CotN: Warlock Patron

Trapped in Cael Morrow

As Cael Morrow was pushed underground by Gruumsh the Ruiner, Alyxian's curse flared with Ruidic magic, creating a demi-plane between Exandria and the Plane of Water. In that event, the Alyxian Aboleth - named Zazhamez - was torn from the Plane of Water and trapped in Cael Morrow. He was driven mad by Ruidium, eventually believing he was Alyxian.

Searching for Zazhamez

The Alyxian Aboleth's mother, Kazhibara, is an ancient Aboleth who has been a patron to many warlocks in Exandria. She lives in the Plane of Water.

She has been searching for Zazhamez since the Calamity; laying groundwork, sending warlocks on research missions, and buying information to discern his location. She knows he is still alive in Exandria, but the madness prevents clear communication via spells such as Sending, and Scrying shows only ruins and kelp lit with red light.

After the Allegiance of Allsight opened Cael Morrow, Kazhibara finally started hearing rumors and clues to Zazhamez's position near Ank'Harel, but it was not enough detail for a rescue.

Time for Action

When the three Prime Deities moved the Jewel from Ank'Harel to Jigow, Uk'otoa noticed the Vestige arriving at the edge of his domain and sold this information to Kazhibara.

Along with other snippets and rumors she had collected, she discerned the Three Deities were leading heroes to Ank'Harel on a holy mission. It's not be easy to get into Cael Morrow, so why not leverage the Gods' mission for her own gain? Kazhibara begins urging and manipulating her warlocks to join the adventure in Jigow.

Secret Goal

Kazhibara's long-held goal is to return her son to the Plane of Water. She has been manipulating adventurous mortals into doing the research for her, for the small cost of the magic and knowledge she shares with them. After he is rescued, she will probably continue to be a patron.

Always Be Lying

It's unlikely any of Kazhibara's warlocks know she is an Aboleth, or even know her true name. Initially she reads their mind to discover how best to motivate them, then presents herself as the patron of their dreams. Kazhibara could masquerade as The Kraken, Great Old One, a Marid, an Aboleth under another name, or any other type of patron.

Go in for the Kill

Kazhibara will encourage the player-character warlock to follow the main story, sending messages in ways that make sense for their Pact. Once the party reaches Cael Morrow and sees how mad and tainted the Alyxian Aboleth has become, Kazhibara will urge them to kill Zazhamez. Death will release him back into the Plane of Water where she can raise and care for him again.

Player Decisions

If the player-characters somehow delay or avoid killing the Alyxian Aboleth, Kazhibara will become angry. She may threaten the warlock's powers or offer great rewards. The player-characters can buy time saying they'll kill him after they deal with Alyxian.

Three Endings

If the Alyxian Aboleth is still alive at the end of the adventure, consider how each ending may affect it.

• Bad: Zazhamez will still be afflicted by Ruidium and trapped in Cael Morrow. His mother will still press for his release by death.
• Good and Neutral: The Ruidium will be cleared and Zazhamez may recover his sanity. He may communicate with the player-characters or his mother, and make his own decisions. Maybe he wants to die, or maybe he wants to exert his own dominion over Ank'Harel. If Alyxian the Absolved is alive, he may encourage and aid the party in killing Zazhamez as they leave Cael Morrow.