Magic the Gathering is filled with monsters depicted in excellent artwork and armed with a host of fascinating abilities, some of which can be difficult to translate into a TTRPG experience. Such was the case for the indulgent tormentor, which I received as a request. Fortunately, when it came to designing this monsters, Blue had some ideas.
The basics of the indulgent tormentor are easy enough - sizable demon that can fly and dish out more damage than he can take. However, the real trouble starts with its second ability there. How do we replicating the drawing of a card unless somebody gives something up?
I opted to make the indulgent tormentor a low-leveled demon who, judging by the art in his picture, is at least Large. I went a little light on his defenses, such as his AC and hp, while trying to keep his damage mitigation not too extreme to help reflect the card's 3 Toughness. He does have the usual host of demon immunities and resistances, but I didn't go too crazy with them. As stated in the card, he has a fly speed along with his ground speed. When it came to his attacks, I decided to have it rely on its natural attacks over the dagger, which I envision it using when it wants to take its time with a victim. I wanted to sort of capture the idea of its title as a 'tormentor' so I gave it rend along with its vicious flensing so that it could torture victims even as it fought. Outside of some classic demon spells, I was looking for those that could help in its torturous effects or otherwise sow discontent among allies. While its feats may looking basic, its vicious flensing combined with Flyby Attack and Rending Fury can do some nasty stuff while keeping the tormentor out of the way from most retaliations. Again, its skills are mostly there to help it stir up trouble with its machinations though I invested a bit in Heal as an idea that it knows how to torture people to the brink of death.
Finally, we come to the creature's centerpiece - its aura of demand. Designed to replicate its card's main ability, this aura empowers the creature if another creature within it doesn't make a sacrifice. The basis of this idea, first proposed by Blue, is a brilliant compromise on transporting the card to a statblock. After he provided the idea, I had a general idea of what I wanted but couldn't decide on the exact nature of it. For a while, I thought about having it regain its spell-like abilities if people didn't sacrifice, but too many of its spells fit well as at-will spells for that to really be effective. I ended up settling for a basic haste effect on the tormentor if the toll isn't paid - something simple but effective.
Pathfinder 1e:
Demons in Pathfinder Second Edition are tied much more closely to their sins than those in first addition. Having already decided that the indulgent tormentor's sin in life was refusing to sacrifice for the sake of helping others, I had to lean into that hear. The tormentor believes that others sacrifice only to save themselves, but when somebody sacrifices to save others, it breaks the indulgent tormentor's worldview, showing it that, in life, it wasn't in the right but that it was a miserable being. This is reflected in the indulgent tormentor's self-sacrifice vulnerability, which my test subjects, over on my Twitch channel, actually managed to activate without realizing it existed thanks to their playstyle. Outside of that, the indulgent tormentor is largely the same though I decided to make him a little more direct with his skillset.
Pathfinder 2e:
Blue's D&D 5e Version (https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/XSVlrnPq)
ENCOUNTER HOOKS
The Pits of Pain: While investigating the dealings of a wicked sorcerer, the heroes find themselves beset upon by a large band that manages to capture them. Dragged back to the sorcerer’s lair, they are trapped in the torture chamber of an indulgent tormentor serving the sorcerer. They must withstand the torture it inflicts upon them long enough for it to be distracted by something else and then find a way to break free. Deprived of their gear, they must find a way around the guards in the castle until they are back in full fighting form then work their way out of the lair. Before they can fully escape, the indulgent tormentor descends upon them, irate that its captives are leaving before its work was done.
The Classics: The heroes venture into a new town only to find it filled with hostile and distrusting people that encourage them to move on quickly. Perceptive heroes notice that the children are missing from the town though the populace are reluctant to answer, refusing to do so without considerable diplomacy. If the heroes listen to the townsfolk and leave, they are able to pass safely, but if they stay, they are assailed by the villagers in the night who try to drag them into the crypt of their ruined chapel. There, an indulgent tormentor has taken the children of the town captive, demanding the people offer a sacrifice for their safe return.
This was an interesting to do, a bit of workout for the brain on how to best reflect the card. Next week, we're diving back into Japanese mythology for another monster and the week after that will be another critter from Monster Hunter. If you want to join in on the discussion of these monsters, share your own ideas for feedback, or just chat about homebrew stuff, come join our Discord!
Have a Monstrous Monday!
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