Page 115 - Lords of Madness: The Book of Aberrations

RELATIONS WITH OTHER RACES in which the grell originated. Obviously, not all of these prop-
To a grell, all other beings ultimately fall into one of three erties can be easily replicated or manipulated in the natural
categories: the eaten (a very broad group indeed, including world, but grell philosophers labor long and diligently to find

humanoids, animals, and other creatures), the inedible (those ways to apply their knowledge of an alien sphere’s magical and
rare creatures whose physiology or nature makes them physi- physical laws to their study of arcane matters in the human
cally inedible to grell, and thus of little interest), and the great world. Few human scholars can begin to make heads or tails
eaters (those even rarer creatures that might prey upon grell). of grell spellcasting and item creation, simply because they
Grell have absolutely no compunction about attacking and have no knowledge of the alien properties embodied in grell
devouring creatures that belong to the eaten category. Any arcane lore.
The study of grell alchemy is represented by the Grell
conversation or negotiation with such creatures is completely
CHAPTER 6 THE EATERS at a grell’s convenience, and can be interrupted by an attack at Alchemy feat, described below.
any moment. Grell are certainly intelligent enough to recognize
that just because they can eat a creature doesn’t mean that it GRELL ALCHEMY [ITEM CREATION]
A creature that has this feat has studied the alien and disturb-
is always wise or useful to do so. An evil human wizard who
supplies a grell with items of value—other humanoids as meals,
physical laws by which their spells and devices function.
treasure, or interesting magical lore, for instance—is something ing arcane lore of the grell, and understands the magical and
of a golden goose, not to be eaten on a passing whim. The dif- Prerequisites: Int 13, Knowledge (dungeoneering) 3 ranks,

ficulty a humanoid faces in establishing such an arrangement caster level 1st.

with grell lies in finding a way to demonstrate his or her talents Benefit: A creature with this feat can create grellcraft items,

in the first meeting with the eaters. In the end, even the most including lightning lances. Its spells are partially based on

useful ally is still a meat animal, to be devoured as soon as he obscure physical laws, as opposed to magic alone, and therefore
becomes more useful as a meal than as a minion. gain a +2 bonus on spell penetration checks. They are also

Grell take little notice of creatures belonging to the inedible more difficult to identify or dispel. Spellcraft checks made to
category except in unusual circumstances. There is certainly identify the spells and caster level checks made to dispel the
little point in fighting such creatures, so given the choice, spells are made with a –2 penalty unless the identifier also

grell are inclined to leave things such as intelligent constructs, knows this feat.
plants, or undead alone, and they expect the same in return.
From time to time, an especially innovative patriarch might GRELL ITEMS
strike a deal with an inedible neighbor, such as a lich. Of all In addition to the lightning lance, grell philosophers and craft-
other beings, the inedible are the most likely to be treated ers manufacture several other unique items, all described
equally and fairly by the grell, simply because the grell have below.
nothing to gain from them. Due to their unusual anatomy, grell use magic items differ-
Grell have a more complex relationship with beings that are ently than humanoids do. A grell can wear:
considered great eaters. Their entire philosophy supports the con-
ceit that anything powerful enough to devour another creature • Two amulets, brooches, medallions, necklaces, periapts, or
is entitled to do so: Might makes right. On the other hand, grell scarabs embedded in the thick hide of its body.
loathe the idea of being reduced to the status of someone else’s • Two pairs of bracers or bracelets on the thick upper portions
eaten, and therefore go to great lengths to devour before they of two tentacles.
are devoured. Subterranean monsters such as aboleths, behold- • Up to four rings on the slender tips of four additional ten-

ers, and mind flayers are therefore admired for their power and tacles.
prowess, but detested at the same time. Grell sometimes accept a
wary truce with such neighbors, especially when a grell advantage Grell cannot wear headbands, hats, helmets, phylacteries,
in numbers balances out the power of the other species, but if lenses, goggles, vests, vestments, shirts, robes, suits of armor
there is a real disparity in strength, the grell either attempt to (although a specially made suit of grell barding is at least
annihilate their rivals or relocate their colony. conceivable), belts, cloaks, capes, mantles, gloves, gauntlets,
boots, or shoes. Grell philosophers design unique items that
use the ring or amulet slots.
GRELL MAGIC
Grell sometimes undertake the study of arcane magic, becom- Grell Crystal
ing formidable wizards and earning the title of philosopher. A dingy, translucent, dishwater gray in color, grell crystal is a
However, arcane lore comprises only a portion of their super- common building material in grell lairs. It is used to fashion
natural powers. Learned grell are the masters of a sinister alien light walls, shelves, partitions, and utensils.
lore best described as grell alchemy. In its unset form, grell crystal is a dry powder made of small,
Grell alchemy combines the manipulation of arcane magic silver-gray crystals that look like rough, dirty salt. When
with knowledge of natural science, chemistry, and—most dropped in water, the crystals expand and harden into flat

important—the physical laws and properties of the alien space sheets. One pound of crystal powder and 5 gallons of water
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