Elder Evils

Spell Focus (necromancy), Spell Penetration, Tomb-Tainted
Soul LM , Weapon Finesse, Willing Deformity B
Skills Bluff +15, Concentration +24 (+28 casting defensively),
Decipher Script +13, Diplomacy +5 (+7 against evil creatures),
Disable Device +8, Disguise +3 (+5 acting), Escape
Artist +14, Heal +17, Hide +16, Intimidate +8 (+10 against
evil creatures), Knowledge (arcana) +26, Knowledge (history)
+17, Knowledge (the planes) +13, Knowledge (religion)
+26, Listen +14, Move Silently +14, Search +25, Spellcraft
+28, Survival +14 (+16 on other planes, +16 following tracks)
Possessions combat gear plus ring of protection +3, amulet of
natural armor +3, bracers of armor +6, cloak of resistance
+2, gloves of Dexterity +2, mask of Intellect +6, 2 pinches
of diamond dust (50 gp) for nondetection, 2 flasks of unholy
water for unholy storm, onyx (50 gp) for death armor,
symbol of Nerull
Spellbook spells prepared plus 0—all except abjuration
and illusion; 1st—erase; 4th—animate dead, ice storm;
5th—blight
Major Desecration (Su) As the desecrate spell, extending out
in a 90-foot radius, but affects only allied undead.
Tomb-Tainted Soul Edwin is healed by negative energy and
harmed by positive energy as though he were undead.
Worm-Smite (Ex) Once every 5 rounds, Edwin can make a
touch attack to deliver a worm-smite. A creature struck
by this attack must succeed on a DC 22 Reflex save or
become covered in ravenous worms. On Edwin’s next
turn and every turn thereafter, the target takes 7d8 points
of slashing damage as the worms consume the target’s
flesh and burrow into its organs. The worms remain until
destroyed or removed—or until the target is slain, indicating
the worms have devoured their victim.
A target can use a full-round action to attempt to
remove the hungry worms. Escaping requires a DC 22
Reflex save. Rolling on the ground—and thus crushing
the worms—provides a +2 circumstance bonus on the
save. Dealing at least 20 points of fi re
damage destroys the worms, but
deals the same amount of damage
to the victim as well. Conjuration
(teleportation) spells or spell-like
effects can also extricate the target
from the worm-smite.
Constructs, elementals,
oozes, and creatures
of the incorporeal subtype
are immune to this ability.
Cursed Glance (Sp) Seven
times per day when a
visible enemy within
60 feet targets Edwin
with an attack or spell,
Edwin can, as an immediate
action, force
the opponent to make
a DC 18 Will save or
take a –2 penalty to AC
and on saving throws
for 1 round.
Discorporate (Ex) As an
immediate action,
Edwin can discorporate,
collapsing into a
pile of slithering vermin.
There’s one Fine worm
(AC 20, 1 hp each) for
each hit point Edwin
The Herald of Kyuss
possessed prior to discorporating. In the round when he
uses this ability, the worms fall to the ground, fi lling his
space. Unless each worm is destroyed within 1 round,
the writhing worms burrow into the earth or slither away.
As long as any component vermin survives, Edwin can,
within 24 hours, breed and create a new body to house
his malicious essence.
Frightful Presence (Su) Edwin inspires terror whenever he
uses his worm-smite ability. All creatures witnessing the
attack must succeed on a DC 20 Will save or become
shaken, remaining so as long as they remain within 60
feet of Edwin. A creature saving against the frightful presence
cannot be affected by Edwin’s frightful presence for
24 hours.
Skills Edwin has a +10 racial bonus on Escape Artist, Hide,
Listen, Move Silently, and Survival checks.
HERALD OF KYUSS
“Behold, the great Worm stirs! Go out and spread the word, for he
shall come and make worthy the unworthy, redeem the wicked,
and purge the unclean.”
—The Herald of Kyuss
The Herald of Kyuss is the Worm’s high priest, prophet, and
disciple. The Herald conceals his awful form behind many
different masks. The Herald can be anyone and anywhere,
watching and waiting for the moment to strike.
GOALS
As a devoted servant, the Herald seeks little else than to
serve the pleasure of his master. It is enough for him to murder
and devour—to spread unrest and violence in the
Worm’s name. The Herald must often guess at
his master’s wishes since Kyuss rarely deigns
to communicate his wants, leaving the Herald
to interpret the silence to the best of
his ability.
USING THE HERALD
The Herald is a faceless enemy, a hidden
threat to cause trouble for the player
characters. Using his change shape ability,
the Herald can masquerade as anyone,
and can play the part of a trusted ally
or a longtime companion. When
the PCs seek out Wormcrawl
Island, the Herald should accompany
them, then betray them at
their most desperate moment.
DESCRIPTION
Kyuss’s Herald prefers the
form of a young, lithe woman,
getting what he wants
through seduction and deceit.
His normal form is a
disgusting blending of worm,
octopus, and insect. The Herald
is monstrous, but also quite clever.
He speaks eloquently and
has impeccable manners.
Illus. by S. Srisuwan
CHAPTER 9
THE WORM
THAT WALKS
133