#rpg plothooks

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Yeast Ooze (Paths Beyond)

I called this one a decade ago. Didn’t I call this one a decade ago?

Amoeba Swarm and Giant Amoeba

Amoebas are awesome. It’s not just that they are capable of changing shape, or that they are incredibly complex for single celled organisms

The yeast ooze doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. It’s a zany monster, but too good an opportunity to pass up, especially for a low-level ooze. Unfortunately, it didn’t get much descriptive text, but there’s enough to work with. What little we have attributes yeast oozes with a generally alchemical origin. However, the ones in the Outlaws of Alkenstar arose organically, so they are potentially a threat in abandoned breweries and bakeries. 

Yeast oozes spread the mother of all yeast infections, but thankfully they aren’t lethal, even if it is incredibly uncomfortable. Like IRL yeast, these oozes don’t like cold either; they are vulnerable to cold damage, and cold environments grant additional saving throws to the infections they cause. I wouldn’t expect to see them in colder planar regions — unless an alchemist or occultist wanted to create them intentionally, so having a frigid lab may make the experiment safer.

Aakriti the Everchanging considers all oozes sacred but holds a particular fondness for the ever-adaptable yeast oozes. Unfortunately, Aakriti’s celestial oozes have attracted the attention of the Horseman Apollyon. The Prince of Plagues wishes to corrupt the oozes with his “improvements,” specifically making their yeast infections increase the host’s vulnerability to other diseases. Now, Aakriti’s faithful and anyone seeking the Everchanging’s aid must stave off constant daemonic plots and assassinations.

While most towns have to deal with rats and pigeons as local pests, yeast oozes infest Delight. It makes sense because Delight is nestled deep within the Outer Rifts and since almost the entire population is some form of alchemist, brewer, or baker. Delight specializes in inventing new food and drink, presenting itself as a refuge and resting place for weary travellers to Cerebulim. As with all things related to Haagenti, this is merely a facade, but Delight is a relatively space place compared to other Chthonian settlements.

Deep within the Plane of Wood’s fractal wilderness is an enormous tree known as the Thyrsus. This living tower is a strange combination of pine and vine, growing grapes as large as a person. When these fruits grow ripe, they inevitably burst, spilling their contents into massive cup-like hollows below. Given time, they ferment into a wine vintage that is a delicacy across the planes and a potent primal spell component. This natural winery is the product of the many yeast oozes that live on and around the Thyrsus. When docile, they appear to be perfect spheres of amber dew, but they quickly become active if they sense a new source of sugar in their presence — such as an adventurer’s flesh.

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Zinba (Paths Beyond)

Any way you cut it, Zinbas are animals with a little extra oomph. These snakes play on the idea that what can harm can also heal, as well as the motif of snakes as a symbol for regeneration. Instead of injecting venom into their victims, their bite can release a powerful healing agent instead, and their presence turns the water where they nest into a potent curative. Canonically, they are found near Bloodcove in the Mwangi Expanse, but I’d put these amphibious reptiles in any coastal or littoral region along Graund’s western coast.

The 3.x/PF1 parlance for them would be magical creatures, while PF2 labels them as beasts. This isn’t just a matter of being more intelligent; Zinba can also understand Sylvan even if they can’t speak it. This speaks to their connection to nature and the First World. Think about what types of fey the local Zinba are in contact with and how their relationship plays out. While Zinbas are effectively intelligent, magical anacondas on the Material Plane, don’t be afraid to let them grow to World Serpent sizes in the Feywild (yes, it’s a good name, I’m stealing it).

Zinbas are among the few bonafide living animals to make their homes in the Boneyard. The Lady of Graves considers them sacred as beasts that bring both death and healing. Most are mundane creatures, but a few are intelligent oracles capable of channeling positive energy through their bites.

The velstrec apostle Siren’s Wail is willing to unveil the secrets of the Plane of Shadow for the right price. For the information the party needs from her, she requires an exquisitely crafted martini made from zinba water, infernal gin, and Elysium vermouth. It will be a race against the clock to get all the ingredients assembled and delivered before the zinba water reverts back to river water.

Although their pale complexion earns zinbas the nickname “ghost snakes,” it is a double misnomer. Not only are zinbas vitally alive, they rarely leave ghosts. Zinba phantoms, on the other hand, are an essential part of the Mwangi Expanse and Shackles’ spiritual ecosystem. Reaching across from the Ethereal Plane, the phantoms serve many summoners as eidolons — including some who bonded to the serpents when the phantoms resurrected them.