Death Knight

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Death Knight Introduction

In the shadowed corners of the world, where the veil between life and death is thinnest, there exists a creature of unspeakable dread—the Death Knight. Once noble warriors, these fallen champions have been cursed with undeath, their souls bound to eternal torment. As you venture deeper into the forgotten realms, the air grows cold and heavy, and an unsettling silence envelops the land. It is here, amidst the ruins of ancient castles and desolate battlefields, that the Death Knight makes its lair.

The Death Knight is a fearsome sight to behold. Clad in tarnished armor that bears the scars of countless battles, its presence is both regal and terrifying. The armor, once gleaming with the pride of a noble warrior, is now a grim testament to its cursed existence, adorned with dark runes that pulse with an eerie, malevolent light. Beneath the helm, eyes that burn with an unholy fire peer out, filled with a hatred that transcends the grave. Its skeletal hands grip a sword that seems to drink in the light around it, a weapon forged in the fires of damnation.

Legends speak of the Death Knight's origins, tales of betrayal and vengeance that echo through the ages. It is said that these once-great warriors were bound to their fate by a powerful curse, a punishment for a grievous sin or a broken oath. Now, they wander the world, driven by an insatiable thirst for retribution, seeking to destroy all that they once held dear. Their presence is heralded by a palpable aura of despair, a chilling reminder of the darkness that lies within the hearts of men.

The Death Knight's domain is one of desolation and decay. It dwells in places long abandoned by the living, where the echoes of past glories linger like ghosts. Crumbling fortresses, forgotten crypts, and haunted battlefields serve as its sanctuary, each a monument to the futility of mortal ambition. In these forsaken places, the Death Knight commands legions of undead minions, bound to its will by the same dark magic that sustains its own existence.

As you stand on the threshold of this accursed realm, a sense of foreboding grips your heart. The legends are true, and the Death Knight awaits, a relentless specter of vengeance and despair. Will you face this harbinger of doom, or will you turn back, leaving the past to its restless slumber? The choice is yours, but remember—once you cross into the Death Knight's domain, there is no turning back.

Death Knight Skills & Traits

Skills

• Arcana +5
• History +5
• Intimidation +10
• Perception +6

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 16

Languages

• Abyssal
• Common

Abilities

• Magic Resistance: The death knight has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Marshal Undead: Unless the death knight is incapacitated, it and undead creatures of its choice within 60 feet of it have advantage on saving throws against features that turn undead.

Actions

• Multiattack: The death knight makes three longsword attacks.
• Longsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 6) slashing damage, or 11 (1d10 + 6) slashing damage if used with two hands, plus 18 (4d8) necrotic damage.
• Hellfire Orb (1/Day): The death knight hurls a magical ball of fire that explodes at a point it can see within 120 feet of it. Each creature in a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on that point must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 35 (10d6) fire damage and 35 (10d6) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

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Battle Tips for Death Knight

The Death Knight is a formidable undead warrior, often serving as a powerful antagonist in any campaign. Here are some strategic tips for Dungeon Masters to effectively utilize a Death Knight in battle:

Utilizing the Death Knight in Battle

• Commanding Presence: The Death Knight's commanding presence can be used to intimidate and demoralize players. Use its aura of fear to scatter or weaken the resolve of the party, making them more susceptible to its attacks.
• Spellcasting Abilities: Leverage the Death Knight's spellcasting abilities, such as Hellfire Orb and Destructive Wave, to deal significant area damage. Position the Death Knight strategically to maximize the impact of these spells.
• Martial Prowess: With its high AC and multiple attacks, the Death Knight can engage in prolonged melee combat. Use its Parry ability to reduce incoming damage and maintain its presence on the battlefield.

Coordinating with Multiple Death Knights

• Flanking Maneuvers: When using multiple Death Knights, coordinate their movements to flank the party. This can create tactical advantages and force players to split their focus.
• Spell Synergy: Combine their spellcasting abilities to create devastating effects. For example, one Death Knight can use Hellfire Orb to soften up the party, while another follows up with Destructive Wave to capitalize on the chaos.
• Divide and Conquer: Use multiple Death Knights to divide the party, isolating weaker members and picking them off one by one. This can be particularly effective in environments with narrow corridors or multiple levels.

Strategic Retreats

• Regrouping Tactics: If the battle turns against them, Death Knights can use their intelligence to retreat strategically. They might fall back to a defensible position or regroup with reinforcements.
• Using Terrain: Utilize the environment to create obstacles for the party, such as collapsing passages or triggering traps, allowing the Death Knights to escape or reposition.
• Feigning Defeat: A Death Knight might feign defeat to lure the party into a trap or ambush, turning the tide of battle in their favor.

By employing these tactics, a Dungeon Master can create challenging and memorable encounters with Death Knights, testing the strategic thinking and adaptability of their players.