Arcana Unleashed is set to release on September 15^th and with it Arcana Unleashed: Deadfall is also set to drop as well (which are available as a bundle in the Roll20 shop)!

In the companion adventure Arcana Unleashed: Deadfall , adventurers (levels 11-20 recommended) will have the opportunity to uncover the secrets tucked away in the corners of Thay. However, tread carefully because, as you may well know, you often don’t like what you find. Such as the powerful, terrible, and terrifying, Szass Tam.

Never heard of him, or need a refresher? Let’s dive into this dark foe.

Background

Szass Tram is a formidable Lich who was a member of the eight Zulkirs; a title for the ruling Red Wizards of Thay who each followed one of the eight schools of magic of which his was necromancy. In a move to have himself elected supreme ruler of Thay, Szass Tam orchestrated what has become known as the War of Zulkirs. And, from the ashes of that war Szass Tam rose and reigned as regent over Thay.

As he was the Zulkir of Necromancy he commanded Cyric’s Legion; an army amassed by Szass Tam and the Legion of Bone; a militaristic group of undead that were led by his Vampire and Lich generals. However, gaining the seat of power in Thay is but the beginning.

His ultimate goal and desire is to see all of Faerûn reshaped to be a sanctuary dedicated to undeath and to be an audience to his transcendence to godhood.

Description

As a Lich, Szass Tam has a very distinct look that only Liches can achieve. His skin has the pallor of undeath, pale with a greyish-blue hue. His body is gaunt, the thin papery skin pulled tight over his 6-foot-tall skeletal frame, and his face more closely resembles that of a skull than a face; his dark eyes set deep within the sockets.

He wears long flowing red robes trimmed with gold and adorned with precious gems; the traditional attire of the Red Wizards of Thay. The vermillion robes with voluminous sleeves are not just for show, but a statement and display of his wealth and power.

Like most Liches, however, he cloaks himself in illusion and utilizes spells to hide his true age in order to portray his more idealized form. As such, he often takes on the appearance of a man between the ages of sixty or seventy years of age with deep dark eyes.

Szass Tam Abilities: medium undead, neutral evil Armor Class: 23 (natural armor, bracers of defense, ring of protection, staff of power) HP: 285 (30d8+150) Szass Tam being a lich is scary enough. However, you don’t become an infamous lich and take a seat of power, without some other things in your arsenal. Szass Tam is a formidable foe that has many Damage Resistances, Damage Immunities, and Condition Immunities (all numerous and diverse). He also has special equipment such as: Bracers of Defense A Ring of Three Wishes A Ring of Protection A Staff of Power with 20 charges (accounted for in his stat block)

And wait, there’s (unfortunately) more! In addition to many abilities such as Arcane Recovery or Inured to Death; in which his maximum hit points can’t be reduced by any means (to name a few), he also has the addition of Legendary Actions, as well as Mythic Actions.

Legendary Actions

Szass Tam can take 5 legendary actions, choosing from:

• Cast a Spell (Cost 1-5 Actions): Szass Tam casts a spell, spending 1 legendary action/level of the spell (1 action for cantrips)
• Paralyzing Touch (Cost 2 Actions): Melee Spell Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft, one creature. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute.
• Frightening Gaze (Cost 2 Actions): The lich fixes its gaze on one creature it can see within 10 feet. The targets must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw 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 the lich's gaze for the next 24 hours.
• Disrupt Life (Cost 3 Actions): Each non-undead creature within 20 feet of the lich 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.

Mythic Actions

Finally, if Szass Tam is a Mythic encounter he can choose to use:

Energy Drain (Cost 5 Actions): in which a creature must make a DC 23 Constitution or take 90 (20d8) necrotic damage on failed save (half of damage on a success). The target’s HP maximum is reduced by the amount equal to the damage taken until a Long Rest is completed.

For every 20 points of necrotic damage dealt, Szass Tam regenerates one level 3 spell slot.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, Szass Tam is a gruesome Lich (almost god) that has crazy scary spells, equipment, and actions at his disposal to rock your world. If you find him to be right up your alley, then check him out in Arcana Unleashed: Deadfall available for pre-order in the Roll20 marketplace!

As always, happy adventuring!