Malocchio's Curse - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Malocchio's Curse

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
zombiegleemax
Sep 15, 2004 19:17:44 Are there any mechanics for the ritual that binds Malocchio to Invidia? Is it a curse, a spell, or something that can't be quantified by the rules? Most importantly, how might it be undone? Given the importance Azalin attaches to Mal in the gazetteers, I imagine if I wait long enough we'll get to see the wizard king make an attempt, but in my current campaign I've got an outlander PC who'd like to get home and I'd like to dangle Malocchio in front of him as a possible avenue. But I need to figure out how the enchantment might be broken before I can suggest it as an option, so any help that could be offered would be greatly appreciated.
#2
zombiegleemax
Sep 15, 2004 21:49:40 The adventure The Evil Eye talks about the Zarovan's sphere of binding, but these 'mechanics' have not been revealed or translated into the d20 system. Undoing the binding is going to be a major event in the Ravenloft timeline. I don't believe that Gaz IV revealed anything about the topic.
#3
mortavius
Sep 16, 2004 10:50:12 Seeing as the binding was caused by the Sphere of Binding, I would suggest that it is the effect of a magic item. The Vistani made it, so it can't be an artifact, but other than that, I would say feel free. But if it were easy to release him from it, then I would suggest the Vistani wouldn't have done it.
#4
zombiegleemax
Sep 16, 2004 14:25:05 I don't expect it to be easy, but I imagine it has to be possible. Given that Vistani curses generally have an escape clause, I have to imagine that there must be some obscure way for Mal to wiggle out of it. Would the destruction of the item accomplish that, do you think?
Also, is there anywhere I could find Evil Eye so I could form some suppositions on own?
#5
mortavius
Sep 16, 2004 14:29:26 I believe the sphere was destroyed in the Binding. And although your idea is intriguing, I believe the wording in the module is that the Dukkar is bound, forever. Of course, feel free to interpret that how you wish; just thought I'd let you know.
#6
Mortepierre
Sep 16, 2004 17:01:42
Also, is there anywhere I could find Evil Eye so I could form some suppositions on own?

Sure, try here
#7
zombiegleemax
Sep 17, 2004 0:38:40 I believe the sphere of binding was made out of iron and then enchanted by the Zarovan. It was not clear whether it was an artifact or a just a crafted item with a powerful enchantment (probably something to the effect of Dimensional Anchor).

When the sphere was hurled at Malocchio it exploded in the process with a flash of light. The binding was described something to effect of; as 'cords looking like glowing iron chains' that sprouted from the sphere (the iron ball).
#8
mortavius
Sep 17, 2004 1:57:16 I thought about it, but the sphere couldn't have been an artifact, even a minor one. Artifacts, by their very nature, cannot be made anymore; the secrets of their creation are lost. Now, if a DM wants to ignore that, all fine and dandy. But according to the base rules it has to be a magic item of some kind, probably a Major one.
#9
Mortepierre
Sep 17, 2004 3:41:30 .. except it was crafted by the Zarovan. The VRGttV makes clear that's the one ethnic group within the Vistani community that has access to powers above and beyond everyone else.

Look at Madame Eva in Gaz I. Notice what the text states about her spellcasting powers?

Look at what the Zarovan can do for PC who help them in The Evil Eye. Think anyone else in RL could do it?

I agree that it transforms the Zarovan into a deus ex machina plot-device but since getting their cooperation is almost impossible to achieve, it's not as bad as it sound.

Long story short, if anyone in RL could create an artifact, it would be them.
#10
zombiegleemax
Sep 19, 2004 2:50:29 Some artifacts have been built in RL. What would you call the Riftspanner? Azalin's attempt to build a device to turn him into a demi-lich and the resulting in a "negative energy nuke". This is stuff way beyond MIC. It is important to remember that artifacts are inevitably plot devices as much as items. Their effects and powers go by the needs of the campaign plot and not by the rules.

The old 2E book of artifacts has a different (IMO superior) one from the 3.5 DMG. It defines artifacts in 3 ways (1) they're unique (2) they all have a history behind them (3) they have have a story (that is to say they're plot hooks for adventures). In the next page Zeb Cook also notes that artifacts break the rules or "cheat" but don't have to be worldshattering. In his words artifacts are items "about wonder - not power like many players think." This last (again) reaffirms that they can't be built by player MIC.

The vistani themselves practically fit the above! The sphere deployed by them to hold Malocchio specifically fits all the above. IMO DMs should treat it like an artifact. Especially as the sphere's effects won't easily fit into quantifiable game terms. The only reason Malacchio should find a way free from "his curse" is if you want that to happen in your camapaign as part of your plot. Tempting a player to free him (in a mistaken bid to get home) should involve something other than a game mechanic. "You need to find someone to cast Break Enchantment at 16th level", for example, is a terrible solution IMO.

I absolutely agree that there should be a way (currently unknown) to fee Malochio, as good plot build but also as a reflection of the way the Vistani opperate. Maybe he needs to be scribed with a glyph of freedom made with the tears of a vistani who laments his imprisonment. Or maybe Madame Eva tears? Use your imagination. Whatever it is Malocchio almost certainly can't do it without the PCs assistance (willing or unwilling). And at first it should seem impossible to the PCs to accomplish. But PCs are resourcesful and full of whacky ideas. Sooner or later they *ALWAYS* come up with something - even if its not what you intend as a judge. This should be followed with a (string of) harrowing RL adventure(s).

-Eric Gorman

"We need tears from Madame Eva? Uh guys, I think Madame Eva is dead."

"That's right! Hey what about Montari? When we faced her last month didn't she have Eva's head on a stick in her storeroom? That was soooo gross!"

[many adventures pass] "Okay guys. I talked to her. You're not going like this but she says she wants Ivana's head because it doesn't get old....No not Trump you lackwit! The Black Widow!" [many adventures begin].

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 zombiegleemax Sep 15, 2004 19:17:44	Are there any mechanics for the ritual that binds Malocchio to Invidia? Is it a curse, a spell, or something that can't be quantified by the rules? Most importantly, how might it be undone? Given the importance Azalin attaches to Mal in the gazetteers, I imagine if I wait long enough we'll get to see the wizard king make an attempt, but in my current campaign I've got an outlander PC who'd like to get home and I'd like to dangle Malocchio in front of him as a possible avenue. But I need to figure out how the enchantment might be broken before I can suggest it as an option, so any help that could be offered would be greatly appreciated.
#2 zombiegleemax Sep 15, 2004 21:49:40	The adventure The Evil Eye talks about the Zarovan's sphere of binding, but these 'mechanics' have not been revealed or translated into the d20 system. Undoing the binding is going to be a major event in the Ravenloft timeline. I don't believe that Gaz IV revealed anything about the topic.
#3 mortavius Sep 16, 2004 10:50:12	Seeing as the binding was caused by the Sphere of Binding, I would suggest that it is the effect of a magic item. The Vistani made it, so it can't be an artifact, but other than that, I would say feel free. But if it were easy to release him from it, then I would suggest the Vistani wouldn't have done it.
#4 zombiegleemax Sep 16, 2004 14:25:05	I don't expect it to be easy, but I imagine it has to be possible. Given that Vistani curses generally have an escape clause, I have to imagine that there must be some obscure way for Mal to wiggle out of it. Would the destruction of the item accomplish that, do you think? Also, is there anywhere I could find Evil Eye so I could form some suppositions on own?
#5 mortavius Sep 16, 2004 14:29:26	I believe the sphere was destroyed in the Binding. And although your idea is intriguing, I believe the wording in the module is that the Dukkar is bound, forever. Of course, feel free to interpret that how you wish; just thought I'd let you know.
#6 Mortepierre Sep 16, 2004 17:01:42	Also, is there anywhere I could find Evil Eye so I could form some suppositions on own? Sure, try here
#7 zombiegleemax Sep 17, 2004 0:38:40	I believe the sphere of binding was made out of iron and then enchanted by the Zarovan. It was not clear whether it was an artifact or a just a crafted item with a powerful enchantment (probably something to the effect of Dimensional Anchor). When the sphere was hurled at Malocchio it exploded in the process with a flash of light. The binding was described something to effect of; as 'cords looking like glowing iron chains' that sprouted from the sphere (the iron ball).
#8 mortavius Sep 17, 2004 1:57:16	I thought about it, but the sphere couldn't have been an artifact, even a minor one. Artifacts, by their very nature, cannot be made anymore; the secrets of their creation are lost. Now, if a DM wants to ignore that, all fine and dandy. But according to the base rules it has to be a magic item of some kind, probably a Major one.
#9 Mortepierre Sep 17, 2004 3:41:30	.. except it was crafted by the Zarovan. The VRGttV makes clear that's the one ethnic group within the Vistani community that has access to powers above and beyond everyone else. Look at Madame Eva in Gaz I. Notice what the text states about her spellcasting powers? Look at what the Zarovan can do for PC who help them in The Evil Eye. Think anyone else in RL could do it? I agree that it transforms the Zarovan into a deus ex machina plot-device but since getting their cooperation is almost impossible to achieve, it's not as bad as it sound. Long story short, if anyone in RL could create an artifact, it would be them.
#10 zombiegleemax Sep 19, 2004 2:50:29	Some artifacts have been built in RL. What would you call the Riftspanner? Azalin's attempt to build a device to turn him into a demi-lich and the resulting in a "negative energy nuke". This is stuff way beyond MIC. It is important to remember that artifacts are inevitably plot devices as much as items. Their effects and powers go by the needs of the campaign plot and not by the rules. The old 2E book of artifacts has a different (IMO superior) one from the 3.5 DMG. It defines artifacts in 3 ways (1) they're unique (2) they all have a history behind them (3) they have have a story (that is to say they're plot hooks for adventures). In the next page Zeb Cook also notes that artifacts break the rules or "cheat" but don't have to be worldshattering. In his words artifacts are items "about wonder - not power like many players think." This last (again) reaffirms that they can't be built by player MIC. The vistani themselves practically fit the above! The sphere deployed by them to hold Malocchio specifically fits all the above. IMO DMs should treat it like an artifact. Especially as the sphere's effects won't easily fit into quantifiable game terms. The only reason Malacchio should find a way free from "his curse" is if you want that to happen in your camapaign as part of your plot. Tempting a player to free him (in a mistaken bid to get home) should involve something other than a game mechanic. "You need to find someone to cast Break Enchantment at 16th level", for example, is a terrible solution IMO. I absolutely agree that there should be a way (currently unknown) to fee Malochio, as good plot build but also as a reflection of the way the Vistani opperate. Maybe he needs to be scribed with a glyph of freedom made with the tears of a vistani who laments his imprisonment. Or maybe Madame Eva tears? Use your imagination. Whatever it is Malocchio almost certainly can't do it without the PCs assistance (willing or unwilling). And at first it should seem impossible to the PCs to accomplish. But PCs are resourcesful and full of whacky ideas. Sooner or later they ALWAYS come up with something - even if its not what you intend as a judge. This should be followed with a (string of) harrowing RL adventure(s). -Eric Gorman "We need tears from Madame Eva? Uh guys, I think Madame Eva is dead." "That's right! Hey what about Montari? When we faced her last month didn't she have Eva's head on a stick in her storeroom? That was soooo gross!" [many adventures pass] "Okay guys. I talked to her. You're not going like this but she says she wants Ivana's head because it doesn't get old....No not Trump you lackwit! The Black Widow!" [many adventures begin].