## The Realm of the Scorpion King ### The Scorpion Crown (Faction) #### Leader ***The Scorpion King*** (*Level 4 Warrior; T8; 20 HP, 10 PP, 8 MP; Weapon: Dunesword*) - *desert warlord, conqueror of the dunes, chosen of the Scorpion Crown.* ##### Scorpion King Abilities *King of the Hill* – when reduced to half or less of your total Hit Points, gain +2 attack and +1 damage bonus. *Venomous Strike* – inflicts 1+1d5 damage; target must succeed a T6 Aspect Check or suffer -2 Toughness and Power for 1d5 rounds. Cost: 2 Power Points. *Warlord* – all allied creatures within sight gain a +1 attack and damage bonus. ##### Scorpion King Spells *Summon (Sandstorm)* - blinds all creatures (-2 to attack and Reflex) and eliminates all ranged attacks within a 50ft radius for your level amount of turns. Cost: 2 Magic Points. ##### Notes The Scorpion King wears the *Scorpion Crown* on his proud brow, which grants him the ability to summon 1d3 giant scorpions once per combat encounter (or at the cost of 2 Magic Points); additionally, there is a 1-in-5 chance that the crown will restore 1d5 Power Points every combat round. The Scorpion King wields the *Dunesword*, which grants him a +2 attack bonus; on a roll of 10, the he may make another attack against any target in melee range. #### Faction Type Warrior clan or warband #### Faction Goal Expand territory and unite the desert tribes #### Faction Method Open violence #### Faction Disposition Aggressive #### Faction Influence Regional (5–10 hexes) #### Faction Clock ##### Stage 1 – Pressure Caravans are taxed or raided; patrols appear across the desert. ##### Stage 2 – Action The Scorpion King conquers nearby settlements. ##### Stage 3 – Consequence A desert kingdom forms under his rule, threatening trade and sovereignty across the region. ### Hex #1: The Scorpion Crown Oasis **Location:** Deep desert basin beyond the caravan routes. **Terrain:** Dry Lands (Desert) *Hidden among the steep and shifting dunes, the oasis of the Scorpion Crown sprawls at the foot of a massive sandstone escarpment, carved by hand and time into an imposing temple to the Gods of Sand and Sky.* #### Weather (Table A) **Windy (4)** Sand whips across the dunes; ranged attacks suffer disadvantage beyond medium range. #### Feature (Table B) **Stone Formation (4)** A colossal sandstone temple complex rises from the dunes. #### Sign or Omen (Table C) **Fresh Tracks (3)** Heavy laden camels and large scorpion tracks cross the sand. #### Encounter Check (Standard Intensity) 1-in-3 chance... **Encounter occurs** (10 – GM's choice) ##### Encounter Type (Table E) **Faction Patrol (7)** Six desert warriors bearing golden scorpion insignia question travelers and demand tribute. #### Discovery (Table F) The party spends time exploring... discovery roll succeeds. **Settlement (6)** ##### Settlement: The Scorpion Temple ###### Settlement Size (Table G) **Fortified Town or Stronghold (7)** Population: ~500 warriors, servants, priests, and slaves. #### Conflict & Hook (Table H) **Faction Pressure (3)** Travelers must pay tribute to the Scorpion King or face imprisonment. #### Site Type (Table I) **Temple or Shrine Complex (4)** The Scorpion Temple also includes another, deeper location. ##### Site: The Temple of the Old Gods ###### Site Condition (Table J) **Decaying but inhabited (3-4)** Ancient ruins form the foundation of the Scorpion King’s fortress, where sacrifices to the old insectoid gods still take place. ###### Occupants (Table K) **Soldiers / Mercenaries (5)** Fanatically loyal desert warriors. ##### Reward / Treasure (Table L) **Relic (4)** The **Scorpion Scepter**, an ancient artifact in the shape of a scorpion's tale that casts a venomous strike in a range of 100 ft. ### Hex 02: Valley of the Black Sting **Terrain:** Dry Lands **Weather:** Heavy sandstorm (6) **Feature:** Resource (7) *Black obsidian veins exposed in canyon walls.* **Sign:** Corpse with clue (5) *A dead scout clutching a map of the Scorpion Crown’s patrol routes.* **Encounter:** Predator Giant scorpions nesting in the rocks. **Discovery:** Dungeon entrance (4) #### Site Ancient tomb (2) beneath the canyon. - **Condition:** Recently disturbed (7) - **Opposition:** Undead guardians (8) - **Treasure:** Map to another lost desert city (6) ## Hex 03: The Caravan Graveyard **Terrain:** Dry Lands **Weather:** Overcast (high altitude sandstorm) (2) **Feature:** Trackway (5) *Buried imperial caravan road.* **Sign:** Distant smoke (1) **Encounter:** Travelers *Refugees fleeing the Scorpion King’s most recent conquest.* **Discovery:** Treasure with strings attached (9) *Merchant chest containing gold stamped with the Scorpion King’s sigil. Possessing it marks the party as enemies of the faction.*