Animalistic Nature Puzzle
The players are faced with six animal statues: a bear, owl, fox, shark, cat, and a sphinx.
If any of the animals are struck they will all become hostile and fight the party, this will result in a "success" for the party and they will be able to continue on the path.
If no hostile acts are made towards the animals, the bear will speak first.
Bear Totem
"You will each choose a vial, once you have chosen you will be required to consume all of the liquid contained." If asked for a hint of which should be chosen the bear will say "I am the deadliest of all, I keep my enemies close, but my friends closer. My friend, the most vulnerable of all, chooses to keep one side to me and the other to no one. My enemies stay together for fear of attack, one is small so stands far from me, the other has no fear of attacks so stands as close to me as possible."
Potions Order
In order from left to right the potions go: Dimunition (small for 1d4 hrs.), Invulnerability (resistance to all damage for 1d4 hrs.), Poison (3d6 poison damage, DC 15 Con. save or be poisoned for 1d4 hrs.), and Vulnerability (vulnerable to one elemental damage type for 1d4 hrs.)
d10 Damage Type 1 Acid 2 Cold 3 Fire 4 Force 5 Lightning
d10 Damage Type 6 Necrotic 7 Poison 8 Psychic 9 Radiant 10 Thunder
Owl Totem
After successfully making it through the bear's challenge, the owl will speak next.
"Find the tracks belonging to three creatures: the first a large beast, an amalgam of those with which you have already spoken. The second, a small fey cursed to thrive in darkness. The final, a large being, who brings flames and chaos to the forest."
List of Creatures
- DC 12: Owlbear (a pair of rings, further checks will reveal that these are the Rings of Shared Suffering.)
- DC 15: Darkling (Gleaming plate armor, breasplate only.)
- DC 18: Efreeti (Ring of fire resistance.)
Finding all three of these creatures will be very difficult, if the players manage to find one they will succeed in the challenge, but they can continue on to try to find the other two. Each creature will have a hoarde of treasure that the players may also find depending on their rolls. Upon finding the creatures, a lifesize statue of the being will be in its "natural habitat" (for example, the owlbear will reside in a cave).
Players may be able to talk their way through finding these animals, or make Survival rolls for them, DM's choice. Treasure may be changed to fit the needs of the party, these were just thematic for the monsters I put in.
Fox Totem
After tracking each beast from the owl's task, the fox will animate and speak to the party.
"Bring to me these three things: a blossom named from the last creature you located, a material used by the fey so they will not be harmed by armor, and a light source common to the fey."
The players will need to make nature checks or talk their way through finding the plants, DM's choice. Upon finding the glowvine they will be able to keep it and use it as a light source, if needed. It will provide 60 ft. dim light.
List of Plants
- DC 12: Djinni Blossom
- DC 15: Coldwood
- DC 18: Glowvine
Shark Totem
In front of the shark is a pond 30 ft. wide. The shark will animate once the fox's task has been handled properly.
"You may be able to relate to the beings of the land and accomplish their tasks, but can you recover that which each of you hold dearest, in the place most far from your reach?"
At this point one item from each player will dissapear. They will be granted Underwater Breathing for 1 hr. and must recover their item before the time runs out. Players may make DC 12 Perception checks to find their items and DC 12 Athletics checks to get them back to the surface of the water.
Cat Totem
Once each of the players' items have been recovered, they will magically become dry and move to the cat.
"You have proven yourselves most capable thus far, but can you do that which your body has not been designed to?"
At this point platforms will materialze around the walls and ceilings of the room, at the largest and highest platform sits the cat.
"One of you must reach me and prove yourself worthy."
Because some characters may be able to fly, the cat will remove that ability from the character. If so, it will say:
"I see one of your members may be able to do this effortlessly, let us see how you fare with those gone."
The players must succeed on Dex. saving throws or fall to the platform they just climbed each time they wish to go further. Upon reaching the highest platform with the cat on it, the cat will transform into a panther and fight the party member(s).
Eagle Totem
"You may have proven yourselves in physical aptitude but let us see how you do with a mental challenge."
At this point three beings will materialize in front of the Eagle, who will fly up and alight on the shoulder of one.
"Each of these beings wishes to do one thing and only one, your task is to talk them down from these things."
Players will be able to roleplay this task or make checks, DM's choice.
Three Beings
- DC 13: Stormgiant: A Stormgiant's wish is to summon formidable storms that destroy all in its path.
- DC 15: Marid: A Marid's goal is to ascend to the level of a padishah.
- DC 18: Young Copper Dragon: A Copper Dragon's aim is to steal and plunder valuables from any who oppose it.