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

A Speak with Nature ritual fragment swirls throughthe area. Characters can activate this fragmentusing the rules presented in Ritual Fragments(page 57).Speak with Nature Fragment (Nature): A cloud ofgreen and brown smoke accompanied by the faint smellof honeysuckle and lavender wafts through the trees.A barbarian, druid, shaman, or warden gains a +2bonus to checks made to activate this ritual fragment.This bonus stacks with that detailed in the “PrimalCharacters” sidebar (page 67).A character activating this fragment can ask onequestion of a nearby tree. Refer to page 58 for noteson how to handle this fragment in regard to “normal”trees within the forest.Naiethar’s Oak: Characters using this fragment onNaiethar’s oak realize that it has no spirit boundwithin. The tree answers up to three questions normally.The tree wishes to escape the forest and knowsthat Naiethar’s request will allow its essence to returnto the natural world.Naiethar is a merciless opponent. Her powers enableher to hurl the full force of the Twisted Forest at impudentattackers. She uses necrotic treestride to movearound safely, never allowing more than two opponentsto engage her in melee. She uses her powersto slow and incapacitate, focusing on active, mobileopponents over those already affected by her powers.She is unafraid of death and sees her destruction onlyas temporary relief from the forest’s malign influence.Illumination: Dim light. The closely packedskeletal boughs of the trees cut out much of the lightseeping down from above.Writhing Roots: Thick, gnarled roots thrust fromthe forest floor to trip the unwary. When a characterenters a square containing writhing roots, the rootsimmediately make a melee attack: +22 vs. Reflex; ahit knocks the character prone unless the charactersucceeds at a DC 24 Acrobatics check.Grasping Boughs: Foul magic infuses these trees.When a character enters a square containing graspingboughs or an adjacent square, the tree attacks:+20 vs. Reflex; 2d8 + 7 damage, and the target isslowed (save ends).Naiethar’s Tree: This vast oak tree is the largesttree in the forest. The tree has resisted the necroticonslaught marginally better than its fellows. No soulis trapped within, and its resistance has also enabledNaiethar to retain fragments of her old self.Treasure: To relieve her pain at the forest’s transformation,Naiethar has carved the formulas for theReverse Portal (PHB 2) and Forbiddance rituals intothe trunk of her oak tree. If the characters take up herquest, she lets them make copies.Once the PCs have dealt with Naiethar, return toEncounter F2 and finish Scene Two. If the heroesagree to Naiethar’s request, consider running arandom encounter before they leave the forest toprovide the XP which they missed by not fightingNaiethar.October 2009 | DUNGEON 171