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Scalykind

2019-06-08T04:31:03Z

2602:306:B88B:FB60:7DBD:373E:EBB6:3A07:

'''Scalykind''' is a racial grouping slash slang term in the [[Dungeons & Dragons]] fandom derived from the [[Forgotten Realms]]. In Faerunian lore, "scalykind" is one of several overlapping terms used to refer to the various sapient reptilian races, rather like [[demihuman]] or [[goblinoid]]. They have their own [[Splatbook]] called [[Serpent Kingdoms]]

Classic D&D scalykind races include:
* [[Lizardfolk]]
* [[Serpentfolk]] (especially the [[Yuan-ti]])
* [[Kobold]]s
* [[Naga]]s
* [[Troglodyte]]s
* [[Sarrukh]] (creators of most of the other Scaled Ones in Forgotten Realms, but not other settings)
* [[Firenewt]]s
* [[Saurial]]s

Scalykind is also a [[Cleric Domain]] introduced in the 3e "Player's Guide to Faerun". It grants the [[Cleric]] the innate power to command and rebuke reptilian creatures in a similar way to an evil cleric commanding/rebuking the undead. Its bonus spells are Magic Fang, Animal Trance (reptiles only), Greater Magic Fang, Poison, Animal Growth (reptiles only), Eyebite, Viper Gout, Animal Shapes (reptiles only) and Shapechange.

[[Category: Dungeons & Dragons]] [[Category: Gamer Slang]]

Serpentfolk

2019-06-08T04:29:16Z

2602:306:B88B:FB60:7DBD:373E:EBB6:3A07:

Serpentfolk are a somewhat obscure idea that seems to base itself on the idea "[[lizardfolk]] are kind of cool, but how can we make them cooler and/or more evil? Hmm... let's base 'em on snakes!" and working from there.

Serpentfolk, known at the time as Serpentmen or Snakemen, first appeared in the works of Robert E. Howard as part of his King Kull stories, more obscure "predecessors" to those of [[Conan the Barbarian]]. Serpentfolk were depicted as a pre-human sapient species of black magicians that had dominated the world, until Atlantis had arisen and defeated them. They also were slowly and tentatively assimilated into first the Conan stories and then, through Howard's correspondence with [[H.P. Lovecraft]], into the [[Cthulhu Mythos]]. This is something cemented by the fact that Lovecraft (alongside Zealia Bishop) created a patron deity for the Serpentfolk in the form of Yig, Father of Serpents, in the story "The Curse of Yig".

As such, Cthulhan Serpentfolk have repeatedly appeared in the various editions of [[Call of Cthulhu]].

Over in [[Dungeons & Dragons]], although serpentfolk haven't directly appeared, the [[Yuan-ti]], a species of human/snake hybrids who are divided into castes based on how great the ratio of human to snake is, with the more serpentine being more respected, and with a propensity towards all kinds of fucked up mutations, are pretty obviously made in the Serpentfolk mold. They play a big role in the backstory of the [[Forgotten Realms]], though they cannot seem to keep a patron deity for more than an edition or two, as seen with the long and messed up history of [[Merrshaulk]]. The Yuan-ti of Forgotten Realms were created by an older race of snake people called the [[Sarrukh]], who do not exist in other settings. The other major serpentfolk race in D&D is the [[naga]].

[[Pathfinder]], meanwhile, being unable to use Yuan-Ti, simply said "fuck it" and used the public domain Serpentfolk outright. They also feature the [[naga]], and bring back the snake-bodied [[lamia]] olf [[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]] as the Lamia Matriarchs.

In [[Fighting Fantasy]] there are Serpentfolk called the Caarth who live beyond the a Desert of Skulls. They aren't keen on the Lizardfolk, but both are evil.

[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons]][[Category:Dungeons & Dragons Races]][[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Pathfinder]]

Troglodyte

2019-06-07T23:20:17Z

2602:306:B88B:FB60:7DBD:373E:EBB6:3A07:

[[File:Trog.jpg|500px|thumb|right|Mean Smelly Lizards]]

A troglodyte, in the general pop culture understanding of the term, is a nasty, vicious, twisted, stunted little monster, usually dwelling underground.

In [[Dungeons & Dragons]] and [[Pathfinder]], the term is used a little... differently. Troglodytes are a subrace of [[Lizardfolk]] that dwell in the [[Underdark]], and worship their own [[Demon Prince]], making them usually [[Chaotic Evil]] cannibals - much like lizardfolk under the reign of a Lizard King. Really, the only major difference between the races is that troglodytes stink.

No, seriously; troglodytes are infamous for powerful musk glands that give them a distinctly overwhelming and foul odor, so potent that it outright gives them the Stench ability. You can tell [[TSR]] was prone to scraping the creativity barrel, huh?

Despite this, troglodytes did get a more nuanced appearance in [[Dragon Magazine]] #265, where they were one of the seven "Primitive PCs" for AD&D. Here, they are described as a society that is... well, still brutal, believing in might making right, but smart enough to know that cunning, stealth and knowledge also equate to strength. As such, a troglodyte PC tends to test the other members of its adventuring party in order to keep a constant understanding of who stands where in the hierarchy. This is derived from their [[alignment]] - for example, a good troglodyte would ''not'' murder its party members, but would instead engage in things like watching the fighter in combat, trying to sneak up on the scout, and questioning tactical orders. They also tend to form quick opinions, which makes them prone to prejudice, and be extremely ambitious.

Traditionally, troglodytes worship [[Laogzed]], a slothful, lazy shitbag of a demon-god. In the [[Nentir Vale]] setting, they tend to worship [[Torog]] and/or the [[Primal Spirits]] of the [[Underdark]] instead.

Troglodytes can breed with normal Lizardfolk to produce a hybrid called a Tren.

In [[Golarion]], troglodytes are the fallen remnants of a once powerful and mighty civilized branch of [[lizardfolk]] called the Xulgath, who ultimately fell into decline. Confusing matters, whilst some of these "original" Xulgath survive as Troglodyte Paragons, there is also a species of civilized and highly intelligent troglodytes in the deeper regions of [[Underdark|the Darklands]] who possess a powerful knack for [[psionics]] and who call themselves "Xulgath", with no clear answer as to whether the original troglodytes were all psionic or not.

==AD&D PC Stats==
::Ability Score Minimum/Maximum: Strength 1/18(75), Dexterity 3/16, Constitution 3/18, Intelligence 3/15, Wisdom 3/17, Charisma 3/12
::Ability Score Adjustments: -1 Intelligence
::Class & Level Limits: [[Fighter]] 9, [[Thief]] 8
:::Multiclass Options: Fighter/Thief
:::Available [[Kits]]: Bandit, Bounty Hunter, Brute, Gladiator, Mercenary, Mine Rowdy, Myrmidon, Pit Fighter, Sellsword, Scavenger, Shadow, Tribal Defender, Thug, Wizard Slayer
:::Racial Thieving Skill Adjustments: +5% Open Locks, +5% Find/Remove Traps, -5% Move Silently, +10% Hide in Shadows
::Movement Rate: 12
::Size: Medium
::Natural AC: 5
::Natural Attacks: 2 claws (1d2 each) and 1 bite (1d4+1)
::Infravision 90 feet
::+3 to attack rolls made with troglodyte javelins
::By standing still for 1 round, a troglodyte can blend into its background and become effectively invisible.
::When angry or in combat, a troglodyte exudes a noxious pheromone cloud that is sickening in its potent repugnance. Creatures within 10 feet of the troglodyte must make a save vs. poison or lose 1d6 points of Strength, which returns in 10 rounds. Troglodytes can't control the secretion of this odor, nor can they directly control who it affects, which means that in close quarters, a troglodyte can affect its own party members with its stench. Other troglodytes are immune.
::Other creatures do NOT like troglodytes, assuming them to be universally evil and dangerous.
::Weapon Proficiencies: Any Sword, Battle-axe, Morningstar, Troglodyte Javelin
::Nonweapon Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Brewing, Fire-building, Flintworking Leatherworking, Mining, Pottery, Stonemasonry, Animal Lore, Endurance, Hunting, Survival (Subterranean)

[[Category: Dungeons & Dragons]] [[Category: Dungeons & Dragons Races]] [[Category: Monsters]]

Scalykind

2019-06-07T23:16:51Z

2602:306:B88B:FB60:7DBD:373E:EBB6:3A07:

'''Scalykind''' is a racial grouping slash slang term in the [[Dungeons & Dragons]] fandom derived from the [[Forgotten Realms]]. In Faerunian lore, "scalykind" is one of several overlapping terms used to refer to the various sapient reptilian races, rather like [[demihuman]] or [[goblinoid]]. They have their own [[Splatbook]] called [[Serpent Kingdoms]]

Classic D&D scalykind races include:
* [[Lizardfolk]]
* [[Serpentfolk]] (especially the [[Yuan-ti]])
* [[Kobold]]s
* [[Naga]]s
* [[Troglodyte]]s
* [[Sarrukh]]
* [[Firenewt]]s
* [[Saurial]]s

Scalykind is also a [[Cleric Domain]] introduced in the 3e "Player's Guide to Faerun". It grants the [[Cleric]] the innate power to command and rebuke reptilian creatures in a similar way to an evil cleric commanding/rebuking the undead. Its bonus spells are Magic Fang, Animal Trance (reptiles only), Greater Magic Fang, Poison, Animal Growth (reptiles only), Eyebite, Viper Gout, Animal Shapes (reptiles only) and Shapechange.

[[Category: Dungeons & Dragons]] [[Category: Gamer Slang]]

Heroes of Horror

2019-06-07T22:36:50Z

2602:306:B88B:FB60:7DBD:373E:EBB6:3A07:

Heroes of Horror is a [[splatbook]] for Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 that is full of useful content and advice for running horror themed adventures. It has new rules, character classes, prestige classes, spells, feats, items, monsters, and more. It is worth checking out if you are running a horror adventure even if you aren't playing 3.5. Although the book does have some good ideas in it, it is obvious that the writers didn't really understand how to make things really scary.

==New Demigod==
The book introduces [[Cas]], the moose-headed demigod of spite. Why? That's not scary. There are so many other gods in D&D that are a lot scarier and this was all they could come up with?

==New Rules==
The book adds several new optional rules for running horror games. One of theses new mechanics is taint, which represents evil as a force that warps places and living things. Physical taint is represented by the corruption score, and mental taint is represented by the depravity score. It also has optional rules for how characters may react to horrifying scenes or situations. A similar taint mechanic previously appeared in [[Oriental Adventures]].

==New Classes==
There were only two new basic classes introduced here, but holy shit, did they end up finding a niche. [[Archivist]] is one of the rare few Tier 0 classes, and basically is a "divine-oriented wizard", including the need of a prayerbook (aka divine spellbook) to keep up with their spells. [[Dread Necromancer]] is objectively the best "true" necromancer type class in 3rd Edition, and possibly of any other edition as well.

These two classes alone made Heroes of Horror a pretty decent purchase, and introduced the optimization boards to months of fun stuff. Dread necro isn't "quite" as broken, but when paired up with the Ur-priest and True Necromancer prestige classes, it becomes a thing of unholy beauty.

===[[Prestige classes]]===
* [[Corrupt Avenger]] : One who has become obsessed with vengeance against a specific organization or creature type. The higher their corruption, they more powerful spells they gain from this class. If the corrupted avenger is a fallen paladin, they get some extra abilities depending on how many paladin levels they have. To qualify for this class, the character must have moderate taint.
* [[Death Delver]] : One who has developed a fascination with death. The character gains divine spells and abilities mainly relating to death. At tenth level, the character gains the ability to cheat death exactly 9 times. To qualify for this class, the character must have had a near death experience.
* [[Dread Witch]] : A spellcaster who specializes in causing fear and powering themselves up using their own fear. To qualify for this class, the character must have failed a saving throw against a fear effect.
* [[Fiend-Blooded]] : A spellcaster who draws power from their fiendish ancestry. It is easiest for a sorcerer to qualify for this class and is one of the best prestige classes for a sorcerer.
* [[Purifier of the Hallowed Doctrine]] : A divine spellcaster who specializes in purifying the world of taint. To qualify the character must be able to turn undead.
* [[Tainted Scholar]] : An arcane spellcaster who gains power from forbidden knowledge. The higher their corruption and depravity, the more powerful they become. They can increase the power of their spells by paying hitpoints to use their own blood as a spell component. A character must have moderate or higher depravity to qualify.

==New Monsters==
The book introduces several new monsters. It is a bit disappointing that the book didn't have more. Most of them are actually not that scary and some are completely forgettable. Several of them probably would have been more appropriate to put in different books. Of these monsters, so far only the cadaver golem has appeared in later editions, though a few of these monsters do have fans who would like to see them in later editions.
* Bane Wraith: A more powerful [[Wraith]] that loves to get revenge on people by murdering all of their friends and family. It can use illusions to appear to be a living person. It can read people's minds to find out who their loved ones so it can hunt them all down. Humanoids it kills come back as regular wraiths.
* Bloodrot: A liquid undead resembling an [[Slime|Ooze]] formed from the remains of somebody who died from being melted in acid. It infects enemies with a magical disease called blood fever that is difficult to cure and can hide inside of the bloodstream of anybody who is infected. Those infected with blood fever will also attract more bloodrots to them since they can also sense the location of infectees over long distances. Like many oozes, they can also split into smaller bloodrots when hit with piercing or slashing weapons.
* Bog Imp: Lawful evil [[Fey]] creatures that lives in swamps that have the ability to make people sink into the swamp and drown just by looking at them. Elves who are killed this way turn into new bog imps. They look suspiciously similar to the gremlins from the movie Gremlins.
* Boneleaf: An [[aberration]] that resembles a plant. It has razor sharp leaves and can lure people towards it with illusions. Multiple boneleaves in an area are actually parts of the same entity connected by underground nerves, so what one boneleaf learns, all the ones connected to it also learn. One of the more forgettable monster in the book, as there are tons of other monsters in the game that can do the same things a boneleaf can and it doesn't stand out from them. An aberration that spreads itself over a large area like a plant is a great concept and sounds like it could be a big threat, but the boneleaf doesn't live up to that potential.
* Corruption Eater: An aberration resembling a ghoul with a tongue covered in small mouths and barbed tentacles in place of arms. It drains the corruption score of those it hits with it's bite attack, and it has a breath weapon that can increase the target's depravity score which it can only use after draining enough corruption. It is vulnerable to attacks by enemies that have zero corruption and depravity.
* Taint Elemental: An [[Elemental]] made of taint. It's attacks can greatly increase the target's corruption score.
* Dusk Giant: Dusk giants are man eating [[giant]]s that change size depending on how much flesh they have recently eaten and get more befit from eating intelligent creatures. They can grow up to 20 feet tall when well fed, and shrink down to just over 6 feet tall when starving. Their magical abilities also increase when they are well fed, and they always are surrounded by an aura of shadow that darkens bright lights and causes despair. You might want to use this monster if you want to run an Attack on Titan inspired game.
* Cadaver Golem: Similar to a [[flesh golem]] but more intelligent. It can gain new skills and abilities by adding new body parts to itself. The cadaver golem later appeared in 4th edition, but no longer could gain skills and abilities from assimilated flesh.
* Grey Jester: Because no book of horror monsters is completed without a killer clown. A grey jesters is an evil fey creature that can permanently steal all joy from anyone who laughs or otherwise feel good in it's presence, and may turn them into slaves called bleak ones if they have less than or equal hit dice than the grey jester. If it can't make you laugh with it's performance it can instead force you to laugh with the Tasha's Hideous Laughter spell which it casts by touching you with it's hands or the scepter it always carries.
* Phantasmal Slayer: A ghostly creature that looks like the viewer's worst fear. Anybody who sees a Phantasmal Slayer is affected as though hit by the phantasmal killer spell. It's touch can cause the victim to instantly drop dead from fear.
===Templates===
* Tainted Minion: If a humanoid's corruption score becomes too high, they drop dead and rise as a tainted minion.
* Tainted Raver: If a humanoid's depravity score becomes too high, they are driven permanently insane and become a tainted raver. They are [[Angry Marines| always angry, all the time]]
* Unholy Scion: If you want the villain of your campaign to be the Antichrist, this is the template you should apply to them. They are pure evil before they has even been born yet. The mother of an unholy scion is permanently under the scion's control by an effect similar to the charm person or charm animal spell, even while the scion is still a fetus inside of them. The scion can also see through their mother's senses and use it's spell like abilities through them similar to a wizard's familiar. It also gains claw attacks and several spell like abilities depending on how many hit dice it has. This is the only one of the templates in the book that can be a player character, not that you are likely to find a DM who would let you.

[[Category:Roleplaying]]
[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons]]
[[Category:Game Books]]
[[Category:Splatbook]]

Heroes of Horror

2019-06-07T22:34:06Z

2602:306:B88B:FB60:7DBD:373E:EBB6:3A07:

Heroes of Horror is a [[splatbook]] for Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 that is full of useful content and advice for running horror themed adventures. It has new rules, character classes, prestige classes, spells, feats, items, monsters, and more. It is worth checking out if you are running a horror adventure even if you aren't playing 3.5.

==New Demigod==
The book introduces [[Cas]], the moose-headed demigod of spite. Why? That's not scary. There are so many other gods in D&D that are a lot scarier and this was all they could come up with?

==New Rules==
The book adds several new optional rules for running horror games. One of theses new mechanics is taint, which represents evil as a force that warps places and living things. Physical taint is represented by the corruption score, and mental taint is represented by the depravity score. It also has optional rules for how characters may react to horrifying scenes or situations. A similar taint mechanic previously appeared in [[Oriental Adventures]].

==New Classes==
There were only two new basic classes introduced here, but holy shit, did they end up finding a niche. [[Archivist]] is one of the rare few Tier 0 classes, and basically is a "divine-oriented wizard", including the need of a prayerbook (aka divine spellbook) to keep up with their spells. [[Dread Necromancer]] is objectively the best "true" necromancer type class in 3rd Edition, and possibly of any other edition as well.

These two classes alone made Heroes of Horror a pretty decent purchase, and introduced the optimization boards to months of fun stuff. Dread necro isn't "quite" as broken, but when paired up with the Ur-priest and True Necromancer prestige classes, it becomes a thing of unholy beauty.

===[[Prestige classes]]===
* [[Corrupt Avenger]] : One who has become obsessed with vengeance against a specific organization or creature type. The higher their corruption, they more powerful spells they gain from this class. If the corrupted avenger is a fallen paladin, they get some extra abilities depending on how many paladin levels they have. To qualify for this class, the character must have moderate taint.
* [[Death Delver]] : One who has developed a fascination with death. The character gains divine spells and abilities mainly relating to death. At tenth level, the character gains the ability to cheat death exactly 9 times. To qualify for this class, the character must have had a near death experience.
* [[Dread Witch]] : A spellcaster who specializes in causing fear and powering themselves up using their own fear. To qualify for this class, the character must have failed a saving throw against a fear effect.
* [[Fiend-Blooded]] : A spellcaster who draws power from their fiendish ancestry. It is easiest for a sorcerer to qualify for this class and is one of the best prestige classes for a sorcerer.
* [[Purifier of the Hallowed Doctrine]] : A divine spellcaster who specializes in purifying the world of taint. To qualify the character must be able to turn undead.
* [[Tainted Scholar]] : An arcane spellcaster who gains power from forbidden knowledge. The higher their corruption and depravity, the more powerful they become. They can increase the power of their spells by paying hitpoints to use their own blood as a spell component. A character must have moderate or higher depravity to qualify.

==New Monsters==
The book introduces several new monsters. It is a bit disappointing that the book didn't have more. Most of them are actually not that scary and some are completely forgettable. Several of them probably would have been more appropriate to put in different books. Of these monsters, so far only the cadaver golem has appeared in later editions, though a few of these monsters do have fans who would like to see them in later editions.
* Bane Wraith: A more powerful [[Wraith]] that loves to get revenge on people by murdering all of their friends and family. It can use illusions to appear to be a living person. It can read people's minds to find out who their loved ones so it can hunt them all down. Humanoids it kills come back as regular wraiths.
* Bloodrot: A liquid undead resembling an [[Slime|Ooze]] formed from the remains of somebody who died from being melted in acid. It infects enemies with a magical disease called blood fever that is difficult to cure and can hide inside of the bloodstream of anybody who is infected. Those infected with blood fever will also attract more bloodrots to them since they can also sense the location of infectees over long distances. Like many oozes, they can also split into smaller bloodrots when hit with piercing or slashing weapons.
* Bog Imp: Lawful evil [[Fey]] creatures that lives in swamps that have the ability to make people sink into the swamp and drown just by looking at them. Elves who are killed this way turn into new bog imps. They look suspiciously similar to the gremlins from the movie Gremlins.
* Boneleaf: An [[aberration]] that resembles a plant. It has razor sharp leaves and can lure people towards it with illusions. Multiple boneleaves in an area are actually parts of the same entity connected by underground nerves, so what one boneleaf learns, all the ones connected to it also learn. One of the more forgettable monster in the book, as there are tons of other monsters in the game that can do the same things a boneleaf can and it doesn't stand out from them. An aberration that spreads itself over a large area like a plant is a great concept and sounds like it could be a big threat, but the boneleaf doesn't live up to that potential.
* Corruption Eater: An aberration resembling a ghoul with a tongue covered in small mouths and barbed tentacles in place of arms. It drains the corruption score of those it hits with it's bite attack, and it has a breath weapon that can increase the target's depravity score which it can only use after draining enough corruption. It is vulnerable to attacks by enemies that have zero corruption and depravity.
* Taint Elemental: An [[Elemental]] made of taint. It's attacks can greatly increase the target's corruption score.
* Dusk Giant: Dusk giants are man eating [[giant]]s that change size depending on how much flesh they have recently eaten and get more befit from eating intelligent creatures. They can grow up to 20 feet tall when well fed, and shrink down to just over 6 feet tall when starving. Their magical abilities also increase when they are well fed, and they always are surrounded by an aura of shadow that darkens bright lights and causes despair. You might want to use this monster if you want to run an Attack on Titan inspired game.
* Cadaver Golem: Similar to a [[flesh golem]] but more intelligent. It can gain new skills and abilities by adding new body parts to itself. The cadaver golem later appeared in 4th edition, but no longer could gain skills and abilities from assimilated flesh.
* Grey Jester: Because no book of horror monsters is completed without a killer clown. A grey jesters is an evil fey creature that can permanently steal all joy from anyone who laughs or otherwise feel good in it's presence, and may turn them into slaves called bleak ones if they have less than or equal hit dice than the grey jester. If it can't make you laugh with it's performance it can instead force you to laugh with the Tasha's Hideous Laughter spell which it casts by touching you with it's hands or the scepter it always carries.
* Phantasmal Slayer: A ghostly creature that looks like the viewer's worst fear. Anybody who sees a Phantasmal Slayer is affected as though hit by the phantasmal killer spell. It's touch can cause the victim to instantly drop dead from fear.
===Templates===
* Tainted Minion: If a humanoid's corruption score becomes too high, they drop dead and rise as a tainted minion.
* Tainted Raver: If a humanoid's depravity score becomes too high, they are driven permanently insane and become a tainted raver. They are [[Angry Marines| always angry, all the time]]
* Unholy Scion: If you want the villain of your campaign to be the Antichrist, this is the template you should apply to them. They are pure evil before they has even been born yet. The mother of an unholy scion is permanently under the scion's control by an effect similar to the charm person or charm animal spell, even while the scion is still a fetus inside of them. The scion can also see through their mother's senses and use it's spell like abilities through them similar to a wizard's familiar. It also gains claw attacks and several spell like abilities depending on how many hit dice it has. This is the only one of the templates in the book that can be a player character, not that you are likely to find a DM who would let you.

[[Category:Roleplaying]]
[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons]]
[[Category:Game Books]]
[[Category:Splatbook]]

Heroes of Horror

2019-06-07T22:30:44Z

2602:306:B88B:FB60:7DBD:373E:EBB6:3A07: /* New Rules */

Heroes of Horror is a [[splatbook]] for Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 that is full of useful content and advice for running horror themed adventures. It has new rules, character classes, prestige classes, spells, feats, items, monsters, and more. It is worth checking out if you are running a horror adventure even if you aren't playing 3.5.

==New Demigod==
The book introduces [[Cas]], the moose-headed demigod of spite.

==New Rules==
The book adds several new optional rules for running horror games. One of theses new mechanics is taint, which represents evil as a force that warps places and living things. Physical taint is represented by the corruption score, and mental taint is represented by the depravity score. It also has optional rules for how characters may react to horrifying scenes or situations. A similar taint mechanic previously appeared in [[Oriental Adventures]].

==New Classes==
There were only two new basic classes introduced here, but holy shit, did they end up finding a niche. [[Archivist]] is one of the rare few Tier 0 classes, and basically is a "divine-oriented wizard", including the need of a prayerbook (aka divine spellbook) to keep up with their spells. [[Dread Necromancer]] is objectively the best "true" necromancer type class in 3rd Edition, and possibly of any other edition as well.

These two classes alone made Heroes of Horror a pretty decent purchase, and introduced the optimization boards to months of fun stuff. Dread necro isn't "quite" as broken, but when paired up with the Ur-priest and True Necromancer prestige classes, it becomes a thing of unholy beauty.

===[[Prestige classes]]===
* [[Corrupt Avenger]] : One who has become obsessed with vengeance against a specific organization or creature type. The higher their corruption, they more powerful spells they gain from this class. If the corrupted avenger is a fallen paladin, they get some extra abilities depending on how many paladin levels they have. To qualify for this class, the character must have moderate taint.
* [[Death Delver]] : One who has developed a fascination with death. The character gains divine spells and abilities mainly relating to death. At tenth level, the character gains the ability to cheat death exactly 9 times. To qualify for this class, the character must have had a near death experience.
* [[Dread Witch]] : A spellcaster who specializes in causing fear and powering themselves up using their own fear. To qualify for this class, the character must have failed a saving throw against a fear effect.
* [[Fiend-Blooded]] : A spellcaster who draws power from their fiendish ancestry. It is easiest for a sorcerer to qualify for this class and is one of the best prestige classes for a sorcerer.
* [[Purifier of the Hallowed Doctrine]] : A divine spellcaster who specializes in purifying the world of taint. To qualify the character must be able to turn undead.
* [[Tainted Scholar]] : An arcane spellcaster who gains power from forbidden knowledge. The higher their corruption and depravity, the more powerful they become. They can increase the power of their spells by paying hitpoints to use their own blood as a spell component. A character must have moderate or higher depravity to qualify.

==New Monsters==
The book introduces several new monsters. It is a bit disappointing that the book didn't have more. Most of them are actually not that scary and some are completely forgettable. Several of them probably would have been more appropriate to put in different books. Of these monsters, so far only the cadaver golem has appeared in later editions, though a few of these monsters do have fans who would like to see them in later editions.
* Bane Wraith: A more powerful [[Wraith]] that loves to get revenge on people by murdering all of their friends and family. It can use illusions to appear to be a living person. It can read people's minds to find out who their loved ones so it can hunt them all down. Humanoids it kills come back as regular wraiths.
* Bloodrot: A liquid undead resembling an [[Slime|Ooze]] formed from the remains of somebody who died from being melted in acid. It infects enemies with a magical disease called blood fever that is difficult to cure and can hide inside of the bloodstream of anybody who is infected. Those infected with blood fever will also attract more bloodrots to them since they can also sense the location of infectees over long distances. Like many oozes, they can also split into smaller bloodrots when hit with piercing or slashing weapons.
* Bog Imp: Lawful evil [[Fey]] creatures that lives in swamps that have the ability to make people sink into the swamp and drown just by looking at them. Elves who are killed this way turn into new bog imps. They look suspiciously similar to the gremlins from the movie Gremlins.
* Boneleaf: An [[aberration]] that resembles a plant. It has razor sharp leaves and can lure people towards it with illusions. Multiple boneleaves in an area are actually parts of the same entity connected by underground nerves, so what one boneleaf learns, all the ones connected to it also learn. One of the more forgettable monster in the book, as there are tons of other monsters in the game that can do the same things a boneleaf can and it doesn't stand out from them. An aberration that spreads itself over a large area like a plant is a great concept and sounds like it could be a big threat, but the boneleaf doesn't live up to that potential.
* Corruption Eater: An aberration resembling a ghoul with a tongue covered in small mouths and barbed tentacles in place of arms. It drains the corruption score of those it hits with it's bite attack, and it has a breath weapon that can increase the target's depravity score which it can only use after draining enough corruption. It is vulnerable to attacks by enemies that have zero corruption and depravity.
* Taint Elemental: An [[Elemental]] made of taint. It's attacks can greatly increase the target's corruption score.
* Dusk Giant: Dusk giants are man eating [[giant]]s that change size depending on how much flesh they have recently eaten and get more befit from eating intelligent creatures. They can grow up to 20 feet tall when well fed, and shrink down to just over 6 feet tall when starving. Their magical abilities also increase when they are well fed, and they always are surrounded by an aura of shadow that darkens bright lights and causes despair. You might want to use this monster if you want to run an Attack on Titan inspired game.
* Cadaver Golem: Similar to a [[flesh golem]] but more intelligent. It can gain new skills and abilities by adding new body parts to itself. The cadaver golem later appeared in 4th edition, but no longer could gain skills and abilities from assimilated flesh.
* Grey Jester: Because no book of horror monsters is completed without a killer clown. A grey jesters is an evil fey creature that can permanently steal all joy from anyone who laughs or otherwise feel good in it's presence, and may turn them into slaves called bleak ones if they have less than or equal hit dice than the grey jester. If it can't make you laugh with it's performance it can instead force you to laugh with the Tasha's Hideous Laughter spell which it casts by touching you with it's hands or the scepter it always carries.
* Phantasmal Slayer: A ghostly creature that looks like the viewer's worst fear. Anybody who sees a Phantasmal Slayer is affected as though hit by the phantasmal killer spell. It's touch can cause the victim to instantly drop dead from fear.
===Templates===
* Tainted Minion: If a humanoid's corruption score becomes too high, they drop dead and rise as a tainted minion.
* Tainted Raver: If a humanoid's depravity score becomes too high, they are driven permanently insane and become a tainted raver. They are [[Angry Marines| always angry, all the time]]
* Unholy Scion: If you want the villain of your campaign to be the Antichrist, this is the template you should apply to them. They are pure evil before they has even been born yet. The mother of an unholy scion is permanently under the scion's control by an effect similar to the charm person or charm animal spell, even while the scion is still a fetus inside of them. The scion can also see through their mother's senses and use it's spell like abilities through them similar to a wizard's familiar. It also gains claw attacks and several spell like abilities depending on how many hit dice it has. This is the only one of the templates in the book that can be a player character, not that you are likely to find a DM who would let you.

[[Category:Roleplaying]]
[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons]]
[[Category:Game Books]]
[[Category:Splatbook]]

Heroes of Horror

2019-06-07T22:30:03Z

2602:306:B88B:FB60:7DBD:373E:EBB6:3A07: /* New Monsters */

Heroes of Horror is a [[splatbook]] for Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 that is full of useful content and advice for running horror themed adventures. It has new rules, character classes, prestige classes, spells, feats, items, monsters, and more. It is worth checking out if you are running a horror adventure even if you aren't playing 3.5.

==New Demigod==
The book introduces [[Cas]], the moose-headed demigod of spite.

==New Rules==
The book adds several new optional rules for running horror games. One of theses new mechanics is taint, which represents evil as a force that warps places and living things. Physical taint is represented by the corruption score, and mental taint is represented by the depravity score. It also has optional rules for how characters may react to horrifying scenes or situations.

==New Classes==
There were only two new basic classes introduced here, but holy shit, did they end up finding a niche. [[Archivist]] is one of the rare few Tier 0 classes, and basically is a "divine-oriented wizard", including the need of a prayerbook (aka divine spellbook) to keep up with their spells. [[Dread Necromancer]] is objectively the best "true" necromancer type class in 3rd Edition, and possibly of any other edition as well.

These two classes alone made Heroes of Horror a pretty decent purchase, and introduced the optimization boards to months of fun stuff. Dread necro isn't "quite" as broken, but when paired up with the Ur-priest and True Necromancer prestige classes, it becomes a thing of unholy beauty.

===[[Prestige classes]]===
* [[Corrupt Avenger]] : One who has become obsessed with vengeance against a specific organization or creature type. The higher their corruption, they more powerful spells they gain from this class. If the corrupted avenger is a fallen paladin, they get some extra abilities depending on how many paladin levels they have. To qualify for this class, the character must have moderate taint.
* [[Death Delver]] : One who has developed a fascination with death. The character gains divine spells and abilities mainly relating to death. At tenth level, the character gains the ability to cheat death exactly 9 times. To qualify for this class, the character must have had a near death experience.
* [[Dread Witch]] : A spellcaster who specializes in causing fear and powering themselves up using their own fear. To qualify for this class, the character must have failed a saving throw against a fear effect.
* [[Fiend-Blooded]] : A spellcaster who draws power from their fiendish ancestry. It is easiest for a sorcerer to qualify for this class and is one of the best prestige classes for a sorcerer.
* [[Purifier of the Hallowed Doctrine]] : A divine spellcaster who specializes in purifying the world of taint. To qualify the character must be able to turn undead.
* [[Tainted Scholar]] : An arcane spellcaster who gains power from forbidden knowledge. The higher their corruption and depravity, the more powerful they become. They can increase the power of their spells by paying hitpoints to use their own blood as a spell component. A character must have moderate or higher depravity to qualify.

==New Monsters==
The book introduces several new monsters. It is a bit disappointing that the book didn't have more. Most of them are actually not that scary and some are completely forgettable. Several of them probably would have been more appropriate to put in different books. Of these monsters, so far only the cadaver golem has appeared in later editions, though a few of these monsters do have fans who would like to see them in later editions.
* Bane Wraith: A more powerful [[Wraith]] that loves to get revenge on people by murdering all of their friends and family. It can use illusions to appear to be a living person. It can read people's minds to find out who their loved ones so it can hunt them all down. Humanoids it kills come back as regular wraiths.
* Bloodrot: A liquid undead resembling an [[Slime|Ooze]] formed from the remains of somebody who died from being melted in acid. It infects enemies with a magical disease called blood fever that is difficult to cure and can hide inside of the bloodstream of anybody who is infected. Those infected with blood fever will also attract more bloodrots to them since they can also sense the location of infectees over long distances. Like many oozes, they can also split into smaller bloodrots when hit with piercing or slashing weapons.
* Bog Imp: Lawful evil [[Fey]] creatures that lives in swamps that have the ability to make people sink into the swamp and drown just by looking at them. Elves who are killed this way turn into new bog imps. They look suspiciously similar to the gremlins from the movie Gremlins.
* Boneleaf: An [[aberration]] that resembles a plant. It has razor sharp leaves and can lure people towards it with illusions. Multiple boneleaves in an area are actually parts of the same entity connected by underground nerves, so what one boneleaf learns, all the ones connected to it also learn. One of the more forgettable monster in the book, as there are tons of other monsters in the game that can do the same things a boneleaf can and it doesn't stand out from them. An aberration that spreads itself over a large area like a plant is a great concept and sounds like it could be a big threat, but the boneleaf doesn't live up to that potential.
* Corruption Eater: An aberration resembling a ghoul with a tongue covered in small mouths and barbed tentacles in place of arms. It drains the corruption score of those it hits with it's bite attack, and it has a breath weapon that can increase the target's depravity score which it can only use after draining enough corruption. It is vulnerable to attacks by enemies that have zero corruption and depravity.
* Taint Elemental: An [[Elemental]] made of taint. It's attacks can greatly increase the target's corruption score.
* Dusk Giant: Dusk giants are man eating [[giant]]s that change size depending on how much flesh they have recently eaten and get more befit from eating intelligent creatures. They can grow up to 20 feet tall when well fed, and shrink down to just over 6 feet tall when starving. Their magical abilities also increase when they are well fed, and they always are surrounded by an aura of shadow that darkens bright lights and causes despair. You might want to use this monster if you want to run an Attack on Titan inspired game.
* Cadaver Golem: Similar to a [[flesh golem]] but more intelligent. It can gain new skills and abilities by adding new body parts to itself. The cadaver golem later appeared in 4th edition, but no longer could gain skills and abilities from assimilated flesh.
* Grey Jester: Because no book of horror monsters is completed without a killer clown. A grey jesters is an evil fey creature that can permanently steal all joy from anyone who laughs or otherwise feel good in it's presence, and may turn them into slaves called bleak ones if they have less than or equal hit dice than the grey jester. If it can't make you laugh with it's performance it can instead force you to laugh with the Tasha's Hideous Laughter spell which it casts by touching you with it's hands or the scepter it always carries.
* Phantasmal Slayer: A ghostly creature that looks like the viewer's worst fear. Anybody who sees a Phantasmal Slayer is affected as though hit by the phantasmal killer spell. It's touch can cause the victim to instantly drop dead from fear.
===Templates===
* Tainted Minion: If a humanoid's corruption score becomes too high, they drop dead and rise as a tainted minion.
* Tainted Raver: If a humanoid's depravity score becomes too high, they are driven permanently insane and become a tainted raver. They are [[Angry Marines| always angry, all the time]]
* Unholy Scion: If you want the villain of your campaign to be the Antichrist, this is the template you should apply to them. They are pure evil before they has even been born yet. The mother of an unholy scion is permanently under the scion's control by an effect similar to the charm person or charm animal spell, even while the scion is still a fetus inside of them. The scion can also see through their mother's senses and use it's spell like abilities through them similar to a wizard's familiar. It also gains claw attacks and several spell like abilities depending on how many hit dice it has. This is the only one of the templates in the book that can be a player character, not that you are likely to find a DM who would let you.

[[Category:Roleplaying]]
[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons]]
[[Category:Game Books]]
[[Category:Splatbook]]

Heroes of Horror

2019-06-07T22:28:42Z

2602:306:B88B:FB60:7DBD:373E:EBB6:3A07: /* New Monsters */

Heroes of Horror is a [[splatbook]] for Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 that is full of useful content and advice for running horror themed adventures. It has new rules, character classes, prestige classes, spells, feats, items, monsters, and more. It is worth checking out if you are running a horror adventure even if you aren't playing 3.5.

==New Demigod==
The book introduces [[Cas]], the moose-headed demigod of spite.

==New Rules==
The book adds several new optional rules for running horror games. One of theses new mechanics is taint, which represents evil as a force that warps places and living things. Physical taint is represented by the corruption score, and mental taint is represented by the depravity score. It also has optional rules for how characters may react to horrifying scenes or situations.

==New Classes==
There were only two new basic classes introduced here, but holy shit, did they end up finding a niche. [[Archivist]] is one of the rare few Tier 0 classes, and basically is a "divine-oriented wizard", including the need of a prayerbook (aka divine spellbook) to keep up with their spells. [[Dread Necromancer]] is objectively the best "true" necromancer type class in 3rd Edition, and possibly of any other edition as well.

These two classes alone made Heroes of Horror a pretty decent purchase, and introduced the optimization boards to months of fun stuff. Dread necro isn't "quite" as broken, but when paired up with the Ur-priest and True Necromancer prestige classes, it becomes a thing of unholy beauty.

===[[Prestige classes]]===
* [[Corrupt Avenger]] : One who has become obsessed with vengeance against a specific organization or creature type. The higher their corruption, they more powerful spells they gain from this class. If the corrupted avenger is a fallen paladin, they get some extra abilities depending on how many paladin levels they have. To qualify for this class, the character must have moderate taint.
* [[Death Delver]] : One who has developed a fascination with death. The character gains divine spells and abilities mainly relating to death. At tenth level, the character gains the ability to cheat death exactly 9 times. To qualify for this class, the character must have had a near death experience.
* [[Dread Witch]] : A spellcaster who specializes in causing fear and powering themselves up using their own fear. To qualify for this class, the character must have failed a saving throw against a fear effect.
* [[Fiend-Blooded]] : A spellcaster who draws power from their fiendish ancestry. It is easiest for a sorcerer to qualify for this class and is one of the best prestige classes for a sorcerer.
* [[Purifier of the Hallowed Doctrine]] : A divine spellcaster who specializes in purifying the world of taint. To qualify the character must be able to turn undead.
* [[Tainted Scholar]] : An arcane spellcaster who gains power from forbidden knowledge. The higher their corruption and depravity, the more powerful they become. They can increase the power of their spells by paying hitpoints to use their own blood as a spell component. A character must have moderate or higher depravity to qualify.

==New Monsters==
The book introduces several new monsters. It is a bit disappointing that the book didn't have more. Most of them are actually not that scary and some are completely forgettable. Several of them probably would have been more appropriate to put in different books. Of these monsters, so far only the cadaver golem has appeared in later editions, though a few of these monsters do have fans who would like to see them in later editions.
* Bane Wraith: A more powerful [[Wraith]] that loves to get revenge on people by murdering all of their friends and family. It can use illusions to appear to be a living person. It can read people's minds to find out who their loved ones so it can hunt them all down. Humanoids it kills come back as regular wraiths.
* Bloodrot: A liquid undead resembling an [[Slime|Ooze]] formed from the remains of somebody who died from being melted in acid. It infects enemies with a magical disease called blood fever that is difficult to cure and can hide inside of the bloodstream of anybody who is infected. Those infected with blood fever will also attract more bloodrots to them since they can also sense the location of infectees over long distances. Like many oozes, they can also split into smaller bloodrots when hit with piercing or slashing weapons.
* Bog Imp: Lawful evil [[Fey]] creatures that lives in swamps that have the ability to make people sink into the swamp and drown just by looking at them. Elves who are killed this way turn into new bog imps. They look suspiciously similar to the gremlins from the movie Gremlins.
* Boneleaf: An [[aberration]] that resembles a plant. It has razor sharp leaves and can lure people towards it with illusions. Multiple boneleaves in an area are actually parts of the same entity connected by underground nerves, so what one boneleaf learns, all the ones connected to it also learn. One of the more forgettable monster in the book, as there are tons of other monsters in the game that can do the same things a boneleaf can and it doesn't stand out from them. An aberration that spreads itself over a large area like a plant is a great concept and sounds like it could be a big threat, but the boneleaf doesn't live up to that potential.
* Corruption Eater: An aberration resembling a ghoul with a tongue covered in small mouths and barbed tentacles in place of arms. It drains the corruption score of those it hits with it's bite attack, and it has a breath weapon that can increase the target's depravity score which it can only use after draining enough corruption. It is vulnerable to attacks by enemies that have zero corruption and depravity.
* Taint Elemental: A creature made of taint. It's attacks can greatly increase the target's corruption score.
* Dusk Giant: Dusk giants are man eating [[giant]]s that change size depending on how much flesh they have recently eaten and get more befit from eating intelligent creatures. They can grow up to 20 feet tall when well fed, and shrink down to just over 6 feet tall when starving. Their magical abilities also increase when they are well fed, and they always are surrounded by an aura of shadow that darkens bright lights and causes despair. You might want to use this monster if you want to run an Attack on Titan inspired game.
* Cadaver Golem: Similar to a [[flesh golem]] but more intelligent. It can gain new skills and abilities by adding new body parts to itself. The cadaver golem later appeared in 4th edition, but no longer could gain skills and abilities from assimilated flesh.
* Grey Jester: Because no book of horror monsters is completed without a killer clown. A grey jesters is an evil fey creature that can permanently steal all joy from anyone who laughs or otherwise feel good in it's presence, and may turn them into slaves called bleak ones if they have less than or equal hit dice than the grey jester. If it can't make you laugh with it's performance it can instead force you to laugh with the Tasha's Hideous Laughter spell which it casts by touching you with it's hands or the scepter it always carries.
* Phantasmal Slayer: A ghostly creature that looks like the viewer's worst fear. Anybody who sees a Phantasmal Slayer is affected as though hit by the phantasmal killer spell. It's touch can cause the victim to instantly drop dead from fear.
===Templates===
* Tainted Minion: If a humanoid's corruption score becomes too high, they drop dead and rise as a tainted minion.
* Tainted Raver: If a humanoid's depravity score becomes too high, they are driven permanently insane and become a tainted raver. They are [[Angry Marines| always angry, all the time]]
* Unholy Scion: If you want the villain of your campaign to be the Antichrist, this is the template you should apply to them. They are pure evil before they has even been born yet. The mother of an unholy scion is permanently under the scion's control by an effect similar to the charm person or charm animal spell, even while the scion is still a fetus inside of them. The scion can also see through their mother's senses and use it's spell like abilities through them similar to a wizard's familiar. It also gains claw attacks and several spell like abilities depending on how many hit dice it has. This is the only one of the templates in the book that can be a player character, not that you are likely to find a DM who would let you.

[[Category:Roleplaying]]
[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons]]
[[Category:Game Books]]
[[Category:Splatbook]]

Heroes of Horror

2019-06-07T22:27:40Z

2602:306:B88B:FB60:7DBD:373E:EBB6:3A07: /* New Monsters */

Heroes of Horror is a [[splatbook]] for Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 that is full of useful content and advice for running horror themed adventures. It has new rules, character classes, prestige classes, spells, feats, items, monsters, and more. It is worth checking out if you are running a horror adventure even if you aren't playing 3.5.

==New Demigod==
The book introduces [[Cas]], the moose-headed demigod of spite.

==New Rules==
The book adds several new optional rules for running horror games. One of theses new mechanics is taint, which represents evil as a force that warps places and living things. Physical taint is represented by the corruption score, and mental taint is represented by the depravity score. It also has optional rules for how characters may react to horrifying scenes or situations.

==New Classes==
There were only two new basic classes introduced here, but holy shit, did they end up finding a niche. [[Archivist]] is one of the rare few Tier 0 classes, and basically is a "divine-oriented wizard", including the need of a prayerbook (aka divine spellbook) to keep up with their spells. [[Dread Necromancer]] is objectively the best "true" necromancer type class in 3rd Edition, and possibly of any other edition as well.

These two classes alone made Heroes of Horror a pretty decent purchase, and introduced the optimization boards to months of fun stuff. Dread necro isn't "quite" as broken, but when paired up with the Ur-priest and True Necromancer prestige classes, it becomes a thing of unholy beauty.

===[[Prestige classes]]===
* [[Corrupt Avenger]] : One who has become obsessed with vengeance against a specific organization or creature type. The higher their corruption, they more powerful spells they gain from this class. If the corrupted avenger is a fallen paladin, they get some extra abilities depending on how many paladin levels they have. To qualify for this class, the character must have moderate taint.
* [[Death Delver]] : One who has developed a fascination with death. The character gains divine spells and abilities mainly relating to death. At tenth level, the character gains the ability to cheat death exactly 9 times. To qualify for this class, the character must have had a near death experience.
* [[Dread Witch]] : A spellcaster who specializes in causing fear and powering themselves up using their own fear. To qualify for this class, the character must have failed a saving throw against a fear effect.
* [[Fiend-Blooded]] : A spellcaster who draws power from their fiendish ancestry. It is easiest for a sorcerer to qualify for this class and is one of the best prestige classes for a sorcerer.
* [[Purifier of the Hallowed Doctrine]] : A divine spellcaster who specializes in purifying the world of taint. To qualify the character must be able to turn undead.
* [[Tainted Scholar]] : An arcane spellcaster who gains power from forbidden knowledge. The higher their corruption and depravity, the more powerful they become. They can increase the power of their spells by paying hitpoints to use their own blood as a spell component. A character must have moderate or higher depravity to qualify.

==New Monsters==
The book introduces several new monsters. It is a bit disappointing that the book didn't have more. Most of them are actually not that scary and some are completely forgettable. Several of them probably would have been more appropriate to put in different books. Of these monsters, so far only the cadaver golem has appeared in later editions, though a few of these monsters do have fans who would like to see them in later editions.
* Bane Wraith: A more powerful [[Wraith] that loves to get revenge on people by murdering all of their friends and family. It can use illusions to appear to be a living person. It can read people's minds to find out who their loved ones so it can hunt them all down. Humanoids it kills come back as regular wraiths.
* Bloodrot: A liquid undead resembling an [[Slime|Ooze]] formed from the remains of somebody who died from being melted in acid. It infects enemies with a magical disease called blood fever that is difficult to cure and can hide inside of the bloodstream of anybody who is infected. Those infected with blood fever will also attract more bloodrots to them since they can also sense the location of infectees over long distances. Like many oozes, they can also split into smaller bloodrots when hit with piercing or slashing weapons.
* Bog Imp: Lawful evil [[Fey]] creatures that lives in swamps that have the ability to make people sink into the swamp and drown just by looking at them. Elves who are killed this way turn into new bog imps. They look suspiciously similar to the gremlins from the movie Gremlins.
* Boneleaf: An [[aberration]] that resembles a plant. It has razor sharp leaves and can lure people towards it with illusions. Multiple boneleaves in an area are actually parts of the same entity connected by underground nerves, so what one boneleaf learns, all the ones connected to it also learn. One of the more forgettable monster in the book, as there are tons of other monsters in the game that can do the same things a boneleaf can and it doesn't stand out from them. An aberration that spreads itself over a large area like a plant is a great concept and sounds like it could be a big threat, but the boneleaf doesn't live up to that potential.
* Corruption Eater: An aberration resembling a ghoul with a tongue covered in small mouths and barbed tentacles in place of arms. It drains the corruption score of those it hits with it's bite attack, and it has a breath weapon that can increase the target's depravity score which it can only use after draining enough corruption. It is vulnerable to attacks by enemies that have zero corruption and depravity.
* Taint Elemental: A creature made of taint. It's attacks can greatly increase the target's corruption score.
* Dusk Giant: Dusk giants are man eating [[giant]]s that change size depending on how much flesh they have recently eaten and get more befit from eating intelligent creatures. They can grow up to 20 feet tall when well fed, and shrink down to just over 6 feet tall when starving. Their magical abilities also increase when they are well fed, and they always are surrounded by an aura of shadow that darkens bright lights and causes despair. You might want to use this monster if you want to run an Attack on Titan inspired game.
* Cadaver Golem: Similar to a [[flesh golem]] but more intelligent. It can gain new skills and abilities by adding new body parts to itself. The cadaver golem later appeared in 4th edition, but no longer could gain skills and abilities from assimilated flesh.
* Grey Jester: Because no book of horror monsters is completed without a killer clown. A grey jesters is an evil fey creature that can permanently steal all joy from anyone who laughs or otherwise feel good in it's presence, and may turn them into slaves called bleak ones if they have less than or equal hit dice than the grey jester. If it can't make you laugh with it's performance it can instead force you to laugh with the Tasha's Hideous Laughter spell which it casts by touching you with it's hands or the scepter it always carries.
* Phantasmal Slayer: A ghostly creature that looks like the viewer's worst fear. Anybody who sees a Phantasmal Slayer is affected as though hit by the phantasmal killer spell. It's touch can cause the victim to instantly drop dead from fear.
===Templates===
* Tainted Minion: If a humanoid's corruption score becomes too high, they drop dead and rise as a tainted minion.
* Tainted Raver: If a humanoid's depravity score becomes too high, they are driven permanently insane and become a tainted raver. They are [[Angry Marines| always angry, all the time]]
* Unholy Scion: If you want the villain of your campaign to be the Antichrist, this is the template you should apply to them. They are pure evil before they has even been born yet. The mother of an unholy scion is permanently under the scion's control by an effect similar to the charm person or charm animal spell, even while the scion is still a fetus inside of them. The scion can also see through their mother's senses and use it's spell like abilities through them similar to a wizard's familiar. It also gains claw attacks and several spell like abilities depending on how many hit dice it has. This is the only one of the templates in the book that can be a player character, not that you are likely to find a DM who would let you.

[[Category:Roleplaying]]
[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons]]
[[Category:Game Books]]
[[Category:Splatbook]]

Heroes of Horror

2019-06-07T07:17:54Z

2602:306:B88B:FB60:7DBD:373E:EBB6:3A07: /* Prestige classes */

Heroes of Horror is a [[splatbook]] for Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 that is full of useful content and advice for running horror themed adventures. It has new rules, character classes, prestige classes, spells, feats, items, monsters, and more. It is worth checking out if you are running a horror adventure even if you aren't playing 3.5.

==New Demigod==
The book introduces [[Cas]], the moose-headed demigod of spite.

==New Rules==
The book adds several new optional rules for running horror games. One of theses new mechanics is taint, which represents evil as a force that warps places and living things. Physical taint is represented by the corruption score, and mental taint is represented by the depravity score. It also has optional rules for how characters may react to horrifying scenes or situations.

==New Classes==
There were only two new basic classes introduced here, but holy shit, did they end up finding a niche. [[Archivist]] is one of the rare few Tier 0 classes, and basically is a "divine-oriented wizard", including the need of a prayerbook (aka divine spellbook) to keep up with their spells. [[Dread Necromancer]] is objectively the best "true" necromancer type class in 3rd Edition, and possibly of any other edition as well.

These two classes alone made Heroes of Horror a pretty decent purchase, and introduced the optimization boards to months of fun stuff. Dread necro isn't "quite" as broken, but when paired up with the Ur-priest and True Necromancer prestige classes, it becomes a thing of unholy beauty.

===[[Prestige classes]]===
* [[Corrupt Avenger]] : One who has become obsessed with vengeance against a specific organization or creature type. The higher their corruption, they more powerful spells they gain from this class. If the corrupted avenger is a fallen paladin, they get some extra abilities depending on how many paladin levels they have. To qualify for this class, the character must have moderate taint.
* [[Death Delver]] : One who has developed a fascination with death. The character gains divine spells and abilities mainly relating to death. At tenth level, the character gains the ability to cheat death exactly 9 times. To qualify for this class, the character must have had a near death experience.
* [[Dread Witch]] : A spellcaster who specializes in causing fear and powering themselves up using their own fear. To qualify for this class, the character must have failed a saving throw against a fear effect.
* [[Fiend-Blooded]] : A spellcaster who draws power from their fiendish ancestry. It is easiest for a sorcerer to qualify for this class and is one of the best prestige classes for a sorcerer.
* [[Purifier of the Hallowed Doctrine]] : A divine spellcaster who specializes in purifying the world of taint. To qualify the character must be able to turn undead.
* [[Tainted Scholar]] : An arcane spellcaster who gains power from forbidden knowledge. The higher their corruption and depravity, the more powerful they become. They can increase the power of their spells by paying hitpoints to use their own blood as a spell component. A character must have moderate or higher depravity to qualify.

==New Monsters==
The book introduces several new monsters. It is a bit disappointing that the book didn't have more. They very in quality from terrifying to forgettable. Of these monsters, so far only the cadaver golem has appeared in later editions, though a few of these monsters do have fans who would like to see them in later editions.
* Bane Wraith: A more powerful wraith that loves to get revenge on people by murdering all of their friends and family. It can use illusions to appear to be a living person. It can read people's minds to find out who their loved ones so it can hunt them all down. Humanoids it kills come back as regular wraiths.
* Bloodrot: A liquid undead resembling an [[Slime|Ooze]] formed from the remains of somebody who died from being melted in acid. It infects enemies with a magical disease called blood fever that is difficult to cure and can hide inside of the bloodstream of anybody who is infected. Those infected with blood fever will also attract more bloodrots to them since they can also sense the location of infectees over long distances. Like many oozes, they can also split into smaller bloodrots when hit with piercing or slashing weapons.
* Bog Imp: Lawful evil fey creatures that lives in swamps that have the ability to make people sink into the swamp and drown just by looking at them. Elves who are killed this way turn into new bog imps. They look suspiciously similar to the gremlins from the movie Gremlins.
* Boneleaf: An [[aberration]] that resembles a plant. It has razor sharp leaves and can lure people towards it with illusions. Multiple boneleaves in an area are actually parts of the same entity connected by underground nerves, so what one boneleaf learns, all the ones connected to it also learn. One of the more forgettable monster in the book, as there are tons of other monsters in the game that can do the same things a boneleaf can and it doesn't stand out from them. An aberration that spreads itself over a large area like a plant is a great concept and sounds like it could be a big threat, but the boneleaf doesn't live up to that potential.
* Corruption Eater: An aberration resembling a ghoul with a tongue covered in small mouths and barbed tentacles in place of arms. It drains the corruption score of those it hits with it's bite attack, and it has a breath weapon that can increase the target's depravity score which it can only use after draining enough corruption. It is vulnerable to attacks by enemies that have zero corruption and depravity.
* Taint Elemental: A creature made of taint. It's attacks can greatly increase the target's corruption score.
* Dusk Giant: Dusk giants are man eating [[giant]]s that change size depending on how much flesh they have recently eaten and get more befit from eating intelligent creatures. They can grow up to 20 feet tall when well fed, and shrink down to just over 6 feet tall when starving. Their magical abilities also increase when they are well fed, and they always are surrounded by an aura of shadow that darkens bright lights and causes despair.
* Cadaver Golem: Similar to a [[flesh golem]] but more intelligent. It can gain new skills and abilities by adding new body parts to itself. The cadaver golem later appeared in 4th edition, but no longer could gain skills and abilities from assimilated flesh.
* Grey Jester: Because no book of horror monsters is completed without a killer clown. A grey jesters is an evil fey creature that can permanently steal all joy from anyone who laughs or otherwise feel good in it's presence, and may turn them into slaves called bleak ones if they have less than or equal hit dice than the grey jester. If it can't make you laugh with it's performance it can instead force you to laugh with the Tasha's Hideous Laughter spell which it casts by touching you with it's hands or the scepter it always carries.
* Phantasmal Slayer: A ghostly creature that looks like the viewer's worst fear. Anybody who sees a Phantasmal Slayer is affected as though hit by the phantasmal killer spell. It's touch can cause the victim to instantly drop dead from fear.
===Templates===
* Tainted Minion: If a humanoid's corruption score becomes too high, they drop dead and rise as a tainted minion.
* Tainted Raver: If a humanoid's depravity score becomes too high, they are driven permanently insane and become a tainted raver. They are [[Angry Marines| always angry, all the time]]
* Unholy Scion: If you want the villain of your campaign to be the Antichrist, this is the template you should apply to them. They are pure evil before they has even been born yet. The mother of an unholy scion is permanently under the scion's control by an effect similar to the charm person or charm animal spell, even while the scion is still a fetus inside of them. The scion can also see through their mother's senses and use it's spell like abilities through them similar to a wizard's familiar. It also gains claw attacks and several spell like abilities depending on how many hit dice it has. This is the only one of the templates in the book that can be a player character, not that you are likely to find a DM who would let you.

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