Happy Saturday, Folks!

For the April member bonus, we're taking a dip into the bestiary of Quaseloth to present a twist on the phoenix that you can introduce into your fantasy games. 

The crown phoenix, a favorite creation of Keith's, was one of the first creatures that we publicly published for 5e when we entered the ttrpg space and we're stoked to have it rise from those ashes to join the Cypher System community. 

Enjoy and happy gaming!

~ Jess

Crown Phoenix 6 (18)

“The fire of the crown phoenix is truly wondrous, capable of complete immolation and resurrection from a single source. A more poetic mind might say it contains the cycle of all things in a single, dancing flame.”

- Taken from the journal of Cemythrian Odane, Last Wizard of the Lost Isle

Originally from the Plane of Fire, crown phoenixes are huge elemental beasts that inhabit the myths and legends of most of the cultures of Quaseloth. Exceedingly rare, these majestic raptors live a life not too unlike those of the other great birds of the continent, spending their time soaring high above their territories hunting for game while enjoying the open air and freedom of the skies. 
  Writing documenting the golden occurrences of coming face-to-face with crown phoenixes describes them as peaceful and even tranquil creatures a far cry from their chaotic and destructive cousins. But although the crown phoenix is a seemingly even-tempered branch of its family tree, it is fully capable of bringing the same fiery end to those who have gone out of their way to incur its wrath.
  Beyond their temperament, the primary feature that distinguishes the crown phoenix from other members of its family is the type of fire it surrounds itself with. Unlike other phoenixes, the crown phoenix cannot continuously cloak itself in flames. Instead, it must focus on igniting itself and only does so as necessary for defense or when it is actively nesting. When it does combust, the resulting silvery blue flames linger and dance on the ground for hours before dissipating and although still dangerous, they cause far less environmental destruction than other phoenixes are known for. Rather than raw desolation, it’s the restorative properties of the flames of the crown phoenix that make it truly legendary. 
  Any living creature that its fire has destroyed can be completely resurrected by it, and it’s said that if a portion of the crown phoenix’s flame can be captured, a talented alchemist can use it to make a truly remarkable potion of revitalization and regeneration. 

Motive: Procreate every 100 years, protect its egg, thrive
Environment: Sources of intense heat and fire, like volcanoes
Health: 30
Damage inflicted: 6
Movement: Short; long when flying
Modifications: Perception tasks as level 7; resists calling and summoning attempts as level 8; Speed defense as level 5 due to size; immune to damage from fire or poison; takes twice as much damage from cold
Combat: When provoked, the crown phoenix uses its beak and talons to damage foes, and can make an attack with both as a part of the same action. 
The crown phoenix can use its action to erupt in silvery blue flames that last for three rounds. While cloaked in flames, it deals 3 fire damage (ignores Armor) to any creature that comes within immediate distance of it. 
A creature whose Might and Speed pools are drained to 0 by the crown phoenix’s fire is reduced to a pile of ash and is dead. If at any time that ash is exposed to a crown phoenix’s fire for 24 hours, the creature is returned to life with its body and Pools completely restored. 
When the crown phoenix dies, its body disintegrates into fiery coals and smoldering ash that covers an area short distance across for 24 hours. Any creature that comes within immediate distance of the crown phoenix’s remains takes 6 fire damage. 

Interaction: Although not sapient, crown phoenixes have incredible empathy and emotional intelligence that’s apparent to any intelligent creatures who interact with them. 
Use: A queen has been assassinated and her advisor is seeking brave souls to restore her to the thrown. A village in the shadow of a dormant volcano reports reports smoke and ash on the air. 
GM Intrusion: The crown phoenix’s fire unexpectedly flares off of its body, dealing 3 fire damage to all creatures within short range.

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This product is an independent production and is not affiliated with Monte Cook Games, LLC. It is published under the Cypher System Open License, found at http://csol.montecookgames.com.

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