Well, here he is, my draft version of Orcus, the Demon Prince of the Undead. I designed him to be roughtly equivalent to an Intermediate god... although I think the CR is pretty close. The Wand of Orcus is coming a little later. It will bear little resemblance to the BoVD version. Later!
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ORCUS, Demiurge, Demon Prince of the Undead
Demiurge Cleric 25, True Necromancer 10, Wizard (Necromancer) 25 CR 70; Huge Outsider (Demon); HD 40d12 and 25d8 and 10d4 and 25d4; hp 820; Init +11; Spd 90 ft., fly 250 ft (perfect); AC 74, touch 37, flat-footed 67; Atk +98/+93/+88/+83/+81 melee (2d8+29+3d6 and 1 negative level (chaotic)+3d6 and 1 negative energy level (unholy)+ death (Fortitude save 46)/x2+6d6 and 2 negative levels (chaotic)+6d6 and 2 negative levels (unholy)+ death (Fortitude save 46 2 consecutive rounds) 4 slams The Wand of Orcus, a +6 chaotic power, unholy power heavy mace, and 3d8+11+3d8 Constitution damage (poison, Fortitude DC 40)/x2, 1 tail sting), or +91/+91/+86/+86/+81 melee (2d8+23 2 slams, and 2d6+11, 2 wing buffets, and 3d8+11+3d8 Constitution damage (poison, Fortitude DC 40) 1 tail sting), or +86/+81 melee (4d6+34+stun 1d10 rounds (Fortitude DC 40) head butt and 3d8+11+3d8 Constitution damage (poison, Fortitude DC 40), or +74/+69/+64/+59 ranged (ranged attack or spell); Face/Reach 10 ft. by 15 ft./15 ft. (20 ft. with tail); SA Abyssal Vehemence, Cosmic Corruption, Entropic Wave, spell-like abilities, call tanar'ri, Bloat Hate, Curdle the Blood, Curse the Flesh, Hoarding the Spirit, turn undead or Outsiders 27/day (Cleric 35), create greater undead (Cleric 35) 1/day, create undead (Cleric 35) 1/day, energy drain (Cleric 35) 1/day, major desecration, zone of desecration; SQ Demiurge Traits, Demon Prince Qualities, Tanar'ri Traits, Decadent Divinity (Virtual Divine Rank 11), Demon God, Ravaged Form, DR 60/+11, Prince of the Undead, SR 82; AL CE; SV Fort +52, Ref +58, Will +62; Str 54, Dex 25, Con --, Int 34, Wis 30, Chr 42. 15' tall
Skills and Feats: Alchemy +56, Balance +11, Bluff +48, Concentration +102, Craft (sculpture) +35, Craft (stonemason) +63, Diplomacy +48, Escape Artist +50, Heal +33, Hide +38, Intimidate +53, Jump +28, Knowledge (The Abyss) +63, Knowledge (Arcane) +124, Knowledge (Outer Planes) +96, Knowledge (Religion) +84, Knowledge (Undead) +63, Listen +55, Move Silently +50, Scry +101, Search +68, Sense Motive +55, Spellcraft +119, Spot +57, Tumble +50. Alertness, Blinding Speed (2), Cleave, Corrupt Spell, Corrupt Spell-like Ability, Craft Epic Rod, Craft Epic Wondrous Items, Craft Rod, Craft Wondrous Items, Dark Speech, Empower Spell, Epic Spell Focus (Necromancy), Eschew Materials, Extra Turning (2), Fly-by Attack, Great Cleave, Great Fortitude, Greater Spell Focus (Necromancy), Ignore Material Components, Improved Bullrush, Improved Initiative, Improved Spell Capacity (10th), Improved Spell Capacity (11th), Improved Spell Capacity (12th), Intensify Spell, Maximize Spell, Multispell, Negative Energy Burst, Planar Turning, Power Attack, Quicken Spell, Quicken Spell-like Ability, Reach Spell, Scribe Scroll, Spell Focus (Necromancy), Sunder, Toughness, Vile Natural Strike, Weapon Focus (heavy mace), Willing Deformity (Obese), Zone of Animation.
Divine Decadence: Although not a god, Orcus possesses power that rivals that of true divine beings. Orcus possesses a virtual divine rank of 11 as described in the "Virtual Divine Ranks and Cosmic Entities Defined" article. Furthermore, while anywhere in The Abyss, Orcus functions as if he had a Virtual Divine Rank of 16.
Demon Prince Qualities: Orcus is immune to electricity and poison, and possesses acid and fire resistance 20; Orcus can engage in telepathic communication with any creature within 100 feet; Orcus constantly detects good, detects magic, and sees invisibility as a 31st level Sorcerer; he possesses immunity to polymorphing, petrification, or any other attack to alter his form. Orcus is not subject to energy drain, ability drain, or ability damage; he is also immune to mind-affecting effects.
Orcus can sense anything within one mile around the mentioning of his name, titles, or an item of importance to him. This power is barred from places associated with gods of goodness or the personal redoubts of Demiurges.
Orcus is immortal and cannot die from natural causes; he does not age, and does not need to eat, sleep, or breathe.
Spell-Like Abilities: At will - animate dead, blasphemy, cause fear, chaos hammer, clairaudience/clairvoyance, charm person, comprehend languages, create greater undead, create undead, darkness, death knell, death ward, deeper darkness, desecrate, destruction, detect chaos, detect law, feeblemind, greater dispelling, harm, fear, lightning bolt, magic circle against law, major image, polymorph any object, polymorph self, project image, pyrotechnics, read magic, scrying, slay living, symbol, telekinesis, teleport without error (self plus 1000 pounds), unhallow, unholy aura, unholy blight, wail of the banshee, wall of fire; 6/day - enervation, horrid wilting, implosion, negative energy burst, negative energy ray, negative energy wave, persistent image, shatter; 3/day - power word: kill, power word: stun; 1/day - bestow greater curse, hellball, shapechange, soul shackle, spirit wall, stop heart, time stop; 1/week - absorb strength, crushing fist of spite, evil weather, gut wrench, imprison soul, wrack. Orcus also casts spells from the Death Domain at will; these spells are included in the list above. These abilities are as spells cast by a 46th level sorcerer (save DC 22 + spell level). The DC for Necromantic spell-like abilities cast by Orcus is 28 + spell level; furthermore, Orcus casts Necromantic spell-like abilities as an 81st level Sorcerer.
Ravaged Form - Adopt another Form (Ex): As the Demon Prince of the Undead, it is unsurprising that Orcus possess many attributes associated with corporeal Undead. Orcus is immune to sleep, stunning, disease, death effects, necromantic effects, and any effect that requires a Fortitude save unless it also works on objects. He is not subject to critical hits, subdual damage, or death from massive damage. Orcus does not have a Constitution score.
Ravaged Form - Bloated Form (Ex): Orcus is horrifically obese. He has a +2 circumstance bonus to his Strength and a -2 penalty to his Dexterity. He also only suffers ½ damage from crushing/impact weapons and attacks.
Ravaged Form - Divine Power (Undead Mastery): As the Demon Prince of the Undead, Orcus possess control over these debased, accursed beings that surpasses that of many gods. Orcus can automatically command or destroy any undead creature, as desired, as a free action. Orcus can do this as often as he wants, but he can command no more than 16 Undead at any one time. When controlling Undead using this power, Orcus is treated as a Greater god with a divine rank of 16 regardless of his location.
Ravaged Form - Epic Magic Power: animus blast (Sp): Once per day as a standard action, Orcus can cast an animus blast. He does not need to roll a Spellcraft check. When Orcus calls on this effect, he engulfs his enemies in a coldball that deals 10d6 points of cold damage. However, up to twenty of those victims that perish as a result of the blast are then instantly animated as Medium-sized skeletons. These skeletons serve him indefinitely. See the Epic Level Handbook for more information on Epic Spells.
Ravaged Form - Epic Magic Power: mummy dust (Sp): Once per day as a standard action, Orcus can sprinkle mummy dust. He does not need to roll a Spellcraft check. When Orcus calls on this effect, he sprinkles the dust of ground mummies in conjunction with casting the spell. Two Large 18-HD mummies spring up from the dust in an area adjacent to him. The mummies follow Orcus' every command according to their abilities, until they are destroyed. See the Epic Level Handbook for more information on mummy dust and Epic Spells.
Ravaged Form - Immense Size (Ex): In addition to being remarkably fat, Orcus is also immense in girth and width. Orcus is a Huge Demon.
Ravaged Form - Ram's Horns (Ex): Orcus' demonic head is adorned with a pair of ram's horns. These horns grant him a butting attack.
Ravaged Form - Magical Power: speak with the dead (Ex): Orcus can speak with the dead at will as if he were an 81st level Cleric.
Ravaged Form - Stinging Tail (Ex): Orcus has a long, forked tail with a needle-like tip that perpetually drips a clear, puss-like liquid. This tail attack grants Orcus an additional, poisonous attack.
Abyssal Vehemence (Ex): Orcus' physical presence is so disgusting that is causes lesser creatures to succumb to his hate and need to spread destruction and terror. All creatures within 600 feet of Orcus must succeed in a Will save 46. Those who succumb to Orcus' gross presence suffer one of the two following effects:
Fright: Affected beings become shaken and suffer a -2 morale penalty on attack rolls, saves, and checks. The merest glance or gesture by Orcus makes them frightened, and they flee as quickly as they can, although they can choose the path of their flight.
Madness: Orcus' physical presence the grotesque evil incarnate in his being drives lesser beings insane per the insanity spell. The being remains stuck in a state of madness for one day for every point by which she failed the saving throw, after which time the victim is allowed another save. The madness exists until the victim successfully saves or the appropriate spells are cast by a 31st level being to purge the insanity effect.
Orcus can make his servants, "worshippers," beings of Chaotic Evil alignment, or a mixture of all three types immune to this effect as a free action. This immunity lasts one day or until Orcus dismisses it. However, the Orcus cannot determine which effect takes place; there is a 50% chance each time Abyssal Vehemence is used that one or the other effect will impact near by victims. However, if Orcus uses this ability as part of his Curdle the Blood, the effect is always Fright (see Curdle the Blood below).
Lesser gods and higher ranked divine beings are immune to Orcus' Abyssal Vehemence.
Cosmic Corruption (Su): So heinous is Orcus' presence that he may corrupt an entire area with but a thought. Once per day as a standard action, Orcus may unhallow an area equal to 1400 feet. Orcus can apply the following spells to the unhallow effect (some of which are not listed as part of the unhallow spell in the Player's Handbook): bane, bestow curse, contagion, deeper darkness, dispel magic, silence. In most situations, Orcus will select bestow curse.
The forces of righteousness disgust Orcus, who finds goodness and holiness repellent enough to give him pause. As a result, Orcus avoids hallowed ground. If Orcus finds it necessary to enter a hallowed site, he must make a Will DC save equal to 30 + the divine rank of the represented god + the god's Charisma modifier; Orcus cannot use his spell resistance to overcome this effect. If Orcus succeeds in entering the hallowed area, the area immediately becomes unhallowed. Once Orcus breaches holy ground, the god in question is immediately alerted to his presence and will often (DM's discretion) send a proxy or an avatar to deal with the intrusion.
Demon God (Ex): Of all the Demiurge and Demon Princes, only Lolth has more worshippers than Orcus. Not even Demogorgon no Graz'zt come close to possessing as many worshippers as Orcus who is recognized across The Cosmos as the Demon Prince of the Undead and a "god of terrible death" in his own right. In many ways, Orcus transcends just the "Undeath" portfolio since he strongly encourages murder and curses as part of his worshippers many debased behaviors. Still, Orcus is not a true god since he still does not receive any real power from being "worshipped" and the vast majority of his worshippers receive their power through their faith in him rather than from him directly. However, proof his significant power can be found in the fact that Orcus is one of a few Demiurge that has entire cult of unique servants outside mundane Clerics, so-called Thralls of Orcus, which is detailed in the Book of Vile Darkness. Traditional Clerics of Orcus go by numerous names like Servants of the Goat Head and Slaves of the Bloody Night. Clerics of Orcus draw their power from the Chaos, Death, and Evil Domains. Both Thralls and Clerics tend to wear elaborate goat-like headgear adorn with ram horns, and expensive, flowing robes and cloaks. A fair number are intelligent Undead, mostly Vampires and Death Knights, although there are quite a few Liches. Indeed, the majority of those Undead that serve Orcus willingly are of the corporeal variety.
Entropic Wave (Su): Orcus can unleash an explosion of corrupt, destructive, Abyssal power in the form of a wave that extends from his person. Orcus may use his Entropic Wave 11/day, dealing 19d12 points of damage. Orcus' Entropic Wave explodes in a radius of 190 feet; victims caught in the wave may attempt a Reflex save DC 42 for half damage. Orcus' Entropic Wave appears like a blast of foul blood and shattered bones that sink into ground shortly after being disperse. Sometimes, ugly blood stains are left in the wake of this power. Entropic Wave ignores mortal magic like anti-magic field, but may only remove one layer of prismatics per blast. Walls of force are not affected by Entropic Wave.
Call Tanar'ri (Sp): Thrice per day, Orcus may call Demons. Like all Demiurge, Orcus is under no special restriction for calling any kind of Demon, and may call up to 70 HD of these creatures per attempt. Orcus is not especially subtle and, after being dead, prefers to take no chances with those who would threaten him. Orcus immediately calls 5 Balor Demons. Besides these terrible monsters, Orcus is prone to call on ram-horned Armanites (of which he can call 14) and the bloated Zovvuts (of which he can call 7). Orcus is often attended by two advanced Marilith Fighters.
Call Undead (Sp): As the Demon Prince of Undead, Orcus has tremendous power over Undead, particularly the Chaotic evil and corporeal varieties. At any time, Orcus can call up to 320 HD of Undead as a move equivalent action each day. All Undead called in this fashion are utterly loyal to Orcus. Furthermore, they have no impact on the total number of Undead Orcus can control at any given moment. When calling Undead, Orcus usually brings in 4 18th level Vampire Clerics, 4 18th level Death Knight Blackguards, and a few Nightstalkers.
Bloat Hate (Su): Of all the Demiurge, there are none so filled with loathing as Orcus. Orcus hates life, he hates death, he hates Undeath, and he hates himself. Orcus' hatred is a palpable force that can easily spread to other beings too close to Orcus during one of his rages. 3/day, all within 1100 feet of Orcus are consumed with hate at everything in the immediate area, particularly other sentient beings. If a victim in the radius fails a Will save DC 46, they feel the desire harm and, if possible, kill any living thing nearby. Although the victim is filled with unspeakable loathing, he is still very aware of what he's doing and does not lose his faculties (like a Barbarian). Still, once a target is randomly chosen, the victim will pursue it until it's either dead or has disappeared from sight, at which point the victim will turn his attention to another target... including Orcus himself. Those who suffer from Bloat Hate receive an additional saving throw every 11 rounds, although the effect can last for up to 24 hours before elapsing. Those that commit atrocities while in this state will need to atone for their actions and, for goodly Clerics and Paladins, a quest issued by a 21st level Cleric will be in order.
Curdle the Blood (Su): The presence of Orcus is anathema to mortal beings and lesser (non-divine) Outsiders of the holy type. 3/day, Orcus can Curdle the Blood, filling the souls of lesser creatures with abject, irrational terror while harming them, as part of his Abyssal Vehemence (Orcus must initiate this with Abyssal Vehemence at the beginning of his action). Those that succumb to Curdle the Blood face triple the penalties of the Fright effect. Furthermore, each round victims must make a Fortitude save DC 40. Those that fail suffer 3d8 points of Constitution for the next three rounds as their blood literally thickens and seems like slime from every orifice on their body. If this occurs in the presence of beings that feed on blood or corpses (like Ghouls, Ghasts, and Vampires), such creatures are drawn to the victims immediately to feast, only pausing to defend themselves. Those that manage to survive this aspect of Curdle the Blood regain one point of Constitution each day unless they are cured by a miracle or wish spell cast by a 31st level caster. Regardless, there is a 50% chance that those who were harmed by Curdle the Blood permanently lose 3d8 points of Constitution as well as 2d8 points of Charisma (due to the horrible pallor that lingers from the attack) that not even wish or miracles cast by mortal spellcasters can overcome.
Curse the Flesh (Su): Orcus can focus his hate into a terrible curse effect. 1/day, Orcus can bestow a greater curse to all within 550 feet. Non-divine beings with fewer HD/levels than Orcus' CR do not gain a save from this curse, although Orcus can decide who is affected and who is not. He cannot affect more than 11 beings in the area. See the Book of Vile Darkness for details on bestow greater curse.
Hoarding the Spirit (Su): Although Orcus hates everything, at times he finds some pleasure in consuming the souls of sentient, living beings. Like the Undead that revere him, Orcus consumes life force and can completely obliterate not just the body, but the soul as well. 3/day, Orcus can Hoard the Spirit. This malevolent power forces all within 1100 feet of Orcus to succeed in a Fortitude save DC 40. Those that succeed simply suffer 19d12 points of damage. Those that fail suffer a fate far worse than death as their physical bodies die instantly and are dragged into Orcus' bloated form. From this point on, the victim is under the effects of a trap the soul with the following adjustments. Each and every day, the victim loses on point in every ability and gains a negative level (these penalties stack). Once they reach 0 in any three abilities or 0 class levels/HD, the victim is instantly consumed by Orcus, his soul utterly obliterated. Likewise is the victim permanently destroyed if he exists within Orcus for more than 11 days. Interestingly, Orcus receives no obvious benefit from consuming souls in this fashion, although it's likely that he simply enjoys knowing that he's caused such harm and turmoil in the utter death of a sentient being. Orcus can only trap up to 11 souls at any one time and typically has 2d4+1 trapped souls. If he exceeds his limit, a random soul is freed with its penalties and soon finds itself either turned into a Bodak if released in The Abyss (within 1d4 rounds), or in the Outer Plane most appropriate to its alignment as a weakened petitioner. Only Greater gods of Life and/or Death have the ability to release a soul so trapped through the use of the Mass Life and Death salient divine ability. Also, souls can be released if Orcus' physical body is destroyed beyond The Abyss.
Prince of the Undead (Ex): As the Demon Prince of the Undead, Orcus not only gains the obedience of all Undead beings, but his very presence also bolsters them. All Undead and evil creatures within 1100 feet of Orcus (or 1600 in The Abyss) are instantly forced to serve him. Thus, animated skeletons under the control of Clerics or evil Undead servants of even a Greater god immediately betray their former master and serve Orcus. (Even if Orcus is subsequently driven away or vanquished, former masters must attempt to Rebuke/Command their previous servants in order to regain control). Furthermore, all Undead within the same radius are completely immune to attempts to Turn or Rebuke them. Finally, any and all spells with limit caps on the number of Undead that can be controlled are tripled for Orcus' purpose and not included as part of Undead that Orcus took control of as part of this power.
Possessions: Orcus is known for his one prized possession, the major artifact known as The Wand of Orcus. In truth, the real name of this virtually incomparable weapon is The Wand of Death, although not even Orcus refers to it in this fashion anymore. The Wand of Orcus is actually a rod. The shaft is said to be crafted from the bones of celestials and gilded with obsidian. A myriad of precious stones stud the head upon which a human skull rests. This skull, said to be the skull of the very same Paladin that killed the former Dark Eight, Cantrum, has a reddish sheen and, whenever a power is used, both the eye sockets and nostrils flare with unholy red light and the mouth gapes. There are few artifacts in the Cosmos more powerful or feared than Orcus' dreaded Wand. See below for more details on The Wand of Orcus. Beyond The Wand of Orcus, Orcus has access to any magic item in which he has an interest and is rumored to own at least six major artifacts aside from his Wand.
Cleric spells per day: 6/8+1/8+1/7+1/7+1/7+1/6+1/5+1/5+1/5+1/3/3/3; base DC 20 + spell level, 26 + spell level for Necromantic spells. Orcus has access to the Chaos, Death, and Evil Domains. Caster level 25, although he casts Necromantic spells as a 35th level Cleric.
Wizard (Necromancer) spells per day: 4/7/7/7/7/6/6/6/6/5/3/3/3; base DC 22 + spell level, 28 + spell level for Necromantic spells. Orcus' restricted school is Enchantment. Caster level 25, although he casts Necromantic spells as a 35th level Wizard. As a Demiurge, Orcus has access to every spell from the Player's Handbook and any other source allowed by the Dungeon Master. Orcus typically prepares spells that augment his ability to spread death, to bolster his own strength, and to beat a hasty retreat in the event he's overpowered or facing divine foes.
There is no single Demiurge more infamous, reviled, or feared than the Demon Prince of the Undead. Orcus is the perennial Demon. His image is an archetype for all kinds of fiends. Heroes and villains across the Cosmos know his name and fear drawing his attention. Orcus is a fiendish celebrity, one so great that even the Demons of The Abyss flock to him. Yet, despite the evil he clearly is, many underestimate Orcus. A sort of romantic attitude has emerged about this terrible being as numerous stories are told of Orcus. Tales recount how Orcus, despite his evil and power, is regularly defeated and cast back to The Abyss if he’s not killed outright by the most stalwart of heroes and forces of light. But Orcus has never been truly defeated by any goodly beings. Indeed, it took another evil monster to stall him and then, only temporarily.
Orcus' background and origins are unknown. It is believed that Orcus, like Demogorgon, Graz'zt, and a few other Demiurge, were created at the dawn of The Cosmos as the primeval representation of destructive and evil Chaos. While Graz'zt focused on the chaotic lust of the soul, and Demogorgon on the corruption of matter and the mind, Orcus sought corruption of life itself. Yet, in the dark days before Time, when the forces of Law were ripped asunder, so too did Chaos fail and Orcus and his hated compatriots were cast down and weakened, their flesh creating The Abyss. For millennia untold, Orcus battled his brothers Graz'zt and Demogorgon and virtually every other Demon Prince and Demiurge for no reason other than for hate. But, Orcus still sought to destroy The Cosmic, now balanced between Law and Chaos, Good and Evil. In some distant time, Orcus created the first Undead as a curse to the mortals he loathed as much as Demogorgon and Graz'zt and the forces of Law and holiness. Vampire or Lich, Ghost or Wraith, it's unknown which came first, but these terrible beings were created as a curse upon Creation and a reminder that not even in death is there any solace from Chaos and corruption. Orcus became a terror in the Planes, damning entire worlds into terrible demiplanes of eternal sleep, destroying entire civilizations, and creating huge, blood-thirsty cults.
As a Demiurge, Orcus could not maintain permanent control over his creations as the extent of his power is only as long as his reach, so many other divine beings rose to command his creations, including the Drow demigoddess, Kiaransalee. For some unknown slight, Kiaransalee had sought vengeance against Orcus for millions of years. Eventually, she stole her way into his realm of Thanatos with her allies and the impossible occurred. Orcus was cast down! To this day, it’s unclear from whence came Kiaransalee's power to accomplish this feat. Some point to crafty Graz'zt or dreaded Demogorgon, and even Asmodeus himself as providing Kiaransalee the key to Orcus' defeat. Whatever the case, Orcus was "slain" and cast out of The Abyss, his Wand hidden in Pandemonium.
For a time, it seemed as if Creation was free of one of the greatest evils, but this was not to last. Through some terrible fate, Orcus returned. Some say he was reborn as an Undead god, others that he was simply a disembodied spirit. Whatever the case, Kiaransalee disappeared and Orcus reclaimed his station and swore to never again know true defeat. Now, Orcus spends his time rebuilding his armies and cultivating his servants on the Prime. He surrounds himself with servants to guard and protect him. And he spends much of his time hunting for Kiaransalee.
Orcus is filled with nothing but loathing and hate. He despises everything, but aside from Kiaransalee, he hates nothing more than Demogorgon and Graz'zt, followed closely by mortals of all kinds and the servants of goodness. Orcus is not known for his patience (although, to mortals, his patience seems significant) or for diplomacy. Orcus seeks to kill and maim and little more. He wants to tear down everything of value and savors the taste of innocent souls.
Orcus' image is known to virtually every being in the Cosmos. Well over 15 feet tall, Orcus is obscenely obese. Folds of rubbery, red skin covered in coarse hair, roll across his tremendous body. This apparent softness disguises incredible strength and speed. Orcus leers from a cadaverous goat-like head, the empty sockets glowing a satanic, yellow light, while huge dagger-like teeth eternally sneer. Two huge ram-like horns curl from his temples, both perpetually dripping with bile and blood. Massive, black bat-like wings unfurl from his back, bearing the Demon Prince with unnatural speed, while a long serpentine tail with a needle-like point darts anxiously. Although his arms and torso are like those of fat human, his legs and feet are like those of a huge goat save that the coarse black hair is matted with dried blood. Orcus speaks, often only to announce the terrible things he plans on doing to the body, the mind, and ultimately the soul, with a voice that comes from the deepest crypt. Empty of love, decency, honor, or goodness, Orcus' voice perfectly mirrors the emptiness of his soul.
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ORCUS, Demiurge, Demon Prince of the Undead
Demiurge Cleric 25, True Necromancer 10, Wizard (Necromancer) 25 CR 70; Huge Outsider (Demon); HD 40d12 and 25d8 and 10d4 and 25d4; hp 820; Init +11; Spd 90 ft., fly 250 ft (perfect); AC 74, touch 37, flat-footed 67; Atk +98/+93/+88/+83/+81 melee (2d8+29+3d6 and 1 negative level (chaotic)+3d6 and 1 negative energy level (unholy)+ death (Fortitude save 46)/x2+6d6 and 2 negative levels (chaotic)+6d6 and 2 negative levels (unholy)+ death (Fortitude save 46 2 consecutive rounds) 4 slams The Wand of Orcus, a +6 chaotic power, unholy power heavy mace, and 3d8+11+3d8 Constitution damage (poison, Fortitude DC 40)/x2, 1 tail sting), or +91/+91/+86/+86/+81 melee (2d8+23 2 slams, and 2d6+11, 2 wing buffets, and 3d8+11+3d8 Constitution damage (poison, Fortitude DC 40) 1 tail sting), or +86/+81 melee (4d6+34+stun 1d10 rounds (Fortitude DC 40) head butt and 3d8+11+3d8 Constitution damage (poison, Fortitude DC 40), or +74/+69/+64/+59 ranged (ranged attack or spell); Face/Reach 10 ft. by 15 ft./15 ft. (20 ft. with tail); SA Abyssal Vehemence, Cosmic Corruption, Entropic Wave, spell-like abilities, call tanar'ri, Bloat Hate, Curdle the Blood, Curse the Flesh, Hoarding the Spirit, turn undead or Outsiders 27/day (Cleric 35), create greater undead (Cleric 35) 1/day, create undead (Cleric 35) 1/day, energy drain (Cleric 35) 1/day, major desecration, zone of desecration; SQ Demiurge Traits, Demon Prince Qualities, Tanar'ri Traits, Decadent Divinity (Virtual Divine Rank 11), Demon God, Ravaged Form, DR 60/+11, Prince of the Undead, SR 82; AL CE; SV Fort +52, Ref +58, Will +62; Str 54, Dex 25, Con --, Int 34, Wis 30, Chr 42. 15' tall
Skills and Feats: Alchemy +56, Balance +11, Bluff +48, Concentration +102, Craft (sculpture) +35, Craft (stonemason) +63, Diplomacy +48, Escape Artist +50, Heal +33, Hide +38, Intimidate +53, Jump +28, Knowledge (The Abyss) +63, Knowledge (Arcane) +124, Knowledge (Outer Planes) +96, Knowledge (Religion) +84, Knowledge (Undead) +63, Listen +55, Move Silently +50, Scry +101, Search +68, Sense Motive +55, Spellcraft +119, Spot +57, Tumble +50. Alertness, Blinding Speed (2), Cleave, Corrupt Spell, Corrupt Spell-like Ability, Craft Epic Rod, Craft Epic Wondrous Items, Craft Rod, Craft Wondrous Items, Dark Speech, Empower Spell, Epic Spell Focus (Necromancy), Eschew Materials, Extra Turning (2), Fly-by Attack, Great Cleave, Great Fortitude, Greater Spell Focus (Necromancy), Ignore Material Components, Improved Bullrush, Improved Initiative, Improved Spell Capacity (10th), Improved Spell Capacity (11th), Improved Spell Capacity (12th), Intensify Spell, Maximize Spell, Multispell, Negative Energy Burst, Planar Turning, Power Attack, Quicken Spell, Quicken Spell-like Ability, Reach Spell, Scribe Scroll, Spell Focus (Necromancy), Sunder, Toughness, Vile Natural Strike, Weapon Focus (heavy mace), Willing Deformity (Obese), Zone of Animation.
Divine Decadence: Although not a god, Orcus possesses power that rivals that of true divine beings. Orcus possesses a virtual divine rank of 11 as described in the "Virtual Divine Ranks and Cosmic Entities Defined" article. Furthermore, while anywhere in The Abyss, Orcus functions as if he had a Virtual Divine Rank of 16.
Demon Prince Qualities: Orcus is immune to electricity and poison, and possesses acid and fire resistance 20; Orcus can engage in telepathic communication with any creature within 100 feet; Orcus constantly detects good, detects magic, and sees invisibility as a 31st level Sorcerer; he possesses immunity to polymorphing, petrification, or any other attack to alter his form. Orcus is not subject to energy drain, ability drain, or ability damage; he is also immune to mind-affecting effects.
Orcus can sense anything within one mile around the mentioning of his name, titles, or an item of importance to him. This power is barred from places associated with gods of goodness or the personal redoubts of Demiurges.
Orcus is immortal and cannot die from natural causes; he does not age, and does not need to eat, sleep, or breathe.
Spell-Like Abilities: At will - animate dead, blasphemy, cause fear, chaos hammer, clairaudience/clairvoyance, charm person, comprehend languages, create greater undead, create undead, darkness, death knell, death ward, deeper darkness, desecrate, destruction, detect chaos, detect law, feeblemind, greater dispelling, harm, fear, lightning bolt, magic circle against law, major image, polymorph any object, polymorph self, project image, pyrotechnics, read magic, scrying, slay living, symbol, telekinesis, teleport without error (self plus 1000 pounds), unhallow, unholy aura, unholy blight, wail of the banshee, wall of fire; 6/day - enervation, horrid wilting, implosion, negative energy burst, negative energy ray, negative energy wave, persistent image, shatter; 3/day - power word: kill, power word: stun; 1/day - bestow greater curse, hellball, shapechange, soul shackle, spirit wall, stop heart, time stop; 1/week - absorb strength, crushing fist of spite, evil weather, gut wrench, imprison soul, wrack. Orcus also casts spells from the Death Domain at will; these spells are included in the list above. These abilities are as spells cast by a 46th level sorcerer (save DC 22 + spell level). The DC for Necromantic spell-like abilities cast by Orcus is 28 + spell level; furthermore, Orcus casts Necromantic spell-like abilities as an 81st level Sorcerer.
Ravaged Form - Adopt another Form (Ex): As the Demon Prince of the Undead, it is unsurprising that Orcus possess many attributes associated with corporeal Undead. Orcus is immune to sleep, stunning, disease, death effects, necromantic effects, and any effect that requires a Fortitude save unless it also works on objects. He is not subject to critical hits, subdual damage, or death from massive damage. Orcus does not have a Constitution score.
Ravaged Form - Bloated Form (Ex): Orcus is horrifically obese. He has a +2 circumstance bonus to his Strength and a -2 penalty to his Dexterity. He also only suffers ½ damage from crushing/impact weapons and attacks.
Ravaged Form - Divine Power (Undead Mastery): As the Demon Prince of the Undead, Orcus possess control over these debased, accursed beings that surpasses that of many gods. Orcus can automatically command or destroy any undead creature, as desired, as a free action. Orcus can do this as often as he wants, but he can command no more than 16 Undead at any one time. When controlling Undead using this power, Orcus is treated as a Greater god with a divine rank of 16 regardless of his location.
Ravaged Form - Epic Magic Power: animus blast (Sp): Once per day as a standard action, Orcus can cast an animus blast. He does not need to roll a Spellcraft check. When Orcus calls on this effect, he engulfs his enemies in a coldball that deals 10d6 points of cold damage. However, up to twenty of those victims that perish as a result of the blast are then instantly animated as Medium-sized skeletons. These skeletons serve him indefinitely. See the Epic Level Handbook for more information on Epic Spells.
Ravaged Form - Epic Magic Power: mummy dust (Sp): Once per day as a standard action, Orcus can sprinkle mummy dust. He does not need to roll a Spellcraft check. When Orcus calls on this effect, he sprinkles the dust of ground mummies in conjunction with casting the spell. Two Large 18-HD mummies spring up from the dust in an area adjacent to him. The mummies follow Orcus' every command according to their abilities, until they are destroyed. See the Epic Level Handbook for more information on mummy dust and Epic Spells.
Ravaged Form - Immense Size (Ex): In addition to being remarkably fat, Orcus is also immense in girth and width. Orcus is a Huge Demon.
Ravaged Form - Ram's Horns (Ex): Orcus' demonic head is adorned with a pair of ram's horns. These horns grant him a butting attack.
Ravaged Form - Magical Power: speak with the dead (Ex): Orcus can speak with the dead at will as if he were an 81st level Cleric.
Ravaged Form - Stinging Tail (Ex): Orcus has a long, forked tail with a needle-like tip that perpetually drips a clear, puss-like liquid. This tail attack grants Orcus an additional, poisonous attack.
Abyssal Vehemence (Ex): Orcus' physical presence is so disgusting that is causes lesser creatures to succumb to his hate and need to spread destruction and terror. All creatures within 600 feet of Orcus must succeed in a Will save 46. Those who succumb to Orcus' gross presence suffer one of the two following effects:
Fright: Affected beings become shaken and suffer a -2 morale penalty on attack rolls, saves, and checks. The merest glance or gesture by Orcus makes them frightened, and they flee as quickly as they can, although they can choose the path of their flight.
Madness: Orcus' physical presence the grotesque evil incarnate in his being drives lesser beings insane per the insanity spell. The being remains stuck in a state of madness for one day for every point by which she failed the saving throw, after which time the victim is allowed another save. The madness exists until the victim successfully saves or the appropriate spells are cast by a 31st level being to purge the insanity effect.
Orcus can make his servants, "worshippers," beings of Chaotic Evil alignment, or a mixture of all three types immune to this effect as a free action. This immunity lasts one day or until Orcus dismisses it. However, the Orcus cannot determine which effect takes place; there is a 50% chance each time Abyssal Vehemence is used that one or the other effect will impact near by victims. However, if Orcus uses this ability as part of his Curdle the Blood, the effect is always Fright (see Curdle the Blood below).
Lesser gods and higher ranked divine beings are immune to Orcus' Abyssal Vehemence.
Cosmic Corruption (Su): So heinous is Orcus' presence that he may corrupt an entire area with but a thought. Once per day as a standard action, Orcus may unhallow an area equal to 1400 feet. Orcus can apply the following spells to the unhallow effect (some of which are not listed as part of the unhallow spell in the Player's Handbook): bane, bestow curse, contagion, deeper darkness, dispel magic, silence. In most situations, Orcus will select bestow curse.
The forces of righteousness disgust Orcus, who finds goodness and holiness repellent enough to give him pause. As a result, Orcus avoids hallowed ground. If Orcus finds it necessary to enter a hallowed site, he must make a Will DC save equal to 30 + the divine rank of the represented god + the god's Charisma modifier; Orcus cannot use his spell resistance to overcome this effect. If Orcus succeeds in entering the hallowed area, the area immediately becomes unhallowed. Once Orcus breaches holy ground, the god in question is immediately alerted to his presence and will often (DM's discretion) send a proxy or an avatar to deal with the intrusion.
Demon God (Ex): Of all the Demiurge and Demon Princes, only Lolth has more worshippers than Orcus. Not even Demogorgon no Graz'zt come close to possessing as many worshippers as Orcus who is recognized across The Cosmos as the Demon Prince of the Undead and a "god of terrible death" in his own right. In many ways, Orcus transcends just the "Undeath" portfolio since he strongly encourages murder and curses as part of his worshippers many debased behaviors. Still, Orcus is not a true god since he still does not receive any real power from being "worshipped" and the vast majority of his worshippers receive their power through their faith in him rather than from him directly. However, proof his significant power can be found in the fact that Orcus is one of a few Demiurge that has entire cult of unique servants outside mundane Clerics, so-called Thralls of Orcus, which is detailed in the Book of Vile Darkness. Traditional Clerics of Orcus go by numerous names like Servants of the Goat Head and Slaves of the Bloody Night. Clerics of Orcus draw their power from the Chaos, Death, and Evil Domains. Both Thralls and Clerics tend to wear elaborate goat-like headgear adorn with ram horns, and expensive, flowing robes and cloaks. A fair number are intelligent Undead, mostly Vampires and Death Knights, although there are quite a few Liches. Indeed, the majority of those Undead that serve Orcus willingly are of the corporeal variety.
Entropic Wave (Su): Orcus can unleash an explosion of corrupt, destructive, Abyssal power in the form of a wave that extends from his person. Orcus may use his Entropic Wave 11/day, dealing 19d12 points of damage. Orcus' Entropic Wave explodes in a radius of 190 feet; victims caught in the wave may attempt a Reflex save DC 42 for half damage. Orcus' Entropic Wave appears like a blast of foul blood and shattered bones that sink into ground shortly after being disperse. Sometimes, ugly blood stains are left in the wake of this power. Entropic Wave ignores mortal magic like anti-magic field, but may only remove one layer of prismatics per blast. Walls of force are not affected by Entropic Wave.
Call Tanar'ri (Sp): Thrice per day, Orcus may call Demons. Like all Demiurge, Orcus is under no special restriction for calling any kind of Demon, and may call up to 70 HD of these creatures per attempt. Orcus is not especially subtle and, after being dead, prefers to take no chances with those who would threaten him. Orcus immediately calls 5 Balor Demons. Besides these terrible monsters, Orcus is prone to call on ram-horned Armanites (of which he can call 14) and the bloated Zovvuts (of which he can call 7). Orcus is often attended by two advanced Marilith Fighters.
Call Undead (Sp): As the Demon Prince of Undead, Orcus has tremendous power over Undead, particularly the Chaotic evil and corporeal varieties. At any time, Orcus can call up to 320 HD of Undead as a move equivalent action each day. All Undead called in this fashion are utterly loyal to Orcus. Furthermore, they have no impact on the total number of Undead Orcus can control at any given moment. When calling Undead, Orcus usually brings in 4 18th level Vampire Clerics, 4 18th level Death Knight Blackguards, and a few Nightstalkers.
Bloat Hate (Su): Of all the Demiurge, there are none so filled with loathing as Orcus. Orcus hates life, he hates death, he hates Undeath, and he hates himself. Orcus' hatred is a palpable force that can easily spread to other beings too close to Orcus during one of his rages. 3/day, all within 1100 feet of Orcus are consumed with hate at everything in the immediate area, particularly other sentient beings. If a victim in the radius fails a Will save DC 46, they feel the desire harm and, if possible, kill any living thing nearby. Although the victim is filled with unspeakable loathing, he is still very aware of what he's doing and does not lose his faculties (like a Barbarian). Still, once a target is randomly chosen, the victim will pursue it until it's either dead or has disappeared from sight, at which point the victim will turn his attention to another target... including Orcus himself. Those who suffer from Bloat Hate receive an additional saving throw every 11 rounds, although the effect can last for up to 24 hours before elapsing. Those that commit atrocities while in this state will need to atone for their actions and, for goodly Clerics and Paladins, a quest issued by a 21st level Cleric will be in order.
Curdle the Blood (Su): The presence of Orcus is anathema to mortal beings and lesser (non-divine) Outsiders of the holy type. 3/day, Orcus can Curdle the Blood, filling the souls of lesser creatures with abject, irrational terror while harming them, as part of his Abyssal Vehemence (Orcus must initiate this with Abyssal Vehemence at the beginning of his action). Those that succumb to Curdle the Blood face triple the penalties of the Fright effect. Furthermore, each round victims must make a Fortitude save DC 40. Those that fail suffer 3d8 points of Constitution for the next three rounds as their blood literally thickens and seems like slime from every orifice on their body. If this occurs in the presence of beings that feed on blood or corpses (like Ghouls, Ghasts, and Vampires), such creatures are drawn to the victims immediately to feast, only pausing to defend themselves. Those that manage to survive this aspect of Curdle the Blood regain one point of Constitution each day unless they are cured by a miracle or wish spell cast by a 31st level caster. Regardless, there is a 50% chance that those who were harmed by Curdle the Blood permanently lose 3d8 points of Constitution as well as 2d8 points of Charisma (due to the horrible pallor that lingers from the attack) that not even wish or miracles cast by mortal spellcasters can overcome.
Curse the Flesh (Su): Orcus can focus his hate into a terrible curse effect. 1/day, Orcus can bestow a greater curse to all within 550 feet. Non-divine beings with fewer HD/levels than Orcus' CR do not gain a save from this curse, although Orcus can decide who is affected and who is not. He cannot affect more than 11 beings in the area. See the Book of Vile Darkness for details on bestow greater curse.
Hoarding the Spirit (Su): Although Orcus hates everything, at times he finds some pleasure in consuming the souls of sentient, living beings. Like the Undead that revere him, Orcus consumes life force and can completely obliterate not just the body, but the soul as well. 3/day, Orcus can Hoard the Spirit. This malevolent power forces all within 1100 feet of Orcus to succeed in a Fortitude save DC 40. Those that succeed simply suffer 19d12 points of damage. Those that fail suffer a fate far worse than death as their physical bodies die instantly and are dragged into Orcus' bloated form. From this point on, the victim is under the effects of a trap the soul with the following adjustments. Each and every day, the victim loses on point in every ability and gains a negative level (these penalties stack). Once they reach 0 in any three abilities or 0 class levels/HD, the victim is instantly consumed by Orcus, his soul utterly obliterated. Likewise is the victim permanently destroyed if he exists within Orcus for more than 11 days. Interestingly, Orcus receives no obvious benefit from consuming souls in this fashion, although it's likely that he simply enjoys knowing that he's caused such harm and turmoil in the utter death of a sentient being. Orcus can only trap up to 11 souls at any one time and typically has 2d4+1 trapped souls. If he exceeds his limit, a random soul is freed with its penalties and soon finds itself either turned into a Bodak if released in The Abyss (within 1d4 rounds), or in the Outer Plane most appropriate to its alignment as a weakened petitioner. Only Greater gods of Life and/or Death have the ability to release a soul so trapped through the use of the Mass Life and Death salient divine ability. Also, souls can be released if Orcus' physical body is destroyed beyond The Abyss.
Prince of the Undead (Ex): As the Demon Prince of the Undead, Orcus not only gains the obedience of all Undead beings, but his very presence also bolsters them. All Undead and evil creatures within 1100 feet of Orcus (or 1600 in The Abyss) are instantly forced to serve him. Thus, animated skeletons under the control of Clerics or evil Undead servants of even a Greater god immediately betray their former master and serve Orcus. (Even if Orcus is subsequently driven away or vanquished, former masters must attempt to Rebuke/Command their previous servants in order to regain control). Furthermore, all Undead within the same radius are completely immune to attempts to Turn or Rebuke them. Finally, any and all spells with limit caps on the number of Undead that can be controlled are tripled for Orcus' purpose and not included as part of Undead that Orcus took control of as part of this power.
Possessions: Orcus is known for his one prized possession, the major artifact known as The Wand of Orcus. In truth, the real name of this virtually incomparable weapon is The Wand of Death, although not even Orcus refers to it in this fashion anymore. The Wand of Orcus is actually a rod. The shaft is said to be crafted from the bones of celestials and gilded with obsidian. A myriad of precious stones stud the head upon which a human skull rests. This skull, said to be the skull of the very same Paladin that killed the former Dark Eight, Cantrum, has a reddish sheen and, whenever a power is used, both the eye sockets and nostrils flare with unholy red light and the mouth gapes. There are few artifacts in the Cosmos more powerful or feared than Orcus' dreaded Wand. See below for more details on The Wand of Orcus. Beyond The Wand of Orcus, Orcus has access to any magic item in which he has an interest and is rumored to own at least six major artifacts aside from his Wand.
Cleric spells per day: 6/8+1/8+1/7+1/7+1/7+1/6+1/5+1/5+1/5+1/3/3/3; base DC 20 + spell level, 26 + spell level for Necromantic spells. Orcus has access to the Chaos, Death, and Evil Domains. Caster level 25, although he casts Necromantic spells as a 35th level Cleric.
Wizard (Necromancer) spells per day: 4/7/7/7/7/6/6/6/6/5/3/3/3; base DC 22 + spell level, 28 + spell level for Necromantic spells. Orcus' restricted school is Enchantment. Caster level 25, although he casts Necromantic spells as a 35th level Wizard. As a Demiurge, Orcus has access to every spell from the Player's Handbook and any other source allowed by the Dungeon Master. Orcus typically prepares spells that augment his ability to spread death, to bolster his own strength, and to beat a hasty retreat in the event he's overpowered or facing divine foes.
There is no single Demiurge more infamous, reviled, or feared than the Demon Prince of the Undead. Orcus is the perennial Demon. His image is an archetype for all kinds of fiends. Heroes and villains across the Cosmos know his name and fear drawing his attention. Orcus is a fiendish celebrity, one so great that even the Demons of The Abyss flock to him. Yet, despite the evil he clearly is, many underestimate Orcus. A sort of romantic attitude has emerged about this terrible being as numerous stories are told of Orcus. Tales recount how Orcus, despite his evil and power, is regularly defeated and cast back to The Abyss if he’s not killed outright by the most stalwart of heroes and forces of light. But Orcus has never been truly defeated by any goodly beings. Indeed, it took another evil monster to stall him and then, only temporarily.
Orcus' background and origins are unknown. It is believed that Orcus, like Demogorgon, Graz'zt, and a few other Demiurge, were created at the dawn of The Cosmos as the primeval representation of destructive and evil Chaos. While Graz'zt focused on the chaotic lust of the soul, and Demogorgon on the corruption of matter and the mind, Orcus sought corruption of life itself. Yet, in the dark days before Time, when the forces of Law were ripped asunder, so too did Chaos fail and Orcus and his hated compatriots were cast down and weakened, their flesh creating The Abyss. For millennia untold, Orcus battled his brothers Graz'zt and Demogorgon and virtually every other Demon Prince and Demiurge for no reason other than for hate. But, Orcus still sought to destroy The Cosmic, now balanced between Law and Chaos, Good and Evil. In some distant time, Orcus created the first Undead as a curse to the mortals he loathed as much as Demogorgon and Graz'zt and the forces of Law and holiness. Vampire or Lich, Ghost or Wraith, it's unknown which came first, but these terrible beings were created as a curse upon Creation and a reminder that not even in death is there any solace from Chaos and corruption. Orcus became a terror in the Planes, damning entire worlds into terrible demiplanes of eternal sleep, destroying entire civilizations, and creating huge, blood-thirsty cults.
As a Demiurge, Orcus could not maintain permanent control over his creations as the extent of his power is only as long as his reach, so many other divine beings rose to command his creations, including the Drow demigoddess, Kiaransalee. For some unknown slight, Kiaransalee had sought vengeance against Orcus for millions of years. Eventually, she stole her way into his realm of Thanatos with her allies and the impossible occurred. Orcus was cast down! To this day, it’s unclear from whence came Kiaransalee's power to accomplish this feat. Some point to crafty Graz'zt or dreaded Demogorgon, and even Asmodeus himself as providing Kiaransalee the key to Orcus' defeat. Whatever the case, Orcus was "slain" and cast out of The Abyss, his Wand hidden in Pandemonium.
For a time, it seemed as if Creation was free of one of the greatest evils, but this was not to last. Through some terrible fate, Orcus returned. Some say he was reborn as an Undead god, others that he was simply a disembodied spirit. Whatever the case, Kiaransalee disappeared and Orcus reclaimed his station and swore to never again know true defeat. Now, Orcus spends his time rebuilding his armies and cultivating his servants on the Prime. He surrounds himself with servants to guard and protect him. And he spends much of his time hunting for Kiaransalee.
Orcus is filled with nothing but loathing and hate. He despises everything, but aside from Kiaransalee, he hates nothing more than Demogorgon and Graz'zt, followed closely by mortals of all kinds and the servants of goodness. Orcus is not known for his patience (although, to mortals, his patience seems significant) or for diplomacy. Orcus seeks to kill and maim and little more. He wants to tear down everything of value and savors the taste of innocent souls.
Orcus' image is known to virtually every being in the Cosmos. Well over 15 feet tall, Orcus is obscenely obese. Folds of rubbery, red skin covered in coarse hair, roll across his tremendous body. This apparent softness disguises incredible strength and speed. Orcus leers from a cadaverous goat-like head, the empty sockets glowing a satanic, yellow light, while huge dagger-like teeth eternally sneer. Two huge ram-like horns curl from his temples, both perpetually dripping with bile and blood. Massive, black bat-like wings unfurl from his back, bearing the Demon Prince with unnatural speed, while a long serpentine tail with a needle-like point darts anxiously. Although his arms and torso are like those of fat human, his legs and feet are like those of a huge goat save that the coarse black hair is matted with dried blood. Orcus speaks, often only to announce the terrible things he plans on doing to the body, the mind, and ultimately the soul, with a voice that comes from the deepest crypt. Empty of love, decency, honor, or goodness, Orcus' voice perfectly mirrors the emptiness of his soul.
