Monster's Patron Invocation Ritual

Dungeon Crawl Classics: The Annual, Vol 1

Devilishly delightful ways of granting the monstrous residents of a DCC RPG campaign the power to invoke their own patrons. From the Mother of Monsters to Magog the Beast, the inhuman dungeon denizens now have formidable allies and awesome powers of their own to drawn upon and the PCs will soon learn what it’s like to be on the other end of a patron’s invoked might.

Citation

https://goodman-games.com/store/product/dcc-rpg-annual-pdf/

This chart uses input variables

Patron
Action

Result

{%if Patron == {random}%}{%cpatron = {The Mother of Monsters|Magog the Beast}%}{%end%}
{%if Patron == {The Mother of Monsters}%}{%cpatron = {The Mother of Monsters}%}{%end%}
{%if Patron == {Magog the Beast}%}{%cpatron = {Magog the Beast}%}{%end%}
{%action_die = {1d20} %}{%patron_die = {1d20} %}

{$cpatron}

Invocation Ritual

Roll on "Table 9-15 Monstrous Patron Invocation Actions"

Dice Results

Action Die: {$action_die}
Patron Die: {$patron_die} {%if patron_die == {20}%}!{%end%}

{%if patron_die < {{$action_die}}%}
The creature is successful in invoking the power of their patron!!

{%if cpatron == {The Mother of Monsters}%}
{%if Action == {Attacking}%}
Roll on "The Mother of Monsters Invocation Table" (columns: 1)
{%end%}
{%if Action == {Spellcasting}%}
Roll on "The Mother of Monsters Invocation Table" (columns: 2)
{%end%}
{%if Action == {Saving Throw}%}
Roll on "The Mother of Monsters Invocation Table" (columns: 3)
{%end%}
{%end%}

{%if cpatron == {Magog the Beast}%}
{%if Action == {Attacking}%}
Roll on "Magog the Beast Invocation Table" (columns: 1)
{%end%}
{%if Action == {Spellcasting}%}
Roll on "Magog the Beast Invocation Table" (columns: 2)
{%end%}
{%if Action == {Saving Throw}%}
Roll on "Magog the Beast Invocation Table" (columns: 3)
{%end%}
{%end%}

{%end%}

{%if patron_die >= {{$action_die}}%}
{%if patron_die != {20}%}
The creature has failed in invoking the power of their patron.
{%end%}
{%end%}

{%if patron_die == {20}%}The creature provokes displeasure with their patron!

{%if cpatron == {The Mother of Monsters}%}Roll on "The Mother of Monsters Displeasure Table"{%end%}
{%if cpatron == {Magog the Beast}%}Roll on "Magog the Beast Displeasure Table"{%end%}

{%end%}

Subcharts

Table 9-15 Monstrous Patron Invocation Actions (d20)

d20	Result
1	The monster cuts fresh wounds in its skin, allowing the blood to fall freely onto the ground.
2	The monster bites off the head of a small animal (bat, rat, cat, dog, etc.).
3	The monster speaks the Seven Profane Words in its native tongue. Thunder sounds and lights grow dim.
4	The monster breaks a sacred bone across its knee and scatters the pieces in an esoteric pattern.
5	The monster stabs an allied creature, automatically doing 1d4 points of damage.
6	The monster bites off one of its fingers or toes.
7	The monster burns its flesh with fire or an acidic substance.
8	The monster consumes fresh offal or bodily waste.
9	The monster slices strange symbols into its flesh.
10	The monster notches its ears, nose, or arms with sacred marks.
11	The monster shakes a bone rattle dedicated to its patron and cries out to the heavens (or down to the hells).
12	The monster shouts the Ancient Phrase of Power.
13	The monster sings a rhythmic, rhyming chant in its native language.
14	The monster drives rusted nails, broken glass, razor- sharp metal, or similar painful objects into its body.
15	The monster claws at its face, carving bleeding runnels into its own skin.
16	The monster punches itself in the mouth repeatedly until a tooth or fang is knocked free.
17	The monster consumes a vile concoction of liquids, clumps of exotic herbs, dried animal brains, or similar gross matter.
18	The monster flays its own body with a specially consecrated whip with lashes bearing embedded shards of sharp bone.
19	The monster makes bizarre and somewhat obscene gestures in the air or over its weapon.
20	Roll on "Table 9-15 Monstrous Patron Invocation Actions" Roll on "Table 9-15 Monstrous Patron Invocation Actions"

The Mother of Monsters Invocation Table (d20)

d20	Attacking	Spellcasting	Saving Throw
1-2	The monster’s weapon (natural or constructed) causes bleeding wounds that inflict an additional 1d6 damage each round for five rounds.	A horrible laughter echoes around the monster as the Mother of Monsters bolsters its sorcery. The monster gains a +10 bonus to its spell check.	Ghostly, monstrous arms manifest around the servant, protecting it from harm. The monster automatically succeeds in its saving throw regardless of DC.
3-4	The fire of primordial creation erupts around the monster. It gains a +2 bonus to AC, a +4 bonus to attacks and damage, and an additional d16 action die for 2d10 rounds.	Purple larvae burst from the monster’s flesh as the Mother of Monsters amplifies its casting. Monster gains a +9 bonus to its spell check.	The monster is covered with a bloody, slimy caul that grants a +8 bonus to its next 1d3 saving throws.
5-6	A 10’ square primordial slime with random special properties appears (DCC RPG pp. 423-424) and acts on the behest of the monster. It remains until slain or 2d8 rounds elapse.	A crack of thunder and a ghostly, monstrous female face appears over the caster. The monster gains a +8 bonus to its spell check.	A pair of scaly hands appear before the monster, batting away the effect being saved against and granting a +7 saving throw bonus.
7-8	The Mother of Monsters speeds up her servant, granting the monster a second attack with a +4 bonus for 1d5 rounds.	The monster is struck with agonizing birth pains and suffers 1 point of damage. It gains a +6 bonus to its spell check in return.	A ragged, ethereal bat wing drapes itself over the monster, providing a +6 saving throw bonus.
9-10	Caustic juices cover the monster’s weapon(s). Successful attacks inflict an additional 1d6 damage. The burning liquid endures for 2d6 rounds.	Tiny, ghastly fetuses dance around the spellcaster and amplify its castings. The monster receives a +5 bonus to its spell check.	A wall of tentacles bursts from the ground in front of the monster, deflecting the effect being saved against and granting a +5 saving throw bonus.
11-12	In addition to dealing damage, the monster’s attack covers its target with a constricting caul of scaly flesh. The target must make a DC 12 Ref save or become entangled. The victim cannot attack or move until it breaks free with a DC 12 Strength check.	A terrible scream of primordial creation resounds around the monster. It enjoys a +4 bonus to its spell check.	The monster’s flesh produces a slick film of curdled milk that provides a +4 bonus to its saving throw.
13-14	A swarm of gnawing monster babies emerges from the servant’s mouth, crawling over its target. These carnivorous children attack for 1d3+1 rounds with a bite (+3 melee, 1d5 damage). They are immune to all attacks and spells and vanish after the duration elapses.	The ground shudders as if in the midst of birth pangs as the Mother of Monsters makes her presence known. The monster gains a +3 bonus on its spell check.	A gruesome mouth filled with jagged teeth manifests before the monster and consumes some of the effect being saved against. The monster gains a +3 saving throw bonus.
15-16	Viscous fluids of unholy origin flow over the monster, imparting the Mother’s power to it. Its attack and damage rolls gain a +2 bonus for the next 1d4+1 attacks.	The monster’s flesh darkens as the Mother of Monsters touches the spellcaster, granting it a +2 bonus to its spell check.	A wisp of breath stinking of rancid mother’s milk blows past the monster and grants a +2 bonus to its saving throw.
17-18	A pustule-covered tongue protrudes from a rift in time and space to lick the monster’s weapon(s). It next two damage rolls gain a +2 bonus.	The wailing cry of a horrific infant rings through the air. The monster gains a +1 bonus to its spell checks on its next two spells.	The Mother of Monsters erects a fragile shell around the monster. It shatters under the effect the monster is saving against, but provides a +1 bonus to its saving throw.
19-20	The monster gains a +1 bonus to its next attack roll as the Mother of Monsters imparts a scrap of her power into the creature’s weapon.	The Mother of Monsters intercedes and twists the skein of magic. The monster can make another spell check (without rolling a monster patron die) and take the better spell check result.	A horrible, translucent infant monster appears to take a portion of the effect being saved against. The monster can roll two saving throws and take the better result.

The Mother of Monsters Displeasure Table (d20)

d20	Result
1	The Mother of Monsters’s anger is terrible indeed! She slays the irritating servant outright, blasting its body into a red slime that evaporates into a stinking black cloud.
2-3	A swarm of gruesome, flying monstrous infants appears and gnaws the servant with piranha-like mouths before vanishing. The monster suffers 1d5 points of damage.
4-5	Agonizing pains afflict the monster. It can take no action for the next 1d3 rounds. At the end of that time, the creature gives birth to a twisted homunculus of itself that capers off, tittering madly.
6-7	The monster’s flesh sprouts tiny, egg-like pustules filled with tiny monsters. The pustules burst the following round, unleashing a horde of tiny terrors. The birth of these creatures inflicts 1d3 points of damage and causes a -1d penalty on all action dice rolls for the following round. The monsters run off to grow into new terrors.
8-9	The monster’s body becomes swollen as if in the last stages of pregnancy. The creature suffers a -2 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks requiring grace or agility, and Ref saves. This effect is permanent unless the servant somehow convinces the Mother to reverse the effects.
10-11	The monster suffers birth pangs and must make a DC 8 Fort save each round for 1d4 rounds. On a failed save, it suffers a -2 penalty to all its actions for that round.
12-13	The monster is reduced to a mewling infant, incapable of doing anything but bawling and crying for 1d5 rounds. After this time, it returns to normal size.
14-15	The monster is chastised by the Mother. Tentacle-like whips appear from a rift in time and space to lash the creature. These blows inflict 1d6 points of damage and impart a -1d penalty on all the creature’s rolls for 2d4 days.
16-17	A horrific maw opens in the ground beneath the monster. It must make a DC 10 Ref save or fall into the mouth, suffering 1d6 damage and being unable to move for 1d5 rounds.
18-19	The monster is immediately transformed back into an infant and must once again grow up, reliving childhood to reach adulthood. Depending on the monster type, this could take decades. The monster is defenseless as an infant, but some kind-hearted adventurers might take pity on the poor thing.
20	The Mother of Monsters snatches away her servant, transporting it to her Womb of Pain, where the creature undergoes 1d7 days of instructional torture. The monster reappears from where it was taken after this time with a single hit point remaining.

Magog the Beast Invocation Table (d20)

d20	Attacking	Spellcasting	Saving Throw
1-2	A pair of elephantine trunks ending in six-fingered hands sprout from the monster’s body. These appendages grant two additional attacks (+5 melee, 2d4+1 damage each) using a d20 action die every round for 2d6 rounds.	Animalistic power rushes through the monster. It gains a +8 spell check bonus. In addition, if the spell is one that causes damage, the evocation automatically inflicts maximum damage.	Empowered by Magog’s bestial power, the monster not only automatically succeeds but reflects the effect being saved against back at its source, which must save against its own effect (if applicable).
3-4	Magog drains the blood of the monster’s victims, infusing its servant with a portion of their vitality. The monster gains a number of hit points equal to the damage of a successful attack. These stolen hp can exceed the monster’s usual maximum and last for 24 hours or until removed by injuries.	Magog’s rage fuels the spellcaster, granting a +7 bonus to its spell check. In addition, any saving throw against the spell suffers a -2 penalty due to the ferocity of the magic.	The monster’s flesh becomes thick and wrinkled, like that of a hellish pachyderm. The monster gains a +8 bonus to all saving throws for 2d8 rounds.
5-6	A clawed animal-like arm sprouts from the monster’s chest. This arm provides a second attack each round (+4 melee, 1d5 damage) using a d20 action die. The arm remains for 2d3 rounds.	Savage sorcery born from Magog’s hunger flows through the monster. It gains either a +6 bonus to its spell check or receives a +3 bonus and can cast a second spell immediately afterward using 1d16+3.	Enraged at the audacity of targeting his servant, Magog intervenes on the monster’s behalf. It gains a +6 bonus to its saving throw and, if the save succeeds, enjoys a +1d bonus on its next action or saving throw.
7-8	Magog innervates the monster’s body, increasing his strength and vitality. The creature gains a +4 bonus to attacks and damage and 10 temporary hit points. The hit points are lost first if the creature is injured; otherwise these vanish after 1 hour.	A monstrous roar sounds as the caster completes his casting. Magog amplifies the spell with a +5 spell check bonus. However, the creature must make a physical attack the following round: Magog desires bloodshed.	Magog allows the monster to draw upon its own life to shrug off the effect. The monster can reduce its hit points to gain a bonus on a 1:1 basis. It can spend up to 10 hit points to gain a +10 saving throw bonus.
9-10	The monster turns ferocious, its attacks fueled by hatred. It receives a +3 bonus to attacks, but any that strike inflict maximum damage. This effect lasts for 1d6 rounds.	Magog intercedes in the casting. The spellcasting creature can spellburn after the spell check has been made, spending up to CL+3 points of spellburn to bolster his spell.	Scales and bone plates appear on the creature’s body, protecting it from some harm. These provide a +5 saving throw bonus for 1d4 rounds, then vanish.
11-12	Magog’s animalistic power imparts cat-like reflexes on the creature. He gains a +2 bonus to attack and a +2 AC bonus for 1d4 rounds. Additionally, during that time, he can attempt to parry one melee attack directed at him each round. If the creature rolls a d20+2 and it beats the attacker’s roll to hit, the attack misses.	The fury of Magog grants the caster a +4 spell check bonus. If the spell inflicts damage, the damage roll also gains a +4 bonus; otherwise there is no additional effect.	A pair of gigantic six-fingered hands appears and tear the effect causing the saving throw to shreds. The monster gains a +4 saving throw bonus.
13-14	Magog transforms the monster’s blows into deadly wounds. The next 1d3 successful attacks made by the monster are automatic crits.	Magog has no time for his servants who will not bleed for him. He grants a +3 spell check bonus, but if the spell is a damaging one, the creature can spend his own hp on a 1:1 basis to increase damage up to an additional +5.	A ghostly robe resembling the stinking rags Magog wears cloaks the creature. It gains a +3 saving throw bonus for two rounds.
15-16	The monster’s body hums with Magog’s power, granting him a +2 bonus to all attack rolls and an additional d16 action die that can be used to make melee attacks.	Magog imparts a fragment of power upon the creature, increasing his spell check by +3 if it is a damagecausing spell or +2 if it is a spell of another type.	The power of the Host of Chaos emerges around the creature. Roll 1d5 to determine the bonus the creature receives to its saving throw: a 1 adds +1, a 2 adds +2, etc.
17-18	The monster goes into a bestial rage. It is immune to fear effects, never checks morale, and gains a +2 bonus to attacks and damage. This rage lasts for 1d6+1 rounds.	The ferocity of Magog grants the spellcaster a +2 bonus to his spell check and, if the spell causes damage, allows the caster to roll damage twice and take the better result.	A thick coat of matted hair and scales emerges from the monster’s flesh. This provides a +2 saving throw bonus against physical effects, but only +1 against mental ones.
19-20	The monster receives a portion of Magog’s strength, gaining a +1 bonus to the attack. If it is a bite attack, it also gains a +2 bonus to damage.	The animal power of the Beast allows the monster to make two spell checks and take the better result.	Magog has little pity for the monster. The Beast begrudgingly grants a +1 saving throw bonus.

Magog the Beast Displeasure Table (d20)

d20	Result
1	Magog craves the blood and flesh of his servant. A rending mouth appears and consumes the monster, slaying it in a tide of blood and shredded flesh.
2-3	Tearing claws appear around the monster, ripping its body and inflicting great pain. The creature suffers 1d6 damage and must make a DC 14 Fort save or pass out from the agony for 2d10 rounds.
4-5	Magog consumes some of the creature’s life force. The monster is immediately reduced to 2 hit points and is paralyzed for 1d3 rounds as Magog drains its essence.
6-7	Magog inflicts a bestial mutation on the creature. Roll 1d7 to determine the type: 1) elephant ears; 2) goat horns; 3) itching scales; 4) non-prehensile tail; 5) weak sucker pads; 6) cow udders; 7) skunk’s tail.
8-9	Magog desires to teach his servant a lesson. The creature becomes bestial and rage-filled for 1d5 rounds. During that time, it cannot cast spells, speak, or compose rational thoughts. It can only make physical attacks.
10-11	Magog marks his irritating servant with his sign: the six-fingered hand. The creature’s hands become oversized and six-fingered, causing clumsiness that imparts a -2 penalty to physical attacks and skill checks requiring dexterity. This effect is permanent unless the creature somehow convinces Magog to reverse the transformation.
12-13	Magog drains a portion of his servant’s blood to satiate his bestial hunger. The monster suffers either 2d4 points of damage or 1d4 points of temporary Stamina drain (judge’s choice).
14-15	Magog transforms the creature’s nose into a limp, elephantine trunk ending in a six-fingered hand. The trunk is not prehensile and hangs lifeless, a symbol of Magog’s displeasure. It is permanent unless somehow Magog is persuaded to reverse the transformation.
16-17	A tremendous six-fingered hand bursts from the earth and slaps the offending monster. The blow knocks him prone and inflicts 1d4 damage. The monster suffers a -4 penalty to all rolls for the next 2d3 rounds.
18-19	A terrible roar of displeasure directed at the monster splits the air. Dazed by the roar, it suffers a -2 penalty to all rolls for the next two round and must make a DC 15 Fort save or be knocked prone.
20	The creature is overwhelmed by a feeling of terror and becomes paralyzed with fright. He can perform no action but cower before Magog’s might for 1d4 rounds.

dark_ritual dcc deities dungeon_crawl_classics gods patrons ritual sacrifice summoning