Today is sad day. 22 years ago one of the greatest performers in music died. Frank Zappa.
ETA: We also just learned that form leader singer of Stone Temple Pilots, Scott Weiland has also died today.
I love Zappa's music after being introduced to it by both a friend and my older brother Mike. Zappa was a genius and I could spend the next dozen posts talking about him, his music and his contributions. But instead in a move that might amuse Frank himself I am going for the cheap (but well thought out) gag.
Here are some Zappa inspired items, people, places and things for your game.
Oh I can't explain
Conceptual Continuity. It is something that has to be experienced.
Barking Pumpkin
This looks like a normal jack-o-lantern, but once lit it acts an alarm ward. Anyone approaching withing 10' of this pumpkin will cause it to starting barking like a large dog. Only the command "Sit, Fido, sit." followed by "good dog" will stop it from barking.
Python Boot (magic item)
These boots look like they are made of a skin of a large python. They give the wearer a +2 on any roll that might involve Charisma (though not magical rolls). It is assumed that anyone wearing such a boot must be interesting to talk to.
Python Boot, Stinkfoot (cursed)
This cursed version of the Python Boot gives the same powers as a regular python boot. Though the wearer will not be able to remove them. Once they try the boot will begin to emit an order like a
Stinking Cloud spell. All Charisma based rolls are now at a -4.
St. Alphonzo (and his Pancake Breakfast)
Saint Alphonzo was one a kindly friar that believed that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. Special pancakes blessed by the saint keep adventures full and warm till nightfall when consumed in the morning.
St. Alphonzo's is currently run by portly cleric by name of Father O'Blivion, who may or may not be plagued by leprechauns.
The Witch of The Short Forest
13th level Witch, Aquarian Tradition, Female (Neutral)
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 13
Wisdom: 10
Charisma: 18
Saves
Death Ray or Poison: 9
Magic wand or devices: 10
Paralysis, Polymorph or Turn to Stone: 9
Dragon Breath: 12
Rods, Staffs and Spells: 11
Hit Points: 41
Alignment: Neutral
AC: 5 (Ponch [equal to Leather Armor], Amulet of Protection +2 )
Occult Powers
Familiar: Snake
Herb use
Lesser: Astromancy
Minor: Moon Blessing
Spells
Cantrips: Chill, Daze, Detect Curse, Object Reading, Open, Sound
First: Cause Fear, Charm Person, Chill Touch, Sickly
Second: Agony, Evil Eye, Levitate, Rose Garden
Third: Bestow Curse, Bewitch III, Dispel Magic
Fourth: Animal Growth, Emotion, Withering Touch
Fifth: Baleful Polymorph, Bull of Heaven
Sixth: Eye Bite, True Seeing
Seventh: Wave of Mutilation
The witch of The Short Forest is notable for many reasons. First are her looks. Her hair is bright red and curled. Her skin is gray-green and all she seems to wear is an old poncho and an amulet. She is also sometimes seen with her snake. She will attempt to read your fortune with a deck of old tarot cards. Or she will try to seduce any male, particularly adventurers but especially Bards (she loves the guys in the band). If asked she will play a pair of castanets.
She lives in a small two story hut in the valley in the middle of the Short Forest. She will tell you she was born there and that makes her a valley girl.
She had a sister that drowned and doesn't want to talk about it. She will mention many times that she doesn't want to talk about it. (
Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch).
She created the Barking Pumpkin and has a many of them outside her home. She also has a cat (not a familiar) that speaks fluent Chinese (a language she does not know).
The witch's real name is Dinah, but she never answers to that.
Goblin Girl
Armor Class: 14 (5)
Hit Dice: 1 (6 hp)
No. of Attacks: 1 weapon (dagger)
Damage: 1d6
Movement: 20' Unarmored 30'
No. Appearing: 1
Save As: Fighter: 1
Morale: 8
Treasure Type: R
XP: 12
Goblin Girl is a short, kind of pretty little goblin lass. She isn't evil, per se, but she does tend to get into a lot of mischief. She is very fond of ale, and for a sip she will help out adventurers. She is also overly amorous and will adopt a "boyfriend" in the party very early. She will get upset and even suicidal if affection is not returned. She won't actually kill herself, but she loves the attention.
She wears a green dress and a black witch hat. She isn't really a witch, she just likes the hat. It also covers up her head, which is flat on top.
She is friends with the Witch but has been kicked out of St. Alphonzo's many times for stealing margarine. She has a boyfriend that is a hobgoblin, but she will claim they "are not serious".
Discorporate (Absolutely Free) (spell)
Level: Witch 5, Wizard 5
Duration: 1 hour + 10 mins per level
Range: Touch
By means of this spell the witch can leave her body and project herself anywhere on the current plane she is inhabiting. She can not affect objects or people unless they are also astral, ethereal or in spirit form. She can pass through walls and travel great distances, but she must return to her own body before the duration ends or be lost.
The witchcan bring the astral forms of five other willing creatures, provided all subjects are linked in a circle at the time of the casting. These fellow travelers are dependent upon the caster and must accompany her at all times. If something happens to the caster during the journey, her companions are stranded.
Like the
Astral Spell, a physical body is left behind attached by a silver cord.
Material Component: A bit of velvet.
Zomby Woof
Armor Class: 15 (4)
Hit Dice: 4+1 (20 hp)
No. of Attacks: 1 bite
Damage: 2d6
Movement: 20'
No. Appearing: 1d6
Save As: Fighter: 4
Morale: 12
Treasure Type: None
XP: 270
This is a large werewolf zombie stuck in mid-transformation. It is very ungainly and moves slow. It's right foot is larger than the left one and only one paw has claws.
It is a mindless monster that attacks anything in The Short Forest.
A Zomby Woof is turned as a ghoul.
