Elder Evils

Axihuatl CR 19
hp 206 (24 HD); fast healing 5, regeneration 1 hp/hour
See page 69 for statistics.
16 Cultists CR 5
hp 47 each (5 HD)
Human fighter 5
CE Medium humanoid
Init +6
AC 21
Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +2
Melee longsword +9 (1d8+5/17–20)
Ranged longbow +7 (1d8/×3)
Atk Options Power Attack
Abilities Str 16, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8
TACTICS
Initially, the waterveiled assassin moves to defend Axihuatl.
Its priority is protecting him, so it moves toward any
characters who attack him. Cultists likewise move to stop
the PCs while Axihuatl completes the ritual, but they are
more likely to be nuisances than any real threat. The focus
initially is simply to slow the party down and buy Axihuatl
some time.
When one or more characters break through and attack
Axihuatl, he turns and fights while the Abyssal Shard begins
to orbit the central column and the runes grow brighter and
brighter. He casts all possible protective spells on himself
before combat if he has time, and once in combat uses his
corrupt inflict spells, starting with the most damaging and
working down. He falls back toward the central column as
he fights.
If Marcus Hape survived previous encounters (see the
EL 10 portion of the timeline on page 66), he is here too and
loyally fights for Axihuatl.
CONCLUSION
The combat continues until Axihuatl has lost half his hit
points. At this point, he staggers and accidentally strikes
the orbiting Abyssal Shard. The entire chamber is rocked
by a massive tremor equivalent to an earthquake spell,
requiring characters to make DC 15 Reflex saves or be
knocked prone.
After the tremor, all the tubes in the floor of the chamber
shoot geysers of seawater into the air, and the chamber
immediately begins to fill with water at a rate of about 1
foot per round. The cultists begin to scream and take no
further actions other than trying to save themselves. Once
the water is 10 feet deep, Axihuatl transforms into his
ixitxachitl form.
Before the PCs can react to “Enshaddon’s” transformation,
they are submerged in the water and must make DC 20 Swim
checks. Moments later, huge waves ripple through the chamber
and smash open one of the walls. The sea comes rushing
in, and the PCs are swept out of the chamber, carried along
by a titanic wave.
FEATURES OF THE AREA
Ritual Circle: The cultists stand around the edge of these
carved runes. A permanent magic circle against law is in effect
inside the circle. Creatures of chaotic alignment (including
Axihuatl and the cultists) receive a +1 circumstance bonus on
attack rolls, skill checks, and saves.
Inner Circle: The magic circle against law effect continues
within the inner circle. In addition, a magic circle against good
is in effect, and creatures of evil alignment receive a further
+1 circumstance bonus on attack rolls, skill checks, and saves.
This stacks with the previous bonus, giving chaotic evil creatures
(such as Axihuatl and the cultists) a +2 bonus.
Central Column: Any lawful or chaotic creatures within
10 feet of the column must roll on the following tables each
round and gain the indicated bonus or penalty.
d% Chaotic Creature
01–25 No effect
26–50 1d6 hit points healed or gain 1d6 temporary
hit points if at maximum
51–75 2d6 hit points healed or gain 2d6 temporary
hit points if at maximum
76–85 Can take an additional standard action this round
86–94 Can take an additional attack and move action,
or an additional full-round action this round
95–100 +2 on ability checks, skill checks, saving throws,
and attack rolls this round
d% Lawful Creature
01–25 No effect
26–50 Lose 1d6 hit points
51–75 Lose 2d6 hit points
76–85 Can take only a single action this round
86–94 Can take no actions this round
95–100 –2 on ability checks, skill checks, saving throws,
and attack rolls this round
ENCOUNTER 5-1
75