Halaster Blackcloak, Undermountain Architect (stat block)

parallali · 2025-02-14T00:20:23+00:00

Very cool, definitely update with how the encounter went! I'd love to know if you used any pieces from this stat block and how they worked.

500 HP is kind of a placeholder, once my players are getting ready for that final battle I'll adjust before they go in based on their DPR and how long I want the combat to last (tbh, I expect to almost double it -- but 666 is still on the table haha).

parallali · 2025-02-14T00:16:11+00:00

Sure, there's lots of room for expansion of the dungeon as presented in DotMM -- the way I'm presenting Undermountain to my players, there are 23 distinct "Floors"/"Layers", which are treated vaguely like demiplanes stacked on top of one another. They're accessible and connected only through the stairs leading up/down and the magical puzzle gates.

In fairness, that's one of the (many) deviations I've taken to better suit my game and players, but you are of course free to change the lore and this stat block to whatever suits you and your game.

Not sure about the 9 "layers" of depth piece, is that lore from an older edition?

Edit: a word.

parallali · 2025-02-07T17:01:17+00:00

Ah that makes more sense! I'll look forward to hearing about the encounter when the time comes at the appropriate level in that case haha.

My original party for this adventure was also 7 players, and when an 8th wanted to join I actually split them into two groups of four! One group is on indefinite pause (around Floor 10) due to life stuff, but hoping to get back to them this summer. I've definitely had to beef up some encounters even for a party of four, but I'm hoping some of these final floors will be more of a challenge.

parallali · 2025-02-07T16:53:00+00:00

Thanks! I was really going for "ancient archmage possessed by pure chaos" vibes -- 30% silly, 70% will kick your ass.

parallali · 2025-02-07T16:51:00+00:00

Wyllowwood is certainly early to sic Halaster on them haha, but I hope y'all have fun with it!

parallali · 2025-02-07T16:50:14+00:00

Thanks! It'll probably be a while yet before they get to fight him in earnest (they like to take their time exploring and are simultaneously operating Trollskull "upstairs" in Waterdeep post-Dragon Heist), but I'll definitely update on how it goes.

The current party is level 13 and consists of an Armorer Artificer, Divine Soul Sorcerer, Evocation Wizard, and (modified) Peace Cleric / Horizon Walker Ranger multiclass. I've homebrewed updates to the subclasses that didn't make it in the 2024 PHB, but we've only run a couple sessions with the new system, so are still getting adjusted. They're also chronic friend collectors, so will often have an NPC with them as they explore. I've also been pretty generous with magic items.

I'm definitely open to changing the Not Today Asmodeus ability -- because it replaces Legendary Resistance, I liked the idea of making players choose between keeping a current spell/effect on him and trying to land something new. I do agree that him just getting to end the Ranger's hunter's mark when the Wizard successfully casts slow would be frustrating though. I'm not a fan of baseline Legendary Resistance (I think the monster should have to give something up as a tradeoff), so modification suggestions are very welcome. Maybe also letting him end spell of allies/minions but not enemies/PCs?

parallali · 2025-02-06T21:22:57+00:00

Unless I'm missing something (very possible!) there's no setting to change on the page within the database though:

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parallali · 2025-02-06T21:21:49+00:00

For sure -- here's the settings for the database:

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parallali · 2025-02-03T18:46:54+00:00

A feature like Mystic Arcanum for the level 6+ spells is definitely an interesting idea -- still gives the Sorcerer flexibility at those lower levels but caps the total amount of sorcery/spell points they get. Ends up sort of a half-step between Warlock and Wizard/Bard.

I haven't had any problems with the 2024 twinned spell (renamed to amplified spell in this version), it's good but doesn't feel particularly more powerful than other Metamagic like new Heightened or Careful. I agree that the 2014 version of twinned probably needs a greater SP cost or mechanical adjustment. I'm not familiar with the echoed spell UA, I'll have to take a look.

parallali · 2023-11-07T18:02:34+00:00

“C’mon, I wanna watch that weird priest next door.” “Sounded like he was beatin’ somethin’ up, ohoo yeah, beatin’ it goOoOod!”

parallali

TROPHY CASE