Dragon Magazine 421

Issue 421 | MARCH 2013
A Dungeons & D ragons ® Roleplay ing Ga me Supplement

Contents
3 Pitch Perfect 22 You Say Dr agonbor n,

By Steve Winter I Say Dr aconia n
Another submissions window approaches! By Daniel Helmick
Warm up your pitching arms, you hopeful Have you ever wanted to play a bozak or
game writers. kapak draconian? Now you can, with these
dragonborn racial variants.
4 Mephits
By David Flor and Jared Espley 26 Alter native
Mephits are at home in the Elemental
Multiclass Rules
Chaos, but they can be found as loyal By Robert J. Schwalb and Matt Sernett
servants all across the planes of existence. We offer a f lexible, optional approach to
character building that doesn’t require
10 Lords of Chaos: Cryonax feat expenditures to access the powers and
features from other classes.
By Michael E. Shea
Cryonax is an elemental being forged from
the coldest formations of raw chaos and the
31 Abyssal Trade Goods:
demonic embrace of the Abyss. Not a Bad Thing
By Ed Greenwood
17 Legendary Items The phrase “straight from the Abyss” is

used by traders all over the Realms to
of Kry nn
describe rare and exotic goods. A few,
By Daniel Helmick however, really do trade directly with
The Heroes of the Lance wielded many the Abyss.
legendary weapons during their epic war
against the Dragon Highlords.
On the Cover: Chris Seaman illustrates multiclass heroes—a rogue/cleric, a fighter/wizard, and a barbarian/druid—in a life-and-
death battle against a marilith and her carnage demon allies.
EDITOR I A L
TM

D r ag o n
Senior Producer
421
M a rc h 2 013
Christopher Perkins
Pitch Perfect
By Steve Winter
Greg Bilsland, Steve Winter
Producers
Managing Editors Kim Mohan, Miranda Horner The first Dragon and Dungeon submissions window The pitching process is important for you because
of 2013 opens on April 1 and runs through May 31. these articles are written by D&D players, for D&D
Development and Editing Lead Jeremy Crawford
That’s exciting news for us, and it should be for you, players. Regular readers are accustomed to seeing
Robert J. Schwalb, Chris Sims
Developers too, especially if you’ve ever wanted to share your some of the same names over and over in magazine
Senior Creative Director Jon Schindehette great ideas with D&D® fans around the world and get bylines. That’s not because we keep those writers on
paid for your writing talent. retainer or give them free rein to write whatever they
Art Director Kate Irwin want. It’s because they send pitches. Sometimes they
You can find all the pertinent instructions about
Publishing Production Manager Angie Lokotz where and how to send your pitches at the D&D send lots of pitches. For every article we buy from one
website (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Article. of our top writers, we’ve probably rejected three, or
Digital Studio Consultant Daniel Helmick
aspx?x=dnd/submissions). five, or even ten others.
Contributing Authors Jared Espley, David Flor, Ed The submission window is important, both to us In other words, motivation and persistence are just
Greenwood, Daniel Helmick, and to you. as important as creativity and basic writing skill.
Robert J. Schwalb, Matt Sernett, It’s important to us because a high percentage of But it all comes down to this: Dragon and Dungeon
Michael E. Shea the articles published in Dragon and Dungeon come want your involvement. These magazines are about
Contributing Editors Michele Carter, Scott Fitzgerald in over the transom. We dutifully wade through your ideas. The staff at Wizards of the Coast show up
Gray, Penny Williams the rising slush pile in a hybrid state of wide-eyed in these pages, too, and will continue to do so, but
eagerness and jaded cynicism fueled by megadoses we want to give your contributions center stage and
Contributing Artists Noah Bradley, Christopher of caffeine and vitamin B. I’ll be honest here: The top billing.
Burdett, Julie Dillon, Tony majority of the thousands of pitches we receive will To do that, we need your best pitches! So put on
DiTerlizzi, Wayne England, be rejected—a fact of life that I expect holds true your +5 thinking cap and start honing your ideas for
Goran Josic, Claudio Pozas, Chris whether you work on Dragon and Dungeon or on April and May.
Seaman, Tyler Walpole Harvard Book Review. Some are badly written (we’re In the meantime, enjoy this issue’s descent into
looking for people who can write like pros, or at least matters abyssal and elemental, plus a brief detour
like A students), some are too far beyond the pale to Krynn. We haven’t visited the land of Dragon
(sailing ships as a playable race?), some are requests Highlords and Towers of High Sorcery for ages. And
that we take an idea and write it ourselves (we’d love the Dragonlance® enjoyment doesn’t end this month;
to, but our hands are full with publishing the maga- April will bring another bit of Krynn-related fun for
zines), and some are topics we’re not interested in you and an avalanche of article pitches for us.
(we don’t need new 4E classes or races, fiction, board
games, monsters adapted from a popular anime
Dungeons & Dragons, Wizards of the Coast, D&D Insider, their
respective logos, D&D, Dungeon, and Dragon are trademarks of
series, or rules design for D&D Next).
Wizards of the Coast LLC in the USA and other countries. ©2013
Wizards of the Coast LLC.
But mixed in with the “No, thank yous” will be
This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States dozens of sparkling gems that grab our attention and
of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or
artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written make us say, “Wow, I’d love to read that article. Why
permission of Wizards of the Coast LLC. This product is a work of
fiction. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, places, or events hasn’t anyone thought of this before?”
is purely coincidental.
Creature Incarnations:
Mephits
By David Flor and Jared Espley
Illustrations by Tony DiTerlizzi & Christopher Burdett
From the massive fields of ice to the rivers of molten contact with an environment in opposition to their
rock, mephits are common in the Elemental Chaos. elemental nature.
Born of the elements, mephits are the loyal servants Servants by Nature: Whenever powerful wizards
of more powerful creatures and are always eager to or elemental creatures need something done that
please their masters, no matter what the task might they would rather not do themselves, they perform a
be. When they are not serving a master, they gather ritual and summon a mephit of an appropriate type
in large groups, roaming free and coexisting with from the Elemental Chaos to come to their assistance.
other similar mephits and elemental creatures. Usually, these masters pick a mephit’s type according
Mephits either embody a single element, such as ice to what they need from the creature. If they need to
mephits (which are formed of water), or multiple ele- send a message across the Sea of Fire, they summon
ments, as is the case with magma mephits (which are a magma mephit. On the other hand, if they need to
formed of earth and fire). Regardless of the environ- protect a location deep within a polar icecap, they
ment from which it hails, a mephit is a small humanoid choose an ice mephit.
creature about 4 to 5 feet tall with a very thin, weak- When mephits fulfill their obligation to their
looking build. It has spindly wings and a small set of masters, they usually return to the Elemental Chaos.
horns, giving it an impish appearance. Occasionally, they might remain on the material
Their elemental characteristics set mephits apart plane in an atmosphere that they like and find com-
from imps and devils. Each mephit is closely linked fortable. Small numbers of “liberated” mephits live
to the elements or environment in which it thrives. in and around their native elements on the material
For example, ice mephits appear as if they have icicles plane, keeping themselves amused by toying with
hanging from their arms and wings, while magma mortals while they await further instructions from
mephits look as if they are made of molten stone. their superiors. shift easily to better serve their masters. They are
Some mephits, such as the mist and smoke varieties, Mischievous Attitude: Their general demeanor more inclined to serve evil masters than good ones,
are constantly surrounded by vapor and can become reflects a mischievous and vulgar tendency. If given their mischievous demeanor. Mephits that obey
incorporeal or invisible almost at will, blending in to mephits have the opportunity to annoy others while evil masters quickly become petty, vindictive miscre-
the air around them. fulfilling their assigned duties, they take great plea- ants that revel in the suffering of others. For example,
All mephits have some sort of breath weapon, sure in being nuisances. when guarding an item or location, mephits position
which they use as a defensive mechanism when their Much like elementals, mephits are typically themselves within sight of a vicious trap or hazard so
enemies get too close. Mephits also have the abil- unaligned. They’re very impressionable and eager to they have an unobstructed view of adventurers being
ity to regenerate, but they cannot do so if they are in please, though, and consequently their alignments hurt or killed as they approach.
TM & © 2013 Wizards of the Coast LLC. All rights reserved. M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
4
Mephits
A ir M ephit Air Mephit

Small elemental humanoid (air)
Level 3 Skirmisher
XP 150
Dust Mephit
Small elemental humanoid (air, earth)
Level 3 Controller
XP 150
Air mephits prefer to HP 46; Bloodied 23 Initiative +6 HP 44; Bloodied 22 Initiative +4
live in places where AC 17, Fortitude 15, Reflex 16, Will 14 Perception +0 AC 17, Fortitude 14, Reflex 16, Will 15 Perception +1
Speed 6, fly 6 (hover) Darkvision Speed 6, fly 6 Darkvision
natural winds
Immune lightning, poison Immune fire, poison
constantly blow, Traits Traits
such as on moun- Regeneration Regeneration
taintops or along The mephit regains 5 hit points whenever it starts its turn The mephit regains 5 hit points whenever it starts its turn
windy shores. and has at least 1 hit point. If the mephit starts its turn on and has at least 1 hit point. When the mephit takes cold or
They are small the ground, its regeneration does not function that turn. psychic damage, its regeneration does not function on its
creatures whose When the mephit takes psychic damage, its regeneration next turn.
upper halves does not function on its next turn. Standard Actions
Blurred Breeze m Claws F At-Will
are humanoid While flying to move, the mephit gains a +4 power bonus Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +8 vs. AC
with wispy wings to all defenses. Hit: 2d6 + 4 damage, and the mephit can slide the target
growing from their Standard Actions 1 square.
shoulder blades. m Claws ✦ At-Will C Blinding Cloud F Recharge 5 6
They have no lower Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +8 vs. AC Attack: Close blast 3 (creatures in the blast); +6 vs. Reflex
limbs, so their midsec- Hit: 2d6 + 4 damage. Hit: 1d8 + 4 damage, the target is blinded until the end of
C Air Blast F Recharge 5 6 the mephit’s next turn.
tions seem to sprout from
Attack: Close blast 3 (creatures in the blast); +6 vs. Minor Actions
the top of small whirlwinds. Fortitude C Dust Cloud (zone) F Encounter
Air mephits are more skittish than many of their Hit: 2d8 + 3 damage, and the mephit pushes the target up Effect: Close burst 1; the burst creates a zone of thick dust
kin from the other elements. If pressed, they will to 2 squares. that lasts until the end of the mephit’s next turn. The
fight, but they would rather avoid conflict altogether. Skills Bluff +7 zone is lightly obscured.
Str 8 (+0) Dex 17 (+4) Wis 8 (+0) Sustain Minor: The zone persists.
D ust Con 14 (+3) Int 8 (+0) Cha 12 (+2)

Alignment unaligned Languages Common, Primordial
Skills Stealth +9
Str 13 (+2) Dex 17 (+4) Wis 11 (+1)
M ephit Con 12 (+2) Int 8 (+0) Cha 14 (+3)

Dust mephits live in
extremely arid and dusty
areas, such as deserts
or abandoned build-
ings that have not been
cleaned in a long time.
They have gray, rough
skin and seem to secrete
dust and grit as they move.
Dust mephits are par-
ticularly irritating creatures. When
forced into combat, they are extremely
persistent and do not retreat easily.
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
5
Mephits
E arth M ephit Earth Mephit

Small elemental humanoid (earth)
Level 3 Brute
XP 150
Fire Mephit
Small elemental humanoid (fire)
Level 3 Skirmisher
XP 150
Earth mephits prefer HP 54; Bloodied 27 Initiative +1 HP 46; Bloodied 23 Initiative +6
to live in caverns far AC 15, Fortitude 16, Reflex 14, Will 15 Perception +0 AC 17, Fortitude 14, Reflex 16, Will 15 Perception +0
Speed 6 (earth walk), fly 6 Darkvision Speed 6, fly 6 Darkvision
underground—the
Traits Immune fire
deeper and darker, Regeneration Traits
the better. Their The mephit regains 5 hit points whenever it starts its turn Regeneration
bodies have dwarf- and has at least 1 hit point. If the mephit starts its turn in The mephit regains 5 hit points whenever it starts its turn
like proportions the air, its regeneration does not function that turn. When and has at least 1 hit point. When the mephit takes cold or
but are hairless and the mephit takes psychic damage, its regeneration does psychic damage, its regeneration does not function on its
have large misshapen not function on its next turn. next turn.
wings. Standard Actions Standard Actions
m Slam ✦ At-Will m Claws (fire) ✦ At-Will
Earth mephits Attack: Melee 1 or Melee 2 while Large (one creature); +8 Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +8 vs. AC
tend to be less cruel vs. AC Hit: 1d6 + 3 damage, and ongoing 5 fire damage (save
than many of the other Hit: 2d8 + 4 damage, or 2d10 + 9 damage while Large. ends). If the target is already taking ongoing fire damage,
mephit types. They C Earth Blast ✦ Recharge when first bloodied it increases by 5 up to a maximum of 10.
are curious about Attack: Close blast 3 (creatures in the blast); +8 vs. AC C Flame Blast (fire) ✦ Recharge 5 6
mortals, perhaps Hit: 2d10 + 3 damage, and the target falls prone. Attack: Close blast 3 (creatures in the blast); +6 vs. Reflex
Expand (polymorph) ✦ Recharge 5 6 Hit: 2d8 + 3 fire damage.
because they rarely
Effect: Until the end of its next turn, the mephit becomes Move Actions
see any in the remote Large, occupying 4 squares instead of 1. Any creatures in Dancing Flames ✦ At-Will
places they call home. the mephit’s new space are pushed into a space adjacent Effect: The mephit shifts up to half its speed.
to the mephit. Skills Bluff +8
Fire Skills Bluff +8
Str 17 (+4) Dex 10 (+1) Wis 8 (+0)
Str 8 (+0)
Con 14 (+3)
Dex 17 (+4)
Int 8 (+0)
Wis 8 (+0)
Cha 14 (+3)
M ephit Con 14 (+3) Int 8 (+0) Cha 14 (+3)
Although fire
mephits rarely live They can be malicious when interacting with
anywhere outside mortals. Indeed, fire mephits consider themselves
the Elemental Chaos, superior to all non-fire creatures and delight in tor-
they can be found menting them.
where conflagrations
burn out of con-
trol—areas with forest
fires, volcanic activity,
or other sources of fre-
quent natural flames.
They have dull red skin
streaked with black, and a halo
of fire surrounds their thin and
translucent wings.
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
6
Mephits
Ice M ephit Ice Mephit

Small elemental humanoid (water)
Level 4 Artillery
XP 175
Magma Mephit
Small elemental humanoid (earth, fire)
Level 4 Lurker
XP 175
Ice mephits are as cruel as they are HP 44; Bloodied 22 Initiative +6 HP 48; Bloodied 24 Initiative +7
cold, preferring to stay AC 18, Fortitude 15, Reflex 17, Will 16 Perception +2 AC 18, Fortitude 17, Reflex 15, Will 16 Perception +3
Speed 6 (ice walk), fly 6 Darkvision Speed 6 Darkvision
at a distance and
Immune cold Immune fire, poison
jeer at other crea- Traits Traits
tures as they Regeneration Regeneration
struggle in the The mephit regains 5 hit points whenever it starts its turn The mephit regains 5 hit points whenever it starts its turn
freezing places and has at least 1 hit point. When the mephit takes fire or and has at least 1 hit point. When the mephit takes cold or
the mephits call psychic damage, its regeneration does not function on its psychic damage, its regeneration does not function on its
home. They are next turn. next turn.
the meanest of Standard Actions Standard Actions
m Claws (cold) F At-Will m Slam (fire) F At-Will
all the mephits, Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC
taking great Hit: 1d6 + 6 damage plus 1d6 cold damage, and the target Hit: 1d10 + 6 damage plus 1d10 fire damage.
pleasure in watch- cannot take actions until the start of its next turn. C Molten Blast (fire) F Recharge when the mephit uses
ing the suffering of R Frost Dagger (cold) F At-Will magma form
others. Attack: Ranged 10 (one or two creatures); +9 vs. Reflex Attack: Close blast 3 (creatures in the blast); +7 vs. Reflex
The body of these Hit: 1d6 + 6 cold damage. Hit: 2d6 + 6 fire damage, and ongoing 5 fire damage (save
C Freezing Blast (cold, zone) F Recharge 5 6 ends).
creatures can easily be
Attack: Close blast 3 (creatures in the blast); +7 vs. Reflex Miss: Half damage.
mistaken for ice, since they are blue-white and freez- Hit: 1d8 + 4 cold damage, and ongoing 5 cold damage Magma Form (fire, poison, polymorph) F At-Will
ing cold to the touch. Their small wings are so thin (save ends). Effect: The mephit takes the shape of a Large pool of
that they are almost transparent. Miss: Half damage. magma, occupying 4 squares instead of 1, until the
Effect: The blast creates a zone of icy ground that lasts until mephit ends the effect as a minor action. While the
the end of the mephit’s next turn. The zone is difficult mephit is in this form, the mephit cannot attack. If
M agma M ephit terrain for creatures without ice walk.

Skills Stealth +11
squeezing in this form, the mephit moves at full speed
rather than half speed, and the mephit does not grant
Str 12 (+3) Dex 18 (+6) Wis 11 (+2) combat advantage for squeezing. While the mephit is
Magma or lava mephits
Con 14 (+4) Int 8 (+1) Cha 15 (+4) in this form, it can enter occupied spaces and creatures
originated from the seas Alignment unaligned Languages Common, Primordial can enter its space. A creature that starts its turn in the
of boiling lava and mephit’s space takes 2d6 fire and poison damage.
molten rock found In the material world, they are frequently found Skills Stealth +8
throughout the in areas of high volcanic activity, such as around Str 14 (+4) Dex 12 (+3) Wis 12 (+3)
Elemental Chaos. Con 18 (+6) Int 6 (+0) Cha 14 (+4)
active volcanoes. Their bodies are made of glowing
Legends claim Alignment unaligned Languages Common, Primordial
red magma and molten rock, and they radiate intense
that the Sea of Fire heat noticeable from several feet away.
potentially contains Magma mephits are the least intelligent of all attacking anything that approaches. Asking a magma
tens of thousands of the mephits. They are dumb, lumbering brutes mephit to do anything beyond that would be futile
these creatures beneath its that seldom speak and that enjoy bashing things and the order most likely ignored.
surface, moving through with their stony hands. When given a task by their
the magma as if it masters, the orders are usually very simplistic and
were water. don’t involve effort beyond standing in one spot and
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
7
Mephits
M ist M ephit Mist Mephit

Small elemental humanoid (air, water)
Level 3 Skirmisher
XP 150
Steam Mephit Level 4 Lurker
Small elemental humanoid (air, fire, water) XP 175
Mist mephits are an HP 45; Bloodied 22 Initiative +6 HP 43; Bloodied 21 Initiative +10
offshoot of steam AC 17, Fortitude 15, Reflex 16, Will 14 Perception +2 AC 18, Fortitude 15, Reflex 17, Will 16 Perception +2
Speed 6, fly 6 (hover) Darkvision Speed 6, fly 6 (hover) Darkvision
mephits that prefer
Immune poison Immune fire
cooler climates in Traits Traits
the material world, Regeneration Regeneration
such as swamps The mephit regains 5 hit points whenever it starts its turn The mephit regains 5 hit points whenever it starts its turn
and marshes that and has at least 1 hit point. When the mephit takes fire or and has at least 1 hit point. When the mephit takes cold or
generate thick fog. psychic damage, its regeneration does not function on its psychic damage, its regeneration does not function on its
They have gray- next turn. next turn.
white bodies that Standard Actions Standard Actions
m Claws F At-Will m Claw F At-Will
constantly secrete Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +8 vs. AC Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC
mist from their skin, Hit: 2d6 + 4 damage. Hit: 2d6 + 4 damage plus 1d8 damage if the target cannot
covering the mephits in a C Choking Mist (poison, zone) F Recharge 5 6 see the mephit.
thin layer from head to toe. Attack: Close blast 3 (creatures in the blast); +6 vs. Reflex R Boiling Jet (fire) F At-Will
Their bodies sometimes look Hit: 2d6 + 4 poison damage. Attack: Ranged 5 (one creature); +7 vs. Reflex
translucent, and they have the ability Miss: Half damage. Hit: 1d6 + 5 damage, and ongoing 5 fire damage (save
Effect: The blast creates a zone of mist that lasts until ends).
to become insubstantial and blend in
the end of the mephit’s next turn. The zone is lightly A Boiling Rain (fire) F Recharge 5 6
to the haze that surrounds them. obscured, and the mephit gains a +2 bonus to all Attack: Area burst 1 within 10 (creatures in the burst); +7
Mist mephits are quite shy, preferring to defenses while in the zone. vs. Reflex
stay at a distance and remain hidden in the darkness. Mist Form (polymorph) F Encounter Hit: 1d8 + 4 fire damage, and ongoing 5 fire damage (save
Effect: The mephit becomes insubstantial until the end of ends).
Steam its next turn. If squeezing in this form, the mephit moves
at full speed rather than half speed, and it doesn’t grant
Miss: Half damage.
Minor Actions
M ephit combat advantage for squeezing.
Sustain Standard: The effect persists until the end of the
Dissipate F Recharge when the mephit misses with a melee
attack
Steam mephits mephit’s next turn. Effect: The steam mephit becomes invisible until the end of
Skills Stealth +9 the next turn or until it hits or misses with an attack.
inhabit areas of
Str 10 (+1) Dex 17 (+4) Wis 12 (+2) Skills Stealth +11
intense heat that also Con 13 (+2) Int 9 (+0) Cha 10 (+1) Str 11 (+2) Dex 18 (+6) Wis 11 (+2)
generate a high level Alignment unaligned Languages Common, Primordial Con 13 (+3) Int 8 (+1) Cha 15 (+4)
of steam and geo- Alignment unaligned Languages Common, Primordial
thermal activity,
such as a lava flow constantly drip scalding hot water from every part of other mephits, they rush in to battle at the first oppor-
pouring into the their bodies. tunity they have.
ocean or among natu- Steam mephits are bossy, overconfident, and
rally occurring steam impetuous. They enjoy combat against creatures that
geysers and hot springs. they feel are inferior, even if that assessment is in
They are gray in color and error. They hide among nearby clouds while waiting
for the right time to attack. Due to their oversized
egos and their need to show they are superior to all
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
8
Mephits
Water M ephit Water Mephit Level 3 Controller

G 12!
OFFICIAL
Small elemental humanoid (aquatic) XP 150
IN 20
Water mephits live HP 46; Bloodied 23 Initiative +1 M
O R
anywhere there is AC 17, Fortitude 16, Reflex 14, Will 15 Perception +0 C TE
abundant water— Speed 6, fly 6, swim 6 IN
Immune acid W
from a lake or Traits
river to the ocean Regeneration MERCHANDISE
depths—though The mephit regains 5 hit points whenever it starts its turn
they prefer to and has at least 1 hit point. When the mephit takes cold or
inhabit waters fire damage, its regeneration does not function on its next
that are part of turn.
thriving eco- Standard Actions
m Claws ✦ At-Will
systems. They Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +8 vs. AC
are covered with Hit: 2d6 + 4 damage.
scales and have large C Acid Breath (acid, zone) ✦ Recharge 5 6
bulbous eyes and finlike Attack: Close blast 3 (creatures in the blast); +6 vs. Reflex
wings. Hit: 1d6 + 3 acid damage.
Most creatures Miss: Half damage.
Effect: The blast creates a zone that lasts until the end of
find water mephits
the encounter or until the mephit uses this power again.
to be annoyingly The zone is lightly obscured, and a creature that ends its
cheerful. These mephits turn in the zone takes 5 acid damage.
enjoy playing with other living Minor Actions
creatures—splashing them, using water blast to create C Water Blast ✦ At-Will
unexpected currents, and generally making well- Attack: Close blast 3 (creatures in the blast); +6 vs.
meaning nuisances of themselves. Fortitude
Hit: The mephit slides the target up to 2 squares.
Miss: The mephit can push the target 1 square.
Skills Bluff +8
About the Authors Str 17 (+4) Dex 10 (+1) Wis 8 (+0)
David Flor has been a software engineer and game designer Con 14 (+3) Int 8 (+0) Cha 14 (+3)
in Miami, Florida, for close to 30 years. Recently he has made Alignment unaligned Languages Common, Primordial
the move from video game and alternate reality game design
to developing campaigns and accessories for Dungeons &
Dragons 4th Edition through his own company, Darklight
Interactive. And he knows better than to fight the gazebo
alone.
Ask your
Jared Espley wrote the Dark Sun adventure Beneath the
® local retailer
Dust, which appeared in Dungeon 187. He studies plasma for details
physics in his day job as a scientist for NASA. He tried to slip
a plasma elemental into this article, but he was caught. Per-
haps he can slip a grue into his next science paper instead.
TM & © 2012 Wizards of the Coast LLC.
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
9
Lords of
Chaos:
Cryonax
By Michael E. Shea
Illustration by Julie Dillon
Forged from the coldest formations of raw chaos and

the demonic embrace of the Abyss, Cryonax repre-
sents one of the most mysterious and powerful forces
in the Elemental Chaos. As a being that exists outside
the four primary elemental forces of fire, earth, air,
and water, Cryonax is not bound by their struggles for
power or contained by the equal yet opposite forces of
The Elemental Princes

of Evil
You can find more information about the Ele-
mental Chaos and the powers bound there in
the Heroes of the Elemental Chaos™ sourcebook.
This article works in concert with the classes and
themes in that book. You can find more informa-
tion on the elemental princes of evil Ogrémoch
and Imix in Monster Manual® 3, and the “Lords of
Chaos” article in Dungeon 199 covers the princes
Yan-C-Bin and Olhydra.
TM & © 2013 Wizards of the Coast LLC. All rights reserved.
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
10
Lords of Chaos: Cryonax
the gods of law and order who keep the other elemen- and sacrifices to tap into his power. Every dark rite revels in the knowledge that one day he will consume
tal princes in check. they perform brings the cold lord one step closer to the power of the Elder Elemental Eye and use it to
The call of the Elder Elemental Eye stirs the Prince freedom and eternal power. bend all of creation to his desires.
of Elemental Cold as much as the other elemental Cryonax appears as a twisted amalgamation of
princes of evil. The only forces keeping his desires in
check are the massive adamantine chains binding
Cryonax demon and elemental. His body and head appear as
a huge yeti. Instead of arms, four muscled tentacles
him to his glacier in the Teeth of Lormoch. Chained for countless millennia in the depths of the erupt from his shoulders. Around him swirls a mas-
In the mortal world, wild hordes of cannibals in Elemental Chaos, the elemental prince Cryonax nev- sive storm of ice that threatens to shred any mortal
the icy wastes of the north hear the roaring call of ertheless grows stronger as the eons pass. He feeds off being who attempts to draw close.
their patron. They call to Cryonax, performing rituals the raw energy of chaos that surrounds him, and he The adamantine chains that bind Cryonax to his
lair grow weak, giving Cryonax freedom over the icy
Cryonax Level 34 Solo Brute Standard Actions
Huge elemental humanoid (cold, primordial) XP 195,000 m Tentacle F At-Will
plateau upon which he resides.
HP 1,248; Bloodied 624 Initiative +23 Attack: Melee 5 (one creature); +39 vs. AC
AC 46, Fortitude 48, Reflex 44, Will 46 Perception +27
Speed 8 Darkvision, blindsight
Hit: 4d10 + 28 damage.
r Spit Black Frost (cold, necrotic, zone) F At-Will
Lore
Immune cold; Vulnerable 10 fire Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature, or two creatures when Arcana DC 32: As the Elemental Prince of Ice,
Saving Throws +5; Action Points 3 Cryonax is bloodied); +39 vs. AC Cryonax has no specific opposing force keeping him
Traits Hit: 3d10 + 28 cold and necrotic damage. in check. A being birthed of the evil of the Abyss and
O Shardstorm (cold, thunder) F Aura 30 Effect: Until the end of Cryonax’s next turn, the attack cre- the raw elements of chaos, Cryonax seeks the ulti-
This aura is inactive within 10 squares of Cryonax. The ates a zone in a close burst 1 around the target’s square. mate power of the Elder Elemental Eye. The rage of
active aura is difficult terrain and heavily obscured. Any Squares within the zone are lightly obscured. Any crea-
Cryonax fuels a storm of splintered ice that surrounds
enemy that ends its turn in the active aura takes 25 cold ture that ends its turn in the zone takes 25 cold and
necrotic damage.
him, tearing at the prison the gods bound him to
and thunder damage and, if flying, falls prone.
Cold Absorption (healing) M Cryonax’s Fury F At-Will during the Dawn War.
If Cryonax would take cold damage, he instead regains a Effect: Cryonax makes five basic attacks. Cryonax’s servants, beings of cold and ice, work
number of hit points equal to that damage. C Breath of Chill Death (cold, necrotic) F Recharge when to break their master free. They hammer away at the
Elemental Footing first bloodied chains that bind him, performing rituals and sacri-
Cryonax ignores difficult terrain. If an attack would knock Attack: Close blast 5 (enemies in the blast); +37 vs. fices to shatter his bonds. His intelligent servants seek
Cryonax prone, he can make a saving throw to avoid falling Fortitude
lost Dawn War lore to end his imprisonment.
prone. Hit: 10d6 + 28 cold and necrotic damage, and the target is
Epic Resilience slowed and weakened (save ends both).
If Cryonax is dazed, dominated, petrified, stunned, or First Failed Saving Throw: The target drops to 0 hit points.
Miss: Half damage.
Encounters
weakened, or knocked unconscious with 1 hit point or
Move Actions Cryonax fights his imprisonment in a fury of cha-
more remaining, he ignores the effects of the condition
and instead grants combat advantage and gains vulnerable Primordial Charge F Recharge when first bloodied otic violence. A series of sundering rifts surround
10 to all damage for the condition’s duration. Effect: Any effect that renders Cryonax slowed, immobi- the platform upon which he is imprisoned, making
Frostbrittle lized, or restrained ends, and he moves up to his speed. movement around the glacier challenging. When
If an enemy adjacent to Cryonax hits him with a melee Each time Cryonax comes within 5 squares of an enemy approaching Cryonax, combatants see only the swirl-
attack, that enemy grants combat advantage and gains vul- for the first time during the move, he uses tentacle ing storm 150 feet out from the Prince of Elemental
nerable 10 to all damage until the end of that enemy’s next against that enemy.
Cold. The storms make it impossible to fly toward
turn. Str 33 (+28) Dex 22 (+23) Wis 30 (+27)
Con 32 (+28) Int 20 (+22) Cha 24 (+24)
Cryonax. Any creature that attempts to fly into
Threatening Reach
Cryonax can make opportunity attacks against enemies Alignment chaotic evil Languages Common, Primordial the storm is smashed to the ground, taking falling
within 5 squares of him. damage and possibly damage from the prince’s aura.
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
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Cryonax in Combat Cryonax’s Chains the tower, commanding a legion of fallen soldiers of
the Dawn War that have been twisted into undead.
The swirling storm of chaos that surrounds Cryonax Cryonax is bound between two spires of the Teeth of
The summoning and scrying chambers of the
protects the prince from nearly all outside influ- Lormoch with adamantine chains, each link of which
liches take up the middle floors of the tower. Guard-
ence, including physical and magical attacks. Those towers over a human. These massive chains chal-
ian demons and bound devils defend these chambers
who penetrate his storm are shredded by shards of lenge both his enemies and his allies. Since his prison
and serve as eyes and ears across the planes.
razor-sharp ice. In melee, Cryonax attacks with his is infused with the power of the gods, the elemental
The libraries and storerooms for the Dawn War
powerful tentacles to shred his opponents. prince cannot be killed as long as he remains bound
artifacts make up the upper reaches of the tower.
Cryonax’s most devastating attack is his breath by these chains. Destroying them, however, means
There the three liches continue their research to
of chill death, a reflection of his Abyssal nature. This releasing the Cryonax into the cosmos. Cryonax’s fol-
find the artifacts capable of releasing their master.
breath surrounds his opponents, encasing them in lowers spend their lives trying to find a way to break
Arcane-infused golems, magical constructs, and
a life-draining ice. If they fail to break free, the ice him free of the chains without sacrificing his invul-
deadly traps defend these chambers against those few
draws the life from their bodies. nerability in the process.
foolhardy enough to breach the tower’s defenses.
Contact with Cryonax’s skin sends a great chill
through his attackers, slowing their reactions and
weakening their defenses.
Cryonax’s Blood Sundering Rifts
Within his chest, the heart of Cryonax pushes blood
Throughout the Teeth of Lormoch, rifts expose the
T he T eeth of colder than the deepest reaches of the Far Realm. The
chains that bind Cryonax’s upper body create deep
energy of the Abyss to the cold of the lowest reaches
of the Elemental Chaos. Creatures that stand on or
L ormoch wounds that continually drip the elemental prince’s
blood to the ground below. Each drop of this raw life-
near these chaotic rifts might be twisted mentally or
physically. Sundering rifts usually fill 4 squares.
At the end of the Dawn War, the gods shackled Cryo- blood is said to reach temperatures so cold it could
Effect: A sundering rift potentially affects a crea-
nax to the glacier in the mountain range of the Teeth freeze the blood of the gods themselves. Mixed with
ture that ends its turn on or within 1 square of the
of Lormoch. The mountains are steep crags of black the icy runoff of the glacier at his feet, this blood can
rift. Roll 1d8 to determine the results.
rock piercing out of the ice. Numerous chambers and empower mortals with a touch of his strength.
1–4: No effect.
chasms lie below them, with deep fissures exposing
5: T he creature takes 5 cold and necrotic damage
them to the outside.
In the heart of the glacier is the first temple to Cry-
The Wizards of Blackheart per tier and is blinded until the end of its next
onax. The temple, completely formed from black ice, Piercing out of the Teeth of Lormoch, a hollowed-out turn.
surrounds a pool of blood formed of drips from Cryo- spire of ice and obsidian serves as the lair of three 6: T he creature takes 10 cold damage per tier and
nax’s wounds. In the depths of this pool is a portal liches known as the Wizards of Blackheart. Within is slowed until the end of its next turn.
leading to the mortal world. There, mixed with the this tower, the three liches store and study artifacts of 7: U ntil the end of its next turn, the creature takes
ancient ice of Cryonax’s glacier, the blood provides the Dawn War and command Cryonax’s agents. a –2 penalty to defenses and has vulnerable 5 to
power to the prince’s mortal followers. The tower contains priceless artifacts captured all damage per tier.
A half-fiend frost titan priest known as Agrendon across the cosmos over thousands of years and held 8: A s a free action, the creature moves up to its
Rimehammer leads Cryonax’s most devout followers, within the tower’s upper chambers. The liches speed toward its nearest ally and attacks that
including a cadre of demon-blooded frost titans and fortified the tower with powerful arcane magic pre- ally with an at-will attack.
ice elementals. Though he seldom leaves the temple, venting scrying and teleportation into or within
Agrendon serves Cryonax’s interests with those who the chambers by anyone other than the three
seek Cryonax’s power, bargaining in return for the wizard-liches.
elemental prince’s release. A fallen knight of Bahamut, now a death knight,
and his dracolich mount rule over the lowest levels of
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
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T he Frostblood the child survives, it ingests another larger amount of

the blood at age twelve. Finally, at age seventeen, the
rituals and cannibalistic sacrifices conducted in the
Elemental Prince’s name. These oracles appear as old,
Cult young adult is given the final largest dose of the black blue-skinned human women, with thin hair hanging
liquid. This infuses the new Frostblood with terrible down their back. They wear thick robes of animal fur
In the uncharted reaches of northern mountains, visions of the chained lord, Cryonax, atop his pla- and humanoid skin.
a cult of blue-skinned humans known as the Frost- teau in the swirling storms of chaos. It also gives the
bloods pay homage, with blood and sacrifice, to their Frostblood a touch of his power and turns the young Frostblood Oracle Level 13 Controller
chained lord Cryonax. Few civilized people know of adult’s skin blue. The newcomer’s blood grows as cold Medium natural humanoid, human XP 800
this cult. Only the wild folk who live on the borders as ice, and his or her body is brought to the edge of HP 124; Bloodied 62 Initiative +9
of civilization and the wild north know of the exis- death. A candidate who survives this final transfor- AC 27, Fortitude 23, Reflex 25, Will 27 Perception +10
tence of the Frostblood cult. Even among the wild mation awakens as a member of the Frostblood cult. Speed 6 (ice walk)
barbarians and uncivilized tribes of the north, the Resist 10 cold
Feeders of Flesh: The northern tribes are right
Frostbloods are shunned and condemned as canni- Standard Actions
to fear and shun the Frostbloods. Any humanoids m Ice Whip (cold) F At-Will
bals and monsters. captured by the Frostbloods are designated either Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +18 vs. AC
No one knows how many Frostblood cultists exist. as sacrifices to Cryonax or as food. The Frostbloods Hit: 3d6 + 9 cold damage, and the target is slowed until the
Their organization is broken up into separate tribes consider themselves beyond mortality and ingest the end of the oracle’s next turn.
that roam the frozen wastes. Their tribes are mostly fresh warm blood and flesh of their mortal victims. r Frostbrittle Spear (cold, force) F At-Will
nomadic, traveling in groups of eighteen to thirty. Horrid tales spread among the northern tribes tell of Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +16 vs. Reflex
The Blood of Frost: Born human, Frostbloods Hit: 2d8 + 6 cold and force damage, and the target grants
large herds of captured slaves held by multiple Frost-
must undergo three rituals at different points in their combat advantage and has vulnerable 5 to all damage
blood warbands as a surplus of food for the tribes. until the end of the oracle’s next turn.
lives to become Frostbloods. Each of these rituals Beings of Ritual: The Frostbloods revere Cryo- C Cryonax’s Storm (cold, thunder, zone) F Encounter
proves fatal to half of those who undergo it, thus keep- nax. They believe the ingestion of the blood of Attack: Close burst 2 (enemies in the burst); +16 vs.
ing the total number of adult Frostbloods low. During Cryonax is necessary, and they slaughter any who Fortitude
the first ritual, a drop of Cryonax’s blood, diluted dare speak against the ritual. Hit: 3d6 + 15 cold and thunder damage, and the target is
through its transfer between the Elemental Chaos The Trials: Disagreements between members blinded (save ends).
and the mortal world, is fed to a child of four years. If Miss: Half damage.
of the Frostblood often leads to the tribes’ only form
Effect: The burst creates a zone that is difficult terrain and
of justice: the Trial. When two members of the tribe heavily obscured to enemies until the end of the oracle’s
or two tribal leaders feud over a topic, they are both next turn.
placed in a ring infused with the glyphs of winter to Triggered Actions
The Frostblood Cult in battle one another. The victor in this battle opens up Prescience F At-Will
the chest of the fallen and devours the defeated oppo- Trigger: An enemy makes a ranged attack against the
The Nentir Vale
nent’s heart. Frostblood witches often reanimate the oracle.
The Frostblood cult can work alongside the Effect (Immediate Interrupt): The triggering enemy must
victim as a zombie shambler to serve the victor until
Tigerclaw Barbarians and frost witches found make the attack roll twice and use the lower result.
the victor’s own death.
in Monster Vault™ 2: Threats to the Nentir Vale™. Skills Arcana +17, Religion +17
In a Nentir Vale campaign, the ties between Str 10 (+6) Dex 16 (+9) Wis 18 (+10)
the Frostbloods, the frost witches, and the Frostblood Oracle Con 12 (+7)
Alignment evil
Int 23 (+12) Cha 20 (+11)
Languages Common, Primordial
Tigerclaws create interesting conflicts and pos- Some female members of the Frostbloods find their Equipment hide armor, whip
sibilities to challenge the characters. spiritual vision extended beyond the visions of Cryo-
nax. These females become oracles of the tribe. They
speak with the voice of Cryonax and oversee the
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13
Frostblood Icelord The Roaming Camps Frostbloods. Animated by Frostblood oracles, some
of the spirits and corpses of these heroes still lurk
Commanders of the Frostblood clan reach their posi- Frostblood cultists travel in warbands of eighteen to
in the icy chambers below, protecting the remains
tion by slaughtering enemies of the cult and personal thirty members. These bands usually reside in four
and executing those who dare to intrude on this
rivals. The line of succession of a Frostblood icelord or five small burrows buried beneath icy drifts. Their
sacred ground.
is forged in the death of previous lords, not lineage. disdain for any sort of fire makes them very diffi-
A powerful warchief named Darkmountain
To become a Frostblood icelord, a warrior must have cult to spot, although some icelords use fire as a way
currently holds the throne. One to two hundred
devoured the hearts of the mightiest fallen mem- to bait traps. When they aren’t hiding, Frostblood
Frostblood warriors along with an equal number of
bers of the tribe. Frostblood icelords appear as large cultists hang the eviscerated corpses of partially
mates, children, and slaves reside in the fortress.
muscled humans with blue skin and intricate tattoos devoured victims from large x-shaped racks around
painted by the oracles of the tribes. their camp to warn away potential threats. Each of
these roaming camps usually contains one icelord The Blue Deeps
and one oracle along with a contingent of warriors, Buried under a glacier that split apart two huge
Frostblood Icelord Level 15 Brute (Leader) berserkers, and children.
Medium natural humanoid, human XP 1,200
mountains lies a crevasse that burrows miles deep
HP 183; Bloodied 91 Initiative +10
beneath the earth. Down in this crevasse sits an oily
AC 27, Fortitude 29, Reflex 25, Will 27 Perception +9 The Throne of Ice black pool regarded as a sacred and holy place to the
Frostbloods. This liquid drips from a rift in the gla-
Speed 6 (ice walk)
In the farthest reaches of the icy tundra resides a for-
Resist 10 cold; Vulnerable 5 fire cier above leading to the Elemental Chaos. Cryonax’s
Standard Actions
tress of ancient ice formed by a coven of Frostblood
blood drips from the rift into the pool, diluted by the
m Greataxe F At-Will oracles on behalf of their Frostblood warchief. Known
runoff of the glacier. The liquid of this pool gives the
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +20 vs. AC as the Throne of Ice, this fortress has served the Frost-
Frostbloods their power and identity.
Hit: 2d12 + 15 damage. bloods through fourteen different warchiefs.
C Roar of Cryonax (cold, fear, psychic) F Recharge when
The Frostbloods revere this pool as the essence of
Numerous catacombs rest below the fortress in
first bloodied Cryonax that pours from his wounds as he struggles
which the Frostbloods lay to rest the bodies of pre-
Attack: Close blast 5 (enemies in the blast); +18 vs. Will atop his plateau of ice. Each drop they ingest gives
vious warchiefs, icelords, and other heroes of the
Hit: 3d6 + 13 cold and psychic damage, and the target falls mortals a touch of Cryonax’s power if they survive
prone. the ritual.
Miss: Half damage. A band of frost giants loyal to the Elemental Prince
Triggered Actions of Cold protects these chambers, along with their ice
C Brutal Exultation (fear) F At-Will
Trigger: The icelord drops a creature to 0 hit points or Filling out the archon companions. These guardians accept the pres-
ence and worship of human Frostbloods who arrive
scores a critical hit. Frostblood Ranks
Attack (Free Action): Close burst 5 (enemies in the burst); on pilgrimage to these chambers.
+18 vs. Will This article contains two types of Frostblood An ancient white dragon, once the loyal compan-
Hit: As a free action, the target moves its speed away from cultists. You can skin numerous other human- ion of Cryonax but now banished to the mortal world,
the icelord. oids to fill out your Frostblood encounters. The guards this pool as it has done for three thousand
Effect: Each ally in the burst gains a +5 power bonus to githyanki in the Monster Vault make excellent years. Those loyal to Cryonax might depart with a
damage rolls until the end of the icelord’s next turn. additional cultists. Convert their psychic attacks
Skills Athletics +17, Endurance +18
small amount of the black liquid. All others suffer the
to cold attacks, and you instantly create a dan- dragon’s wrath.
Str 21 (+12) Dex 16 (+10) Wis 15 (+9)
Con 23 (+13) Int 8 (+6) Cha 20 (+12)
gerous band of blue-skinned hunters.
Alignment evil Languages Common
Equipment hide armor, greataxe
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Cryonax Campaign devour those who dare to wander too far north.
Seeking to learn more, the characters track down a
each item the characters recover, the agents of Black-
heart recover another. When all items have been
A rcs Frostblood raiding party and face these foes head on. recovered, the characters must face the guardians of
Soon thereafter, the characters learn of and face a the Wizards of Blackheart in the Teeth of Lormoch.
You can weave the story of the Frostbloods and their large Frostblood slaving caravan bringing hundreds With all of the artifacts in their possession, the
lord Cryonax into your campaign either as a primary or of slaves north to the growing army of Frostbloods characters face a dangerous choice. The bonds of
secondary story arc throughout all three tiers of play. surrounding the Throne of Ice. It is possible that Cryonax have already weakened greatly and might
missing allies of the characters reside among these soon shatter. The characters could use the artifacts
Heroic Tier: slave herds. to rebind Cryonax, chaining him once again to his
The characters head north to the Throne of Ice mountains and granting him immortality. Or they
Ice and Darkness to face the warchief of the Frostbloods and behead could use the artifacts to break Cryonax’s chains
This arc begins when frontier farms and logging vil- the army that threatens the area. A series of battles and defeat the primordial monster forever. Which-
lages along the northern borders of civilization call based on either direct conflict or subterfuge takes ever path they choose has everlasting effects on
for adventurers to defend them from attacks by bar- place at the Throne of Ice, where the characters face the multiverse.
barians of the north. The adventurers respond to powerful Frostblood cultists, oracles, and Warchief
these attacks either through direct confrontation with
the barbarians or investigation. The party might learn
Darkmountain.
They learn that a coven of Frostblood oracles
Monster T heme
that the most brutal attacks come from a distinct sect traveled to the Blue Deeps, an unholy rift to the Powers
of renegade cultists who worship Cryonax. Elemental Chaos. There the characters battle the
The party can either continue their confrontation frost giants and ice archons that defend the black Worship of Cryonax grants his followers powers
with the barbarians or seek a delicate alliance with pool of Cryonax’s blood. Finally, they face the Frost- beyond those of ordinary creatures. The follow-
the barbarians against the renegades who threaten blood oracles and the white dragon guardian before ing theme powers are available to creatures loyal
both the larger barbarian tribe and the civilized destroying the pool that fuels the cold blood of the to Cryonax.
settlers of the north. They find that a blue-skinned Frostblood cultists.
witch, a Frostblood oracle, leads the renegades. Bitter Strike
During the conclusion of this arc, the characters
might ally with the barbarians or a small army of civi-
Epic Tier: The Blizzard King Physically powerful followers of Cryonax gain the
During the final arc of the campaign, the party steps ability to perform a bitter strike. When they call upon
lized northerners to root out the renegades and their their patron, their claws or weapons become sur-
Frostblood leader. into the reaches of the Astral Sea and the Elemental
Chaos. They learn of the Wizards of Blackheart who rounded in a swirling blue-white aura. When they
With the renegades defeated, the characters use this weapon on their foes, it chills their victims to
discover that the Frostblood people, a race of blue- seek to release Cryonax from his bonds. Dozens of
agents of the Wizards of Blackheart scour the multi- the bone and freezes them in place. This power works
skinned warriors of the deepest north, are amassing best for brutes, soldiers, and skirmishers.
an army to invade the barbarian tribes and the civili- verse, looking for the artifacts the gods once used to
zations of the north. bind Cryonax. This group plans to use these artifacts
Triggered Actions
to unbind their master and give him both freedom Bitter Strike (cold) F Recharge when first bloodied
and eternal power.
Paragon Tier: The characters begin a race against these agents,
Trigger: This creature hits with a melee attack.
Effect (Free Action): The attack deals 5 extra cold damage
The Frozen Wastes hunting down artifacts in the Dawn War ruins of the per tier. The target is also immobilized until the end of
The party soon learns the legends of the Frostblood Astral Sea, the floating cities and million-year-old this creature’s next turn.
cultists, cold-blooded cannibals who enslave and caverns of the Elemental Chaos, the scorching lands
of the Nine Hells, and the depths of the Abyss. For
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
15
Breath of Chill Death

Some servants of Cryonax gain the elemental prince’s
ability to breathe a cloud of life-draining cold. Ene-
mies of these creatures might hear them whispering
in the strange deep voice of the elemental prince
before they exhale a rush of black mist that steals the
life from their enemies.
Standard Actions
C Breath of Chill Death F Encounter
Attack: Close burst 5 (enemies in the burst); level + 3 vs.
Fortitude
Hit: The target loses a healing surge, and the target is
slowed and weakened (save ends both).
Cryonax’s Cloak
This power surrounds the creature in a swirling
storm of wind and ice that does not harm the crea-
ture or its allies but can shred its enemies’ flesh from
bone. This power works best for controllers, leaders,
or artillery.
Traits
O Cryonax’s Cloak (cold, thunder) F Aura 3
Any enemy that ends its turn in the aura takes 5 cold and
thunder damage per tier and grants combat advantage
until the end of its next turn. The aura is lightly obscured
to enemies.
About the Author

Mike Shea is the webmaster of SlyFlourish.com, a site
focused on building the better 4th Edition Dungeon Master,
and the author of Sly Flourish’s Dungeon Master Tips
and Sly Flourish’s Running Epic Tier D&D Games. Mike
lives in northern Virginia with his wife, Michelle, and his
dire‑warg, Jebu.
www.ddo.com
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
16
Bazaar of the Bizarre:
Legendary Items
of Krynn
By Daniel Helmick
Illustration by Claudio Pozas
During the turbulent period known eventually as two barbarians of the Plains—one of whom held the
the Fourth Age, the gods of the realm removed them- hope of the future and the return of the gods, quite
selves from the affairs of the mortal races after a great literally, in her hands. These few adventurers, born
Cataclysm that devastated the landscape of Krynn. from humble origins, would come to be known as the
This event destroyed Krynn’s civilized lands and Heroes of the Lance.
threw the entire world into chaos. Although rarities are assigned to all the items in
After an absence of more than 300 years, the dark this article, each of them except the dragonlance is
goddess Takhisis rose to prominence and threat- unique.
ened the world with a vast, seemingly unstoppable
army that boasted mighty dragons in its vanguard.
City after city fell to the onslaught of the goddess’s
Brightblade
minions. The mortal races marshaled troops to fight In the dark times following the Cataclysm, the once-
against the encroaching wave of conquest, but the ter- admired Knights of Solamnia fell into great disfavor
rible presence of the dragons paralyzed the defenders among their people. Monsters—fell creatures awak-
with fear. More often than not, the armies of Takhisis ened by the fury of the gods’ assault—had overrun
slaughtered their foes to a man, and more and more Solamnia. The Knights of Solamnia fought against
flocked to the banners of the Dark Queen. Thus was these creatures of darkness, but without the blessings
the Fourth Age of Krynn dubbed the Age of Despair. of their patron gods, Paladine and Kiri-Jolith, they
The turn of the tide came unexpectedly and in could not help but falter. In time, the people of Solam-
the most inauspicious of locations: an inn, built in nia lost faith in the Solamnic orders and even came to
the boughs of a mighty vallenwood tree. A group of blame the Cataclysm on the knights.
friends and adventuring companions had pledged Born to a long and illustrious legacy of knight-
an oath to meet there after going their separate ways hood, the young cadet Sturm Brightblade—son of
to discover more about the evil plaguing the land. At Angriff Brightblade—was sent with his mother to the
the appointed time, the knightly Sturm Brightblade distant town of Solace during a particularly danger-
entered the Inn of the Last Home in the company of ous time. Starved and destitute, the peasants of the
17
Legendary Items of Krynn
Brightblades’ lands had gone mad and were threaten-

ing open revolt. Sturm carried himself as a knight,
Rabbitslayer Kender Spoon of Turning
Few heroes have had a more profound impact on During the Summer of Flame, Tasslehoff and his
adhering to the chivalric Code and the Measure,
Krynn’s history than the infamous adventurer, Tassle- companion Usha were imprisoned in a chamber in
and growing the symbolic mustaches of the Knights
hoff Burrfoot. A member of the childlike kender race, the Tower of High Sorcery at Palanthas, guarded by
of Solamnia, despite the scorn these practices often
Tas has been at the center of three wars, befriended a fearsome specter. After turning out his pouches
earned him. Sturm returned to his childhood home
gods and dragons, fought powerful adversaries, and in search of anything useful, Tas found this spoon,
years later to find it burned and his father missing.
helped to save the world on more than one occasion. which he immediately identified as the famous
He received his father’s armor and the sword Bright-
Like most kender, he had a fearless curiosity coupled Kender Spoon of Turning—a powerful kender tool for
blade as his birthright before returning to Solace.
with light fingers, and this combination landed him dealing with the undead. Dubious about the spoon’s
Crafted by dwarves and presented to Berthal
and his companions in a great deal of trouble from magical powers, Usha remarked that the utensil
Brightblade two millennia before the War of the
time to time. Despite these widely perceived flaws, he resembled one of the spoons they had used during
Lance, Brightblade is the ancestral sword of the famed
was a loyal companion with a true heart, and he even- supper with Dalamar, the Master of the Tower, and
Brightblade family of Solamnic Knights. Members
tually acquired a sense of responsibility to his friends
of this family have wielded the sword for hundreds
that was virtually unique to the kender race.
of years, generation after generation. According to
Tasslehoff found the knife that would eventually
legend, Brightblade is invulnerable to harm as long
be known as Rabbitslayer in the ruins of Xak Tsaroth
as its wielder stays true to the code. The Oath of the
while on the run from the Red Dragonarmy. Cara-
Knights of Solamnia (Est Sularis Oth Mithas, or “My
mon Majere, disdainful of the small blade, teased
honor is my life.”) exemplifies that code for the Bright-
Tasslehoff, saying that the dagger would be suitable
blade clan.
only for slaying rabbits. Despite Caramon’s assertions,
the blade served Tas well for the remainder of his
Brightblade Level 15 Rare
career.
This splendid sword, crafted in the old dwarven style, is as
Curiously, no matter where the irrepressible
deadly and beautiful as when it was first forged.
kender left the dagger, he always found it on his
Weapon: Greatsword 25,000 gp
Enhancement Bonus: +3 to attack rolls and damage rolls
person whenever he needed it.
Critical: +3d10 damage
Properties Rabbitslayer Level 19 Uncommon
FY ou gain a +3 bonus to passive Perception checks to avoid Even the most absent-minded adventurer always finds this
being surprised. knife in its sheath.
F You gain a +3 item bonus to Diplomacy checks. Weapon: Dagger 105,000 gp
M Attack Power ✦ Daily (Free Action) Enhancement Bonus: +4 to attack rolls and damage rolls
Trigger: An enemy reduces you to 0 or fewer hit points with Critical: +4d6 damage, or +4d10 damage if the attack was a
an attack. Sneak Attack
Effect (Free Action): You move up to your speed, then make Property
an at-will weapon attack with this weapon against the I f unattuned, the weapon can be attuned, over an
triggering enemy. extended rest, to a character. Once the weapon is
Utility Power ✦ Daily (Minor Action) attuned, it returns to its sheath immediately if uninten-
Effect: You and each ally who is within 10 squares of you tionally dropped or within 1d8 hours if otherwise lost.
and can hear or see you gain a +1 bonus to all defenses, The weapon becomes unattuned only when freely given
saving throws, and attack rolls until the end of the to another or when the owner dies.
encounter.
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
18
pointed out a smear of strawberry jam on the handle.

Tas would not be dissuaded, however, insisting that
Wyrmslayer Wyrmslayer Level 14 Rare
The history of Tanis Half-Elven, born Tanthalas This blade thirsts after the blood of dragons and dragonkin.
the spot was the blood of an undead vanquished by When roused, its murderous desire is far from subtle.
Kanan, began in tragedy. During a raid on the elven
the object. The brave kender went on to confront the Weapon: Greatsword 21,000 gp
community of Qualinesti, a band of human brigands
specter armed only with the spoon. Enhancement Bonus: +3 to attack rolls and damage rolls
captured and impregnated his mother, killed her Critical: +3d10 damage, +3d12 damage against draconians
No one except members of the kender race has
husband, and then left her for dead. Though she was and dragons
ever confirmed the holy properties of this object.
eventually recovered and nursed back to health in the Properties
Some speak of the spoon in hushed tones, claiming
household of her deceased husband’s brother Solo- F A baaz draconian’s stone dead power cannot trap this
it to be a holy symbol of Branchala, the god of music
staran, the Speaker of the Sun, she gradually wasted weapon.
and poetry. Others scoff at the notion of a piece of F You gain a +3 item bonus to Intimidate checks against
away, finally succumbing to death after the birth of
silverware being a holy object, but Tas and Usha did draconians and dragons.
her half-human son.
somehow escape from the specter and, ultimately, F When within 20 squares of a dragon, this weapon buzzes
The circumstances of Tanis’s conception and birth,
from the Tower of High Sorcery. loudly, automatically alerting the dragon and revealing
as well as his mother’s untimely death, affected how your location.
Kender Spoon of Turning Level 14 Uncommon
the other youths of Qualinesti viewed him. Despite Attack Power (Fear) ✦ Encounter (Minor Action)
his gift for archery and his charismatic nature, he Attack: Close burst 20 (draconians or dragons in the burst);
Whether this item is truly a kender holy symbol or simply a
piece of tableware, the spectacle of a diminutive kender wav-
was forever branded as an abomination in the eyes of +17 vs. Will
many. The Qualinesti regarded full-blooded humans Hit: The target takes a –2 penalty to attack rolls, saving
ing a spoon at an undead monster is usually well worth the
throws, and all defenses (save ends).
price of admission. as backward savages, but Tanis by his very existence
Aftereffect: The target takes a –2 penalty to attack rolls,
Implement: Holy symbol 21,000 gp represented a betrayal, and even elves raised along- saving throws, and all defenses (save ends).
Enhancement Bonus: +3 to attack rolls and damage rolls side him grew to resent him. M Attack Power ✦ Daily (Free Action)
Critical: +3d10 damage, +3d10 radiant damage to undead After befriending the dwarf woodcarver Flint Trigger: You hit a draconian or dragon with a melee weapon
creatures Fireforge, Tanis left Qualinesti to pursue a life on the attack using this weapon and do not score a critical hit.
Requirement: You must be a kender to use this item. Effect: The triggering attack deals maximum damage to one
road. His natural charm and quiet integrity drew
C Attack Power (Radiant) ✦ Daily (Standard Action) target.
Attack: Close burst 2 (undead creatures in the burst); Cha-
others to him, and he eventually became the unof-
risma or Wisdom + 5 vs. Will. ficial leader of his group of companions. It was in this
Hit: 2d10 + 3 + Charisma or Wisdom modifier radiant role that he came to the forefront in the War of the Staff of Magius
damage, and you push the target a number of squares up Lance. In the long history of Krynn’s wielders of magic, no
to 3 + your Charisma or Wisdom modifier. The target is During the war, Tanis and his friends volun- one has yet left behind a legacy to surpass that of
immobilized until the end of your next turn. teered to enter the fortress of Pax Tharkas and rescue Raistlin Majere. Born to a poor family in the village
several prisoners held by the forces of the Dragon of Solace, Raistlin and his twin brother Caramon
Highlord Verminaard, a powerful cleric of Takhisis. proved to be opposites in both demeanor and form.
While he and his companions traversed the ancient Caramon was a hearty youth, easygoing and athletic.
passage to Pax Tharkas (known to the elves as the Raistlin, on the other hand, had poor health cou-
Sla-Mori), draconian soldiers in Verminaard’s employ pled with a fierce intelligence that drew him to the
ambushed them. Legend holds that during the study of the arcane arts—an area in which he proved
ensuing melee, the spirit of the long-dead elf hero extremely gifted, even at a young age.
Kith-Kanan granted Tanis his personal weapon—the The exact events of Raistlin’s great Test, which is
ancient sword called Wyrmslayer, crafted eons ago in undertaken by anyone wishing to study higher magic,
the Second Dragon War. have been the subject of much speculation. The
Test is one of survival—a crucible intended to weed
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
19
in the Third Dragon War. Though not the most pow- Brightblade, brought the staff to the Inn of the Last
erful item of magic in the Towers of High Sorcery, it Home. Though the Princess of the Plains would not
nonetheless proved quite useful to Raistlin. discover the truth for some time, her blue crystal staff
had once been blessed by Mishakal, goddess of heal-
Staff of Magius Level 10 Rare ing, and Goldmoon was to become her first cleric
A perfectly formed crystal sphere, clutched by three carved since the Cataclysm.
dragon claws, tops this handsome mahogany staff. In the subterranean dungeon of Xak Tsaroth, the
Implement: Staff 5,000 gp nascent priestess and her friends came face-to-face
Enhancement Bonus: +2 to attack rolls and damage rolls with a creature out of myth—a powerful black dragon
Critical: +2d8 force damage named Khisanth. After receiving a vision from
Properties
Mishakal, Goldmoon sacrificed her life by destroy-
F You gain a +2 item bonus to AC.
F You gain a +2 item bonus to skill checks made for per-
ing the staff, engulfing both herself and the dragon
forming rituals. in blazing, holy fire. The grief of her companions was
Utility Power ✦ At-Will (Minor Action) short-lived, however, because Goldmoon was restored
Effect: The staff sheds bright light out to 10 squares. to life in the Temple of Mishakal, elsewhere in the
Utility Power ✦ Encounter (Free Action) sunken city.
Trigger: On your turn, you fail to sustain an arcane imple-
ment power you could sustain.
Staff of Mishakal Level 10 Rare
Effect: You sustain the effect until the end of your next
turn. You can still sustain the effect as normal. Though it appears as an ordinary wooden staff, this item
Utility Power ✦ Daily (Free Action) reveals its true form—a gorgeous blue crystal staff, pulsing
Trigger: You hit an enemy with an arcane implement attack with life energy—when its divine powers are activated.
power using this staff and do not score a critical hit. Implement: Staff 5,000 gp
Effect: The triggering attack deals maximum damage to one Enhancement Bonus: +2 to attack rolls and damage rolls
target. Critical: +2d6 radiant damage, +2d12 radiant damage to
demons, undead, and devils
Properties
Staff of Mishakal F This staff can also be used as a holy symbol implement.
Goldmoon, Chieftain’s Daughter of the Que-shu F You gain a +5 item bonus to skill checks made for restora-
tion rituals.
tribe, was worshiped as a living goddess by her
Utility Power (Healing) ✦ Encounter (Standard Action)
out those unsuited for studying the higher myster- people because of her golden tresses—a hue virtu- Effect: One creature you touch regains hit points as if it had
ies. Raistlin emerged from his test with his already ally unknown among the people of the Plains. It was spent a healing surge.
fragile health shattered, and from that time forward the bravery of the stalwart ranger Riverwind, who Utility Power (Healing) ✦ Daily (Standard Action)
wracking coughs periodically shook his body. In addi- pledged to return to the village with proof of the Effect: You and each ally within 5 squares of you regain hit
tion, his skin had turned a golden hue, and his eyes ancient gods, that eventually won her heart. On a points as if each of you had spent a healing surge.
resembled twin hourglasses. But Raistlin had gleaned dark and restless night, Riverwind returned to the Utility Power (Healing) ✦ Daily (Standard Action)
Requirement: You must use this power at the end of a short
more than just physical changes from the Test—he Chieftain’s Daughter, half-dead and raving, clutching
or extended rest.
had also acquired the famous relic known as the Staff a blue crystal staff in his fevered hands. Effect: You restore a dead creature to life with 1 hit point.
of Magius. This staff proved to be the catalyst in a series The target takes a –1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks,
According to legend, this staff had once belonged of events that would eventually culminate in the ability checks, and saving throws until it has reached
to Magius—friend and trusted companion of the leg- gods’ return to the world. An exhausted Goldmoon, three milestones or taken three extended rests.
endary knight Huma Dragonsbane, who had fought with her bedraggled escorts Riverwind and Sturm
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The Dragonlance Dragonlance Level 10+ Rare

Riding a silver dragon and wielding the mythical A magnificent dragonmetal lance, shining with the holy light
of the Platinum Dragon, is mankind’s ultimate weapon for
dragonlance, the Solamnic Knight Huma defeated
fighting the Dark Queen’s forces.
the Queen of Darkness in ages long past—or so say
Lvl 10 +2 5,000 gp Lvl 25 +5 625,000 gp
the legends. Many Knights of Solamnia learned of Lvl 15 +3 25,000 gp Lvl 30 +6 3,125,000 gp
Huma’s deeds in the years following the Cataclysm, Lvl 20 +4 125,000 gp
but few if any lent credence to the tale, dismissing it Weapon: Spear
as nothing more than a story for children. Enhancement Bonus: Attack rolls and damage rolls
During the War of the Lance, however, a group Critical: +1d8 radiant damage per plus; +1d12 radiant
of Heroes discovered the truth of this ancient tale. damage per plus against draconians and dragons
Properties
Led by the Kagonesti elf Silvara, the Heroes located
F You gain resist 5 to all damage a dragon or draconian
Huma’s tomb, wherein lay the silver dragonmetal deals you.
needed to create the fabled dragonlances. F A baaz draconian’s stone dead power cannot stop this
Arguably the most visible symbols of the long- weapon.
fought War of the Lance, the dragonlances turned the F You gain an item bonus to Intimidate checks equal to the
tide of the war in favor of the forces of good. This enhancement bonus against draconians and dragons.
weapon is anathema to dragonkind, causing such M Attack Power (Radiant) ✦ Encounter (Free Action)
Trigger: You hit a dragon or draconian with a melee weapon
creatures great harm in the hands of even a relatively
attack using this weapon.
unskilled warrior. Effect: In addition to the attack’s normal damage, the target
takes 3d12 radiant damage and is dazed until the end of
your next turn. If the target drops to 0 hit points, you do
About the Author not expend this power.
Daniel Helmick is a software tester, content translator, Level 15 or 20: 4d12 radiant damage.
developer, and consultant for the D&D Insider studio at Wiz- Level 25 or 30: 5d12 radiant damage.
ards of the Coast in Renton, Washington. His hobbies outside M Attack Power ✦ Daily (Free Action)
of roleplaying games include running, complaining about the Trigger: You hit a dragon or draconian with a melee weapon
weather, and tormenting various members of the R&D staff attack using this weapon, and the d20 roll is 15 or higher.
with his horrific singing. Effect: The hit becomes a critical hit. If the target drops to 0
hit points, you do not expend this power.
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21
You Say
Dragonborn,
I Say Draconian
By Daniel Helmick
Illustration by Wayne England
Draconians are unique among the strong arms of the Dark Queen’s ground army, during
races of Krynn. Most races were cre- wartime their vicious instincts were encouraged
ated by the gods in ages long past, but rather than suppressed, so that most displayed little
draconians were shaped by servants of better temperament than the ogres and goblins they
the Dark Queen for one purpose: the con- commanded. Draconians are expected to be cruel,
quest of the world. Thousands of dragon eggs and they enjoy reinforcing that belief.
were transmuted (some say cursed), resulting Even in the midst of waging the war for which
in the hatching of powerful, disciplined, they were created, though, some draconians found
and seemingly endless shock troops. a purpose other than blind servitude. Some, such as
Several varieties of draconian exist, the sivak Slith, obeyed their orders loosely, more con-
and each is determined by the type of cerned with turning a healthy profit than conquest.
dragon egg used in its creation. Auraks are Others, such as the renowned bozak engineer Kang,
rare and powerful users of mind magic. The natural struggled with a foreign concept learned on the field
shapeshifting talent of the massive sivaks allows them of battle: honor.
to act as brutal but effective spies. Kapaks lick their These exceptional draconians and others like
arrowheads and blades to coat them in poison- them were pioneers. Their individuality inspired
ous saliva, ensuring an imminent (if agonizing) others, until the draconian race eventually learned to
death to those hit by the weapons. The bozaks, not only survive without the direction of their Dark
much like the auraks, are natural users of Queen but to also thrive without it. With time, they
magic. Even the lowliest of the draconians, learned to coexist with the other races of Krynn.
the baaz, are deadly foot soldiers in their own Two types of draconians are presented in this
right. (See the Draconomicon™: Metallic Dragons article for use as player characters: the bozaks, magic-
sourcebook for more details.) using subcommanders of the dragonarmies, and the
Most draconians are inured to a harsh and kapaks, naturally gifted in the art of assassination.
wicked lifestyle. Intended to be the willing
22
You Say Dragonborn, I Say Draconian
Roleplaying a
how to shape your Draconian RACIAL VARIANTS
draconian from a When creating a draconian character, consider the When you create a character belonging to a
dragonborn following points. subrace, you have the option to select from
You are the boogeyman. Draconians have a several benefits unique to that subrace. Each
Other than the obvious physical similarities,
well-deserved reputation as killers, conquerors, sla- benefit replaces a standard racial trait, as noted
it’s fair to ask whether dragonborn really have
vers, and bringers of war. To say that most people in the benefit’s description. Unless indicated
enough in common with draconians to stand in
don’t care for you is an understatement; you are likely otherwise, you can select as many of a subrace’s
for them. Using dragonborn for draconian player
reviled by all who behold you. It might take some benefits as you want. See the Neverwinter ™
characters might seem like a bit of a stretch.
impressive deeds to persuade members of other races Campaign Setting for more information on racial
Most of the differences between the races
to accept you as the individual you are, rather than variants.
represent cultural and historical idiosyncrasies
rather than physical differences. Physically, the just another typically brutal draconian.
races are quite similar. Both are covered in scales You are proud. Draconians verge on arrogance,
and resemble their draconic forebears. Both tend certain of their superiority. In spite of their cruelty
and vice, most draconians are as fearless and bold as Their natural cleverness and magnetism make them
to be strong, proud, and remarkably tough. Both
their opponents. Even the staid and proper Knights of trusted, effective, and intelligent leaders. Bozaks
races have innate, dragon-themed racial powers
Solamnia bear a grudging respect for the courage and prefer the more destructive flavors of magic, such as
and abilities.
guile of their draconian foes. elemental evocations, over the subtle spells employed
Two specific factors offer unusual perspec-
You must change. During the war, it was easy by their aurak cousins.
tives for roleplaying a draconian character.
to follow the orders of your superiors and to give Bozaks are dangerous even in death, thanks to
First, a draconian player character is assumed
in to your baser instincts. You were at the top of their tendency to explode and damage creatures
to be a cut above rank-and-file soldiers in terms
the food chain, and the creatures you subjugated around them at the moment of their demise. A slayer
of training, perspective, and power.
had to submit to you and your comrades in arms or of a bozak draconian might find his or her own death
Second, the draconian race is a young one.
risk being crushed and discarded. Now, the chang- with the sword’s final stroke.
Most of the remnants of the Dark Queen’s draco-
ing landscape has forced you to find a new path for On average, bozak draconians stand just over 6
nian army are uniform in ability and personality,
which you are ill-prepared. You have been forced to feet tall and are covered in bronze scales. They have
but exceptions naturally occur. The years follow-
acknowledge the shocking reality that your greatest the most highly developed wings among the draco-
ing the War of the Lance see the draconian race
changes are yet to come—if you truly wish to adapt nian subraces. Bozaks generally prefer light or no
coming into its own. Your character might have
and survive in this world. armor, because anything heavier interferes with their
special gifts, abilities, and attitudes outside the
arcane gestures and flight.
norm. The draconian race doesn’t really have a
common culture to speak of, so your character R acial Variant: Bozak player characters are usually sorcerers, rep-
resenting those who prefer to delve fully into their
can forge a unique path.
If you are seeking inspiration for the creation of B ozak Draconian natural magical talents, or hexblade warlocks, for
those who wish to blend their natural strength and
a draconian player character, you might want to Bozak draconians are widely regarded as some of magical power. Bozak sorcerers make adept dragon
read the Kang’s Regiment novels by Margaret Weis the most dangerous soldiers that served under the or cosmic sorcerers, playing to their natural gifts.
and Don Perrin. These books deal with a group of Dark Queen. Their magical power is exceeded by the Bozak hexblades tend to opt for the elemental or
draconian veterans of the War of the Lance learn- auraks and their physical strength is dwarfed by the infernal pacts. Bozaks can also make effective black-
ing to coexist in a world never meant for their kind. sivaks, but the bozaks exist in far greater numbers. guards or assault swordmages.
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
23
When creating a bozak draconian character, you enough to sustain flight for long, your battleground
can pick from the following benefits. mobility is still quite extraordinary.
Arcane Blood: The essence of your draconic Benefit: You gain a flight speed of 6 squares (alti- Draconian
forebears surges through your veins. Born to a legacy tude limit 1). You cannot use this fly speed if you are backgrounds
of arcane might, you have learned to augment your carrying more than a normal load. You must land at
If you choose a racial background, you either
spells with this gift. the end of your turn. This benefit replaces Draconic
gain a +2 bonus to checks with one of its asso-
Benefit: You gain a +1 racial bonus to the damage Heritage.
ciated skills, or you add one associated skill to
rolls of your arcane attack powers. This bonus Concussive Vengeance: You have learned to
your class’s skills list before you choose your
increases to +2 at 11th level and +3 at 21st level. This trigger your death throes prematurely as a last resort,
trained skills.
benefit replaces Dragonborn Fury. through a mixture of self-discipline and arcane
Bozak Draconian: From the moment of your
Instinctive Flight: Although your wings are experimentation. Be wary, though—mimicking your
birth, you were a match for virtually any human
neither large enough nor death throes might well result in the genuine article.
soldier. Your natural aptitude for both magic and
strong Benefit: You gain the concussive vengeance power.
combat and your gift for command make you a
This benefit replaces Dragon Breath.
force to be reckoned with.
Associated Skill: Arcana, Diplomacy, or
Intimidate
Kapak Draconian: You are as slippery as a
kender and as deadly as a minotaur. When you
set your sights on a foe, it is as good as dead.
Associated Skill: Intimidate, Stealth, or
Thievery
Concussive Vengeance Bozak Racial Power

Searing pain courses through you as percussive force from
your body strikes out at those nearby.
Daily F Thunder
Standard Action Close burst 1
Target: Each creature in the burst
Attack: Strength, Constitution, or Dexterity vs. Reflex.
You gain a +2 bonus to the attack roll.
Level 11: The bonus increases to +4.
Hit: The target takes thunder damage equal to your
bloodied value and falls prone.
Miss: Half damage.
Effect: You take damage equal to your bloodied value,
and you fall prone. This damage cannot be reduced by
any means.
Special: If it has not been used for the day, this power
automatically triggers when you die.
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24
R acial Variant: Benefit: You have combat advantage against ene-

mies that are slowed, immobilized, or weakened. This
Draconian Feats
K apak Draconian benefit replaces Dragonborn Fury. The feats in this section enhance the capabilities of
Sinuous Agility: Your movements are quick and draconian characters.
Like their bozak cousins, kapak draconians also stand precise, your lean muscles a study in economy.
just over 6 feet tall, though their scales are coppery
rather than bronze. Bozaks have the overall shape of
Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus to your Dexterity and
Charisma ability scores. This benefit replaces the
Bozak Evoker
burly humans, whereas the sinewy kapaks have ser- normal racial ability score bonuses for dragonborn. Drawing upon your inner resources, you charge your
pentine features with long limbs and torsos. Caustic Heritage: You have poison in your mouth spells with explosive power.
Kapaks have a reputation for being vicious in their and acidic blood. Prerequisite: Bozak draconian, Arcane Blood
dealings with other races and are well known for bul- Benefit: You gain the toxic saliva and acidic revenge racial feature, Concussive Vengeance racial feature
lying creatures smaller and weaker than themselves. powers. This benefit replaces Dragon Breath. Benefit: If you score a critical hit with an arcane
The wisest among them have learned the value of attack power, the target falls prone. In addition, while
avoiding attention, and those kapaks are more dan- Toxic Saliva Kapak Racial Power
you are bloodied, you double your racial bonus to
gerous for their slyness. damage rolls with arcane attack powers.
You lick your weapon, coating it in venom.
The kapaks are widely regarded as the fastest and
Encounter F Poison
most agile of the draconians. Their impressive speed
is far from their most dangerous attribute. Glands
Minor Action Personal Draconian Wings
Target: An axe, heavy blade, light blade, pick, or spear, or Through a rigorous regimen of toughening exercises,
underneath their tongues secrete a paralyzing toxin an arrow or crossbow bolt.
you have improved your strength for the purpose of
with which they can poison their weapons. Effect: Your next successful weapon attack with the
target also deals 1d6 poison damage and the target is
movement.
Like all draconians, they are capable of killing even
slowed (save ends). Prerequisite: Bozak or kapak draconian, Instinc-
as they meet their own fate. When kapak draconians
First Failed Saving Throw: The target is instead tive Flight racial feature
die, they immediately dissolve into a pool of highly caus-
immobilized (save ends). Benefit: You ignore the speed penalty for wearing
tic acid, inflicting horrible burns upon the unwary. Level 11: 2d6 poison damage. heavy armor, and your altitude limit for Instinctive
Kapaks make fine assassins, particularly execu- Level 21: 3d6 poison damage. Flight increases to 2.
tioners, as well as effective rogues and thieves. Some
kapaks learned to adapt to life in the wilderness as Acidic Revenge Kapak Racial Power
rangers, and a few studied the bardic arts, supporting When you die, acid explodes from your corpse.
Kapak Resistance
troops while in the service of the dragonarmies. Your origin provides you with a degree of protection
Daily F Acid
When creating a kapak draconian character, you Immediate Reaction Close burst 2 against the vile and venomous.
can pick from the following benefits. Trigger: You die. Prerequisite: Kapak draconian, Caustic Heritage
Instinctive Flight: Although your wings are not Target: Each creature in the burst racial feature
large enough or strong enough to sustain flight for Attack: Strength, Constitution, or Dexterity vs. Reflex. Benefit: You gain resist 5 acid and resist 5 poison.
long, your mobility is still quite extraordinary. You gain a +2 bonus to the attack roll. This benefit increases to resist 10 acid and resist 10
Benefit: You gain a fly speed of 6 squares (altitude Level 11: The bonus increases to +4.
poison at 11th level, and resist 15 acid and resist 15
limit 1). You cannot use this speed if you are carrying poison at 21st level.
Hit: 1d8 + Constitution modifier acid damage, and on-
more than a normal load. You must land at the end of going 5 acid damage (save ends).
your turn. This benefit replaces Draconic Heritage. Level 11: 2d8 + Constitution modifier acid damage, and
Murderous Eye: You instinctively exploit your ongoing 10 acid damage (save ends).
foes’ weakness. Level 21: 3d8 + Constitution modifier acid damage, and
ongoing 15 acid damage (save ends).
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Unearthed
Arcana:
Alternative
Multiclass
Rules
By Robert J. Schwalb and Matt Sernett
Illustrations by Chris Seaman, Goran Josic, and
Tyler Walpole
Having thwarted the schemes of a mad mage, a ranger dis-

covers a magic tome in an arcane library. After examining
the book, she learns to cast her first spell.
A cleric ministers to the party’s thief, hoping to change the

adventurer’s ways. After a near death experience, the thief
finds new piety and embraces the power of the gods.
After succumbing to a devil’s temptations, a cavalier aban-

dons his virtue and turns onto the fighter’s path. Only by
atoning can the fallen paladin regain his place in the light.
Each class in the Dungeons & Dragons® game

can accommodate numerous character concepts. A
fighter might be a two-weapon swashbuckler, a noble
knight, a berserker, or a bare-fisted unarmored war-
rior. Choosing specific features and powers within a
TM & © 2013 Wizards of the Coast LLC. All rights reserved.
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
26
Alternative Multiclass Rules
class can help reinforce one of these concepts. Even

so, a single class sometimes proves insufficient to
Multiclassing character’s primary class—the foundation on which
your multiclass character is built. You create a char-
encompass all of a character’s story, ambition, or In this system, any character can become a multiclass acter using the normal rules for character creation.
mechanical concept. In these cases, players can look character by choosing a level-based benefit from a
to other classes for additional options.
Multiclass rules are an important option for allow-
class other than his or her initial class.
Gaining Levels
Use the Character Advancement Table in the Player’s
ing a character’s story to be borne out in game play. For
example, a paladin who suffers a crisis of faith would
Primary Class Handbook, page 29, or the advancement table for your
not continue to be a paladin. Similarly, if a fighter Every multiclass character begins with one class. The primary class in another source, such as Heroes of the
teaches advanced combat techniques to a thief, those class you choose during character creation is your Fallen Lands™. When you gain a level, you can choose
should be reflected in the thief ’s unique attack powers.
For a number of other reasons, even considering
the number of classes available in the game, a player
might want to create a character whose concept goes
System Limits
beyond the confines of any single class. From the The rules presented here are intentionally broad. The number of available options and limits unbalanced
fighter who dabbles in spellcasting, to the pious thief, degree to which you invest in any secondary classes combinations.
the shadow-touched ranger, and the hexblade who is up to you. Having a large number of choices can Even-Numbered Levels Only: A character
awakens sorcerous power, many one-of-a-kind char- make it harder to pick how to advance. Your deci- can take benefits in a secondary class only at even-
acters can be modeled using multiclass rules. sions might create unforeseen imbalances. numbered levels. This restriction means that all a
Multiclassing also helps address a desire for This system makes it easier to optimize. Any character’s attack powers come from the character’s
optimization. Each class, as designed, performs a dif- player who wishes to create a character more pow- primary class, ensuring that a multiclass character
ferent role—a fighter defends, a cleric leads, a rogue erful than one with a single class can do so. Some functions in the character’s expected role.
is a stealthy scout, and so on. It can be beneficial, powers are simply better than others, or they offer Prerequisite: To choose a class as a secondary
however, to diversify a character’s talents to handle a more opportunities for exploitation. For instance, the class, a character must have a score of 15 or higher
wider range of situations. A fighter might take some barbarian and sorcerer have powers that deal more in the ability the class uses to make its attacks. This
warlord abilities to become a more effective combat damage than is standard for other classes. Such an option prevents characters from dipping into a wide
leader. A barbarian might branch out into fighter increase in character damage might not be a problem range of classes to skim the best powers from each
abilities to better defend his or her companions. Mul- until other striker class features are applied. class. It also encourages players to choose secondary
ticlassing allows characters to take better advantage The DM should supervise the use of this system to classes that complement a character’s primary class.
of features and powers in the game. assure the outcome is desirable for his or her game. Striker Limits: Class features that increase
All these needs are addressed to some degree by To put more controls in place and prevent extreme damage, such as Sneak Attack, might apply only to
the multiclass systems already present in the game. optimization of characters, the DM might allow this attack powers from the class that grants the feature.
Characters can explore other classes by taking the multiclass system but impose some of the following This rule, which shows up as part of the hybrid char-
multiclass feats, or fuse two classes by using the restrictions in the game. acter system, prevents unintended damage stacking.
hybrid character rules in Player’s Handbook® 3. Each One Secondary Class: A character can take Alternatively, such damage increases might be for-
of those options allows a character to be developed levels in only one other class using this system, bidden on any power from another striker class,
in interesting ways, but each path comes with limita- but can still take multiclass feats to expand into such as the barbarian or sorcerer, that already enjoys
tions and costs. other classes. This restriction helps reduce the higher damage than normal.
This article introduces a new multiclass system
that offers a different approach to character building.
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
27
to take new level from your primary class, or you can

take the level in a different class.
You can gain a power that has no level only if your
primary class grants that power and you take the
E xceptions
level at which the power is granted in your primary The next sections of this article spell out exceptions
What You Gain class. For example, you can gain the restore life druid to the basic system rules. You and your DM can use
Any new class you choose becomes a secondary class power only if your primary class is sentinel druid and these examples to help define other possible excep-
for you. You gain the following benefits and abilities you advance as a sentinel druid at 8th level. tions to the basic system.
from that class. The “Exceptions” section has some possible alter-
Hit Points: Your hit points increase according
to your chosen secondary class’s hit points per level
natives to strict enforcement of these rules.
Cleric (Warpriest)
Three or More Classes If your primary build and class is warpriest cleric, a
gained. For example, any character who takes a sec-
couple of levels in a secondary class offer exceptions.
ondary cleric level gains 5 hit points. These rules allow you to gain powers from any
Powers: It you gain a power, you choose it from number of classes. Be aware, however, that the more F If you take secondary class levels when you would
among those available to the secondary class for secondary classes a character has, the less focused gain a domain encounter attack power from
selection at that level. For instance, a 10th-level that character becomes. You might find a character taking a level as a warpriest cleric, you can select
character who takes a level of cleric can choose a with too many classes becomes unable to fill any spe- an encounter attack power of that level from the
10th-level or lower cleric utility power. cific party role and is thus not a viable character. secondary class. This exception does not apply to
devout warpriest powers.
What You Don’t Gain Paragon and Epic Tiers F Similarly, if you take a secondary class level when
When you choose a secondary class, you gain none of You gain a paragon path and an epic destiny as any you would gain a domain utility power from taking
that class’s other features, powers, or proficiencies, as normal character does. You cannot multiclass to a level as a warpriest cleric, you can select a util-
well as none of those from your primary class. (You change paragon path powers or epic destiny powers. ity power of that level or lower from the secondary
can never gain features and powers from more than class. This exception does not apply to devout
one class at the same level.) This fact means that it Retraining and Replacing warpriest powers.
benefits you to choose from among classes that share The normal retraining rules apply to multiclass char-
similarities, especially in proficiencies. A fighter who
decides to take a wizard attack power should also
acters, with one modification. When you retrain a Druid (Sentinel)
power, you can exchange that power only for another If your primary build and class is sentinel druid, a
take a feat (such as Arcane Initiate, Learned Spell- power from the same class. For instance, if you opt to few levels in a secondary class offer exceptions.
caster, or Witchcraft Initiate) to gain proficiency with retrain a cleric utility power, you can exchange it only
an implement so as to use that power most effectively. for another cleric utility power. F When you take 3rd level or 7th level in a second-
Whenever a new level in a secondary class offers A similar principle applies to replacing powers at ary class, instead of gaining Improved Combined
a power or feature of a type your primary class higher levels. If you want to replace a power when Attack, you can gain one encounter attack power
cannot gain, your multiclass character cannot gain your advancement allows you to do so, you can select of that level from the chosen secondary class.
that power. Such a level is best taken in your primary a power only from among those available to the same F When you take 16th level in a secondary class,
class. For instance, a character whose primary class is class from which the replaced power comes. instead of gaining the a thousand faces power, you
a fighter with the knight or slayer build cannot gain can gain one utility power of the appropriate level
daily attack powers using this multiclassing system. or lower from the chosen secondary class.
Similarly, a character whose primary class is rogue F If you take 17th level in a secondary class, instead
cannot gain domain powers and features from the of gaining an animal companion power of that
warpriest cleric. level, you can replace one of your encounter
attack powers. You need to do so only if you took
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
28
a secondary class level at 3rd or 7th level, thereby has the primary build and class of cavalier pala-
gaining an encounter attack power from a second- din already gains similar benefits and can ignore
ary class. these options.
F When you take 3rd level in the paladin class,
Fighter whether primary or secondary, you can gain the
A few levels in fighter provide the opportunity to holy smite power instead of gaining another pala-
choose among alternatives. A character who has the din encounter attack power.
primary class of fighter and the knight build or the F When you take 13th level in the paladin class,
slayer build already gains similar benefits and can whether primary or secondary, you can replace
ignore these options. one of your paladin encounter attack powers
F When you take 3rd level in the fighter class, gained at 1st, 3rd, or 7th level with the holy smite
whether primary or secondary, you can gain the power. If you already have holy smite, you can
power strike power instead of a new fighter encoun- replace such an encounter attack power with the
ter attack power. ability to use holy smite one more time per encoun-
ter, but still only once per turn.
F When you take 13th level in the fighter class,
whether primary or secondary, you can replace
one of your fighter encounter attack powers gained Psionic Classes
at 1st, 3rd, or 7th level with the power strike power. Psionic classes require a few exceptions.
If you already have power strike, you can replace F If your primary class grants the Psionic Augmen-
such an encounter attack power with the ability to tation class feature, you should take all levels at
use power strike one more time per encounter, but which you gain power points and gain or replace
still only once per turn. at-will attack powers in your primary class.
F When you take 17th level in the fighter class, F If you take levels in a psionic class as a second-
and you have a fighter encounter attack power ary class, you can gain power points and at-will
you could replace, you can gain one fighter at- attack powers from the class only by taking other
will stance power from among the options on character elements, such as feats, that grant such
pages 130 (the knight) and 153 (the slayer) of benefits. It is recommended that a character
Heroes of the Fallen Lands, replacing one of your who takes a secondary psionic class also take the
fighter encounter attack powers with the chosen Psionic D abbler feat as soon as possible.
stance. You cannot replace power strike or a use
F If you have no power points because you have
of that power with this option. After you select
gained none from your advancement choices, you
a stance, you cannot replace it at later levels
are considered to have 0 power points only if doing
unless you retrain into another stance among the
so is harmful to you. For example, if you have no
options allowed.
power points from having gained none during
advancement, and you take the Invincible Mind
Paladin epic destiny, the Reinvigorating Attack feature pro-
A couple of levels of paladin provide an opportunity vides you no benefit.
to choose between alternatives. A character who
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29
Ranger F When you take 13th level in the rogue class, you
can replace one of your rogue encounter attack
Several levels in ranger, whether primary or sec-
powers gained at 1st, 3rd, or 7th level with the
ondary, provide the opportunity to choose among
backstab power. If you already have backstab, you
alternatives. A character who has the primary class
can replace such an encounter attack power with
of ranger and the hunter build or scout build already
the ability to use backstab one more time per
gains similar benefits and can ignore these options.
encounter, but still only once per turn.
F When you take 3rd level in the ranger class, you
can gain the disruptive shot or the power strike power About the Authors
instead of another ranger encounter attack power. Robert J. Schwalb has contributed design to or developed
F When you take 5th level in the ranger class, you nearly two hundred roleplaying game titles for Dungeons
& Dragons®, Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, A Song of Ice and
can take the reactive shift power instead of selecting
Fire Roleplaying Game, Star Wars Roleplaying Game, and the
a new daily power. If you do so, you cannot replace d20 system. Some of his more recent work for Wizards of
the reactive shift power at later levels. the Coast can be found in Book of Vile Darkness™ and Player’s
F When you take 9th level in the ranger class, instead Option: Heroes of the Elemental Chaos™. For more information
of choosing a daily attack power, you can gain either about the author, check his website at www.robertjschwalb.
com or follow him on Twitter (@rjschwalb).
the Close Combat Archery class feature or the
dual weapon attack power. If you do so, you cannot Matt Sernett is a writer and game designer for Wizards
replace the selected option at later levels. of the Coast who has worked on both Dungeons & Drag-
F When you take 13th level in the ranger class, you ons® and Magic: The Gathering ®. Recent credits include
can replace one of your encounter attack powers Halls of Undermountain™, Neverwinter™ Campaign Guide, and
Scars of Mirrodin™. When he’s not making monsters or build-
gained at 1st, 3rd, or 7th level with the disruptive
ing worlds, he’s watching bad fantasy movies you don’t realize
shot or power strike power. If you already have dis- exist and shouldn’t bother to learn about. You can follow him
ruptive shot or power strike, you can replace such an on Twitter, where he’s @Sernett.
encounter attack power with the ability to use one
of those powers one more time per encounter, but
still only once per turn.
Rogue
A few levels in the rogue class, whether primary
or secondary, provide the opportunity to choose
between alternatives.
F When you take 3rd level in the rogue class, you
can gain the backstab power instead of gaining a
new rogue encounter attack power.
F When you take 5th level in the rogue class, you can
take the cunning escape power instead of selecting
a new daily attack power. If you do so, you cannot
replace the cunning escape power at later levels.
M a rc h 2 013 | D R AG O N 4 21
30
Abyssal Trade Goods:
Not a Bad Thing
By Ed Greenwood
Illustration by Noah Bradley
“Something about that man feels . . . otherworldly,” Alchemists and arcane spellcasters and the
Dondras said, shivering. “Cold, slithering, watchful. Wait- enchanters of items have always valued the body
ing for a moment of weakness. . . . Let’s skip his tent.” parts and bodily fluids of demons, because their
“Otherworldly, indeed,” his fellow merchant replied inherent nature (linked to the Elemental Chaos) both
with a smile. “He claims to sell wine he’s personally brought captures and unleashes magical energy, and so is
straight from the Abyss. And no merchant would stretch the useful in all matters magical. Illicit or covert trade in
truth to make a sale, eh?” “demonic treasures,” as some call them, will always
exist, and this trade involves high prices, scarcity, and
“Straight from the Abyss” clients of fell intent.
Several Abyssal goods are more widely useful
For more than a thousand years, the phrase “straight and less deadly to procure, and as word of them has
from the Abyss” has been used by traders all over spread across the Realms, so has their popularity.
the Realms to describe rare and exotic goods they’re Right now, the most popular Abyssal wares
trying to sell, particularly if they want to be vague are these.
about where those goods came from. Bathaerel (pronounced “bath-hair-ell”): Also
A few merchants, however, really do trade directly known as “rustbanish,” bathaerel is a purplish
between the Abyss and the continent of Faerûn, powder or gravel made of certain rocks from the
selling or swapping certain fruits and cheeses of Abyssal layers of Rauwend and Voorz’zt.2 When the
the Realms (not to mention food-slaves1) to Abyssal rock is agitated in a bag with rusty metal items or
inhabitants with a taste for the freshest produce and mixed into a paste with water, crushed raw potato or
meat, and bringing back to markets Abyssal trade grist, and certain green-shoot plants, the resulting
goods that command high prices.
31
Eye on the Realms
mixture stops rust and removes it, leaving behind twists the taste of rotting meat or fermenting fruits with allies who can be called upon if things go awry,
clean metal (though it doesn’t replace metal already and vegetables into something pleasant and palatable. escape plans, and magic items for use in combat or
lost to rust). Stonesulder Wine: The long-dead merchant defense). Such traits are typical of any Abyssal trader
Droth (“drawth”): Also called “demon’s blood,” Ariast Stonesulder popularized the vintage that bears who survives more than a single trading expedition
droth is a black, sticky substance made from the his name by tirelessly selling it all over the Heart- (and makes subsequent forays).
blood of manes and the boiled-down chitin (body lands of the Realms. The yellow-hued, sharp-flavored
plates) of derghodemons. When smeared on the eyes, liquid known as Stonesulder wine is now a staple in High Stakes Hurluu
it cures certain sorts of blindness in some individu- many kitchens.5 Not only does this pleasant drink The most colorful and widely known of the cur-
als, and when ingested (its taste is generally described cleanse the palate when imbibed by itself, but it also rently successful Abyssal traders is the garrulous,
as salty and horrible), it can help to cure certain dis- has the property of binding sauces and gravies to rice jovial, toad-ugly man who calls himself High Stakes
eases.3 When smeared on acid-drenched items or and root vegetables (such as potatoes, turnips, pars- Hurluu (though he never participates in gambling
living creatures, it cuts the corrosion done by the acid nips), so that the flavors of the sauces cling and mask games, or wagers on outcomes; his only gambles are
in half. Ingested or smeared, droth stops all green or alter the natural flavors of what they cling to. investments). Always eager to make a friend or a new
slime effects instantly, and turns back existing slime Stonesulder wine is made by crushing the fruits trading deal, Hurluu is a roaringly amiable figure rap-
into the living material it was before being slimed. and leaves of certain jungle and swamp plants found idly growing in legend.
Moonhoney: The substance with the unlikely in many layers of the Abyss to capture their sap or No one but Hurluu knows what he truly is, but he
name of moonhoney is actually the dung of ground- juice, which is then fermented in wooden barrels. can transform his body into at least three forms: the
worms that dwell on many Abyssal layers (and which The fermentation process takes place either in the short, burly, wart-covered human trader most folk in
are eaten by many demons). It is a smoky-tasting, Abyss or in the Realms, and the barrels must be the Realms see; a naga-like, human-headed snake of
nourishing, even rib-sticking treat to humans, hal- from a hardwood, or else the wine is soured, and the great length and mottled gray-green hue; and a float-
flings, dwarves, elves, and half-elves. Its name aging should be in a damp and warm, rather than ing or flying, many-eyed and many-tentacled body
comes from its consistency and appearance (both of cold, place. that can fight several foes at once. He wears or car-
which are rather like the honey produced by wild ries some sort of magic item that can teleport him
bees), and the fact that when bathed in moonlight,
it momentarily acquires a rough, fleeting sweetness.
Abyssal Traders away from a confrontation that goes badly, and he has
escaped several “certain” death traps.
Moonhoney doesn’t spoil unless it is scorched in open Elminster warns that there are “a dark handful” of
Hurluu deals—unscrupulously and with raw good
flame or soaked in citrus juices, and so it is an ideal demons who shuttle back and forth between the
humor—in everything. As he often says, “No deal
trail food for wayfarers of all kinds, who can readily Abyss and the Realms, posing as merchants but really
too large, and none too small!” He is usually found
carve it into handy chunks.4 It is prized for its prop- pursuing slaving or ruler-influencing interests.
lurking in a tavern, a festhall, or a seedy club in
erty of neutralizing almost all known poisons active The Abyssal traders examined here, however,
Waterdeep, Athkatla, Westgate, Suzail, or Selgaunt.
within those who eat it. are non-demon inhabitants of the Realms, each of
He cultivates street gangs and thieves’ guilds to be
Quelaerel (“kwel-air-ell”): The fiery, thick brown whom is human, part human, or readily able to pose
his allies if things go wrong, and he has caches and
sauce known as quelaerel is derived from boiling the as human.
hiding places arranged in his five favorite trading
wormlike bodies of the threeb, a variety of bloodsuck- They share certain characteristics, beyond a
cities—not to mention complicated escape plans.
ing leeches found in the swamps and jungles of many hunger for making coin and access to a demongate
Hurluu is infamous across the Realms for unleash-
Abyssal layers (such as the Screaming Jungle area of or an Abyssal portal. Many humans would say that
ing a menagerie of monsters to maraud in the streets
the Gaping Maw, the fetid layer of Shedaklah, and madness is an essential trait for such individuals, but
of Athkatla when the beasts’ owner tried to double-
the Slugbed). Quelaerel is used in Calishite and other those who look closer would see confidence, fear-
cross him in a trading deal.
cuisine of the South. Meeting the tongue rather like lessness, toughness, foresight, and a good memory,
He’s also known for hiring a succession of young
a lighter and more varied tamarind sauce, quelaerel all of which are used often to prepare for the worst
and beautiful escorts to pose as his offspring, who
(with caches of weapons and coin, agreements made
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32
Eye on the Realms
distract clients with their charms (influencing the be coated with substances that cause sleep, blurred payment, he often accepts suitably intelligent and
clients into making deals that benefited Hurluu more vision, loss of strength or control over limbs, and lively humans to give to the Hlarryd.
than themselves). other maladies in victims struck by them. Nornora Thelbrynd (Nor-nor-ah Thel-brind) is a
When a cabal of Sembian traders tried to have Balakhwood travels to cities all over the Heart- fiery-tempered, scheming woman and weretiger, who
Hurluu eliminated, the jovial trader poisoned many lands and the Sword Coast, selling droth, moonhoney, serves the “fallen” noble family of Mallyth as their
Selgauntans by tainting casks of wine that were lots of quelaerel, and casks of Stonesulder wine and trading agent.7 She loves negotiations and danger
bound for the homes of the cabal members . . . and firegullet wine (which is Stonesulder mixed with the and chases and brawls, and she is not above seduc-
many other clients in the city of Selgaunt. blood of certain demons and with red wines from ing humans of either gender to seal a deal or gain an
If someone amuses him—even a foe trying to do across the Realms, to yield a “peppery” and filling ally. She prefers to work alone, and she wears several
him ill—Hurluu will regard the source of amusement hearty wine). He accepts coin, new weapons, and useful magic items to make up for often being out-
as delightful entertainment, to be goaded or even sometimes “too hot to handle locally” stolen goods by numbered in trade negotiations. Most often found
aided, so that the “ jester” might survive to entertain way of payment, and he seldom stays anywhere in the somewhere along the overland trade routes between
him in the future. On the other hand, he has casually Realms for long. Waterdeep and Sembia, she trades in small, portable
murdered folk who get in his way, and he takes glee Gaskil Salanter (Gass-keel Sah-lann-tur) is a amounts of all “demonic treasures,” including all the
in framing passing adventurers for his misdeeds. drawling, decadent-seeming handsome male who currently popular goods described herein.
dresses and acts like a bored Cormyrean noble. He
Others of Renown has a prodigious capacity for strong drink (remain-
ing apparently unaffected after imbibing massive
Abyssal Tradeways
Several other Abyssal traders have made wide reputa-
amounts), and he either has an innate resistance to The portals and demongates used by Abyssal trad-
tions for themselves in the areas where they operate.
many poisons or sleep-inducing substances, or he ers (to travel between the Realms and various layers
Laraethra Arankuil (Lar-ay-thra Arr-an-kwil) is
doses himself with the means to resist such perils of the Abyss) tend to be dark secrets, but a few of
a small, raven-haired, terse (and seemingly human
before his every public appearance in the Realms. them—thanks to the activities of the traders described
female of wide education) merchant who trades
He travels and trades widely, always surrounded here—are becoming known. All are guarded by guilds
discreetly in upper rooms in Westgate, Saerloon,
by well-armed bodyguards and even better (but more or powerful wizards or noble families, and they are
and Urmlaspyr.6 She has been observed to take on
covertly) armed servants, including an ever-present located in buildings that those guards control, often
bat shape to escape by air from attackers. Arankuil
“advisor” that is really a member of the Hlarryd in cellars or hidden rooms.
primarily deals in demon eyeballs, droth, and rust-
(Huh-larr-id) charged with watching over Salanter’s Some of these tradeways remain largely mysteri-
banish, often paying in gems. She accepts all forms of
activities. ous, their locations implied rather than known. These
payment, including city property and ship cargoes.
The Hlarryd is a cabal of fewer than a dozen include one near Westgate and others within the
Theregos Balakhwood (Thair-eh-goes Baal-
illithids who use magic to disguise themselves as walls of Selgaunt, Saerloon, and Suzail.
lack-wud) is a long-gray-haired, heavyset man of
humans. They control the portal known as The More can be said at present of two Abyssal portals.
demonstrated strength who has large hands, a coldly
Way of Hlar (see below), and as payment for its use Oroch’s Stride bears the name of a human mer-
even temper, and a smile like a shark. Either he has
demand a human with “an interesting mind” per pas- chant whose dealings with the Abyss ended badly for
the natural ability to sprout tentacles that can wield
sage (of any amount of traders and cargo). him. For years Oroch controlled this portal, in the
weapons, lift and move heavy items, and fight for
Salanter is interested in building contacts among cellar of a nondescript building in northeastern Scor-
him, or else he wears (across his belly) some sort of
courtiers, rulers, and nobles who are in debt or need, nubel, that links the Realms with the Abyssal city of
magic item or carried creature that can sprout such
and then becoming useful to such people. He buys Morglon-Daar. It is currently controlled by Tarnrose,
tentacles, more than a score at a time and reaching
new weapons, farm and city properties, mansions and a renegade female drow wizard, and her gang, who
up to a dozen feet away. He wears a small arsenal
castles, and sells lots of droth and Stonesulder wine, deal fairly with all users that pay proper passage fees
of sheathed and scabbarded piercing and edged
and a little moonhoney and quelaerel. In lieu of other (66 gp per transit of any number of traders, wagons,
weapons (notably darts and poniards) that seem to
and goods using the gate while a sandglass runs8).
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Eye on the Realms
The Way of Hlar is somewhere in the upper Actual flame (or certain of the strongest acids) is About the Author
floors of a palatial spired building in Athkatla. It links required to reduce it to a foul, unpleasant liquid. Ed Greenwood is the man who unleashed the Forgotten
the Realms to the city of Zelatar in Azzagrat (specifi- 5. Stonesulder wine has an acidic “tang” or edge to Realms® setting on an unsuspecting world. He works in
libraries, plus he writes fantasy, science fiction, horror, mys-
cally with the neighborhood of Gallenghast). its taste that clears the throat and has been described
tery, and romance stories (sometimes all in the same novel),
It is controlled by the Hlarryd cabal of mind flay- as “sweet fresh fruit crushed and squeezed to jet but he is happiest when churning out Realmslore, Realms-
ers, who “taste” the thoughts and memories of an juices down one’s gullet” (by the “Sage of the Table” lore, and more Realmslore. He still has a few rooms in his
ever-growing collection of humans whom they try not and gourmand Halitz Marlel of Athkatla). house in which he has space left to pile up papers.
to kill or drain to mindlessness, but rather to savor for 6. An “upper rooms” trader is someone who meets
decades. Their best-known contact in Athkatla is the a buyer in a place owned by another merchant or
mind flayer who poses as Ontias Zround (Awn-tee-az even a noble or local official or ruler. The host of the
Zur-oond), a darkly handsome, sophisticated young meeting quietly contacts possible buyers about the
male collector of expensive curios. trader’s impending visit (often in the middle of one
night, but sometimes after a certain time on two suc-
Notes cessive nights) and provides security. Upper rooms
1. The term “food-slaves” refers to live human traders usual deal in gems, magic items, drugs, and
captives being delivered to Abyssal buyers to be other rare, valuable, and potentially dangerous wares.
devoured; but in fact a wide range of creatures, from 7. The House of Mallyth was ennobled some cen-
oxen to beavers and even rats, are prized as delicacies turies back in Tethyr, but the family members were
by various Abyssal inhabitants. soon stripped of their status because of their grasp-
2. These are two layers of the three ruled by the ing ways. (They sold their influence when they were
demon lord Graz’zt, collectively known as Azzagrat. given titles or authority, bought and sold land and
Rauwend is an endless and largely wild wood, gray, ships with much use of duress and blackmail, and
gloomy, subdued, and forgettable; Voorz’zt is the also “sold” royal lands, buildings, and permits they
place where cold is hot and vice versa (flames glow had no right to dispose of.) The Mallyths promptly
blue and deal cold damage, and frigid gales burn), a decamped to Westgate, Turmish, Scornubel, and
dark skyscape lit by a dim cerulean sun. Elminster Sembia, and they went right on clawing wealth into
says these are by no means the only layers of the their laps by any means. Trading in “demonic trea-
Abyss where certain rocks have “rustbanish” effects if sures” seemed like a great sideline to them, as long as
brought to the Realms—but the others will have to be they could find an agent to do the dangerous work,
found by exploration and experimentation, whereas and just collect a percentage—so that’s what they did.
these two layers are known sources. 8. Here, “sandglass” refers to the Scornubrian
3. Sages are furiously debating the efficacy of “sandglass” or miniature hourglass, whose contents
droth in combating this or that disease; Elminster take two seconds longer than two minutes to entirely
says it seems that droth’s effects vary widely from run through. This time measure is used locally as
individual to individual and affliction to affliction, a delimiter for such purposes as making moves in
but a “substantial” dose tends to slow or halt the harm games or choices in certain guild negotiations, chas-
a disease does for 1d12 days. ing and catching live food animals in a pen, and even
4. Moonhoney doesn’t melt in sunlight, even selecting partners in some contests or festhalls.
when it’s left to bake on a rock or shield in the desert.
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Coming Next Month
Hyrsa m, Prince of Sat yrs Barlar’s Bucket Helm
By Mark Monack By Ed Greenwood
Hyrsam is so ancient that he remembers—and Barlar Belasko is a man of above-average height,
misses—a time before Corellon and the other gods handsomeness, and ego. But an annoyed wizard
discovered the Feywild. brought him down a peg.
BUILDING Char acter Tinker Gnomes

By Matt Sernett By Daniel Helmick
Have you grown tired of humble farmboys and As dwarves need to mine and elves need to sing,
rebellious noble daughters? Roll up a new, unique tinker gnomes need to invent.
background for your hero.
A nd More!

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Issue 421 | MARCH 2013

A Dungeons & D ragons ® Roleplay ing Ga me Supplement

3 Pitch Perfect 22 You Say Dr agonbor n,

17 Legendary Items The phrase “straight from the Abyss” is

A ir M ephit Air Mephit

D ust Con 14 (+3) Int 8 (+0) Cha 12 (+2)

M ephit Con 12 (+2) Int 8 (+0) Cha 14 (+3)

E arth M ephit Earth Mephit

Ice M ephit Ice Mephit

M agma M ephit terrain for creatures without ice walk.

M ist M ephit Mist Mephit

Water M ephit Water Mephit Level 3 Controller

Forged from the coldest formations of raw chaos and

The Elemental Princes

TM & © 2013 Wizards of the Coast LLC. All rights reserved.

T he Frostblood the child survives, it ingests another larger amount of

Breath of Chill Death

About the Author

Brightblades’ lands had gone mad and were threaten-

pointed out a smear of strawberry jam on the handle.

The Dragonlance Dragonlance Level 10+ Rare

Concussive Vengeance Bozak Racial Power

R acial Variant: Benefit: You have combat advantage against ene-

Having thwarted the schemes of a mad mage, a ranger dis-

A cleric ministers to the party’s thief, hoping to change the

After succumbing to a devil’s temptations, a cavalier aban-

Each class in the Dungeons & Dragons® game

TM & © 2013 Wizards of the Coast LLC. All rights reserved.

class can help reinforce one of these concepts. Even

to take new level from your primary class, or you can

BUILDING Char acter Tinker Gnomes

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