Something strange has infected the land. Plants and Animals are taking on the characteristics of other plants and animals. Many are harmless, others have become monsters. The effect has spread from the near by wilds and into the populated areas. The first person has been infected by this strange malady.
In the wilds near by, over the last year or so, there has been an increase in monsters. These monsters are new and odd, as animals seem to being combined. A Owl taking on mouse characteristics, a cow growing a long shaggy coat of grass upon its back, A bear, a tree, and a squirl seem to be combined into one fearsome and odd beast. Many of the animals are malformed in some way, twisted to an odd shape. The malady is spreading beyond the wilds, into the villages. The first case, a human with catlike fur, has occured.
The person has a beloved pet cat. They now both have the same fur.
Many have investigated. It is not a curse, nor an evil spell, according to all the tests. It is not a disease, as it can not be healed. It is beyond anyone's understanding.
The characters are either hired or decide to look into it for personal reasons, the glory, the bounty, or for lack of anything better to do.
Upon apporaching the wilds, you will find terrible (and a few admusing monsters), plants that are animal like, and a small dungeon filled with alchemical traps.
What has actually happened is a crazed alchemist retreated back into the wilds. She perfected elements of her craft in an attempt to seize the kingdom. (Before that, the Alchemist sold goods in the nearby city, until they were embroiled in some 'unpleasantness' and became bitter and desirous of revenge). She wished to make monsters to form an army. The first step to do so, was to create Chimera Oil. Over the years, she created a 30 gallon drum of the substance. While creating some mind control dust, there was a terrible explosion in her lair. She did not survive. Nor did the 30 gallon drum. It slowly began to leak. In a dribble at a time, it has slowly flowed out of the lair. It finally reached the soil outside and soaked into the ground. Then into the water table. From there, this substance has slowly infected the water table.. thus the plants.. and up the food chain. As the animals ingest more and more things contaminated, they eventually build up enough oil to trigger a morph.
Scrolls
Twists, chapters, and details meant to stream with the submission — not general discussion.
No scrolls yet — leave one if you have a twist worth keeping.
Sign in to plant an idea scroll.
Award XP
Enjoyed this? Sign in to thank MoonHunter with blade clashes — 5 XP each, up to 25.
5 10 15 20 25Sign in to award XP.
Discussion
Reader talk, questions, and feedback — not scrolls.
No comments yet — be the first voice in the hall.
Sign in to join the discussion.
Continue the path
Three more steps through the hall.
- Chimera Oil by MoonHunter Bound
Other takes
No other takes yet — the best compliment on the Citadel is a Retelling.
Bonds
Curated bonds across the Citadel. Kindred Favors are another thread in the same weave.
Binds to 1
- Chimera Oil MoonHunter linked by MoonHunter
Fantasy Toxic Waste. Who says magic is safer than tech?
Monstertoxicosis would be teratometamorphosis, if you prefer realistic latin naming.
The group will never see this one coming.
Question about this one...
How is the party supposed to figure out the cause? Even if they find the 'ex-barrel', they aren't going to know that it slowly leaked into the water table, they just don't have enough knowledge to connect the two.
How do they avoid a similar fate?
(plus which, and I know it's fantasy, etc, but one gallon of toxic waste causing this? Sounds like potent stuff)
Well, actually, if you read the Chimera Oil item he linked to, it says just a few drops makes the skin soft as clay. 30 gallons of the stuff into the water system will cause some serious funkiness. *nods*
A logical way to bring Chimeria Oil into play.