Neon Cactus
Dungeon 23
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Raw Notes

Created
Dec 30, 2022 07:12 PM
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On the sci-fi fantasy desert punk planet of Aridus. The world was once highly advanced, but after an apocalypse 100 years ago things became toxic and life has been harsh.
There are many locations like
  • the sea of sand
  • the valley of sulfur mists
  • the trading multicultural city of Solaria
  • the abandoned and ruined neon city full of dangers
  • the ash wastes, beyond which ot has been said lay bountiful lands.
Some of the people of Aridus include
  • there are nomadic tribes opposum folk that excel at hunting and survival, that build homes on the backs of giant camels. Many of them are adept in technomancy. Their tribes are led by have druidic techno shamans, or great hunt masters
  • The horned lizardfolk are isolationist and skilled artisans who create intricate and beautiful, some of them set off to become ambassadors and merchants of the dunes. They tend to be diplomatic and cunning.
  • The roadrunner raiders. They favor neon jewelry. They run across the deserts both on foot, and with jury rigged sand buggies.
  • Human pilgrims living in floating satellites called the Skyborn. Some say the world was originally of the skyborn’s ancestors. However they have just recently returned from the sky.
  • Mole rat culture of scientists of biotechnologies, who study the unique flora and fauna of the desert and work to develop technologies that can help them survive in such a harsh environment. They wear specialized suits or use other technology to help them withstand the heat and sandstorms of the desert.
 
 
The people of Aridus have adapted to their harsh environment in many ways. The nomadic tribes of opposum folk have learned to live on the backs of giant camels, allowing them to travel across the desert in search of food and water. They are skilled at hunting and survival, and many of them are adept in technomancy, using their knowledge of technology to help them survive in the hostile environment.
The horned lizardfolk are known for their isolationist nature and their skill as artisans. They create intricate and beautiful objects, and some of them venture out into the desert as merchants and diplomats. Despite their cunning and diplomatic nature, they tend to avoid contact with outsiders, preferring to keep to themselves.
The roadrunner raiders are a fiercely independent group, known for their love of neon jewelry and their skill at running across the desert on foot or in their jury-rigged sand buggies. They are a dangerous and unpredictable force in the desert, feared by many of the other inhabitants of Aridus.
The Skyborn are a group of human pilgrims who live in floating satellites above the desert. Some say that the world was originally created by the ancestors of the Skyborn, and they have only recently returned to the surface. They are known for their advanced technology and their ability to survive in the harsh environment of the desert.
Finally, the mole rat culture is made up of scientists who study the unique flora and fauna of the desert, working to develop technologies that can help them survive in such a harsh environment. They wear specialized suits or use other technology to withstand the heat and sandstorms of the desert, allowing them to explore even the most inhospitable areas of Aridus.
 
The locations of Aridus include the sea of sand, a vast expanse of dunes and shifting sands that is home to many of the nomadic tribes of the planet. The valley of sulfur mists is a treacherous region, filled with noxious fumes and acidic pools of water. Despite its dangers, many people make their home here, drawn by the rich deposits of minerals and other resources that can be found in the valley.
The trading multicultural city of Solaria is a hub of commerce and culture, where people from many different tribes and cultures come together to trade and socialize. The abandoned and ruined neon city is a place of danger and mystery, filled with the remnants of the advanced technology that once flourished on Aridus. Many people avoid this place, but those who are brave enough to venture into its depths may find great riches and powerful artifacts hidden among its ruins.
Finally, the ash wastes are a vast and desolate region that lies beyond the known lands of Aridus. It is said that bountiful lands lie beyond the ash wastes, but few people have ventured into this unforgiving land, and even fewer have returned to tell of what they found there.
 
 
d20 adventure ideas:
  1. A group of nomadic opposum folk hire the player characters to help them find a new water source for their tribe, after their old one was contaminated by toxic runoff from a nearby factory.
  1. The player characters are hired to escort a group of horned lizardfolk ambassadors on a diplomatic mission to the city of Solaria. Along the way, they must defend against attacks from roadrunner raiders and other dangers of the desert.
  1. The player characters stumble upon an ancient ruins in the ash wastes, and must navigate traps and puzzles to uncover the treasure hidden within.
  1. A mole rat scientist hires the player characters to help them collect samples of rare desert flora and fauna for their research.
  1. The player characters are hired to investigate reports of strange, mutated creatures in the valley of sulfur mists, and must confront the dangers of the toxic environment to uncover the truth.
  1. A Skyborn satellite is in danger of crashing to the surface, and the player characters must venture into the abandoned neon city to scavenge for parts to repair the satellite before it's too late.
  1. A group of roadrunner raiders have kidnapped a member of the player characters' tribe, and the players must track down the raiders and rescue their friend.
  1. The player characters discover an ancient tomb in the sea of sand, and must brave traps and guardians to uncover the treasure within.
  1. A powerful technomancer hires the player characters to retrieve a stolen artifact from a rival tribe, and the players must navigate political intrigue and sabotage to complete their mission.
  1. The player characters are hired to investigate strange occurrences in a remote part of the ash wastes, and must uncover the truth behind a mysterious cult that has been causing trouble in the area.
  1. The player characters are hired to protect a group of human pilgrims who are making a dangerous journey across the desert to reach the city of Solaria.
  1. A powerful storm is approaching, and the player characters must help the nomadic tribes of the desert to prepare for the impending disaster.
  1. The player characters are hired to investigate a series of mysterious disappearances in the abandoned neon city, and must confront the dangers hidden within its ruins.
  1. A mole rat scientist needs the player characters' help to rescue a valuable research specimen that has been stolen by roadrunner raiders.
  1. The player characters discover a hidden oasis in the ash wastes, but must defend it against rival tribes and other dangers.
  1. A group of Skyborn pilgrims have crash-landed on the surface of Aridus, and the player characters must help them repair their damaged satellite and return to the safety of the sky.
  1. The player characters are hired to track down a band of thieves who have been stealing valuable artifacts from the ruins of the abandoned neon city.
  1. A powerful technomancer is attempting to summon a dangerous desert spirit, and the player characters must stop them before it's too late.
  1. The player characters stumble upon a hidden underground city in the valley of sulfur mists, and must navigate its dangerous inhabitants and treacherous environment to uncover its secrets.
  1. The player characters are hired to escort a group of mole rat scientists on a research expedition into the ash wastes, but they must defend against attacks from rival tribes and other dangers along the way.
 
In a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) campaign set in the world of Aridus, the different races of the planet could have the following abilities:
  • Opposum folk: These nomadic tribes of desert dwellers could have the ability to climb on their giant camel mounts with ease, allowing them to navigate the treacherous dunes of the sea of sand. They could also have resistance to heat and desert conditions, as well as proficiency with the technomancy spells that many of them use to survive in the desert.
  • Horned lizardfolk: The isolationist artisans of the desert could have the ability to move with stealth and grace, allowing them to avoid detection and surprise their enemies. They could also have the ability to create beautiful and intricate objects with ease, reflecting their skill as artisans.
  • Roadrunner raiders: The fierce and independent desert warriors could have the ability to move with incredible speed, allowing them to outrun their enemies and strike quickly and unexpectedly. They could also have proficiency with the jury-rigged technology that they use in their sand buggies, allowing them to repair and maintain their vehicles in the harsh desert environment.
  • Skyborn: The human pilgrims who live in floating satellites could have the ability to fly using advanced technology, allowing them to navigate the sky above the desert. They could also have proficiency with technology, reflecting their advanced technological heritage.
  • Mole rat culture: The scientists of the desert could have the ability to withstand extreme heat and toxic environments, thanks to the specialized suits and technology that they use to survive in the desert. They could also have proficiency with scientific instruments and biotechnology, reflecting their expertise in these fields.
 
Here are some ideas for lore in the world of Aridus:
  • The apocalypse that struck Aridus 100 years ago was caused by a massive solar flare that destroyed much of the planet's advanced technology and left the survivors struggling to survive in a hostile environment.
  • The abandoned neon city was once the center of a powerful and advanced civilization, but was abandoned after the apocalypse. It is rumored that powerful artifacts and technology still remain hidden among its ruins, but only the bravest adventurers dare to venture into its depths.
  • The Skyborn are descendants of an ancient civilization that lived on the surface of Aridus, but fled to the sky to escape the apocalypse. They have only recently returned to the surface, and are seeking to reclaim their lost heritage and rebuild their civilization.
  • The mole rat culture is made up of survivors of a disaster that struck their underground cities, forcing them to adapt to life on the surface of the desert. They are known for their expertise in biotechnology, and are working to develop new technologies to help them survive in the hostile environment of the desert.
  • The roadrunner raiders are a splinter group of nomadic opposum folk who turned to a life of banditry and raiding after the apocalypse. They are feared and hated by the other inhabitants of the desert, but are also respected for their survival skills and independence.
10 interesting trade goods that could be found in the world of Aridus:
  1. Water: In a desert world like Aridus, water is a valuable commodity, and those who can control its flow and distribution can wield great power.
  1. Food: The harsh conditions of the desert make it difficult to grow crops, so food is a precious resource that is highly sought after by the inhabitants of Aridus.
  1. Rare minerals and metals: The desert is rich in minerals and other resources, and those who can extract them can make a fortune.
  1. Technomancy crystals: These rare and powerful crystals are used by the technomancers of Aridus to channel their magical powers, and are highly sought after by those who seek to enhance their abilities.
  1. Artisanal goods: The horned lizardfolk are known for their skill as artisans, and their intricate and beautiful creations are highly prized by collectors and traders alike.
  1. Camels: The nomadic tribes of Aridus rely on these giant beasts of burden to survive in the desert, and they are highly prized for their strength and endurance.
  1. Sand buggies: These jury-rigged vehicles are used by the roadrunner raiders to traverse the desert, and are highly sought after by those who need to travel quickly across the dunes.
  1. Specialized suits: The mole rat culture uses these specialized suits to withstand the extreme heat and toxic conditions of the desert, and they are valuable to anyone who needs to explore the harshest parts of Aridus.
  1. Skyborn technology: The advanced technology of the Skyborn is highly sought after by those who seek to improve their own technology or gain an edge over their rivals.
  1. Ancient artifacts: The ruins of the abandoned neon city are filled with powerful artifacts from the lost civilization that once flourished on Aridus, and these relics are highly valuable to those who can find them.
10 valuable artifacts that a player might find in the world of Aridus:
  1. An ancient technomancy crystal, imbued with powerful magical energy that can be harnessed by a skilled technomancer.
  1. A powerful weapon from the lost civilization of the abandoned neon city, capable of devastating enemies with its advanced technology.
  1. A set of ancient maps, revealing the location of hidden oases and other valuable resources in the desert.
  1. An ancient tome containing the secrets of the lost technomancy arts, sought after by those who seek to unlock the full potential of their powers.
  1. A Skyborn satellite, filled with advanced technology that can be salvaged and used to improve the player's own technology.
  1. A powerful artifact from the ruins of the abandoned neon city, capable of granting its wielder great power but also attracting the attention of dangerous enemies.
  1. A rare and valuable mineral, sought after by those who seek to enhance their technology or improve their weapons and armor.
  1. A powerful magical talisman, imbued with the spirit of a desert spirit and capable of granting its wielder great power and protection.
  1. An ancient technomancy artifact, capable of enhancing the abilities of a technomancer and unlocking new powers.
  1. A valuable piece of Skyborn technology, such as a flying vehicle or a powerful weapon, that can give the player a significant advantage in battle.
 
In the world of Aridus, the locals might have a variety of unique weapons to defend themselves against the dangers of the desert. Some of these weapons could include:
  • The nomadic opposum folk might have weapons made from scavenged technology, such as energy swords or laser rifles. They could also use their technomancy powers to create weapons from the sand and rocks of the desert.
  • The horned lizardfolk could have weapons made from their skill as artisans, such as beautifully crafted swords or spears. They could also use their natural horns as weapons in combat.
  • The roadrunner raiders could have weapons made from scavenged technology, such as shotguns or improvised explosives. They could also use their speed and agility to their advantage in combat, striking quickly and then disappearing into the desert.
  • The Skyborn could have advanced technology weapons, such as laser guns or energy shields, reflecting their advanced technological heritage.
  • The mole rat culture could have weapons made from advanced biotechnology, such as acid-spitting guns or toxic gas grenades. They could also use their specialized suits to enhance their combat abilities, such as by using built-in weapons or defensive systems.
In the world of Aridus, there could be many different kinds of monsters that inhabit the various locations of the planet. Some of these monsters could include:
  • In the sea of sand, there could be sand worms, giant desert-dwelling creatures that burrow beneath the sand and attack unsuspecting travelers. There could also be sand sharks, dangerous predators that swim through the sand and attack anything they see.
  • In the valley of sulfur mists, there could be toxic elementals, creatures made of toxic gases and sulphuric acid that attack anyone who enters their territory. There could also be mutated beasts, creatures that have been transformed by the toxic environment of the valley.
  • In the abandoned neon city, there could be robots and other machines that were left behind by the lost civilization that once flourished there. These machines could have malfunctioned or been reprogrammed by other inhabitants of the city, and could pose a threat to anyone who enters the city.
  • In the ash wastes, there could be ash dragons, massive creatures that can fly through the ash clouds and attack anything in their path. There could also be sandstorm elementals, powerful creatures made of swirling sand and wind that can unleash devastating storms on their enemies.
  • In the underground cities of the mole rat culture, there could be mutated creatures that have adapted to life underground, such as giant subterranean worms or acid-spitting bats. There could also be hostile tribes of mole rats, who have turned against their own kind and now seek to destroy them.
Encounters in the Neon city
 
  1. The player characters encounter a group of roadrunner raiders scavenging for technology in the ruins of the city. The raiders are hostile and will attack the players on sight, but they may be willing to negotiate or be swayed by a show of strength.
  1. The players stumble upon a malfunctioning robot, still patrolling the ruins of the city. The robot is dangerous and will attack anyone it sees, but it may be possible to disable or reprogram it.
  1. The players come across a group of mole rat scientists, who are searching the ruins of the city for valuable technology. The mole rats are friendly and will offer to trade with the players, but they are also wary of outsiders and may not be willing to reveal all of their secrets.
  1. The players encounter a group of nomadic opposum folk, who are camped in the ruins of the city. The opposum folk are wary of outsiders, but may be willing to trade or share information if the players can prove their worth.
  1. The players come across a hidden underground laboratory, where a mad scientist is conducting experiments on mutated creatures. The scientist is hostile and will defend their experiments at all costs, but the players may be able to convince them to stop their dangerous experiments.
  1. 1The players stumble upon a hidden treasure trove, filled with valuable artifacts and technology from the lost civilization that once flourished in.
  1. The players encounter a group of Skyborn pilgrims, who have crash-landed in the city and are seeking shelter and supplies. The Skyborn are friendly and will offer to trade with the players, but they are also in desperate need of help and may ask the players to assist them in repairing their damaged satellite.
  1. The players come across a hidden underground bunker, where a group of survivors from the apocalypse are hiding from the dangers of the city. The survivors are wary of outsiders, but may be willing to trade or provide information if the players can prove their worth.
  1. The players stumble upon a group of horned lizardfolk, who are searching the ruins of the city for valuable artifacts. The horned lizardfolk are friendly and will offer to trade with the players, but they are also cunning and may try to deceive the players if given the opportunity.
  1. The players encounter a powerful technomancer, who is searching the ruins of the city for ancient technomancy artifacts. The technomancer is powerful and dangerous, and will stop at nothing to acquire the artifacts they seek. The players must be careful when dealing with them, as they may be able to turn the technomancer's own powers against them.
 
Opossum people
Marsupials
Omnivores
Play dead - feign death on self (stinks, monsters won’t want to eat).
https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells/feign-death
When they hit zero HP, if they succeed at a death save, they auto stabilize.
If you use a spell slot you can cast this on others.
prehensile tail - can use to carry things but not full dexterity
poison resistance
eat anything - toughness
 
PackRat feat
 
Truckers streaming words of “wisdom”
 
snake eggs are food, and pickled
 
Armadillo, pillbug monsters
 
shaman, astrology and insight→ can influence people
 
wasteland wanderer
dune rider
sandworms → tremors
rubble dwellers
packrat
sand sifters
gladiator
hermit
canyon crawler / rock climber
 
Bat folk
Tortoise folk
animal tamer
water witches → find water (dowsing)
 
 
pelican lizards → pack animals of sorts
scorpion
dune beetles
worms youngs and titans
slug dust → consume water, also som eat them for water
blood sand
rocs
murder cacti
dune shark / bullete
starfish
burrow spiders
war droids
gremlins living inside machines
 
 
magic
Daemons/blackhat
  • AIs
  • firewalls
  • viruses
  • inquiry
Spiritualism
  • astral projection
  • conduit
  • ethernet
Rockspeech
Windbarrier/devil
combustion
trapped lighting
bewitch
read objects
comprehend animals
glittering dust
soul gazing → look into eyes and know
evil eye 🧿 protects from curses
second sight
night vision
hunger / thirst
somnambulant
rage/haste
incense
sealed flask (unscryable)
sunglasses→ avoid eye contact
bags of salt
rice, etc…