Arcanaloth

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Arcanaloth Introduction

In the dimly lit corners of the multiverse, where shadows dance with the flickering light of arcane energies, there exists a creature of both cunning and malevolence—the Arcanaloth. As you venture deeper into the labyrinthine corridors of the Lower Planes, a palpable tension fills the air, hinting at the presence of these enigmatic fiends. Known for their insatiable thirst for knowledge and power, Arcanaloths are the scholars and scribes of the yugoloth hierarchy, their minds as sharp as the quills they wield.

Standing before you is a creature that exudes an aura of both elegance and danger. The Arcanaloth's form is that of a humanoid jackal, its fur a sleek, obsidian black that seems to absorb the very light around it. Its eyes, glowing with an eerie, otherworldly light, peer into the depths of your soul, as if weighing your worth against the secrets it guards. Clad in robes of deep crimson and gold, the Arcanaloth carries itself with a regal bearing, its every movement deliberate and precise.

Arcanaloths are often found in the grand libraries and arcane sanctuaries of Gehenna, where they pore over ancient tomes and forbidden scrolls. These fiends are the keepers of dark lore, trading their knowledge for favors and souls, always seeking to expand their vast repositories of arcane wisdom. It is said that the very air in their lairs hums with the power of the spells they have mastered, a testament to their formidable magical prowess.

Legends speak of Arcanaloths as the architects of many a dark pact, their silver tongues weaving webs of deceit and manipulation. They are known to offer their services as advisors to those who seek power, but always at a steep price. Beware, for an Arcanaloth's true motives are as inscrutable as the stars, and those who bargain with them often find themselves ensnared in a web of intrigue and betrayal.

As you stand on the threshold of their domain, a shiver runs down your spine. The air is thick with the scent of ancient parchment and the faint crackle of arcane energy. You realize that you are in the presence of a being that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, a creature whose knowledge could alter the very fabric of reality. The Arcanaloth watches you with a knowing smile, its eyes promising both enlightenment and peril. Will you dare to engage with such a formidable entity, or will you retreat, leaving its secrets undisturbed?

Arcanaloth Skills & Traits

Skills

• Arcana +9
• Deception +10
• Insight +8
• Perception +8
• Persuasion +10
• Stealth +7

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 18

Languages

• Abyssal
• Common
• Infernal
• Yugoloth
• Telepathy 60 ft.

Abilities

• Innate Spellcasting: The arcanaloth's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
  • At will: disguise self, invisibility (self only)
  • 3/day each: counterspell, fear, fireball
  • 1/day each: chain lightning, plane shift (self only)
• Magic Resistance: The arcanaloth has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

• Multiattack: The arcanaloth makes two melee attacks.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) piercing damage.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) slashing damage.
• Spellcasting: The arcanaloth is a 16th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell attacks). The arcanaloth has the following wizard spells prepared:
  • Cantrips (at will): mage hand, minor illusion, prestidigitation
  • 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, magic missile, shield
  • 2nd level (3 slots): mirror image, misty step
  • 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball
  • 4th level (3 slots): dimension door, greater invisibility
  • 5th level (2 slots): cloudkill, scrying
  • 6th level (1 slot): chain lightning
  • 7th level (1 slot): finger of death
  • 8th level (1 slot): mind blank

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Battle Tips for Arcanaloth

The Arcanaloth, a fiendish creature from the Yugoloth family, is a cunning and powerful spellcaster. Dungeon Masters can utilize its abilities to create challenging and strategic encounters for players. Here are some tips on how to effectively use an Arcanaloth in battle:

Utilizing the Arcanaloth's Abilities

• Spellcasting Mastery: The Arcanaloth has access to a wide array of spells. Use its spellcasting abilities to control the battlefield, such as casting Wall of Fire to divide the party or Greater Invisibility to become a hidden threat.
• Illusions and Deception: Leverage spells like Major Image to create distractions or false threats, confusing the players and making it difficult for them to focus on the real danger.
• Teleportation: The Arcanaloth can use Dimension Door to reposition itself strategically, either to escape a dangerous situation or to ambush the party from an unexpected angle.

Coordinating with Multiple Arcanaloths

• Spell Synergy: Multiple Arcanaloths can coordinate their spellcasting to create devastating combinations. For example, one can cast Cloudkill while another uses Wall of Force to trap the party within the toxic cloud.
• Divide and Conquer: Use their teleportation abilities to split the party, isolating weaker members and overwhelming them with focused attacks.
• Communication and Strategy: Arcanaloths are intelligent and can communicate telepathically. Use this to their advantage by having them share information and adapt their tactics in real-time.

Fleeing and Tactical Retreats

• Strategic Withdrawals: If the battle turns against them, Arcanaloths can use their teleportation abilities to retreat and regroup, potentially setting up ambushes or traps for the pursuing party.
• Illusory Cover: Use illusion spells to create false exits or hide their escape routes, making it difficult for the party to follow.
• Summoning Reinforcements: If necessary, an Arcanaloth can summon other fiends to cover their retreat, providing a distraction while they make their escape.

By leveraging the Arcanaloth's unique abilities and intelligence, Dungeon Masters can create memorable and challenging encounters that test the strategic thinking and adaptability of their players.