npc

Arch-Mage Valerius

CR 21

Medium humanoid, Lawful Evil

Reveal Stat Block

Armor Class

18 (Robes of the Arch-Mage)

Hit Points

210 (28d8 + 84)

Speed

30 ft.

str

-1

dex

con

int

wis

cha

Saves INT +14, WIS +11, CHA +12

Skills ARCANA +21, HISTORY +14, PERSUASION +12

Damage Resistances Damage from Spells

Senses Truesight 60 ft., passive Perception 14

Languages Common, Draconic, Elvish, Infernal

Traits

Legendary Resistance (3/Day).If Valerius fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Magic Resistance.Valerius has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Aetheric Mastery.Valerius can cast 'Misty Step' as a bonus action without expending a spell slot.

Actions

Aetherial Burst.Ranged Spell Attack: +14 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 33 (6d10) force damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 22 Strength saving throw or be pushed 20 feet away and knocked prone.

Disintegrate (3/Day).Valerius fires a thin green ray at a target within 60 feet. The target must make a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the target takes 75 (10d6 + 40) force damage. If this damage reduces the target to 0 hit points, it is disintegrated.

Spellcasting.Valerius is a 20th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 22, +14 to hit with spell attacks). He possesses a wide array of spells focusing on control, force, and manipulation, including 'Time Stop', 'Power Word Stun', and 'Telekinesis'.

Legendary Actions

Cantrip.Valerius casts a cantrip.

Aetherial Shield (Costs 2 Actions).Valerius creates a shimmering shield of force. He gains 30 temporary hit points and a +2 bonus to AC until the start of his next turn.

Cast Spell (Costs 3 Actions).Valerius casts a spell of 5th level or lower.

Arch-Mage Valerius

Arch-Mage Valerius is a towering figure in the political and magical landscape of Kigum. As the patriarch of House Valerius and a senior member of the Arcane Ascendancy, his influence extends into every facet of the city's governance. Valerius is a master of Aetheric manipulation, capable of weaving complex spells that tap directly into the sky-city's main power grid. He is a man of impeccable taste, sharp intellect, and ruthless ambition, completely unapologetic about the power he wields.

Valerius views the lesser factions, especially the industrial grunts of Steamfort, with veiled disdain. He believes that true rule belongs to those who can master magic, and he has spent decades consolidating magical artifacts and ancient lore to ensure his house's absolute supremacy.

Secret Motivation: Valerius is the secret financier behind Admiral Valerius Thorne (a disgraced relative) and the Gilded Fleet. He uses the pirates to sabotage rival merchant houses and steal powerful relics under the guise of random lawlessness, keeping his own hands perfectly clean.

Adventure Hook: The players uncover a document detailing a massive magical siphon being built directly beneath the Arcane Ascendancy's headquarters. Valerius frames the players for the theft of the document and unleashes the city's guards on them, forcing them to clear their names while exposing his plot.