Kuo-toa Archpriest

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Kuo-toa Archpriest Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the Underdark, where the light of the sun is but a distant memory, there dwells a creature of both madness and reverence—the Kuo-toa Archpriest. This enigmatic being stands as a testament to the bizarre and often terrifying wonders that lurk beneath the surface of the world. As you venture deeper into these subterranean realms, the air grows thick with the scent of brine and the echoing chants of fervent worship, heralding the presence of this aquatic zealot.

The Kuo-toa Archpriest is a sight to behold, its slimy, fish-like skin glistening in the dim phosphorescent glow of the Underdark. Standing taller than its lesser kin, the Archpriest's bulbous eyes bulge with an unsettling intensity, reflecting the madness that grips its mind. Its webbed hands clutch a staff adorned with the bones and trinkets of its fallen foes, a symbol of its divine authority and connection to the strange deities it serves. The creature's gills flutter rhythmically, a reminder of its aquatic origins, even as it strides confidently on land.

In behavior, the Kuo-toa Archpriest is both a leader and a fanatic, guiding its followers with a fervor that borders on insanity. It is said that the Archpriest can manifest the will of its gods through powerful spells and rituals, calling forth the wrath of the deep upon those who dare to trespass in its domain. Its voice, a guttural croak, echoes through the caverns as it leads its congregation in worship, the sound both haunting and hypnotic.

The habitat of the Kuo-toa Archpriest is as alien as the creature itself. It resides in sprawling, labyrinthine caverns filled with brackish pools and treacherous currents. These underwater sanctuaries are adorned with crude idols and offerings, each a testament to the Archpriest's devotion. Legends speak of hidden altars where the boundaries between worlds grow thin, places where the Archpriest communes with its gods and draws upon their otherworldly power.

Among the tales whispered by those who have survived encounters with the Kuo-toa, there is one that stands out—a legend of a great uprising led by an Archpriest who claimed to have seen the true face of its god. This revelation drove the Kuo-toa to a frenzy, their numbers swelling as they sought to bring their vision to fruition. Though the uprising was ultimately quelled, the story serves as a chilling reminder of the Archpriest's potential to incite chaos and destruction in the name of its faith.

As you stand on the precipice of this dark and mysterious world, the presence of the Kuo-toa Archpriest looms large, a beacon of both fear and fascination. Will you dare to confront this creature of the deep, or will you turn back, leaving its secrets buried in the shadows of the Underdark?

Kuo-toa Archpriest Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +6
• Religion +5

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 16

Languages

• Undercommon

Abilities

• Amphibious: The kuo-toa can breathe air and water.
• Slippery: The kuo-toa has advantage on ability checks and saving throws made to escape a grapple.
• Otherworldly Perception: The kuo-toa can sense the presence of any creature within 30 feet of it that is invisible or on the Ethereal Plane. It can pinpoint such a creature that is moving.
• Sunlight Sensitivity: While in sunlight, the kuo-toa has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

• Multiattack: The kuo-toa makes two melee attacks.
• Scepter: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 10 (3d6) lightning damage.
• Net: Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 5/15 ft., one target. Hit: The target is restrained. A creature can use its action to make a DC 13 Strength check to free itself or another creature in the net, ending the effect on a success. Dealing 5 slashing damage to the net (AC 10) also frees the creature without harming it, ending the effect and destroying the net.
• Spellcasting: The kuo-toa is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). The kuo-toa has the following cleric spells prepared:
  • Cantrips (at will): guidance, sacred flame, thaumaturgy
  • 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, shield of faith
  • 2nd level (3 slots): hold person, spiritual weapon
  • 3rd level (3 slots): spirit guardians
  • 4th level (3 slots): control water, divination
  • 5th level (2 slots): mass cure wounds, scrying

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Battle Tips for Kuo-toa Archpriest

The Kuo-toa Archpriest is a formidable opponent in any aquatic or underground setting. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing the unique abilities and characteristics of the Archpriest can create a challenging and memorable encounter for your players. Here are some battle tips to effectively use the Kuo-toa Archpriest in your campaign:

• Leverage Divine Powers: The Kuo-toa Archpriest has access to powerful spells and abilities. Use spells like Hold Person to incapacitate key players or Spiritual Weapon to add extra damage and pressure during combat. The Archpriest's ability to cast Sanctuary can also protect it from direct attacks, allowing it to support its allies or retreat if necessary.
• Utilize the Environment: Kuo-toa are native to aquatic and damp environments. Use these settings to your advantage by incorporating water-based hazards or difficult terrain that can hinder the players' movement while allowing the Kuo-toa to maneuver freely.
• Coordinate with Kuo-toa Whips and Monitors: The Archpriest can lead a group of Kuo-toa Whips and Monitors to create a well-rounded combat team. The Whips can use their Sticky Shield ability to disarm players, while Monitors can engage in melee combat, protecting the Archpriest from direct attacks.
• Summon Allies: The Archpriest can summon additional Kuo-toa or other aquatic creatures to overwhelm the players. This tactic can be particularly effective if the players are already engaged with other threats, allowing the Archpriest to maintain control of the battlefield.
• Plan a Strategic Retreat: If the battle turns against the Kuo-toa, the Archpriest can use its spells to cover a retreat. Spells like Fog Cloud or Darkness can obscure vision and create confusion, allowing the Kuo-toa to escape and regroup for a future encounter.

By using these strategies, you can ensure that the Kuo-toa Archpriest remains a challenging and dynamic foe, capable of testing the skills and tactics of any adventuring party.