The Brood of Nagoth

Theros Obsidia, 23rd day of the Arc of Hanud, 100 LA

Reports continue of missing supply trains and lost patrols in the pacified areas of the northern Kaladruns. Most of the reports could be explained away by infighting amongst the tribes or incompetence. This last report can not be so easily dismissed as it was found on the bloody, eviscerated body of Callan Logollum; formerly a senior legate at the temple in Port Esben. Legate Callen had been sent to bolster our presence at the siege of Calador. An excerpt of his extensive notes is provided below.

“Much to my distaste, I have been forced to travel with a warband of the Grey Mother orcs to reach the outer works of Calador. It’s been over an arc since I saw the sun and my only sane companion is my bodyguard and he is a man of few words. The orcs loath me, but fortunately the feeling is mutual. I understand the order’s desire to keep a close watch on our allies and servants, less they slip their leash, but I’d far prefer to be back in Port Esben with decent quarters and servants more comely to the eye.

After endless days of marching through darkened caverns, the war leader has called a halt. The orcs are agitated and mutter amongst themselves. While I appreciate the respite, they should have told me why and for how long we were stopping. After almost an hour of waiting, I summoned the war leader to account. He was surly and if we were on the surface, I would’ve disciplined him properly. For now, that pleasure will have to wait. He’s concerned as three of his scouts are missing. That was of little matter to me; they’ve either deserted, are lost, or late in returning. There’s been no resistance this far north of Calador in a dozen years.

The war leader sent out a larger patrol to search for the missing scouts. Six heavily armed orcs led by a blooded veteran left over four hours ago. From what I can tell, they should have returned by now. There’s a commotion at the cavern mouth, so I’ve sent my bodyguard to determine what’s happening. Something is wrong; he’s pulling out his weapon. I must go, more later.”

There’s no indication of whom or what destroyed a warband and killed a senior legate. The warband was at least ten days from the outer edge of the siege, so it was unlikely the fey were responsible. More investigation is necessary.

The Brood of Nagoth
Large Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 10d10+30 (85 hp)
Initiative: +6
Speed: 30 ft, climb 30 ft
AC: 22 (-1 size, +3 dex, +10 natural), touch 22, flat-footed 19
Base Attack/Grapple: +10/+18
Attack: Pincer +10 melee (2d8+4)
Full Attack: 2 Pincers +10 melee (2d8+4) and 1 bite (2d6+4)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Frightful Presence, Rend (2d6+4), Special Qualities: Carapace, Darkvision 60 ft., Harvest, Tremorsense
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +3
Abilities: Str 19, Dex 18, Con 17, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 4
Skills: Climb +12, Hide +12, Listen +9, Move Silently +12, Spot +9
Feats: Alertness, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Natural Weapons, Power Attack, Track
Environment: Kaladruns
Organization: Solitary, Clutch (3-5)
Challenge Rating: 14
Alignment: NE
Advancement: Huge (12-15d10)

With little warning it came charging out of the darkness; black as pitch, with two glowing eyes, its two savage pincers lashing out and ripping through armor and flesh.

The Brood of Nagoth were spawned near the end of the Third Age to assault the dwarven clanholds in the Icewalls. When the Icewall Fortress Wall was finally breached, several of the Brood of Nagoth escaped the Shadow’s control and disappeared into the dark caverns under the Kaladruns. Since that time they have hunted both the dwarves and the servants of the Shadow, feasting on their organs and spreading terror.

Only several dozen Brood of Nagoth were spawned and many died breaking the dwarven defenses. It was thought that they couldn’t breed, but somehow their numbers have slowly increased over the past hundred years. It’s believed that there’s a vast nest of these creatures in the northern Kaladruns that preys on the orc warrens and occupied clanholds. The orcs have learned to fear the skittering sounds of the Brood’s claws as they announce their hunt.

The Brood is vaguely insectoid in appearance. It has four legs, heavy chitin armoring its entire body, two large pincers, and mandibles. It stands almost nine feet tall and can rise up on its hind legs to reach targets as high as fifteen feet above the ground. They are expert climbers and can attack while anchored to a wall or ceiling.

Combat: The Brood of Nagoth was created to spread terror and overwhelm dwarven shield walls. It uses its stealth and climbing abilities to attack isolated scouts and sentries before attacking a larger group. When presented with a line of troops it will attempt to force its way through using its frightful presence and improved bull rush. The Brood of Nagoth is highly intelligent and will not fight to death, often fleeing when reduced to half of its starting hit points.
Carapace (Ex): The creature was created by the Shadow with a dense carapace designed to withstand the great dwarven hammers and mauls, giving the Brood of Nagoth a DR 5/slashing weapons.
Frightful Presence (Su): The Brood of Nagoth can inspire terror by charging and attacking. Affected creatures must succeed on a DC 20 Will save or become shaken, remaining in that condition as long as they remain in sight of the Nagoth.
Harvest (Su): The Brood of Nagoth can restore lost hit points by devouring the heart and liver of its victims. It regains one hit point per hit die of the victim. Removing and eating the organs is a full round action.
Rend (Ex): If the Brood of Nagoth hits a single target with both pincers in one round, it can use its unholy strength to rend apart its victims flesh inflicting 2d6+4 points of damage.
Tremorsense (Ex): The Brood of Nagoth is especially sensitive to even the slightest of movements and can sense targets moving through or along the rock out to 90 ft.

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