D20r:Cataclysm
From Fax Encyclopedicus
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| + | {{d20r}} | ||
<small><i>Dead I am the one / Exterminating sun<br> | <small><i>Dead I am the one / Exterminating sun<br> | ||
Slipping through the trees / strangling the breeze<br> | Slipping through the trees / strangling the breeze<br> | ||
| Line 16: | Line 17: | ||
<div align=right>--Rob Zombie, ''Dragula''</div></small> | <div align=right>--Rob Zombie, ''Dragula''</div></small> | ||
| - | + | <big><u>'''Cataclysm'''</u></big> '''(CR 20)'''<br> | |
| - | AC | + | Usually NE Large Aberration (Varies; See Text)<br> |
| - | + | '''Class''' None<br> | |
| - | + | ---- | |
| - | + | <big>'''Pre-combat'''</big><br> | |
| - | + | '''Init''' +30; '''Senses''' Awareness +30; Darkvision 60'<br> | |
| - | + | '''Languages''' All languages; telepathy 1 mile | |
| - | + | ---- | |
| - | + | <big>'''Defense'''</big><br> | |
| - | + | '''AC''' 44; touch 44; flat-footed 39; Dodge (+3)<br> | |
| - | + | :(-1 Size, +15 Hero, +5 Dex, +15 Deflection)<br> | |
| - | + | '''HP''' 630 (30d8+390 HD); '''DR''' 5/-<br> | |
| - | + | '''GD''' 18<br> | |
| - | + | '''Immune''' Death Effects, Mind-Affecting, Polymorph; '''Resist''' None; '''Weak''' None<br> | |
| - | + | '''Fort''' +30 '''Ref''' +29 '''Will''' +34<br> | |
| - | + | '''SR''' 30<br> | |
| - | + | '''HV''' 15 | |
| - | + | '''SQ''' Aura of Terror, Evasive Dodge, Resilience, Variable Defenses (seven abilities) | |
| - | + | ---- | |
| - | + | <big>'''Offense'''</big><br> | |
| - | + | '''Speed''' 50' ft. (10 squares); None<br> | |
| - | + | '''Melee''' 2 claws +29 (2d6+7)<br> | |
| + | '''Ranged''' None<br> | ||
| + | '''Space''' 10' ft.; '''Reach''' 10' ft.<br> | ||
| + | '''BAB''' +22; '''Grp''' +34<br> | ||
| + | '''Attack Options''' Cleave, Flick of the Wrist, Power Attack<br> | ||
| + | '''Special Actions''' Combat Reflexes, Lightning Dodge<br> | ||
| + | '''Combat Gear''' None | ||
| + | ---- | ||
| + | <big>'''Post-Combat'''</big><br> | ||
| + | '''Death''' Death Throes (15d6 force, 50' radius, DC 38 Reflex half)<br> | ||
| + | '''Linger''' Poison (15 points for 13 rounds, DC 38 Fort neg); Boon (granted ability)<br> | ||
| + | '''Treasure''' None | ||
| + | ---- | ||
| + | <big>'''Other'''</big><br> | ||
| + | '''Abilities''' Str 24 Dex 20 Con 36 Int 24 Wis 20 Cha 40<br> | ||
| + | '''Apprentice Skills''' (d20+20+mod) Bluff, Decipher Script, Diplomacy, Disguise, Intimidate, Sleight of Hand<br> | ||
| + | '''Journeyman Skills''' (d20+20+mod+mod) Acrobatics, Awareness, Grapple, Initiative, Stealth<br> | ||
| + | '''Mastered Skills''' (d20+20+mod+mod) None | ||
| + | ---- | ||
| + | <big>'''Feats'''</big><br> | ||
| + | ''Ability Focus:'' A cataclysm gains a +2 bonus on the Save DC for its Aura of Terror ability. | ||
| + | <br> | ||
| + | ''Cleave:'' If a cataclysm deals a creature enough damage to make it drop (that is, render it unconscious or dead), it gets an immediate, extra melee attack against another creature within reach. It can take up to two 5-foot steps before making this extra attack. The extra attack is with the same weapon and at the same bonus as the attack that dropped the previous creature. For each 5-foot step the cataclysm forgoes, it may make an additional attack after dropping an opponent at a penalty (-2 for the first additional attack, and -4 for the second) It can use this ability once per round. (10 pts)<br> | ||
| + | ''Combat Reflexes:'' A cataclysm may make a number of additional attacks of opportunity equal to its Dexterity bonus (5). It may also make attacks of opportunity while flat-footed. As a cataclysm has X prowess invested in this feat, it gains an additional 3 attacks of opportunity per round, for a total of 8 attacks of opportunity per round. (18 pts)<br> | ||
| + | ''Dodge:'' A cataclysm may designate an opponent during its turn and receive a +3 dodge bonus to Armor Class against attacks from that opponent. (12 pts)<br> | ||
| + | ''Evasive Dodge:'' A cataclysm may substitute a 10' step for an attack of opportunity. This action still consumes an attack of opportunity for the round. (10 pts)<br> | ||
| + | ''Flick of the Wrist:'' If a cataclysm has not attacked in this round, it may spend a swift action to make two attack with a light, one-handed, or natural weapon at its full Base Attack Bonus. (13 pts)<br> | ||
| + | ''Great Fortitude:'' A cataclysm gains a +4 bonus on Fortitude saving throws. (8 pts)<br> | ||
| + | ''Iron Will:'' A cataclysm gains a +4 bonus on Will saving throws. (8 pts)<br> | ||
| + | ''Lightning Dodge:'' If a cataclysm is attacked by the target of its dodge feat in melee and still may make an attack of opportunity this round, it may forgo an attack of opportunity this round and make a 5' step. Alternatively, a cataclysm may instead teleport to the other side of its attacker, directly into a position that would have provided flanking for its original space. When it does this, its body becomes like a living spark and it passes through its target, dealing 5d6 points of electricity damage. A successful Reflex save (DC 20 + Con modifier; DC 34 for a standard cataclysm) negates this damage. Using this feat in this fashion is a supernatural ability. A cataclysm may only use this feat once per round, even though a cataclysm has the ability to take multiple attacks of opportunity in a round. (23 pts)<br> | ||
| + | ''Lightning Reflexes:'' A cataclysm gains a +4 bonus on Reflex saving throws. (8 pts)<br> | ||
| + | ''Power Attack:'' On the cataclysm's action, before making attack rolls for a round, it may choose to subtract a number from all melee attack rolls and add twice the same number to all melee damage rolls. This number may not exceed its base attack bonus. The penalty on attacks and bonus on damage apply until its next turn. (10 pts) | ||
| + | ---- | ||
| + | <big>'''Abilities'''</big><br> | ||
| + | ''Death Throes:'' A cataclysm reduced to 0 or fewer hit points inflicts a number of d6s equal to its Hero Value in force damage to all creatures within 50' when it dies. Objects are unaffected, and a successful Reflex save (DC 25 + the cataclysm's Constitution modifier; DC 38 for a standard cataclysm) halves the damage.<br> | ||
| + | ''Deflective Presence:'' A cataclysm adds its Hero Value to its touch Armor Class, and adds its Charisma modifier to its Armor Class as a Deflection bonus.<br> | ||
| + | ''Variable Defenses:'' A cataclysm has a number of abilities selected from the Variable Defenses chart below equal to one-quarter its Hit Dice.<br> | ||
| + | ''Aura of Terror:'' A cataclysm emanates an aura of terror. All creatures within 100' at the start of their turns must make a Will save (DC 25 + the Cataclysm's Charisma modifier + 2 from Ability Focus; DC 42 for a standard cataclysm) or be rendered shaken. An already shaken creature is instead rendered panicked. Creatures normally immune to fear effects still must make saving throws, but receive a +15 bonus on their save against this ability. They are in addition immune to the panicking effect.<br> | ||
| + | ''Resilience:'' A cataclysm gains maximum Hit Points per Hit Die.<br> | ||
| - | Cataclysms are complicated monsters, and as such have a more in-depth explanation of their statistics included here. | + | Cataclysms are complicated monsters, and as such have a more in-depth explanation of their statistics included here. A cataclysm's spell resistance is equal to twice its Hero Value. Its DR/- is equal to one-third its Hero Value. Saving throws (except where specifically stated otherwise) for a cataclysm's abilities are equal to 10 + 1/2 its Hit Dice + the relevant ability modifier. The Poison and Boon lingering effects apply only if the cataclysm has that particular Variable Defense ability: they are listed in the statistics block for ease of use. Its feat selection is representative of a typical 'combative' cataclysm: other cataclysms that are more subtle, ranged-focused, or otherwise differently created may have different feats or different prowess distribution. While a cataclysm may use items and equipment, most generally do not: as such, the one presented here does not use any equipment, nor carry any items. Cataclysms may be advanced in Hit Dice: if they do so, they do so by class or by racial Hit Dice. They do not change size unless they acquire the Size Decrease or Size Increase Variable Defense ability, but they do increase their prowess, BAB, saves, and Hero Value like all other creatures. |
===Variable Defenses=== | ===Variable Defenses=== | ||
| - | *''Blindsense'': A cataclysm with this ability gains blindsense 100' | + | *''Blindsense'': A cataclysm with this ability gains blindsense 100'. |
| - | *''Blindsight'': A cataclysm with this ability gains blindsight 30'. | + | *''Blindsight'': A cataclysm with this ability gains blindsight 30' as long as it is capable of hearing. |
*''Boon:'' A cataclysm with this ability may grant a boon to a number of creatures equal to its Charisma modifier (15 for a standard cataclysm). A cataclysm must have an ability itself in order to grant it as a boon. Up to an equal number of creatures within 100' of a cataclysm when it dies also immediately gain the cataclysm's boon as a permanent, supernatural effect. Creatures affected by a cataclysm's boon gain one of the following properties, as determined by the DM upon creating the cataclysm: Blindsense 30', Damage Reduction variable defense ability, Elemental Affinity variable defense ability, Evasion, Flight variable defense ability, Intense Fortitude, Mindsight variable defense ability, Natural Attacks variable defense ability, or Tremorsense 30'. Creatures granted a cataclysm's boon (but not those who receive the boon as it dies) gain some of the cataclysm's appearance as their own, typically a sigil or marking on the forehead, an aura, or (rarely) horns, claws, or similar physical alterations. A cataclysm takes a -1 penalty to its Hero Value for each creature it has a boon granted to at a time. A cataclysm may grant or cease a boon as a swift action on one or multiple creatures at any distance (including across planar boundaries) and for any reason. | *''Boon:'' A cataclysm with this ability may grant a boon to a number of creatures equal to its Charisma modifier (15 for a standard cataclysm). A cataclysm must have an ability itself in order to grant it as a boon. Up to an equal number of creatures within 100' of a cataclysm when it dies also immediately gain the cataclysm's boon as a permanent, supernatural effect. Creatures affected by a cataclysm's boon gain one of the following properties, as determined by the DM upon creating the cataclysm: Blindsense 30', Damage Reduction variable defense ability, Elemental Affinity variable defense ability, Evasion, Flight variable defense ability, Intense Fortitude, Mindsight variable defense ability, Natural Attacks variable defense ability, or Tremorsense 30'. Creatures granted a cataclysm's boon (but not those who receive the boon as it dies) gain some of the cataclysm's appearance as their own, typically a sigil or marking on the forehead, an aura, or (rarely) horns, claws, or similar physical alterations. A cataclysm takes a -1 penalty to its Hero Value for each creature it has a boon granted to at a time. A cataclysm may grant or cease a boon as a swift action on one or multiple creatures at any distance (including across planar boundaries) and for any reason. | ||
*''Conditional Incorporeality:'' A cataclysm with this ability may become incorporeal or become corporeal as an immediate action, gaining the Incorporeal subtype and all features thereof. While incorporeal, its natural attacks gain the ''ghost touch'' weapon enhancement. | *''Conditional Incorporeality:'' A cataclysm with this ability may become incorporeal or become corporeal as an immediate action, gaining the Incorporeal subtype and all features thereof. While incorporeal, its natural attacks gain the ''ghost touch'' weapon enhancement. | ||
| Line 70: | Line 109: | ||
|Petrify || Permanent || Fortitude || -5 | |Petrify || Permanent || Fortitude || -5 | ||
|} | |} | ||
| - | |||
::<sup>1</sup>If a cataclysm has an elemental subtype, this damage matches that type; otherwise, it is at the cataclysm's discretion. | ::<sup>1</sup>If a cataclysm has an elemental subtype, this damage matches that type; otherwise, it is at the cataclysm's discretion. | ||
*''Flight'': A cataclysm with this ability gains a fly speed equal to its land speed with perfect maneuverability. This can be natural flight (such as from wings) or supernatural levitation. | *''Flight'': A cataclysm with this ability gains a fly speed equal to its land speed with perfect maneuverability. This can be natural flight (such as from wings) or supernatural levitation. | ||
| + | *''Immunity'': A cataclysm with this ability selects a status condition, spell, or power: the cataclysm is immune to that condition or effect. 'Damage' is not a condition or effect. As an example, selecting 'death' would render the cataclysm immune to effects that inflict the Dead condition (like ''phantasmal killer''), but not death by Hit Point damage. | ||
*''Improved Grab'': A cataclysm with this ability gains the Improved Grab ability, usable with touch attacks, claws, and bite attacks. | *''Improved Grab'': A cataclysm with this ability gains the Improved Grab ability, usable with touch attacks, claws, and bite attacks. | ||
*''Incorporeal Motion'': A cataclysm with this ability becomes incorporeal as it moves, gaining the Incorporeal subtype and all features thereof. | *''Incorporeal Motion'': A cataclysm with this ability becomes incorporeal as it moves, gaining the Incorporeal subtype and all features thereof. | ||
| Line 110: | Line 149: | ||
===Ecology=== | ===Ecology=== | ||
| - | So named because the first of such creatures emerged from a magical conflict and decimated both sides, cataclysm are cause for plane-wide (and even cross-planar) alarm. The appearance of a cataclysm is rarely, if ever | + | So named because the first of such creatures emerged from a magical conflict and decimated both sides, cataclysm are cause for plane-wide (and even cross-planar) alarm. The appearance of a cataclysm is rarely, if ever, unprecedented by magical or psychic conflict on a grand scale. Just as rarely is the appearance of a cataclysm not immediately followed by widespread destruction and plane-wide panic. |
| + | |||
| + | Cataclysms appear in a form of their choosing that they select upon their creation. Many take the shape of bizarre monsters, while others make themselves appear to be made of light, energy, thousands of smaller creatures, or even stranger amalgamations of eldritch horror and shapes that should not exist within the bounds of reality. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Cataclysms have no place in the ecology of the world; rather, they exist merely to destroy as much as they possibly can. They seem to take a perverse pleasure in global destruction, genocide, and similar malicious actions, but they are also intelligent enough to know when they are bested and when they should retreat and regroup. While most cataclysms work alone, it is not unheard of for a cataclysm to acquire a cadre or cult following, generally via providing its boon (should it have that ability) to leaders of the cult or to their more elite minions. However, cataclysms tend to be sparing with their boons as they do inflict a rather hefty penalty upon them. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Cataclysms do not eat, sleep, or breathe. | ||
