Editing The World Tree/Act 1 (section)

=== An Unexpected Visitor ===
[[Image:Magnus.jpg|right|300px|Magnus]]Regardless of whether the the party sleeps within the outpost or outside, Magnus will visit the party at their most vulnerable moment. Should the party keep watch, Magnus will arrive on the lowest roll, regardless of score. He will attempt to persuade the party into joining his side, to find the World Tree and destroy it.  Should they refuse, he will attack them.

Allow players to make any kind of checks or readied actions.

::''That is when you feel it.  The ground rumbles and a heavy feeling fills your heart as you sense a faint smell of sulfur in the air. And that is when you see him.''

If characters draw swords and attack at this juncture, he will sheathe his sword, teleport behind a single attacker, or surround himself in an aura that is impenetrable, causing 2d6 necrotic damage to those who attempt.  Magnus is not wanting to fight but merely have them join him. He will continue with his actions to the best of his ability, stopping if the players seem to attack.

::''What you notice first about him is the sheer size of him.  He stands to almost eight feet, with black armor forming horns and points over the entirety. Red glowing eyes shine from under his helm and his mere footfalls seem to cause the earth to tremble.  He carries a jagged sword at his side and when he stops before you, he places it in front of him like a cane.  He pauses for a moment and releases a wicked laugh before addressing you.''

::''"It appears we have the same enemy, you and I.  Do you know who I am?'' (Magnus won't respond to their answer at this point) ''I am not very much different from you.  We are merely pawns that seek to stay on the board, hoping to survive another day in this twisted world.  We spend everyday looking for ways to make us stronger to fight enemies we can not overcome and we seek answers to questions that have not been addressed. Within all of this, we are tossed into a war of the deities, awaiting an outcome that will crush us or save us. We may be on opposing sides of this war, but this is a war we can stop."''

::''"With our alliance, we will rival the power of the sun, surviving the oncoming destruction of the ages.  Things have been set into motion that cannot be stopped, which will allow me reign of this world.  But my reign does not leave all to waste.  I will spare those who aid me'' (this is a lie, with a DC 5 Insight check)''. Should you join me, we will find this World Tree together and bring power to mortals'' (a DC 15 insight check will show that this is for an ulterior motive and only a half truth).  ''The gods will be left to themselves and we will be left to our selves and the world shall be cleansed under my rule, the world will NEVER be the same."''

::''Magnus laughs again before turning his back to them (with an attack at this juncture provoking the encounter) and says to them:''

::''"The world is beyond saving, its vile filth overpowering the just. It is up to us to create the world as it should be." He turns back to the party. "Shall you join me?"''

==== Setup: ====
From this point, characters are left to decide their next course of action.

Should they choose to accept his offer, Magnus will wave his hand over each of the players eyes, causing them to see the world in a tint.  This causes their alignment to change negatively (good to neutral, neutral to evil) with no effect on evil players. Magnus will say the following:

''"It is good that you have seen reason.  My power can not be stopped. Your purpose is to find the tree. I will have my agents find you (if asked, he has written a magic "beacon" on the backs of their eyes that is only removed by changing the text) and begin the initiation (if questioned, Magnus will send his followers to have them sell their souls in return for their servitude).''

He will dissipate into the darkness, leaving the party to themselves. (NOTE: The World Tree is not meant to be an evil campaign.  This is mentioned for those who wish to feign loyalty. Nefaria can restore the alignment change and words, but will need to be persuaded that they can be trusted).

Should they refuse his offer, Magnus will stand in silence for a moment before forming a fist in his hand.

''"You have chosen unwisely, fools. Let me show you your folly!"''

He draws his sword and begins the encounter.

==== Tactics: ====
Magnus' goal is not to kill the players, but to show them his power.  He will attack players and try to humiliate them, not kill them (example: throwing a strong character, outrunning a fast character, spotting hidden characters, etc). Magnus still believes they will join them.  When he reaches his bloodied amount, Magnus will begin to cast his powerful spells.  Pay close attention to the extended tactics in [[The World Tree/Act_1/Scene Levels|Scene Levels]] for more information of how this fight is to be finished.

Magnus will also allow any character to flee without consequence, accepting this as the most humiliating defeat. Should the party be defeated, proceed to [[The World Tree/Act_2#Scene_1|Act 2 Scene 1]].

==== Features of the Area: ====
Illumination: Dim at the outpost and outside.  Bright lighting depends on added illumination by the players.

Terrain Features: See [[The World Tree/Act 1/Scene Levels|Scene Levels]].

Treasure: 0 gp

==== Conclusion: ====
Play out what the characters would like to do from here (unless they were defeated). Allow them a rest to regain their bearings. It is not important of how far they run or where they end up, but it is important that they are well rested before continuing with the next act.

Magnus is no longer at their previous location, having teleported away after the encounter.  The Thal Council is also not at the Thal, should the characters decide that route, due to their traveling to Daerum.  The belltower's meeting room is merely a room with cogs, no table and chairs like before (unless the party came to this scene non-linearly).  Proceed to the next act when the characters are ready.