The Theatre of Python
One-Shot · 6 Players · Level 10 · ~3–3.5 Hours · Rescue the True Pythia · Two-Phase Theatre Boss
Style: Sacred Way ambush → Oracle audience → Branching (Castalia ascent or Theatre trap) → Deadly two-phase boss.
Win: Rescue Kleodora (true Pythia) and defeat Python the Green Coil through its Shed-Bone phase in the Theatre of Delphi.
Lose: Kleodora dies or the Shed-Bone claims the omphalos — Delphi's prophecy falls silent under serpent-blood.
Maguffin: Castalian Coil-Charm · Ally: Philon · QG: Hierophant Menos / Kleodora
"Where Castalia's coil meets Apollo's light, bind the brood before the shed — or the navel drinks serpent-blood at dusk."
Major Beats
- Snake-cult ambush on the Sacred Way (Hard).
- Kleodora's prophecy: Python's blood returns; she urges Castalia.
- Revelation checks (DC 14–16) may reveal the brood already moves on the Theatre.
- Branch A: Climb to Castalia → plot reveal: empty shed skin → race back.
- Branch B: Trap the Theatre (materials / early Skene-Binders).
- Theatre finale: Green Coil sheds into Shed-Bone; protect the Pythia.
- Aftermath loot: Shedskin armor (fire/poison/acid resist) + bone/fang weapons; optional Iliada Jones' Whip gag.
Difficulty
| Tier | Adjust |
|---|
| As Written ★ | 6 PCs · APL 10 · Enc 1–2 Hard (~10,800) · Enc 3 Deadly (~16,800) |
| Library Standard | 6 PCs · APL 8 — reduce boss HP ~20–25%; cut one LA; DCs −1; drop one Enc. 1 wave |
| Easier | APL 8–9: Library Standard, then remove optional brood serpents in Enc. 3 |
| Harder | APL 11–12: +1 LA each phase; Green Coil HP +20%; add 2 brood serpents |
Creature / Enemy List
Pythonides = yuan-ti reskins (poison immune, magic resistance). Greek serpent-folk of Python's blood — not human cultists.
| Creature | Notes |
|---|
| Pythonide Hierophant | Enc. 1 · CR 5–6 · Pythonide hierophant (yuan-ti) |
| Pythonide Coilborn ×4 | Enc. 1 · CR 2 |
| Sacred Way Adder Swarm ×2 | Enc. 1 · CR 3 |
| Cliff Viper / Pythonide Skopos | Enc. 2A · mountain pressure (yuan-ti) |
| Pythonide Skene-Binder | Enc. 2B · early theatre vanguard (yuan-ti) |
| Python the Green Coil | Enc. 3 Phase 1 · CR 11 · Huge living serpent |
| Python the Shed-Bone | Enc. 3 Phase 2 · CR 11 · bone-naga skeleton |
| Brood Coil-Serpent ×0–2 | Enc. 3 optional Deadly padding |
Maguffin reminder: Castalian Coil-Charm stages the shed and binds legendary actions. Branch B primes stage-weight, oil, and sun-mirror.
Encounter 1 — Sacred Way Coils (Hard)
Harbor → Sacred Way switchbacks. Python-brood cult turns pilgrim stalls into dens.
- Roster: 1 Pythonide Hierophant + 4 Pythonide Coilborn + 2 Adder Swarms (~Hard XP).
- Non-combat: Nature/Stealth DC 14–15 dens; Persuasion DC 14 pilgrims; Religion DC 14 brood marks.
- Charm: adv on one poison save / SR; show charm to clear one checkpoint (Persuasion DC 12).
- Victory → temple audience. Forced rush → short rest only.
Audience — Kleodora
- Prophecy: Python's blood returns; Castalia fouled; brood gestated on Parnassus.
- Revelation (one success unlocks Branch B): Investigation DC 14 theatre wagon scrapes; Insight DC 15 Kleodora flinches; Survival DC 15 scale trail leads downhill; Religion DC 16 Menos's silence.
- Two+ successes: adv on Branch B prep; Menos confesses.
Encounter 2A — Ascent to Castalia (Hard)
- Climb challenge: Athletics/Acrobatics/Survival DC 14–16; cliff vipers + brood scout.
- Plot reveal — The Empty Shed: Cave holds a Huge warm molt (+ smaller brood cast). Castalia was the dressing room, not the nest. Trail downhill to Theatre. Religion DC 13 hours-old; Nature DC 14 two molts; Survival DC 12 Theatre road; Investigation DC 15 Draconic omen: "The navel drinks at dusk."
- Harvest shed skin for 1–2 Shedskin items (craft after Enc. 3 unless smithing kit + short rest DC 15).
- Race-back: 4 successes before 3 failures DC 15. Success: Pythia sheltered. Fail: Pythia exposed + 2 Pythonides at Theatre start.
Encounter 2B — Trap the Theatre (Hard)
- Gather: stage-weights, Apollo sun-mirror, Castalian oil, bronze netting (skill obstacles or fight early Skene-Binders).
- Prep primes 2–3 Enc. 3 interactions (weight drop, oil zone, mirror).
- Stealth DC 15: learn Green Coil enters skene center door.
Encounter 3 — Theatre of Delphi (Deadly)
Orchestra (round stage + omphalos) · koilon seating 3 sides · 2-story skene with doors. Protect Kleodora.
- Phase 1 — Green Coil: CR 11 · HP ~220 · LR 2. Shed at 0 HP or ≤25% HP.
- Phase 2 — Shed-Bone: CR 11 · HP ~180–200 · necrotic · legendary actions. Same creature.
- Optional 2× Brood Coil-Serpents until Phase 2 for Deadly budget.
Environmental Interactions (no instakills)
- Collapse seating: Athletics DC 15 → difficult terrain; Dex DC 14 or 3d8 + prone.
- Stage-weight drop: Dex DC 16 or 6d6 + stunned 1 round. Branch B: ready R1.
- Orchestra oil: difficult; Dex DC 14 prone. Branch B primed.
- Skene doors: half cover / lure for advantage on next attack.
- Apollo sun-mirror: Con DC 16 blind 1 round OR grant ally advantage.
- Orchestra stakes: +1 AC vs constrict while on center stage (1 setup action).
STAT BLOCKS
Python the Green Coil — Phase 1
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|
| sc md sv | 22 +6 +10 | 14 +2 +2 | 18 +4 +9 | 6 −2 −2 | 14 +2 +7 | 8 −1 −1 |
Skills: Perception +7, Stealth +7 | Resistances: poison; Immunities: poisoned
Huge Monstrosity · CR 11 · AC 17 · HP 220 · Speed 40 ft., climb 30 ft.
STR +8 · DEX +2 · CON +6 · WIS +2 · LR 2/day
Multiattack: Bite +12 (3d10+8 piercing + 3d6 poison) and Constrict +12 (3d8+8; grapple escape DC 18).
Coil Crush (Recharge 5–6): Grappled target 4d8 bludgeoning (Con DC 18 half).
Legendary (2): Detect (1); Tail Sweep 15 ft. Dex DC 16 or 2d8 + prone (1); Slither half speed (2).
Shed: At 0 HP or ≤55 HP, becomes Shed-Bone at full Phase-2 HP; drops shed skin (difficult terrain 10 ft.).
Python the Shed-Bone — Phase 2
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|
| sc md sv | 20 +5 +9 | 12 +1 +1 | 16 +3 +7 | 10 +0 +0 | 14 +2 +6 | 12 +1 +1 |
Immunities: poison, necrotic | Resistances: bludgeoning, piercing, slashing from nonmagical
Huge Undead · CR 11 · AC 16 · HP 190 · Speed 40 ft.
Resist necrotic/poison; immune poison/exhaustion · LR 3/day
Multiattack: Bone Bite +11 (2d10+6 + 2d8 necrotic) and Rib Lash +11 (2d8+6).
Bone Storm (Recharge 5–6): 20-ft. radius Dex DC 17 or 5d8 necrotic + half speed until end of next turn.
Legendary (3): Detect (1); Rib (1); Rattle Fear 30 ft. Wis DC 16 or frightened 1 round (2).
Pythonide Hierophant · CR 5 · AC 15 · HP 97
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|
| sc md sv | 14 +2 +2 | 16 +3 +3 | 16 +3 +3 | 12 +1 +1 | 15 +2 +5 | 14 +2 +5 |
Yuan-ti malison reskin (Pythonide). Magic Resistance; immune poison. Venom bolts +8 (2d8 poison); constrict staff; once/day summon Adder Swarm at 0 HP.
Pythonide Coilborn · CR 2 · AC 13 · HP 45
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|
| sc md sv | 13 +1 +1 | 14 +2 +2 | 14 +2 +2 | 10 +0 +0 | 12 +1 +1 | 11 +0 +0 |
Yuan-ti pureblood: Magic Resistance; immune poison. Scimitar + fang dagger; pack tactics vs. poisoned targets.
Sacred Way Adder Swarm · CR 3 · AC 14 · HP 58
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|
| sc md sv | 12 +1 +1 | 16 +3 +3 | 12 +1 +1 | 1 −5 −5 | 10 +0 +0 | 3 −4 −4 |
Swarm poison; resistant to weapon damage while full HP.
Brood Coil-Serpent · CR 5 · AC 15 · HP 90
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|
| sc md sv | 18 +4 +4 | 14 +2 +2 | 16 +3 +3 | 3 −4 −4 | 12 +1 +1 | 6 −2 −2 |
Optional Enc. 3 adds; flee or die when Phase 2 begins.
NPC / ITEM
Kleodora, the Pythia — Rescue Objective
- True oracle (not the false oracle of Judgment at Delphi). AC 12 · HP 28 · noncombatant preferred.
- Secret: waking visions show Theatre (Insight DC 14). Persuasion DC 16: admits brood may already move on skene road.
- If she drops to 0 HP: death saves; party can stabilize. Failure = lose condition.
Hierophant Menos
- Wants Castalia purified by doctrine. Hid theatre shed-skin for 3 days (Persuasion DC 15 / Revelation).
- Assigns Philon + guards for Branch B.
Philon, Temple Guard Captain — Ally
- AC 16 · HP 78 · spear +6. Adv on first attack/round vs. Python spawn.
- Holds skene doors in Enc. 3 unless ordered otherwise.
Castalian Coil-Charm
- Enc. 1: adv on one poison save / SR.
- Enc. 3 Phase 1: action on shed — Green Coil loses 1 LR + 20 radiant.
- Enc. 3 Phase 2: once/fight force Shed-Bone to reroll one attack or save.
- Keepable reward: 1/SR reroll poison/constrict save for ally in 30 ft.; 1/LR bind Huge+ serpent (disadv attacks, no LAs until end of your next turn).
Remember
- No one-hit-kill traps — stun, advantage, chunky damage only.
- Both phases are one creature evolving (shed skin and flesh).
- Differentiate from Judgment at Delphi: true Pythia rescue, not false-oracle trial.
Python Loot & Crafting (20 + gag)
Harvest: Shed skin (Castalia and/or Green Coil shed) → up to 4 Shedskin armor/accessories with Python's Hide (resist fire, poison, acid). Corpse/skeleton → up to 4 weapons. Offer 1–2 ready finds; party crafts/commissions rest overnight at Delphi.
| # | Name | Type | gp | Key stats / mechanics |
|---|
| 1 | Shedskin Shield | Shield | 750 | +2 AC; Python's Hide; 1/SR reaction disadv on melee hit |
| 2 | Shedskin Tunic | Clothing / Light | 400 | AC 11+Dex; Hide; wearable under armor (resist only) |
| 3 | Shedskin Jerkin | Light Armor | 900 | AC 12+Dex; Hide; adv Stealth in nature |
| 4 | Shedskin Cuirass | Medium Armor | 1,800 | AC 14+Dex(max2); Hide; auto-succeed vs poisoned condition |
| 5 | Shedskin Plate | Heavy Armor | 3,500 | AC 18; Hide; 1/LR negate one fire/poison/acid hit |
| 6 | Snakecharmer's Sash | Wondrous (waist) | 1,200 | Adv checks & attacks vs scaled enemies |
| 7 | Coilbracers of the Shed | Wondrous (arms) | 800 | Hide; +1 unarmed; 1/SR BA +2 AC |
| 8 | Python's Hood | Wondrous (head) | 1,000 | Hide; darkvision; adv smell Perception |
| 9 | Molted Mantle | Cloak | 1,100 | Hide; reaction escape grapple/restrain + 10 ft |
| 10 | Shedskin Greaves | Wondrous (feet) | 650 | Hide; climb = walk on stone; ignore rubble/oil terrain |
| 11 | Fang Dagger | 1-handed dagger | 500 | +1; +1d6 poison; 1/SR DC14 poison |
| 12 | Bone Hammer | 1-handed warhammer | 750 | +1; crit → stun DC15 |
| 13 | Bone Club | 1-handed club | 250 | +1; +1d6 vs grappled |
| 14 | Venom-tipped Javelin | Javelin | 400 | +1; +2d6 poison ×3 charges |
| 15 | Ribcage Spear | Spear | 900 | +1; 10-ft reach 2H; 1/SR pin |
| 16 | Vertebral Flail | 1-handed flail | 850 | +1; ignores cover; denies shield AC 1 round |
| 17 | Serpentspine Longbow | Longbow | 1,400 | +1; +1d4 poison ammo; adv init vs scaled |
| 18 | Broodfang Scimitar | 1-handed scimitar | 1,000 | +1; +1d8 vs poisoned/frightened; 1/LR frighten |
| 19 | Asp-Tooth Shortsword | 1-handed shortsword | 600 | +1; double-hit → +2d6 poison + Con disadv |
| 20 | Poison-Gland Sling | Sling | 350 | +1; +1d4 poison + blind DC13; 6 doses |
Gag — Iliada Jones' Whip (martial whip, 1,250 gp): +1 whip (1d4+1, finesse, reach). Proficiency while wearing a hat. Thorn-Lash 3/day: melee spell/weapon attack 30 ft, 2d6 piercing, pull Large− 10 ft. Utility as 30-ft rope/grapple (gaps, climb, rescue falling ally, snatch objects). "I hate snakes…" ~Iliada Jones
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