concept: meteor and the far realm

gargantuan (huge?) meteor crashes into the planet not far (within 1 mile?) from fallcrest(*), creating a crater that is 5 times the diameter of the meteor. the meteor's radiation (aura) has a radius equal to the radius of the crater. the aura causes natural creatures that enter this aura to transform into aberrations (similar to the disease mechanic). additionally, some existing aberrations have been drawn to the site (list aberrant creatures).

(describe effects in fallcrest, including encounters)

the tiefling starlock has long been aware of the trajectory of the meteor and its inevitable collision, having witnessed it in a dream (of Caiphon). in fact, it is the reason why the tielfing came to fallcrest. the tiefling starlock intends to (i) study the aftermath (ii)

the tiefling chose to occupy the lighthouse because, being on an island, it is well protected from many of the anticipated aberrations. (reference prior dealings with party:hired to clear out lighthouse: rats, ghost)


exploit the circumstances in order to usurpt control of fallcrest, so as to remain close to the meteor and to protect the meteor from destruction. the tiefling regards the presence of the meteor as both relevant and significant to his warlock pact because the meteor passed close to Caiphon.

the warlock knows as obscure ritual that can siphon all of the radiation from the meteor and transfer its power into a new magic rod.

plot device: either (i) the warlock refuses to use the ritual prematurely--and won't willingly reveal the true reason why he is unwilling to use the ritual--or (ii) the warlock manipulates the party into assisting the warlock accomplishing the performance of the ritual. note that the warlock is not seeking to harm anyone; however, he has no qualms with the harm of others, if it furthers his goals.

the ritual is obscure (i.e., rare in application) because (i) meteor collisions are infrequent; (ii) not all meteors radiate this aura because not all meteors travel so close to Caiphon.


could remove the meteor's aura, but he is unwilling to use it fot the reasons stated above.

the meteor will continue to emanate its aura for 1 year, at which point, its energies will have disapated. burying the meteor would nullify the rdiation, however, the metoer has a secondary aura of heat (fire damage) with a radius equal to the radius of the meteor. this secondary heat aura lasts as long as the radiation aura.
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(*) it might be interesting to use fallcrest as the affected community because this choice would provide the players with a contrast between the village/town as it has become and the village/town as they have long known it to be.