Skull Lord

Skull lords have claimed vast regions of the Shadowfell as their dominion. From these blighted lands, they wage war against their rivals, commanding hordes of the undying in a bid to establish dominance. Yet skull lords always prove to be their own worst enemies; each is a combined being born from three hateful individuals, and they constantly plot against themselves.

Infighting and treachery brought skull lords into existence. The first of them appeared in the aftermath of Vecna's bid to conquer the world of Greyhawk, after the vampire Kas betrayed Vecna and took his eye and hand. In the confusion resulting from this turn of events, Vecna's warlords turned against each other, and his plans were dashed. In a rage, Vecna gathered up his generals and captains and bound them in groups of three, fusing them into abominations cursed to fight among themselves for all time. Since the first skull lords were exiled into the shadows, others have arisen, typically created from other leaders who betrayed their masters.

Environment

Extraplanar, Ruins

Skull Lord

Medium undead (Sorcerer), Typically Lawful Evil

  • Armor Class 18 (plate)
  • Hit Points 112 (15d8 + 45)
  • Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 16 (+3) 17 (+3) 16 (+3) 15 (+2) 21 (+5)
  • Proficiency Bonus +5
  • Saving Throws
  • Damage Vulnerabilities
  • Damage Resistances cold,necrotic; bludgeoning,piercing,and slashing from nonmagical attacks
  • Damage Immunities poison
  • Condition Immunities blinded,charmed,deafened,exhaustion,frightened,poisoned,stunned,unconscious
  • Skills Athletics +7,History +8,Perception +12,Stealth +8
  • Senses darkvision 60 ft.,passive Perception 22
  • Languages all the languages it knew in life
  • Challenge 15

Evasion. If the skull lord is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half the damage, the skull lord instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw and only half damage if it fails, provided it isn't incapacitated.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the skull lord fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Master of the Grave. While within 30 feet of the skull lord, any Undead ally of the skull lord makes saving throws with advantage, and that ally regains 1d6 hit points whenever it starts its turn there.

Unusual Nature. The skull lord doesn't require air, food, drink, or sleep.

Actions

Multiattack. The skull lord makes three Bone Staff or Deathly Ray attacks.

Bone Staff. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 21 (6d6) necrotic damage.

Deathly Ray. Ranged Spell Attack: +10 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 27 (5d8 + 5) necrotic damage.

Spellcasting. The skull lord casts one of the following spells, using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 18): * At will: mage hand, message * 2/day each: dimension door, fear * 1/day each: cloudkill, cone of cold

Legendary Actions

The skull lord can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The skull lord regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Attack. The skull lord makes one Bone Staff or Deathly Ray attack.

Move. The skull lord moves up to its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.

Summon Undead (Costs 2 Actions). The skull lord summons up to five skeletons or zombies in unoccupied spaces within 30 feet of it. They remain until destroyed. Undead summoned in this way roll initiative, act in the next available turn, and obey the skull lord. The skull lord can have no more than five Undead summoned by this ability at a time.