A character reduced to 0 Hit Points by a death’s head has their own head replaced by the one that knocked them unconscious. Roll on the Losing Your Head table to determine the character’s new appearance. The change is permanent but does not change the character’s abilities.
Once the undisputed regent of Thay, Szass Tam is an old and powerful lich who plots to regain control over the nation. Although he still wields great power as the zulkir of necromancy and the tharchion of Thaymount (see chapter 1), Szass Tam believes it’s his destiny to rule Thay and use its living people as fodder for his undead armies. History An eloquent and inventive wizard, Szass Tam rose…
When the characters approach the plant, read or paraphrase the following: The large figure here looks like a tree grown or shaped into a gaunt, scowling figure. Large circular fruits, obscured by roiling shadows, hang from its limbs. When a character steps into the area enclosed by a short stone wall, Burla (Medium Druid), an elf with bronze skin and unkempt green hair, appears at the base of…
When the enemies are defeated, read or paraphrase the following: A dark shadow rises off the defeated enemies. It takes the form of an enormous dark raven, but before it can fly away, it dissolves into nothingness with a cacophonous caw. As the mists close around you, the glint of gold and treasure catches your eye.
If Thrul survives (or if the characters raise her from the dead), read or paraphrase the following: After a moment spent breathing deeply and smoothing her robes, Zulkir Thrul turns to you. “Operatives—friends—you did it. You stopped Szass Tam. More importantly, you saved Thay.” A small smile crosses her face. “It’s time for me to return to Eltabbar. Won’t you join me, heroes? We must discuss…
Spiderlike hunters, ettercaps lurk in forested depths and seek prey to drag into their web-choked lairs. These vicious predators have arachnid features and hunched, bipedal frames, and they’re notorious for their venomous bites and ability to shoot out webs to entrap their victims. Ettercaps often hunt in small groups alongside giant spiders and mundane spider swarms. Ettercaps frequently…
Szass Tam (ZASS TAM) is a powerful lich and necromancer in the Forgotten Realms setting. As leader of the Red Wizards of Thay, he has countless spies, assassins, and other agents at his service, and his schemes span centuries and reach to the ends of the world.
Large Beast (Thyreophoran), Unaligned AC 20 (Extensive Osteoderms) Initiative -3 (7) HP 72 (10d10 + 22) Speed 20 ft.
For many years it was assumed that ankylosaurs used their clubs exclusively to fight off predators. However, recent studies of Zuul ’s holotype have revealed that several healed injuries were likely the result of tail-club attacks from other Zuul. This indicates that it engaged in intraspecific combat, although its club was undoubtedly also used as a defensive weapon. Additionally, an…
Those entering this alcove are greeted by a shock of color and a clash of fungal growths. Written on the far wall is the following: “Fear not your future, for now you must sleep, in Zuggtmoy’s Cradle your body shall steep. Your flesh is a fine banquet of delicate food, your gift to the Lady shall nourish the brood. What births from your leavings and grows in her nave, shall feed from your ruins…
Szass Tam’s lair is the Citadel, a fortress in the mountainous region of Thaymount. Here he plans his evil schemes and issues commands to his underlings. Szass Tam extends his presence into the region he inhabits, creating the following effects:
Ettins are physically powerful Giants with two heads. While many ettins have features similar to hill giants, others have more bestial or unusual traits, such as tusks, short horns, or a single eye on each head. Ettins frequently ally with other Giants or groups that value their strength, such as hill giants, bandits, or ogres. Some ettins possess mystical ties to the lands they inhabit, and they…
A subterranean level of the Citadel serves as Szass Tam’s sanctum for weaving the Malefice Mortum ritual. Like the rest of the Citadel, the sarrukhs built this area millennia ago. Szass Tam long ago allied with the sarrukhs still in this complex. He promised that once he controls Thay, he’ll help them conquer the other peoples in the Underdark under Thaymount.
The Zhentarim—also known as the Black Network—is a loose affiliation of merchants, mercenaries, and malefactors. When a caravan needs escorts, a noble needs bodyguards, or a city needs soldiers, the Zhentarim provides the best-trained fighting forces money can buy. If the cargo is shady or the cause is questionable, the Zhentarim doesn’t mind one bit—if there’s money to be made, Zhents will…
Once the undisputed regent of Thay, Szass Tam is an old and powerful lich who plots to regain control over the nation. Although he still wields great power as the zulkir of necromancy and the tharchion of Thaymount (see chapter 1), Szass Tam believes it’s his destiny to rule Thay and use its living people as fodder for his undead armies.
Before running this chapter, prepare as follows:
Map 3.3: Zulkir Thrul's Demiplane View Player Version When the characters walk through the shadowy door, read or paraphrase the following: Sconces shed soft, yellow light over this beautifully furnished office, which boasts oak furniture upholstered in maroon velvet. A gleaming desk sits to the south, along with nearby seats and a plush armchair. A wraparound sofa and a table bearing crystal…
List of Stat Block from the Dr Dhrolin’s Dictionary of Dinosaurs.
Read or paraphrases the following: Zulkir Thrul leans forward, the gravity of her words reflected in her formal tone and posture. “Thank you for joining this cause. You’re now operatives of Operation Deadfall. Before I describe the parameters of our undertaking, think of code names for yourselves and your group. Wynston and I will refer to you by these code names at all times; we will never use…
Szass Tam takes the long view in his many plots, some of which span lifetimes. He is quick to pivot to contingencies when necessary. While he enjoys commanding fear in his Thayan subjects, he also wields diplomacy to maintain foreign allies and is skilled at keeping foes off balance. Those who cross Szass Tam might evoke one of his legendary rages or might earn a nod of appreciation, as of…
Estimated Duration: 60 Minutes Cultists of the Elemental Eye strive to corrupt or drain the power of the sword, Fragarach. It is a clue to the whereabouts of Prince Thrommel IV.
Weapon (greataxe), very rare You have a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic weapon. Proficiency with a Greataxe allows you to add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll for any attack you make with it. This weapon has the following mastery property. To use this property, you must have a feature that lets you use it. Cleave. If you hit a creature with a melee attack roll…
Humanoid zombies usually serve as guardians, servants, or soldiers for evil magic-users. In rare cases, foul magic might result in widespread reanimation of the dead, unleashing hordes of zombies to terrorize the living.
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