[Lvl 22] - Grasp of the Mantled Citadel.pdf

Encounter Level 23 (24,200 XP)Rithkerrar, aspect of Vecna (V)1 abhorrent reaper (R)These two creatures were part of a larger raidingparty sent here by Vecna to capture Irfelujhar. Thelich’s treachery tore at the Spider Lord’s dark soul,and he desired to wreak a terrible revenge upon theperfidious Irfelujhar. The raiding party arrived beforeIrfelujhar moved his tower and the surrounding landsto Vaerothim and was trapped here. Forest denizenshave destroyed their fellows.When the characters enter this area, read:The trees thin as the land slopes gently downward to asmall, sluggish stream. The stream’s water is black and oilyand coats the stream’s banks.Beyond the stream stand two figures. The first is largeand massively muscled. Clad in a voluminous hooded cloak,shadows cluster thickly about the figure, which carries amassive sickle of black metal.The other figure is man-sized. Skin hangs from itsskeletal frame and a shredded cloak hangs limply from itsshoulders. At sight of you, it holds up one hand in greeting.Rithkerrar is very clever. He does not deny his truenature or allegiance (as this is obviously a wasteof time). Rather he appeals to the heroes to bandtogether to face the greater threat—namely Irfelujhar.He tells the characters how Irfelujhar betrayed Vecnaby switching his allegiance to Tiamat over 1,000years ago. He confirms that Irfelujhar is a crafter ofrituals almost without equal and that he is undoubtedlyworking on a ritual of undreamt-of power for hisnew mistress. He tells the PCs that if they work withhim, his master will reward them. He seems genuinelymystified if one or more of the heroes object tothis—a reward is a reward no matter its source.Rithkerrar is not above making up additional facts todraw out information from the characters. As a signof good faith, he mentions that the strange effects ofthe forest get more powerful the closer a traveler getsto the Mantled Citadel.When it is obvious to Rithkerrar that the PCs haveshared all pertinent information, he orders the abhorrentreaper to attack.Rithkerrar,Level 25 Elite ControllerAspect of Vecna (V)Medium immortal humanoid (undead) XP 14,000Initiative +18 Senses Perception +25; darkvision,truesight 10Vecna’s Aura (Healing, Necrotic) aura 10; any living creaturethat starts its turn within the aura takes 10 necroticdamage. Any undead creature that starts its turn withinthe aura regains 5 hit points.HP 464; Bloodied 232AC 41; Fortitude 39, Reflex 37, Will 40Immune disease, poison; Resist 15 necrotic; Vulnerable 10radiantSaving Throws +2Speed 6, teleport 6Action Points 1 Paralyzing Touch (Standard, at-will) ✦ Necrotic+29 vs. Reflex; 3d6 + 14 necrotic damage, and the target isimmobilized and weakened (save ends both). Ray of Death (Standard, at-will) ✦ NecroticRanged 10; +29 vs. Reflex; 2d8 + 15 necrotic damage, andthe target loses a healing surge. Necrotic Web (Standard, recharge ) ✦ Necrotic,ZoneArea burst 3 within 20; targets living creatures; +29vs. Reflex; 2d6 + 12 necrotic damage, and the target isimmobilized and takes ongoing 10 necrotic damage (saveends both). The burst creates a zone of webs that lastsuntil the end of the encounter. The zone is difficult terrain,and a living creature that ends its move in the web isimmobilized and takes ongoing 10 necrotic damage (saveends both).Vecna’s Ambition (When Rithkerrar reduces a creature to 0 hitpoints or fewer, at-will)The aspect of Vecna regains an action point.Alignment Evil Languages allSkills Arcana +25, Bluff +23, Diplomacy +25, Dungeoneering+25, Heal +25, History +25, Intimidate +23, Nature +25,Religion +25Str 19 (+16) Dex 23 (+18) Wis 26 (+20)Con 24 (+19) Int 27 (+20) Cha 22 (+18)October 2009 | DUNGEON 171