Vilkacis - posession question! - Spoiler- Please help (Broken Moon)

[divby0]

Hi everyone,

I am about to Start Broken Moon, and was wondering how the PCs can force out the Vilkacis of a posessed NPC without killing the NPC.
The adventure mentions this possibility but i Dont know how they might do that?

thank you
Markus

[archmagi1]

Each time the possessed is struck by a silver weapon it gives them another will save to break the possession. Its under the vulnerability to silver entry on the Vilkacis bestiary entry.

[FallofCamelot]

Spoiler:

Under the Vilkacis entry on page 84 it says that hitting the possessed NPC (or PC) with a silver weapon allows that character a second saving throw which will expel the spirit.

I would also allow protection from evil to work

[nosig]

Please excuse the thread necro - but I'll be running this soon and I'm wondering the same thing. The silver weapon trick ... might not work (might kill the PC possessed?).

what about a cleric Channeling Positive Energy? Wouldn't that damage the Vilkacis and not the PC? Or how about Holy Water?

[Blackbot]

Interesting question. I could see both arguments:

1. No, that wouldn't do the trick. The statblock given for the possessed NPC mentions nowhere that he is undead, thus he's not affected by positive energy. His body "shields" the vilkacis within. Note how the vulnerability to silver specifically mentions that the possessed creature too gets dealt the bonus damage, implying that most things affecting the vilkacis do not affect the creature possessed.

2. Yes, because the energy goes "through" the body and attempts to attack the vilkacis within.

I probably would not allow it in my campaign because I feel like possession should be more difficult to overcome than just blasting cure moderate wounds, lay on hands and channel energy onto the possessed person. So just do what you feel appropriate. I feel like it is a great way for the players to get creative and not just fire everything they got. In our group the paladin immediatly critted the possessed person with his hammer (x3 damage) and splattered his brain across the floor. That guy will have some nightmares once they figure out how easy it is to overcome the possession...

[Das Demonica]

Certain spells could be used. Sessile spirit and spirit purge come to mind as definitely working. Calm spirit *might* work temporarily. Cast out might work.
Alternatively, exorcism is a valid (if trying) option.