Zarzul, Bringer of Life and Death

Actions

Paralyzing Touch. Melee Spell Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 3d6 cold damage. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success

Legendary Actions

Zarzul 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. Zarzul regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.   Cantrips. Zarzul can cast a Cantrip.   Paralyzing Touch (Costs 2 Actions). Zarzul can use his Paralyzing Touch attack.   Frightening Gaze (Costs 2 Actions). Zarzul fixes his gaze on one creature he can see within 10 feet of him. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw against this magic or become frightened for 1 minute. The frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a target's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the target is immune to Zarzul's gaze for the next 24 hours.   Disrupt Life (Costs 3 Actions). Each non-undead creature within 20 feet of Zarzul must make a DC 18 Constitution saving throw against this magic, taking 21 6d6 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Lair Actions

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Zarzul can take a lair action to cause one of the following magical effects; Zarzul can't use the same effect two rounds in a row:  

• Zarzul rolls a d8 and regains a spell slot of that level or lower. If it has no spent spell slots of that level or lower, nothing happens.

• Zarzul targets one creature he can see within 30 feet of him. A crackling cord of negative energy tethers Zarzul to the target. Whenever Zarzul takes damage, the target must make a DC 18 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, Zarzul takes half the damage (rounded down), and the target takes the remaining damage. This tether lasts until initiative count 20 on the next round or until Zarzul or the target is no longer in Zarzul's Lair.

• Zarzul calls forth the spirits of creatures that died in his lair. These apparitions materialize and attack one creature that Zarzul can see within 60 feet of him. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw, taking 52 15d6 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success. The apparitions then disappear.

Zarzul's Lair is a network of cave systems carved into a mine entrance which he scrapped and turned into a maze. It's a large winding cacophony of tunnels, traps, dead ends, endless hallways, boss rooms, and if someone manages to surpass the 7000 different possible outcomes of the lair over 80% of them resulting in immediate or instantaneous death, then a seemingly endless winding stairwell leading up to Zarzul's study where he resides. In here he possesses knowledge of every spell ever created and has knowledge of spells that have not even come into existence yet.

Zarzul used to be a herbalist who tended to the ill within a village. He quickly became corrupt with power and desire for immortality and godhood. He researched the process and the aftermath of Lichdom. He prepared the ritual and quickly took care of the necessary precautions to ensure its success. He succeeded in reaching Lichdom and quickly moved to the mountains beyond the village in fear of his phylactery being destroyed. He contacted Asmodeus the Lord of Nine Hells, to grant him a contract so he could have more protection and safety in his lair. Using the necromantic power's Asmodeus granted him he created an army of skeletons, zombies, and his favorite of his creations his Gashadokuro. A 120ft tall monstrosity resembling a skeleton with enormous shackles on its hands and feet.

A vividly crafted, networked, and carved cavern that has over 700 different entrances, exits, dead ends, and hallways, some of which lead on infinitely. In the center of the maze and finally the peak of the mountain is Zarzul who resides in his study.