Pontiff

Written by Chrundle_the_Great

Originally a wax elemental that served the Church of the Imperial Solar for generations, this creature was unknowingly changed by a mysterious pilgrim. Finally given a spark of self-awareness, it sought Archbishop Cyril for questions about its purpose. Unfortunately, it could not understand his teachings and was convinced to "enlighten" others literally, starting with the poor archbishop. Disguising itself as him and claiming to have received a divine mandate, the Pontiff preached new teachings to the excited townsfolk; no one knew that those chosen for enlightenment were reduced to fat and absorbed by the imposter's form.
Kapital, with help from Jandar, Lorenzo Pastuli, and Willow, was ultimately able to destroy the false prophet.

Description

Wearing the mask of the archbishop to win over the townsfolk, the Pontiff could mold its body into the form of any who it absorbed. As it was injured, the facade faded; flesh turned to dripping wax, hair turned to fire, and shards of stained glass swirled around its form in a protective shell and horrifying weapon.

Personality

Before the birth of the Pontiff, the wax elemental was a silent servant, ignored by the clergy. Armed with the archbishop's lessons, it was convinced it had a divine responsibility to enlighten others; its conviction and lack of comprehension spelled tragedy for Cresthill.

Powers

The Pontiff's transformation affected the lands surrounding Cresthill. Within several miles of the cathedral, fires burned brighter and creatures felt increased hunger and muted emotions.
The Pontiff was a dangerous pyromancer. In addition, it had full control of wax, being able to summon weapons and minions. It could strip fat from corpses to heal or empower itself. Finally, it could spew poisonous mist from its incense burners.
The creature was slowed by extreme cold and weakened by intense sound.

History

After years of service to the church, a strange visitor examined the wax elemental and imbued it with a mote of the divine. Despite awakening slight sentience in the creature, the stranger was disappointed and disappeared. Curious, the creature approached the archbishop and asked about its purpose. Excited, he spoke about guidance and enlightenment. Unfortunately, the creature misunderstood and, in an act of misguided faith, melted and absorbed the archbishop. Taking his form, it claimed to be a prophet with a new vision for the town's worship.
When Kapital first entered Cresthill, they observed that the townsfolk and clergy alike were captivated by its teachings and followed its new rules without question. The town was still peaceful and cheery, but the people were swept up in celebrations, eating contests, and outlawing music, all in the hope to be chosen for "enlightenment."
It chose the group, along with Jandar, Lorenzo, and Willow, to be enlightened at the end of the day's festivities.
During the battle with the Pontiff, Lorenzo was nearly consumed but, with the group's help, found the organ. He began to play a thunderous, sweeping melody that weakened the Pontiff and its minions, while bolstering the group. Ultimately, Pad Tole braved waves of molten wax to cut the Pontiff in half. When the creature died, the piece of divine essence within collapsed on itself, creating a portal to the Elemental Plane of Wax; as an ocean of magical wax flooded the cathedral, the group were just barely able to escape through a broken window.
The guild's blacksmith Mizzryn Ironheart crafted a single magic item from the Pontiff's body: a mitre allowing the user to summon divine fire and dispel lies.

Species

Wax Elemental

Circumstances of Death

Sliced in twain by Pad Tole

Place of Death

The Cresthill Cathedral