First Patron Design attempt

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Eyeball360
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First Patron Design attempt

Post by Eyeball360 »

Here's my first attemp at designing a patron. I'd love to hear feedback.

I'm sorry the format sucks and may make it tough to read through the spells.

Kaaboleth

The 34th layer of the abyss, known as Shetham, is home to many demons and the souls of evil beings who lived their lives trying to weave webs of deceit. As the final resting place of such souls, the powers of creation have seen fit to create a plane of existence where all things take on the form of spiders, and webs are woven everywhere to capture the weak so that they may be tormented, eaten, and reborn in spider form repeatedly for all eternity. Kaaboleth is a demon that resides on this plane, where she constantly struggles for dominance amongst the other denizens of Shetham. To bargain with Kaaboleth is a dangerous road to tread, for she is always hungry, waiting for any opportunity to take the soul of her followers directly into Shetham once they have outlived their usefulness on the material plane.


Although Kaaboleth is a powerful demon who rules over many lesser beings, Shetham is home to thousands of beings such as she, eternally struggling and warring for dominance. As such, spiders encountered are usually the servants of her enemies. Anytime the wizard choosing her as a patron encounters any spider, there is a 1 in 1000 chance that it is also a servant of Kaaboleth. The wizard will be able to clearly see the markings of Kaaboleth on the spider and the spider will also clearly see the markings on the wizard. When this occurs, the spider will not attempt to harm the wizard or his allies and the wizard would do well not to attempt to harm the spider lest he antagonize Kaaboleth! If the spider encountered is not a servant of Kaaboleth, the wizard is duty bound to slay the creature and said spider will often target the wizard in preference to others if possible.


Patron Taint:
1.
Hundreds of spiders suddenly appear whenever the caster casts any spell, crawling out of his sleeves and pants legs and scattering in all directions, and taking 1d4 rds to disperse. The only effect on gameplay is to distract any other creatures (friend or foe) within 10' of the caster if they are attempting to cast spells or use skills. Anyone other than the caster must make a WDC 7 save to complete any action requiring concentration. If this result is rolled a second time, the spiders persist for 2d4 rds and the WDC is 10. If it occurs three or more times, they persist for 3d4 rds and the WDC is 13. These spiders are always servants of Kaaboleth.

2.
The caster starts secreting spider webs from his hands and feet. This makes it slightly challenging to let go of small items (RDC 5 to let go of an object). The effect also makes it easier for the caster to hold onto objects he does not want to drop, giving him a RDC 19 saving throw to keep his grip on something he would otherwise not be able to, such as a weapon that is fumbled. This will also obviously draw attention to the caster, marking him as a spellcaster to anyone who sees him. If he rolls this a second time the RDCs change to 6 and 18. A third time and they change to 7 and 17.

3.
The caster begins to lose interest in solid food. This makes nourishment on adventures a challenge since the caster can only eat well if he has soups, stews or milk. The first time this is rolled it is only an inconvenience, but when it is rolled a second time it means that the caster cannot hold down any solid food and so he will no longer heal any hps or ability points overnight unless he is able to eat according to his new dietary habits.

4.
The caster grows another eye on his forehead or temple. This is disorienting at first, imparting a -4 to agility for the first week, -2 for the second week. After that, the caster is used to his expanded vision and is ½ as likely to be surprised and only has a 30 degree arc directly behind his head where he can be flanked. If this result is rolled multiple times, the caster grows a new eye each time and suffers the disorientation period but does not receive any additional benefits beyond those already stated. Multiple simultaneous occurrences do not cause disorientation effects to stack.

5.
The caster is revealed to one of Kaaboleth's enemies in Shetham and is paralyzed with fear for 1d3 hours. After the paralysis subsides, the caster is so fearful that he must apply a -4 to all spellchecks for 1d4+2 days and suffers a -10 to any attempt to invoke Kaaboleth or cast a patron spell during this time. Forevermore, anytime the caster sees a spider that is not aligned with Kaaboleth, he must make a WDC 15 save or suffer a -2 to any action dice roll due to fear for 1d4 rds. Any arachnid that the caster comes across in the future that is not aligned with Kaaboleth will attack the caster in preference to any other action. If this result is rolled multiple times the caster suffers the paralysis and fear effects again as a new enemy of Kaaboleth has marked him for removal. There is no limit to the number of Kaaboleth's enemies the caster can develop enmity with.

6.
One of Kaaboleth's enemies immediately sends an emissary to eliminate the caster. On the next round a rift in the space time continuum opens within 1d4+2 x10' of the caster, and a giant spider steps through into the material plane and heads directly for the caster, in preference to any other perceived threat. The spider has d10 HD=Caster Level +1, AD=Caster, Init: +4, Move: 40', Attack: Bite → ½ HD +2, Damage: (HD1-4: 1d6, HD5-7: 1d8, HD8-11: 1d10) +poison: FDC (11+ ½ HD, 1d4/3d4+1 temporary STR). Saves as Warrior with +2 Reflex. When necessary, round down.

Spellburn:

Unlike other patrons, followers of Kaaboleth only suffer the effects of spellburn in one way: When the caster uses spellburn, a large tarantuala emerges from nearby and crawls onto his face, biting the spellcaster somewhere on the face or neck. The spider sucks blood from the spellcaster, doing a point of damage and leaving a large sore which does not fully heal until the ability points used for spellburn are healed.


Invoke Kaaboleth

Spellcheck Result
1 Lost, failure and Patron Taint
2-11 Failure. Invoke Patron may not be lost for the day, depending on the results of the Patron Bond spell.
12-13 Kaaboleth is mildly interested in the supplicant's plea, but does not think it worthy of significant intervention on her part. She grants the invoker a +4 on saves vs poison and +1 on Spell checks for the next 1d6 rds.
14-17 Kaaboleth grants the invoker a +4 on saves vs poison and +2 on Spell checks for the next 1d4 turns. 1 ally touched also receives the +4 bonus to saves vs poison.
18-19 Kaaboleth sees an opportunity to aid her cause in the caster's current situation. She shields the caster and up to 4 allies from their enemies. Each effected character gains + 4 to saves vs poison and +2 to AC for 2d6+2 rds.
20-23 Kaaboleth sends a swarming mass of spiders from the 34th layer of the abyss to assist the caster. The spiders occupy an area 10' in diameter attacking anything in the area (even the caster and his allies). The range of control is 40' and the spiders stay for 1 minute. Any creature in the area of effect sustains 1 hp of damage and must save FDC16 or take an additional 1d4 hp of poison damage. Spellcasting and other actions that require concentration are impossible in the area of effect. Creatures subject to moral checks must make an immediate moral check or flee the area.
24-27 Kaaboleth sends a swarming mass of spiders from the 34th layer of the abyss to assist the caster. The spiders occupy an area 15' in diameter attacking anything in the area (even the caster and his allies). The range of control is 60' and the spiders stay for 2 minutes. Any creature in the area of effect sustains 2 hp's of damage and must save FDC18 or take an additional 1d4+1 hp of poison damage. Spellcasting and other actions that require concentration are impossible in the area of effect. Creatures subject to moral checks must make an immediate moral check (modified by the damage it took) or flee the area.
28-29 Kaaboleth sends a swarming mass of spiders from the 34th layer of the abyss to assist the caster. The spiders occupy an area 20' in diameter attacking anything in the area (even the caster and his allies). The range of control is 90' and the spiders stay for 2 minutes. Any creature in the area of effect sustains 3 hp's of damage and must save FDC20 or take an additional 1d6 hp of poison damage. Spellcasting and other actions that require concentration are impossible in the area of effect. Creatures subject to moral checks must make an immediate moral check (modified by the damage it took) or flee the area.
30-31 The caster is transformed into a giant spider for 1d6+6 rds. While in spider form the caster can walk on vertical surfaces just like a spider, fall any distance while anchored with a strand of web to slow decent (rate of fall is 30' per rd.), and has all the attributes of a giant spider: MV:40', Init:+4, AC 18, AD: 1d20 Attack: Bite +6 → (1d6 + FDC20 or an additional 1d10 poison damage). The Caster maintains his HP's and natural saving throws while in spider form. If the caster sustained any damage when in spider form, upon reverting back to normal form the caster heals 3 hps. While in spider form, the caster cannot cast any spells or perform any actions other than movement and combat. Any creature witnessing the transformation must make an immediate moral check or flee.
32+ Kaaboleth sends an avatar to do the caster's bidding. The avatar arrives in 1d3 rds, and immediately demands a sacrificial meal. Once given a living creature of at least halfling size, the avatar will perform tasks as directed for 2d6 rds. The caster also receives a +4 to saves vs poison and a +2 bonus to AC for the same period of time.


Spells:

Poison Touch
Level 1 Range: Touch Duration: Varies Casting Time: 1 action Save: Fortitude
General The caster draws venom from Kaaboleth to use in the material plane, either to poison his own unarmed attacks or a weapon. Characters using this poison are magically protected from accidentally poisoning themselves.
Manifestation Roll 1d4: (1) The caster's hands begin to drip with green venom; (2) The caster spits on the object to be poisoned; (3) The object to be poisoned begins to emit dark, greasy smoke; (4) A small spider symbol appears on the object to be poisoned.
Spellcheck Result
1 Lost, failure and Patron Taint
2-11 Failure. Spell is lost for the day.
12-13 The caster's hands become poisonous. For the next 2d6 + CL rds, any creature struck by the caster's hands must make a Fortitude save. Poison damage is 1+CL/1d6+CL. This poison is from the Abyss, so it also effects demons, devils and undead. If the caster draws blood from his hands with a weapon, (spellburning 1 point in the process) he can transfer this poison to the weapon, but this takes one round.
14-17 The Caster can designate 1 weapon as poisonous. For the next 1d8 + CL rds any creature struck by the weapon must make a Fortitude save or suffer poison damage. Poison damage is 2+CL/2d4+CL. This poison is from the Abyss, so it also effects demons, devils and undead.
18-19 The Caster can designate 2 weapons as poisonous. For the next 2d8 + CL rds any creature struck by the weapons must make a Fortitude save or suffer poison damage. Poison damage is 2+CL/2d4+CL. This poison is from the Abyss, so it also effects demons, devils and undead.
20-23 The Caster can designate 3 weapons as poisonous. For the next 2d10 + CL rds any creature struck by the weapons must make a FDC 20 save or suffer poison damage. Poison damage is 3+CL/3d4+CL. This poison is from the Abyss, so it also effects demons, devils and undead.
24-27 The Caster can designate 3 weapons as poisonous. For the next 2d8 + CL turns any creature struck by the weapons must make a FDC 20 save or suffer poison damage. Poison damage is 3+CL/3d6+CL. This poison is from the Abyss, so it also effects demons, devils and undead.
28-29 The Caster can designate 4 weapons as poisonous. For the next 2d10 + CL turns any creature struck by the weapons must make a FDC 22 save or suffer poison damage. Poison damage is 3+CL/3d6+CL. This poison is from the Abyss, so it also effects demons, devils and undead.
30-31 The Caster can designate 4 weapons as poisonous. For the next 24 hours any creature struck by the weapons must make a FDC 22 save or suffer poison damage. Poison damage is 3+CL/3d6+CL. This poison is from the Abyss, so it also effects demons, devils and undead.
32+ The Caster can designate 4 weapons as poisonous. For the next 48 hours any creature struck by the weapons must make a FDC 24 save or suffer poison damage. Poison damage is 3+CL/3d6+CL. This poison is from the Abyss, so it also effects demons, devils and undead.


Demonwebs
Level 2 Range: 50' Duration: Varies Casting Time: 1 action Save: varies
General This is a slightly more powerful version of the standard 2nd level spell, Spiderwebs. The caster summons forth webs and spiders from the 34th layer of the Abyss to entangle his enemies. The webs can be burnt away like normal webs but otherwise last through the full duration of the spell.
Manifestation Roll 1d3: (1) Webs spray from the caster's hands like a hose; (2) The air darkens over the area of effect and dark strands of web rain down from above onto the target; (3) The webs suddenly appear throughout the target area.
Spellcheck Result
1 Lost, failure and Patron Taint
2-11 Failure. Spell is lost for the day.
12-13 Failure, but spell is not lost.
14-15 The caster creates webs in an area up to 15' in diameter. The webs last 1d6 + CL hours before losing their strength and adhesiveness. A creature caught in the web must succeed at a Strength check, DC 18 or be stuck in place. Dozens of large spiders (all servants of Kaaboleth) crawl about within the web, but they will not attack anything larger than a dog, inflicting 1 point of damage to such creatures starting on the 4th round of being caught.. The caster can freely pass through the webs without stuck.
16-19 The caster creates webs in an area up to 20' in diameter. The webs last 1d6 + CL hours before losing their strength and adhesiveness. A creature caught in the web must succeed at a Strength check, DC 18 or be stuck in place. Scores of large spiders (all servants of Kaaboleth) crawl about within the web, automatically inflicting 1 point of damage per round to any creature stuck in the webs starting on the third round caught . The caster can freely pass through the webs without getting stuck or sustaining any damage.
20-21 The caster creates webs in an area up to 30' in diameter. The webs last 1d4 + CL days before losing their strength and adhesiveness. A creature caught in the web must succeed at a Strength check, DC 20 or be stuck in place. Scores of large spiders (all servants of Kaaboleth) crawl about within the web, automatically inflicting 2 points of damage per round to any creature stuck in the webs starting on the third round caught . The caster can freely pass through the webs without getting stuck or sustaining any damage.
22-25 The caster creates webs in an area up to 30' in diameter. The webs last 1d4 + CL days before losing their strength and adhesiveness. A creature caught in the web must succeed at a Strength check, DC 20 or be stuck in place. Scores of large spiders (all servants of Kaaboleth) crawl about within the web, automatically inflicting 2 points of damage per round to any creature stuck in the webs. . The caster can freely pass through the webs without getting stuck or sustaining any damage.
26-29 The caster creates webs that fill an area of volume roughly equal to a 30' cube. The caster can shape the web however he wants as long as he does not exceed that volume. The webs last 2d4 + CL days before losing their strength and adhesiveness. A creature caught in the web must succeed at a Strength check, DC 20 or be stuck in place. Hundreds of large spiders (all servants of Kaaboleth) crawl about within the web, automatically inflicting 3 points of damage per round to any creature stuck in the webs. . The caster can freely pass through the webs without getting stuck or sustaining any damage.
30-31 The caster creates webs that fill an area of volume roughly equal to a 40' cube. The caster can shape the web however he wants as long as he does not exceed that volume. The webs last 3d4 + CL days before losing their strength and adhesiveness. A creature caught in the web must succeed at a Strength check, DC 22 or be stuck in place. Hundreds of large spiders (all servants of Kaaboleth) crawl about within the web, automatically inflicting 3 points of damage per round to any creature stuck in the webs starting on the third round caught . The caster can freely pass through the webs without getting stuck or sustaining any damage.
32-33 The caster creates webs that fill an area of volume roughly equal to a 50' cube. The caster can shape the web however he wants as long as he does not exceed that volume. The webs last 3d6 + CL days before losing their strength and adhesiveness. A creature caught in the web must succeed at a Strength check, DC 22 or be stuck in place. Thousands of very large hairy spiders (all servants of Kaaboleth) crawl about within the web, automatically inflicting 3 points of damage per round to any creature stuck in the webs starting on the third round caught . The caster can freely pass through the webs without getting stuck or sustaining any damage.
34+ The caster creates webs that fill an area of volume roughly equal to a 50' cube. The caster can shape the web however he wants as long as he does not exceed that volume. The webs last 3d6 + CL days before losing their strength and adhesiveness. A creature caught in the web must succeed at a Strength check, DC 22 or be stuck in place. Thousands of very large hairy spiders (all servants of Kaaboleth) crawl about within the web, automatically inflicting 3 points of damage per round to any creature stuck in the webs starting on the third round caught . The caster can freely pass through the webs without getting stuck or sustaining any damage and can use the web as a magical portal to any other web he has created with the spell (even one created with a lower spell check result).


Summon Spiders
Level 3 Range: 30' Duration: Varies Casting Time: 1 action Save: none
General The caster summons forth one or more giant demon spiders from Shetham, the 34th layer of the Abyss to serve him.
Manifestation Roll 1d4: (1) An audible rip in the fabric of space-time can be heard as giant spider legs force their way through. Then the entire spider slips through the hole into the material plane and the hole pops loudly as it closes behind the summoned creature; (2) The air darkens in the area of effect and dark bolts of energy crackle as the shape of a giant spider comes into existence; (3) A large cocoon of webs suddenly appears and a giant spider soon emerges. (4) A large spider suddenly appears to crawl up out of the ground at the target location.
Spellcheck Result
1 Lost, failure and Patron Taint
2-11 Failure. Spell is lost for the day.
12-15 Failure, but spell is not lost.
16-17 The caster summons a giant spider which appears within 1d3 rds anywhere within range (randomly determined - use d12 for direction and d30 for distance). The spider remains for 1d8 + CL rds and can only be given simple commands like attack, guard, carry, ...etc. The spider must remain within 30' of the caster at all times. This spider is always a servant of Kaaboleth. HD: 3d10, Init: +4, AD: 1d20, Attack: bite → +4 (1d6 + poison: FDC12 1d4/2d4), AC: 14, Move: 40', jump 15', F+2, R+3, W+2
18-21 The caster summons a giant spider which appears within 1d3 rds anywhere within range (randomly determined - use d12 for direction and d30 for distance). The caster may modify either random location die by up to 4 points. The spider remains for 1d10 + CL rds and can only be given simple commands like attack, guard, carry, ...etc. The spider must remain within 40' of the caster at all times. This spider is always a servant of Kaaboleth. HD: 3d10+CL, Init: +4, AD: 1d20, Attack: bite → +4 (1d6 + poison: FDC12 1d4/2d4), AC: 14, Move: 40', jump 15', F+2, R+3, W+2
22-23 The caster summons a giant spider which appears within 1d3 rds anywhere within range (randomly determined - use d12 for direction and d30 for distance). The caster may modify either random location die by up to 6 points. The spider remains for 2d6 + CL rds and can only be given simple commands like attack, guard, carry, ...etc. The spider must remain within 40' of the caster at all times. This spider is always a servant of Kaaboleth. HD: 4d10+CL, Init: +4, AD: 1d20, Attack: bite → +5 (1d6 + poison: FDC13 1d4/2d4), AC: 15, Move: 40', jump 15', F+2, R+3, W+2
24-26 The caster summons a giant spider which appears within 1d3 rds anywhere within range (randomly determined - use d12 for direction and d30 for distance). The caster may modify either random location die by up to 8 points. The spider remains for 2d6 + CL turns and can only be given simple commands like attack, guard, carry, ...etc. The spider must remain within 40' of the caster at all times. This spider is always a servant of Kaaboleth. HD: 4d10+CL, Init: +4, AD: 1d20, Attack: bite → +5 (1d6 + poison: FDC13 1d4/2d4), AC: 15, Move: 40', jump 15', F+2, R+3, W+2
27-31 The caster summons a huge spider which appears within 1d3 rds anywhere within range (randomly determined - use d12 for direction and d30 for distance). The caster may modify either random location die by up to 10 points. The spider remains for 2d6 + CL turns and can only be given simple commands like attack, guard, carry, ...etc. The spider must remain within 40' of the caster at all times. This spider is always a servant of Kaaboleth. HD: 5d10+CL, Init: +4, AD: 1d20, Attack: bite → +6 (1d8 + poison: FDC14 1d4/2d4), AC: 16, Move: 40', jump 20', F+3, R+3, W+2
32-33 The caster summons a huge spider which appears within 1d3 rds anywhere within range (randomly determined - use d12 for direction and d30 for distance). The caster may modify either random location die by up to 12 points. The spider remains for 1d6 + CL hours and can only be given simple commands like attack, guard, carry, ...etc. The spider must remain within 50' of the caster at all times. This spider is always a servant of Kaaboleth. HD: 5d10+CL, Init: +4, AD: 1d20, Attack: bite → +6 (1d8 + poison: FDC14 1d4/2d4), AC: 16, Move: 40', jump 20', F+3, R+3, W+2
34-35 The caster summons a huge spider which appears within 1d2 rds anywhere within range (randomly determined - use d12 for direction and d30 for distance). The caster may modify either random location die by up to 15 points. The spider remains for 2d6 + CL hours and can only be given simple commands like attack, guard, carry, ...etc. This spider is always a servant of Kaaboleth. HD: 6d10+CL, Init: +4, AD: 1d20, 1d14, Attack: bite → +7 (1d8 + poison: FDC15 1d4/2d4), AC: 18, Move: 40', jump 20', F+3, R+4, W+2
36+ The caster summons an enormous spider which appears within 1d2 rds anywhere within range (randomly determined - use d12 for direction and d30 for distance). The caster may modify either random location die by up to 18 points. The spider remains for 1d4 days and can only be given simple commands like attack, guard, carry, ...etc. This spider is always a servant of Kaaboleth. HD: 8d10+CL, Init: +4, AD: 1d20, 1d16, Attack: bite → +8 (1d10 + poison: FDC16 1d4/2d4), AC: 18, Move: 40', jump 20', F+3, R+4, W+2
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Primus
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Re: First Patron Design attempt

Post by Primus »

A good read in my opinion.
THE ONE AND THE PRIME....NEVER FORGOTTEN
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Raven_Crowking
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Re: First Patron Design attempt

Post by Raven_Crowking »

+1.

The patron is imaginative and well-thought-out.
SoBH pbp:

Cathbad the Meek (herbalist Wizard 1): AC 9; 4 hp; S 7, A 7, St 10, P 17, I 13, L 8; Neutral; Club, herbs, 50' rope, 50 cp; -1 to melee attack rolls. Hideous scar.
Gizrond
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Re: First Patron Design attempt

Post by Gizrond »

Love it. Stealing for my campaign.

It's pronounced Kah-Ah-Bo-Leth, right?
cthulhudarren
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Re: First Patron Design attempt

Post by cthulhudarren »

This is nice! Can you explain how the poison damage works? example: 3+CL/3d6+CL
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Eyeball360
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Re: First Patron Design attempt

Post by Eyeball360 »

Thanks everyone! I'm working on a few more, too.

Gizrond wrote:Love it. Stealing for my campaign.

It's pronounced Kah-Ah-Bo-Leth, right?
Yes, that's the pronunciation I was going for. By all means, please use it, just do me a favor and don't publish it. :wink:

cthulhudarren wrote:This is nice! Can you explain how the poison damage works? example: 3+CL/3d6+CL
ahh... yes. The number before the slash is if they make their saving throw, the number after is if they fail. So 3+ Caster Level points damage if they save, and 3d6+ Caster Level points of damage if they fail.
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