Greetings Adventurers!
Today, we are unveiling some of the most mysterious magical beings you will find on the Stormtossed Isle - the Crystal Bearers. To understand the origins of these creatures, we must first know more about their source of power, the Crystal Clusters.
Crystal Clusters grow from within the deepest parts of the land. They are potent conduits of magic, acting as volatile catalysts of near infinite energy.
In battle, this takes the form of a permanent electrical node that reacts explosively to fire. All crystal enemies have this “Crystal Bearer” passive characteristic, and only the destruction of the Crystal Bearer removes the reactive electrical node from the battlefield.
Crystal Clusters are found in underground areas, such as caverns, and in the north of the Isle, in the volcanic Wastes.
Because of the special properties of these crystals, the Isle has drawn the attention of many arcane researchers. However, the scholars were unaware of one important property of the mineral: extended contact with it has unpleasant side effects, both mental and physical. It can turn the subject into a Crystalmancer.
Crystalmancers are formidable, boss-tier enemies typically encountered at the end of dungeons, known for their mastery over arcane crystal manipulation. Their abilities revolve around the creation and control of powerful crystal entities.
Using Summon Node, a Crystalmancer can grow a Crystal Cluster near an existing Crystal Bearer, laying the groundwork for rapid battlefield expansion.
Their signature move, Shape Crystal, allows them to transform these clusters into various Crystal Bearer monsters, sturdy, fire-resistant constructs that relentlessly defend their master.
To further complicate matters, Crystalmancers can trigger Detonate, causing a chosen Crystal Bearer to erupt in fire and cause damage to everyone nearby. Since the Crystal Bearers themselves are nearly immune to fire, but their enemies are not, this tactic is devastating in close quarters. Facing a Crystalmancer is a test of both strategy and endurance, as their relentless summoning and explosive tactics can overwhelm unprepared parties.
Crystalmancers are only a recent development on the Stormtossed Isle; however, before them, there were more ancient Crystal Bearer creatures.
Long before human interest in the crystals, some of the native fauna adapted to their presence in their environment, making them immune to the crystals’ insanity-inducing effects.
The Igorguana is an enemy characterized by its two-part body and dangerous crystal-based magic.
Its head wields the powerful skill Petrifying Gaze, an ability that slowly transforms enemies into crystal statues over multiple exposures. The process begins by weakening the target’s ability to act, progresses to a stun, and ends with full petrification.
The petrified party members can be temporarily mind-controlled by the Igorguana, turning allies against their group.
Complementing the head, the tail acts as its own unit, trailing behind the main body and executing its attacks. Though it moves in sync with the Igorguana, it can take separate actions in combat, adding another layer of threat. If the tail is destroyed, the Igorguana can regrow it by sacrificing a portion of its health, ensuring the pressure never fully lets up, making it a formidable and relentless enemy to approach with extreme care.
And these are the Crystal Bearers you will find in Pathbreakers: Roaming Blades!
As you can imagine, they will be one of the most powerful foes to take on and require an attentive plan to overcome their insidious abilities.
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