Ammunition of Slaying

• Category: Weapon (Any Ammunition)
• Rarity: Very Rare

This magic ammunition is meant to slay creatures of a particular type, which the GM chooses or determines randomly by rolling on the table below. If a creature of that type takes damage from the ammunition, the creature makes a DC 17 Constitution saving throw, taking an extra 6d10 Force damage on a failed save or half as much extra damage on a successful one.

After dealing its extra damage to a creature, the ammunition becomes nonmagical.

1d100	Creature Type	1d100	Creature Type
01-10	Aberrations	51-60	Fey
11-15	Beasts	61-70	Fiends
16-20	Celestials	71-75	Giants
21-25	Constructs	76-80	Monstrosities
26-35	Dragons	81-85	Oozes
36-45	Elementals	86-90	Plants
46-50	Humanoids	91-00	Undead

Tactical Applications

Combat Strategy: Reserve for known encounters with the specified creature type. Ideal as an opening shot against powerful single targets or to quickly eliminate dangerous specimens of the targeted type.

Class Synergies:

• Rangers: Perfect for Favored Enemy encounters, combining expertise with devastating damage
• Fighters: Use with Action Surge for multiple attempts if facing multiple targets of the same type
• Rogues: Combine with sneak attack for potential one-shot eliminations

Build Considerations: Most valuable to characters who frequently encounter specific creature types or who have knowledge about upcoming threats through divination or intelligence gathering.

Acquisition Methods

Crafting Requirements: Requires essence from the targeted creature type, masterwork ammunition, and powerful enchantment magic. Typically costs 2,000-4,000 gp in materials and requires a master enchanter.

Common Sources:

• Specialized monster hunters and their guilds
• Ancient armories designed for specific threats
• Rewards from organizations dedicated to eliminating particular creature types
• Commission from high-level clergy or mages specializing in certain schools

Alternative Acquisition: Some regions maintain stockpiles of slaying ammunition for known local threats, available to proven heroes in times of need.

Value & Trade

Estimated Value: 1,500-3,000 gp per piece, with dragon-slaying and fiend-slaying ammunition commanding premium prices.

Trade Considerations: Value fluctuates based on local threats. Undead-slaying ammunition is more valuable in necropolis regions, while giant-slaying is prized in mountainous territories.

Character Integration

Roleplay Elements: Carrying slaying ammunition suggests experience with dangerous creatures and preparation for serious threats. The specific type hints at the character's background and specializations.

Character Concepts:

• Monster hunter specializing in particular creature types
• Former military officer who fought in planar wars
• Scholar-adventurer who studies and eliminates aberrations
• Paladin sworn to destroy undead or fiends

Adventure Hooks

The Extinction Protocol: An ancient vault contains various types of slaying ammunition, but opening it may release the very creatures it was designed to destroy.

The Hunter's Last Stand: A legendary monster hunter's final cache contains the only known ammunition capable of slaying a rising threat, but it's hidden in the creature's own territory.

The Collector's Gambit: A mysterious figure is gathering all types of slaying ammunition, claiming to prepare for an apocalyptic event where multiple creature types will threaten the realm.

The Moral Dilemma: The party discovers ammunition designed to slay humanoids and must decide whether such weapons should exist or be destroyed.

Variants & Customization

Greater Slaying Ammunition (Legendary): Deals 8d10 force damage and affects creatures with immunity to the damage type by treating it as resistance instead.

Multi-Type Slaying (Artifact): Extremely rare ammunition that affects two related creature types (such as fiends and undead, or beasts and monstrosities).

Subtle Slaying (Rare): The extra damage appears as the original damage type rather than force damage, making the magical nature less obvious.

Specialized Variants:

• Bloodline Slaying: Targets specific draconic bloodlines or giant clans
• Alignment Slaying: Affects creatures of specific alignments rather than types
• Planar Slaying: Designed for creatures native to specific planes

Lore & History

Origins: First created during the ancient Dragon Wars, when conventional weapons proved insufficient against massive draconic threats. The techniques have since been adapted for other creature types.

Historical Significance: Many legendary monster slayings in history involved slaying ammunition. Famous pieces have their own names and documented lineages.

Cultural Impact: Some societies view slaying ammunition as a necessary evil, while others consider it a abomination that upsets natural balance.

Ethical Considerations: The creation of humanoid-slaying ammunition has sparked philosophical and religious debates about the nature of warfare and murder.

Balancing Notes

Introduction Timing: Best introduced at levels 11+ when characters face creatures that can withstand the massive damage potential. Earlier introduction should be rare and situational.

Campaign Impact: Can trivialize encounters with the specified creature type if overused. Ensure variety in enemy types to maintain challenge.

Rarity Management: Keep extremely limited quantities available. Each piece should feel precious and its use should be a significant decision.

Encounter Design

Recommended Challenges:

• Single powerful creatures of the specified type with high hit points
• Encounters where quick elimination of specific threats is crucial
• Mixed groups where identifying and prioritizing targets matters
• Situations where conventional weapons have proven inadequate

Tactical Adjustments: Enemies of the specified type may seek cover more aggressively, use minions as shields, or attempt to disarm the ammunition-bearer.

Related Items

Detection Magic: Spells and items that can identify creature types to maximize ammunition effectiveness.

Similar Specialized Weapons:

• Weapons with bonus damage against specific creature types
• Holy weapons that affect undead and fiends
• Silvered weapons for lycanthropes and devils

Complementary Equipment: Items that provide knowledge about creature types, enhance attack accuracy, or protect against retaliation.

Roleplay Opportunities

Moral Complexity: Players may need to consider the ethics of using slaying ammunition, especially against intelligent creatures.

Tactical Planning: Knowledge of upcoming encounters becomes crucial for deciding when to use this powerful but limited resource.

Social Implications: Different factions may have strong opinions about the possession and use of specific types of slaying ammunition.