDC20groupDexterity(Stealth)checksneaksbythefiendsonlandunnoticed.Ifthedemonsarefightingdevils,thecharactershaveadvantageonthecheckandtheDCisreducedto15.SneakingbythedemonsonboathasthesameDCsasthechecksonlandbutinsteadrequiresaDexteritycheckwithwatervehiclesmadebythecreaturepilotingthevessel. Yeenoghuactsasdescribedin“RoleplayingYeenoghu.”IfCrokek’toeckswallowsthecharacters,thedemonlorddoesnotfollowthemintothebeast’sgullet,confidenthisminionsinsidecantakecareoftheintruders.
ABYSSALINCURSION 19
ABYSSALINCURSION 20
TreasureYeenoghuwieldsButcher(seeappendixB).
GettingInsideTherearetwowaystogetinsideCrokek’toeck.Thefirstistogethitbyitsbiteattack.ThesecondistouseanactiontomakeaDC15Dexterity(Acrobatics)checktojumpintoCrokek’toeck’smouthandavoidthemonster’steeth.OnasuccessthecreaturejumpsintoCrokek’toeck’smouth.OnafailurethecreaturejumpsintoCrokek’toeck’smouth,butthecreaturetakes44(10d6+9)piercingdamageasitfailstoavoidthedemon’steeth.
Crokek’toeckFeaturesCrokek’toeckhasthefollowingfeatures:
• Crokek’toeck’sstatisticscanbefoundinappendixA.
• AreasinsideCrokek’toeckhave30-foot-highceilingswith25-foot-highdoorwaysconnectingthem.
• ThewallsanddoorsinsideCrokek’toeckaremadeofflesh.DoorshaveAC15,36hitpoints,andimmunitytopoisondamage.
• Unlessotherwisenotedinanarea’sdescription,areasinsideCrokek’toeckarebrightlylitbyhanginglanternswiththecontinualflamespellcastonthem.
• IfCrokek’toeckdies,itexplodesinacloudofdemonichorandallcreaturesthatwereinsideitareoutsideoccupyingwhateverspaceCrokek’toeckoccupied.TheichoraffectsanycharactersinsideCrokek’toeckwhenitexplodesasiftheyhadfallenintoanichorlake(seechapter3ofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus).
Crokek’toeckAreasThefollowingencounterlocationsarekeyedtothemapofCrokek’toeck.
Y1.MouthThisareahasnolightsources.Crokek’toeck’smouthcontainsthefollowingfeatures:
• Tendemonswithbodiesthataremostlymouthsnaptheirjawsatoneanother.
• ThespongyfloorofthismoistchamberismadeofCrokek’toeck’stongue.
EscapeAcreatureinsidethemouthcanuseanactiontomakeaDC15Dexterity(Acrobatics)checktojumpoutofCrokek’toeck’smouthandavoidthemonster’steeth.Onasuccess,thecreaturejumpsoutofCrokek’toeck’smouth.Onafailure,thecreaturejumpsoutofCrokek’toeck’smouth,butthecreaturetakes44(10d6+9)piercingdamageasitfailstoavoidthedemon’steeth.
MawDemonsThetenmawdemons(seeappendixA)attackintrudersandfightuntildestroyed.
TongueLashingWhencombathappensinthisroom,rollanydieoninitiativecount0.Onanoddresult,Crokek’toeck’stongueswirlsarounditsmouth.EachcreatureintheroommustsucceedonaDC15Dexteritysavingthrowortake11(2d10)bludgeoningdamage.
Y2.ThroatThisareahasnolightsources.Crokek’toeck’sthroathasthefollowingfeatures:
• Thewallsofthisdamp,fleshychamberexpandandcontractabit,likeCrokek’toeckispanting.
• Gorestainsareonthewalls,floor,andceiling.
ContractingThroatAsuccessfulDC15Intelligence(Investigation)checkrevealsthatthegorestainsintheroom
ABYSSALINCURSION 21
aretheflattenedremainsofdevils.Thepatternoftheremainssuggeststheentirechambercontractedatonce,crushingthedevilsinside. Whenacreaturethatisnotademonwalksonthefloorofthethroat,Crokek’toeckcontractsitsthroatindefense.AllcreaturesinthethroatwhenitcontractsmustmakeaDC15Strengthsavingthrow,taking44(8d10)bludgeoningdamageonafailedsave,orhalfasmuchdamageonasuccessfulone. AsuccessfulDC15Dexterity(Stealth)checkgetsacreaturethroughtheareawithoutCrokek’toecknoticinganycreatureatallwasinitsthroat.
Y3.StomachCrokek’toeck’sstomachcontainsthefollowingfeatures:
• Ahideouschorusofsnoresandsnortscomefrommorethanfiftydemonsandgnollsfastasleeponthefloor.
• Devilbonesandgorecoverthefleshyfloorandwalls.
Thirtydretches,twentygnolls,andonebarlgurasleepontheflooraftergorgingthemselvesondevilremains.AsuccessfulDC15groupDexterity(Stealth)checkmovesthroughtheroomwithoutdisturbinganyofthecreatures.Thesecreaturesremainasleepfor1d4hours,unlesstheyaredisturbed. Ifanyofthemonsterswakeandnoticethecharacters,theyattack,shoutingandwakingtheothersintheroom.Eachmonsterfightsuntilreducedtohalfitshitpointsthenflees.
Y4.LiverThedoortothisroomissealedshutbyamuscularactionandonlyopenswillinglyforYeenoghu.Thedoorismadeoffleshandhasnokeyhole.AsuccessfulDC18Strengthcheckforcesthedooropen.AsuccessfulDC15Wisdom(Medicine)checkrevealspressurepointsthatcanberubbedtomassagethedooropen.Attackingthedoor(see“Crokek’toeckFeatures”)orfailingtoforceitopenwitha
StrengthcheckcausesthecreaturesinareaY3towake. Crokek’toeck’sliverisYeenoghu’spersonalchamberandcontainsthefollowingfeatures:
• Anenormous,slumberinghyenawithastingerattheendofaviciousbonetailgnawsondevilbones.
• Horridodorscomefromagiantpileofrottingoffalsitsinonecorneroftheroom.
• Impaled,half-gnaweddevilcorpseshangfromironrodsembeddedinthewalls.
• Bubbling,putridbilefillsalargecirculartubmadeoffleshattachedtothefloor.
• (Hiddenbeneaththeoffalisa3-foot-high,3-foot-diametercircularfleshnodulewith1-foot-diameteropening.)
BeetyaBeetya,Yeenoghu’sprizedshoosuva(seeappendixA),isdistractedbyhermealwhenthecharactersarrive.AsuccessfulDC12groupDexterity(Stealth)checkgetsintotheroomwithouthernoticing.Beetyaattacksthecharacterswhenshenoticesthem,unlesstheyfeedher,inwhichcasetheshoosuvadoesn’tattackuntilthecharactersrunoutoffood. Beetyafightstothedeath.Ifthedoortothisroomisopenwhencombatbreaksout,sleepingcreaturesinareaY3wakeandjointhefray.
FleshNoduleAcharacterwhodigsthroughtheoffaluncoversafleshnodulethatholdsYeenoghu’sspoilsofwar(see“Treasure”)withasuccessfulDC10Intelligence(Investigation)check.WhenacreatureotherthanYeenoghureachesintothenodule’sopening,thenoduleclampsdownonthecreature’shand,attemptingtodevouritbysecretingacid.ThatcreaturemustmakeaDC15Strengthsavingthrow.Onafailedsave,thecreaturetakes33(6d10)aciddamageandlosesitsarm(see“Injuries”inchapter9oftheDungeonMaster’sGuide).Onasuccessfulsavethecreatureonlytakeshalfthedamageandmanagestopullitsarmfreebeforeitisconsumed. ThenodulehasAC15,50hitpoints,andimmunitytopoisondamage.Destroyingthe
ABYSSALINCURSION 22
nodulecausesittoexplodeitaburstofacid.Creatureswithin20feetofthenodulemustmakeaDC15Dexteritysavingthrow,taking55(10d10)aciddamageonafailedsave,orhalfasmuchdamageonasuccessfulone. AsuccessfulDC15Wisdom(Medicine)checkallowsacreaturetoreachinsidethenodulewithoutitclampingdown.
ImpaledCorpsesAsuccessfulDC13Strengthcheckmadeasanactionremovesanimpaledcorpsefromthewall.IttakesBeetya1d4minutestoconsumeacorpse(see“Beetya”). Climbingthewallsinthisareadoesnotrequireanabilitycheck.
TubofBileYeenoghuenjoysbathinginanddrinkingthebileofCrokek’toeck.AnycreaturethatisnotademonthattouchesthebilemustsucceedonaDC15Constitutionsavingthrowortake16(3d10)poisondamageandbecomepoisonedfor1minute. ThebilecanbeusedtomakeYeenoghudevourtheinfernalchainsthatbindElturel.UsingthebiletohaveYeenoghudevourthechainsissimilartousingthebloodofacelestialtomakeCrokek’toeckdevourthechains(seechapter5ofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus).
TreasureThefleshnodulecontainstwelvejets(worth100gpeach),a+1wandofthewarmage,and7,000gp.
Y5.SpleenCrokek’toeck’sspleenservesasaprisonthatholdsvictimsforYeenoghuandhisminionstotorture.Itcontainsthefollowingfeatures:
• Fleshytendrilsgrowfromthefloorandceilingtobindascreamingpale-skinneddevilwithblackfeatherywings.
• Acorpulent,boar-faceddemonwithtinywingsgleefullyusestheirlongclawstoslowlywoundthescreamingdevil.
RoleplayingAvalaAvala,analfeshnee,takesgreatpleasureintorturingYeenoghu’sprisoners.Sheenjoysslicingoffpiecesofhervictimsanddevouringthosebitsbeforetheireyes.AvalaissoconsumedwithherworkthatasuccessfulDC9groupDexterity(Stealth)checksneaksintotheroomunnoticed. IfAvalanoticesthecharacters,sheattacks.Shefightsuntilreducedto50hitpointsthenflees.
RoleplayingCalaxatCalaxat,anerinyes,isoneofZariel’sdevils,butherloyaltiesreallyliewithBel(seechapter3ofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus).Shetelepathicallybegsthecharacterstofreeher,offeringthemadeal(seeappendixAofBaldur’sGate:DescentintoAvernus).IfthecharactersfreeCalaxatandhavenotyetmetwithBel,shebegsthecharacterstoescortherbacktothepitfiend,promisinganamazingrewardofgoldandpower.TheerinyesknowsBelisinterestedinmeetingwiththecharacters. Calaxatisabrashrisk-taker,whogotherselfintotroublewhenshetriedtoleadYeenoghu’sforcestowardZariel,usingherselfasbait.Shetakespleasureinriskingherlifeandthelivesofothers. Iffreed,CalaxatasksthecharacterstoescortherbacktoBel’sforge.
TendrilsAnyofYeenoghu’sdemonsorgnollsinthisroomcanuseanactiontocommandthetendrilstofreeorreleaseanothercreatureintheroom.Whenthetendrilsattempttobindanunwillingcreature,thatcreaturemustsucceedonaDC20Dexteritysavingthrowtoavoidbeingboundinthetendrils. Acreatureboundinthetendrilsisrestrained.AcreaturerestrainedbythetendrilsthatusesitsactiontomakesuccessfulDC20Strength(Athletics)orDexterity(Acrobatics)checkfreesitself.AsetoftendrilsbindingacreaturehasAC15,50hitpoints,andimmunitytopoisondamage.
ABYSSALINCURSION 23
Y6.IntestineCrokek’toeck’sintestineisaportalthatleadstoDeathDells,Yeenoghu’slairintheAbyss.Onceevery12hours,anewhordeofcreaturesloyaltoYeenoghuarrivesintheintestine.RollorchoosethecreaturescomesthroughtheportalontheDeathDellsPortaltable.
DeathDellsPortald20 Demons1 10d10manes2 10d10hyenas3 6d10dretches4 6d10gnolls5 2d12ghouls6 2d12gianthyenas7 2d12mawdemons(seeappendixA)8 2d10ghasts9 2d4gnollpacklordsand2d10gnolls10 2d8barlguras11 2d6chasmes12 2d6vrocks13 2d4hezrous14 2d4shoosuvas(seeappendixA)15 1d6glabrezus16 1d4nalfeshnees17 1marilith18 1goristro19 1balor20 Rolltwiceonthistableandusebothresults
ABYSSALINCURSION 24
AppendixA:CreaturesThefollowingcreaturesappearinthissupplement.
BaphometHugefiend(demon),chaoticevilArmorClass22(naturalarmor)HitPoints275(19d12+152)Speed40ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
30(+10)14(+2) 26(+8) 18(+4) 24(+7) 16(+3)
SavingThrowsDex+9,Con+15,Wis+14SkillsIntimidation+17,Perception+14DamageResistancescold,fire,lightningDamageImmunitiespoison;bludgeoning,piercing,andslashingfromnonmagicalattacks
ConditionImmunitiescharmed,exhaustion,frightened,poisoned
Sensestruesight120ft.,passivePerception24Languagesall,telepathy120ft.Challenge23(50,000XP)Charge.IfBaphometmovesatleast10feetstraighttowardatargetandthenhitsitwithagoreattackonthesameturn,thetargettakesanextra16(3d10)piercingdamage.Ifthetargetisacreature,itmustsucceedonaDC25Strengthsavingthroworbepushedupto10feetawayandknockedprone.
InnateSpellcasting.Baphomet’sspellcastingabilityisCharisma(spellsaveDC18).Hecaninnatelycastthefollowingspells,requiringnomaterialcomponents.
Atwill:detectmagic3/dayeach:dispelmagic,dominatebeast,hunter’smark,maze,wallofstone
1/dayeach:teleport
LabyrinthineRecall.Baphometcanperfectlyrecallanypathhehastraveled,andheisimmunetothemazespell.
LegendaryResistance(3/Day).IfBaphometfailsasavingthrow,hecanchoosetosucceedinstead.
MagicResistance.Baphomethasadvantageonsavingthrowsagainstspellsandothermagicaleffects.
MagicWeapons.Baphomet’sweaponattacksaremagical.
Reckless.Atthestartofhisturn,Baphometcangainadvantageonallmeleeweaponattackrollsduringthatturn,butattackrollsagainsthimhaveadvantageuntilthestartofhisnextturn.
ActionsMultiattack.Baphometmakesthreeattacks:onewithHeartcleaver,onewithhisbite,andonewithhisgoreattack.
Heartcleaver.MeleeWeaponAttack:+17tohit,reach15ft.,onetarget.Hit:21(2d10+10)slashingdamage.
Bite.MeleeWeaponAttack:+17tohit,reach10ft.,onetarget.Hit:19(2d8+10)piercingdamage.
Gore.MeleeWeaponAttack:+17tohit,reach10ft.,onetarget.Hit:17(2d6+10)piercingdamage.
FrightfulPresence.EachcreatureofBaphomet’schoicewithin120feetofhimandawareofhimmustsucceedonaDC18Wisdomsavingthroworbecomefrightenedfor1minute.Afrightenedcreaturecanrepeatthesavingthrowattheendofeachofitsturns,endingtheeffectonitselfonasuccess.TheselatersaveshavedisadvantageifBaphometiswithinlineofsightofthecreature. Ifacreaturesucceedsonanyofthesesavesortheeffectendsonit,thecreatureisimmunetoBaphomet’sFrightfulPresenceforthenext24hours.
LegendaryActionsBaphometcantake3legendaryactions,choosingfromtheoptionsbelow.Onlyonelegendaryactionoptioncanbeusedatatimeandonlyattheendofanothercreature’sturn.Baphometregainsspentlegendaryactionsatthestartofhisturn.
HeartcleaverAttack.BaphometmakesameleeattackwithHeartcleaver.
Charge.Baphometmovesuptohisspeed,thenmakesagoreattack.
ABYSSALINCURSION 25
Barrield’LyrandarMediumhumanoid(half-elf),chaoticneutralArmorClass12(15withmagearmor)HitPoints40(9d8)Speed30ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
9(−1) 14(+2) 11(+0) 17(+3) 12(+1) 11(+0)
SavingThrowsInt+6,Wis+4SkillsAcrobatics+5,Arcana+6,History+6DamageResistanceslightningSensesdarkvision60ft.,passivePerception11LanguagesCommon,ElvishChallenge6(2,300XP)FeyAncestry.Barrielhasadvantageonsavingthrowsagainstbeingcharmed,andmagiccan’tputhertosleep.
Spellcasting.Barrielisa9th-levelspellcaster.HerspellcastingabilityisIntelligence(spellsaveDC14,+6tohitwithspellattacks).Shehasthefollowingwizardspellsprepared:
Cantrips(atwill):firebolt,light,magehand,prestidigitation
1stlevel(4slots):fogcloud,magearmor,magicmissile,shield
2ndlevel(3slots):levitate,mistystep3rdlevel(3slots):counterspell,fireball,fly4thlevel(3slots):controlwater,greaterinvisibility5thlevel(1slot):coneofcold
ActionsDagger.MeleeorRangedWeaponAttack:+5tohit,reach5ft.orrange20/60ft.,onetarget.Hit:4(1d4+2)piercingdamage.
Crokek’toeckGargantuanfiend(demon),chaoticevilArmorClass15(naturalarmor)HitPoints297(17d20+119)Speed60ft.,swim60ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
28(+9) 10(+0) 24(+7) 6(−2) 10(+0) 13(+1)
SavingThrowsCon+12,Wis+5DamageResistancescold,fire,lightning;bludgeoning,piercing,andslashingfromnonmagicalattacks
DamageImmunitiespoisonConditionImmunitiescharmed,frightened,poisonedSensesdarkvision120ft.,passivePerception10LanguagesunderstandsAbyssalbutcan’tspeakChallenge14(11,500XP)Amphibious.Crokek’toeckcanbreatheairandwater.
MagicResistance.Crokek’toeckhasadvantageonsavingthrowsagainstspellsandothermagicaleffects.
MagicWeapons.Crokek’toeck’sweaponattacksaremagical.
SecureMemory.Crokek’toeckisimmunetothewatersoftheRiverStyxaswellasanyeffectthatwouldstealormodifyitsmemoriesordetectorreaditsthoughts.
StandingLeap.Crokek’toeck’slongjumpisupto60feetanditshighjumpisupto30feet,withorwithoutarunningstart.
ActionsBite.MeleeWeaponAttack:+14tohit,reach15ft.,onetarget.Hit:44(10d6+9)piercingdamage.
DisgorgeAllies.Crokek’toeckopensitsmouthanddisgorges1d4barlguras,3d6gnollsledby1gnollfangofYeenoghu,6d6dretches,or1d3vrocks(seetheMonsterManualforthesecreatures’statblocks).Eachcreatureitdisgorgesappearsinanunoccupiedspacewithin30feetofCrokek’toeck’smouth,orthenextclosestunoccupiedspace.
InsideCrokek’toeckIfyouareusingthissupplement,youcouldmakeitsothatwhenCrokek’toeckbitesacreature,thetargetentersareaY1ofhisbody(seechapter3).
ABYSSALINCURSION 26
MawDemonMediumfiend(demon),chaoticevilArmorClass13(naturalarmor)HitPoints33(6d8+6)Speed30ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14(+2) 8(−1) 13(+1) 5(−3) 8(−1) 5(−3)
DamageResistancescold,fire,lightningDamageImmunitiespoisonConditionImmunitiescharmed,frightened,poisonedSensesdarkvision60ft.,passivePerception9LanguagesunderstandsAbyssalbutcan’tspeakChallenge1(200XP)Rampage.Whenitreducesacreatureto0hitpointswithameleeattackonitsturn,themawdemoncantakeabonusactiontomoveuptohalfitsspeedandmakeabiteattack.
ActionsBite.MeleeWeaponAttack:+4tohit,reach5ft.,onetarget.Hit:11(2d8+2)piercingdamage.
ShoosuvaLargefiend(demon),chaoticevilArmorClass14(naturalarmor)HitPoints110(13d10+39)Speed40ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18(+4) 13(+1) 17(+3) 7(−2) 14(+2) 9(−1)
SavingThrowsDex+4,Con+6,Wis+5DamageResistancescold,fire,lightning;bludgeoning,piercing,andslashingfromnonmagicalattacks
DamageImmunitiespoisonConditionImmunitiescharmed,frightened,poisonedSensesdarkvision60ft.,passivePerception12LanguagesAbyssal,Gnoll,telepathy120ft.Challenge8(3,900XP)Rampage.Whenitreducesacreatureto0hitpointswithameleeattackonitsturn,theshoosuvacantakeabonusactiontomoveuptohalfitsspeedandmakeabiteattack.
ActionsMultiattack.Theshoosuvamakestwoattacks:onewithitsbiteandonewithitstailstinger.
Bite.MeleeWeaponAttack:+7tohit,reach5ft.,onetarget.Hit:26(4d10+4)piercingdamage.
TailStinger.MeleeWeaponAttack:+7tohit,reach15ft.,onetarget.Hit:13(2d8+4)piercingdamage,andthetargetmustsucceedonaDC14Constitutionsavingthroworbecomepoisoned.Whilepoisoned,thetargetisalsoparalyzed.Thetargetcanrepeatthesavingthrowattheendofeachofitsturns,endingtheeffectonitselfonasuccess.
ABYSSALINCURSION 27
YeenoghuHugefiend(demon),chaoticevilArmorClass20(naturalarmor)HitPoints333(23d12+184)Speed50ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
29(+9)16(+3) 26(+8) 15(+2) 24(+7) 15(+2)
SavingThrowsDex+10,Con+15,Wis+14SkillsIntimidation+9,Perception+14DamageResistancescold,fire,lightningDamageImmunitiespoison;bludgeoning,piercing,andslashingfromnonmagicalattacks
ConditionImmunitiescharmed,exhaustion,frightened,poisoned
Sensestruesight120ft.,passivePerception24Languagesall,telepathy120ft.Challenge24(62,000XP)InnateSpellcasting.Yeenoghu’sspellcastingabilityisCharisma(spellsaveDC17,+9tohitwithspellattacks).Hecaninnatelycastthefollowingspells,requiringnomaterialcomponents.
Atwill:detectmagic,spiritualweapon(8th-levelspell,4d8+2forcedamageonahit,appearsasaflail)
3/dayeach:dispelmagic,fear,invisibility1/dayeach:teleport
LegendaryResistance(3/Day).IfYeenoghufailsasavingthrow,hecanchoosetosucceedinstead.
MagicResistance.Yeenoghuhasadvantageonsavingthrowsagainstspellsandothermagicaleffects.
MagicWeapons.Yeenoghu’sweaponattacksaremagical.
Rampage.WhenYeenoghureducesacreatureto0hitpointswithameleeattackonhisturn,Yeenoghucantakeabonusactiontomoveuptohalfhisspeedandmakeabiteattack.
ActionsMultiattack.Yeenoghumakesthreeflailattacks.Ifanattackhits,hecancauseittocreateanadditionaleffectofhischoiceoratrandom(eacheffectcanbeusedonlyonceperMultiattack):
1.Theattackdealsanextra13(2d12)bludgeoningdamage.
2.ThetargetmustsucceedonaDC17ConstitutionsavingthroworbeparalyzeduntilthestartofYeenoghu’snextturn.
3.ThetargetmustsucceedonaDC17WisdomsavingthroworbeaffectedbytheconfusionspelluntilthestartofYeenoghu’snextturn.
Flail.MeleeWeaponAttack:+16tohit,reach15ft.,onetarget.Hit:15(1d12+9)bludgeoningdamage.
Bite.MeleeWeaponAttack:+16tohit,reach10ft.,onetarget.Hit:14(1d10+9)piercingdamage.
LegendaryActionsYeenoghucantake3legendaryactions,choosingfromtheoptionsbelow.Onlyonelegendaryactionoptioncanbeusedatatimeandonlyattheendofanothercreature’sturn.Yeenoghuregainsspentlegendaryactionsatthestartofhisturn.
Charge.Yeenoghumovesuptohisspeed.
SwatAway.Yeenoghumakesaflailattack.Iftheattackhits,thetargetmustsucceedonaDC24Strengthsavingthroworbepushed15feetinastraightlineawayfromYeenoghu.Ifthesavingthrowfailsby5ormore,thetargetfallsprone.
Savage(Costs2Actions).Yeenoghumakesabiteattackagainsteachcreaturewithin10feetofhim.
ABYSSALINCURSION 28
AppendixB:MagicItemsThefollowingmagicitemsappearinthissupplement.
ButcherWeapon(flail),artifact(requiresattunement)
Yeenoghu’sthree-headedflail,Butcher,isbuiltfromthebonesandfleshofadeitytheGnollLordmurdered.Eachrustychainendsinabarbedhead.Theweaponscreamswithdiscordantlaughterwhenswung. Whenattuned,theweaponresizestofitthewielder. HyenaAppearance.WhileyouareattunedtoButcher,yourbodychangessoyoulooklikeagnoll,thoughyoustillretainyoursize. MagicWeapon.Butcherisamagicweaponthatdeals1d12piercingdamageonasuccessfulhitandhasthereachproperty.OnceperroundwhenyoumakeanattackwithButcherandhit,youcanchoosetocreateoneofthefollowingadditionaleffects:
• Theattackdealsanextra2d12bludgeoningdamage.
• ThetargetmustsucceedonaDC17Constitutionsavingthroworbeparalyzeduntilthestartofyournextturn.
• ThetargetmustsucceedonaDC17Wisdomsavingthroworbeaffectedbytheconfusionspelluntilthestartofyournextturn.
RandomProperties.Theflailhasthefollowingrandomlydeterminedproperties(see“ArtifactProperties”inchapter7oftheDungeonMaster’sGuide):
• 1minorbeneficialproperty• 1majorbeneficialproperty• 1minordetrimentalproperty• 1majordetrimentalproperty
DemonicHunger.YoucanconsumethecorpseofaSmallorMediumcreatureoverthecourseof5minutes,duringwhichtimeyoucandonothingbutfeastonthecreature’sdeadflesh.Attheendofthistime,thecorpseisdestroyed,andyou
regain1d10hitpoints.Youcanalsotake10minutestoconsumethecorpseofaLargecreatureandregain2d10hitpoints,1hourtoconsumethecorpseofaHugecreaturetoregain4d10hitpoints,or8hourstoconsumethecorpseofaGargantuancreaturetoregain8d10hitpoints. DemonicResistances.Yougainresistancetocold,fire,andlightningdamage. Invisibility.Youcanusetheflailtocasttheinvisibilityspellwithouttheneedforanycomponents.Youcannotusetheweapontocastthespellagainuntilyoucompleteashortorlongrest. Languages.Youcanspeak,write,andunderstandAbyssalandGnoll. Rampage.Whenyoureduceacreatureto0hitpointswithanattackfromtheflail,youcantakeabonusactiontomoveuptohalfyourspeedandmakeanotherattackwithButcher. SwatAway.Whenyouhitacreaturewithanattackmadewiththeflail,youcanuseyourbonusactiontoforcethetargetmakeaStrengthsavingthrowwithaDCequalto8+yourproficiencybonus+yourStrengthmodifier.Ifthetargetfails,itispushed15feetinastraightlineawayfromyou.Ifthesavingthrowfailsby5ormore,thetargetfallsprone. DestroyingtheFlail.IfYeenoghuispermanentlykilled,theflailcrumblesintoash.
ABYSSALINCURSION 29
HeartcleaverWeapon(glaive),artifact(requiresattunement)
Baphomet’sgreatglaive,Heartcleaver,isfearedthroughouttheAbyss.Whenattuned,theweaponresizestofitthewielder. MinotaurHorns.WhileyouareattunedtoHeartcleaver,yougrowlargehornsaspartofyournewappearanceifyoudonotalreadyhavethem.Thesehornsaremagicalmeleeweapons,whichyoucanusetomakeunarmedstrikes.Ifyouhitwiththem,youdealpiercingdamageequalto1d6+yourStrengthmodifier,insteadofthebludgeoningdamagenormalforanunarmedstrike. ImmediatelyafteryouhitacreaturewithameleeattackaspartoftheAttackactiononyourturn,youcanuseabonusactiontoattempttoshovethattargetwithyourhorns.Thetargetmustbenomorethanonesizelargerthanyouandwithin5feetofyou.UnlessitsucceedsonaStrengthsavingthrowagainstaDCequalto8+yourproficiencybonus+yourStrengthmodifier,youpushitupto10feetawayfromyou. MagicWeapon.Heartcleaverisamagicweaponthatdeals2d10slashingdamageonasuccessfulhit. RandomProperties.Theglaivehasthefollowingrandomlydeterminedproperties(see“ArtifactProperties”inchapter7oftheDungeonMaster’sGuide):
• 1minorbeneficialproperty• 1majorbeneficialproperty• 1minordetrimentalproperty• 1majordetrimentalproperty
Charge.Ifyoumoveatleast10feetstraighttowardatargetthenhitwithanattackwithyourhornsonthesameturn,thetargettakesanextra3d10piercingdamage.Ifthetargetisacreature,itmustsucceedonaDC25StrengthsavingthrowwithaDCequalto8+yourproficiencybonus+yourStrengthmodifierorbepushedupto10feetawayandknockedprone.Youcannotgettomakeuseofthisfeatureagainuntilthestartofyournextturn. DemonicResistances.Yougainresistancetocold,fire,andlightningdamage.
IntimidatingPresence.YougainproficiencyintheIntimidationskill.Ifyouarealreadyproficientwiththisskill,yourproficiencybonusisdoubledforit. LabyrinthineRecall.Youcanperfectlyrecallanypathyouhavetraveled,andareimmunetothemazespell. Languages.Youcanspeak,write,andunderstandAbyssal. SavageHunter.YouhaveadvantageonWisdom(Survival)checksmadetotrackothercreatures. WallofStone.Youcanusetheglaivetocastthewallofstonespellwithouttheneedforanycomponents.Youcannotusetheweapontocastthespellagainuntilyoucompleteashortorlongrest. DestroyingtheGlaive.IfBaphometispermanentlykilled,theglaivedisappearsinaburstofblood.
