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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Runestar" data-source="post: 4609338" data-attributes="member: 72317">It is not so much of depowering them as much as the designers are streamlining their stat block, IMO. While the 2e and 3e grazzt had tons of SLAs (the norm for high lv foes), the reality was that many of them were flat out worthless in combat. He is not going to bother harrying the PCs with low-powered options such as magic missile or unholy blight. In fact, many of them are just plain inferior to the full attack action, since using them is a standard action, which is mutually exclusive with attacking.As a contrast, let me compare this with what Asmodeus might look like if he had been exhaustively statted out using 3e rules.[sblock]The Overlord of HellMedium Outsider (Abomination, Evil, Extraplanar, Lawful)Divine Rank: 18 (cosmic rank 21 in Hell)Symbol: A pentagram surrounded by eight “9s” with a final “9” in the centerPortfolio: Damnation, Devils, Tyranny, Power, Oppression, Lost Knowledge, IntrigueCleric Alignments: LE, NEDomains: Destruction, Domination, Evil, Knowledge, Law, TrickeryFavored Weapon: “The Ruby Scepter of Hell” (heavy mace)Hit Dice: 45d8 (Outsider) + 20d8 (cleric) + 25d4 (wizard) + 990 (1,610 hp)Initiative: +21 (+13 Dex, +8 Superior Initiative)Speed: 120 ft., fly 250 ft. (perfect)Armor Class: 97 (+13 Dex, +18 divine, +34 natural,+22 deflection), touch 63, flat-footed 84Base Attack/Grapple: +68/+101Attack: The Ruby Scepter of Hell +110 melee (1d8+24 plus 3d6 and 1 negative level (axiomatic) plus 3d6 and 1 negative level (unholy) plus Tyrant's Taint/15-20/x4 plus 12d6 and 4 negative levels (axiomatic)plus 12d6 and 4 negative levels (unholy)); or spell +101 melee touch or +99 ranged touch. Full Attack: The Ruby Scepter of Hell +110/+105/+100/+95 melee (1d8+24 plus 3d6 and 1 negative level (axiomatic) plus 3d6 and 1 negative level (unholy) plus Tyrant's Taint/15-20/x4 plus 12d6 and 4 negativelevels (axiomatic) plus 12d6 and 4 negative levels (unholy)); or spell +101 melee touch or +99 ranged touch.Space/Reach: 5 ft. /5 ft.Special Attacks: Domain powers, gaze of Hell's depth, rebuke/command undead 25/day, salient divine abilities, spell-like abilities, spells.Special Qualities: Abomination traits, Avatar, Diabolical Decree, Diabolical Empowerment, Diabolical Prowess, divine aura (18 miles, DC 72), divine immunities, damage reduction 40/anarchic, epic, good, and silver, godly realm, greater teleport at will, Infernal Knowledge, Infernal Majesty, immunity to acid, cold, electricity, and fire, malefircarim traits, plane shift atwill*, regeneration 22, remote communication, resistance to sonic 23, see in darkness, spell resistance 115, telepathy (18 miles), understand, speak, and read all languages and speak directly to all beings within 18 miles.*As The King of Hell can only send one avatar beyond the confines of Hell at a time, he rarely uses this ability. Saves: Fort +75, Ref +77, Will +86.Abilities: Str 40, Dex 36, Con 32, Int 54, Wis 54, Cha 54.Skills: Appraise +105 (+113 alchemical items, +113 books, +113 paintings, +113 forged items), Balance +96, Bluff +141, Concentration +122, Craft (alchemy) +110, Craft (blacksmithing) +105, Craft(bookbinding) +105, Craft (painting) +100, Decipher Script +90, Diplomacy +169 (+175 with evil beings), Disguise +112 (+122 when acting in character), Escape Artist +76, Forgery +110, Gather Information+139 (+149 in Hell), Heal +115, Hide +119, Intimidate +149 (+155 against evil beings), Knowledge (arcana) +133, Knowledge (architecture and engineering) +85, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +85, Knowledge(geography) +90, Knowledge (history) +120, Knowledge (local [Hell]) +133, Knowledge (nature) +90, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) +105, Knowledge (the planes) +133, Knowledge (religion) +133, Listen +100, Move Silently +81, Perform (dance) +89, Perform (oratory) +89, Perform (string instruments) +89, Search +115 (+121 to find secret doors),Sense Motive +133, Sleight of Hand +45, Spellcraft +143, Spot +90, Survival +40 (+46 in aboveground natural environments, +50 on other planes, +48 to find or follow tracks, +46 to keep from getting lost,+46 while underground), Use Rope +31 (+37 to bind someone).Feats: Alluring, Brew Potion, Combat Expertise, Combat Reflexes, Corrupt Spell, Corrupt Spell-Like Ability B, Craft Magic Arms and Armor, Craft Rod, Craft Staff, Craft Wand, Craft Wondrous Item, Dark SpeechB, Empower Spell, Eschew Materials, Flyby Attack, Forge Ring, Heighten Spell, Imposter, Improved Combat Expertise, Improved Critical (heavy mace), Improved Flyby Attack, Improved Initiative, Jack-of-all-Trades, Persuasive, Power Attack, Quicken Spell, Reach Spell, Scribe Scroll, Silent Spell, Spell Focus (all)B, Still Spell, Trustworthy, Violate Spell.Epic Feats: Epic Evil BrandB, Epic Reputation, Epic Spellcasting, Ignore Material Components, Improved Heighten Spell, Intensify Spell, Multispell, Superior Initiative.Salient Divine Abilities: Alter Form, Arcane Mastery, Aura of Utter Hell*, Control Creatures (devils), Craft Artifact, Create Object, Create Greater Object, Damnation*, Divine Blast (25/day, 18 miles, 480 damage),Divine Glibness (DC 72), Divine Shield (14/day, absorb 180 points of damage), Divine Spellcasting, Govern the Children (devils), Hand of Death (DC 72), Hell’s Mouth*, Increased Damage Reduction, IncreasedSpell Resistance, Know Secrets (DC 72), Life and Death, Overlord, Spontaneous Wizard Spells, The Lord of the Nine*, Overlord of Hell*.*Unique Salient Divine Abilities; see below for details.Environment: Malsheem, Nessus, Ninth of the Nine Hell of PerditionOrganization: Solitary (unique); or with bodyguard (Aesmadeva); or with attendees (The Ashmadia and Aesmadeva); or with court (The Ashmadia, Aesmadeva, Martinet, 1d8+1 Dukes of Hell, and 1d3+1 arch-devils); or with Infernal Procession (4d20 + 1 common devils, The Ashmadia, Aesmadeva, Martinet, 1d8+1 Dukes of Hell, and 1d3+1 Arch-Devils).Challenge Rating: 81Treasure: The Ruby Scepter of HellAlignment: Lawful Evil[/sblock]and another few pages just to fully flesh out his abilities.[sblock]CombatAsmodeus rarely finds it necessary to allow matters to degenerate into fisticuffs, preferring to trick other beings into doing his bidding or to smother their wills. Asmodeus does not personally engage in combat unless itbecomes absolutely necessary, first allowing millions of devils to enter battle in his name. If combat occurs in his direct presence, he may aid favored minions (such as Aesmadeva and the Ashmadia) by countering particularly dangerous spells, disarming foes via telekinesis, or dominating the weaker-minded opponents and ordering them to attack their  comrades. Seated calmly on the Serpent’s Throne, Asmodeus activates his Aura of Utter Hell and employs spell-like abilities or silent and still spells, exerting his will with no outward signs of any effort. Should enemies attempt to engage him directly, he may strike them down instantly if possible (via divine blast, hand of death, or life and death).Against more powerful foes, rather than taking them apart in combat, Asmodeus may first allow them to wear themselves down on his defenses (employing the Armor of Malsheem and his divine shields), creating a feeling of hopelessness and forcing them to inevitably submit to his will. Though it is virtually unheard of for Asmodeus to enter physical combat, he is quite proficient at it, and with the might of the Ruby Scepter of Hell, Asmodeuswill not hesitate to humble his foes in melee if necessary.Between his melee abilities, salient divine abilities, special attacks, spell-like abilities, spontaneous spells, and the powers of the Ruby Scepter, Asmodeus has virtually limitless options in combat. His vast knowledgeallows him to select the most appropriate attack form for any foe or situation he may come across. Asmodeus is always prepared to increase the sway of Lawful Evil, and a creature powerful enough to challengehim may become a useful slave, whether tempted or tricked into his service or dominated outright. Others that challenge The Overlord, however, may find naught but oblivion as he consumes their immortal souls. Alter Reality: Asmodeus can use the wish spell with regard to his portfolio, save for the replication of other spells. This ability costs Asmodeus no XP, and requires a standard action to implement. Asmodeus may also usealter reality to cast any inflict spell at will as a standard action (applying metamagic feats to the spell requires him to forego using alter reality for 1 round for each spell level the feat would add). As a free action, Asmodeuscan assume any size from Fine (as small as a grain of sand) to Colossal (up to 1,600 feet tall), adjusting his statistics accordingly. He may also change the size of up to 100 pounds of objects he touches.Aura of Utter Hell (unique salient divine ability): As the ultimate representation of organized evil, Asmodeus exudes an aura that is akin to Hell itself. Asmodeus’ presence is so heinous and overwhelming that itcauses lesser (that is most) beings to cower before him or pay homage to the totality of Lawful Evil he represents. All within 9 miles of Asmodeus must succeed on a Will save (DC 72). Those who succumb to evil of The Overlord of Hell suffer one of the three following effects, as determined by The Lord of the Nine (who can change the effect, or discontinue it, as a free action): Cower: Affected beings cower before the might ofAsmodeus. They can defend themselves normally buttake no actions.Induce Fear: Affected beings become panicked andsuffer a -9 morale penalty on attack rolls, saves, andchecks. The merest glance or gesture from Asmodeusmakes them frightened, and they flee from him asquickly as possible. A panicked creature has a 50%chance to drop what it’s holding, chooses its path randomly(as long as it’s getting away from immediate danger),and flees any other dangers that confront it. If cornered,a panicked creature cowers.Obeisance: Affected beings drop to their knees at thesound of Asmodeus’ voice, acknowledging The Arch-Fiend’s sovereignty. While bowing, victims are consideredprone and flatfooted until their next turn. Asmodeuscan use Obeisance in conjunction with any 9thlevel or higher spell that requires a verbal component(this includes spells adjusted by metamagic feats). Doingso uses up a spell slot as per usual.Asmodeus’ Aura of Utter Hell supersedes the effectsof his divine aura for those beings within 9 miles of hispresence. Deities and cosmic entities can only be affectedon a successful opposed rank check.Avatar: Asmodeus is the avatar of The Overlord ofHell (Lawful Evil overdeity). As the avatar of an overgod,Asmodeus possesses the powers of a true deityrather than those of a conventional avatar. Asmodeusalso keeps his malefircarim special abilities, and wasgiven several unique salient abilities to help facilitate hisrule over Perdition.The Overlord may generate up to 20 avatars withinHell at one time and typically has at least nine (includingthe “dominant” avatar) available. However, due to thenature of his imprisonment, The Overlord may onlymaintain one avatar outside of Hell at any one time; ifThe Overlord sends an avatar beyond Hell, he can neithergenerate nor maintain other avatars (already createdavatars go into “stasis” until the avatar returns to Hell).It takes 90 days for the Overlord to create a new avatarunless an avatar was destroyed beyond Hell. In suchcases, The Overlord will lose all current avatars save oneand it will take nine months for him to create a new avatar.It is unknown what would happen if The Overlordlost access to all his avatars. The Overlord may selectdifferent appearances, ability scores, classes, feats, salientdivine abilities, skills, and so on when creating anavatar, as was the case with Lucifer and Asmodeus.Damnation (unique salient divine ability): Manydesperate mortals have made deals with devils over thecenturies, seeking the quick (yet dangerous) road toknowledge, power, or wealth. Some of the most arrogantor foolish have attempted to bargain with the King ofHell himself. Assuming the client signs several contractsof terrifying complexity, thereby agreeing to repay theOverlord at some point in the future, Asmodeus willgrant the client whatever his or her heart desires. Usinghis ability to alter reality, Asmodeus will generally grantthe client great power (whether personal or political)and/or the ability to completely dominate or oppress aperson, group of people, or even country of their choosing.Asmodeus can grant virtually any boon that suits himand his client’s needs. For instance, Asmodeus mightgrant the client a +9 profane bonus to an ability score orskill (especially Bluff, Diplomacy, or a Knowledgeskill), or the ability to cast a spell like dominate monster402or mass charm monster (with a +9 profane bonus to thesave DC) 9 times per day as a spell-like ability. Asmodeusis quite flexible with the boons he offers thoseinsane enough to deal with him; so long as their desirespromote organized evil, The Lord of the Nine is likely togrant them their request, even in the form of a wish.Furthermore, it is believed that Asmodeus has the abilityto mimic the soul-bargaining powers of any being bearinga Duke of Hell, arch-devil, or Lord of the Nine template.To date, this has neither been confirmed nor debunked.It is known that Asmodeus has the ability togrant Damnation “boons” through a proxy; such proxiesare typically Nessian pit fiends, extremely powerful (21stlevel +) cardinals of Asmodeus, or Dukes of Hell(particularly Martinet).Asmodeus can bestow up to nine such benefits perclient, but one such benefit is lost every nine monthsunless the client sacrifices the soul of a willing or dominatedsubject to Asmodeus before that time. Such sacrificesmust be worth no less than one-third the HD of thevictim and must have noble or royal blood in their veins(no more than nine generations removed). Such sacrificesmust take place in regal environments and at midnight.When all of a client's powers have been lost, orwhen all nine sacrifices have been made, the client usuallydies (The Devil has been known to let his favoredclients live on for quite some time, often killing themwhen they least expect it or right before they assumetheir hoped for “destiny”). Short of the direct interventionof a deity while the client lives, there is no chance ofreprieve from the damnation awaiting this corrupt soul.Even with the direct intervention of the deity, the victimmust undergo some form of atonement to release his soulfrom Asmodeus. The deity may offer atonement and aquest to the client to not only undue the wrongs he committed,but to release the souls he consigned to Hell togain more power. The quest must be completed withinnine months after which the client’s soul is forfeit and heimmediately dies and descends into the Pit of Darknesswhere his oblivion will be endless and complete. Toretrieve such a soul is an epic adventure of almost divineproportions as it requires that one bargain with Asmodeus. . .Divine Immunities: Ability damage, ability drain,acid, binding, cold, death effects, dimensional anchor,disease, disintegration, dismissal, electricity, energydrain, imprisonment, mind-affecting effects, paralysis,poison, repulsion, sleep, soul bind, stunning, temporal,stasis, trap the soul, turning or rebuking, transmutation.Unlike most deities, Asmodeus is subject to banishmentand similar effects. This unique status is due to the natureof The Overlord, who itself has effectively beenbanished from the Cosmos.Domain Powers: Cast divination, evil, and law spellsat +1 caster level; smite 18/day (+4 to attack, +20 todamage); treats Bluff, Disguise, and Hide as class skills.Gaze of Hell’s Depth (Su): Asmodeus’ gaze revealsthe depth of depravity, loss, and wickedness that is Hell.Those subjected to Asmodeus’ blood red gaze may sufferone of the following effects, as chosen by Asmodeus(each is a mind-affecting gaze attack with a range of 60feet):Chill: The target creature must make a Fortitude save(DC 72) or begin to feeling numbingly cold and empty.If affected, it can take only a single move action or standardaction each turn, but not both (nor may it take fullroundactions). It moves at half its normal speed (rounddown to the next 5-foot increment). This effect lasts forup to 63 rounds and does not stack with other slow effects.Additionally, the creature takes a –9 penalty on allattack and damage rolls, saving throws, ability checks,and skill checks for the next 24 hours.Fear and Weakness: The target creature must make a Will save (DC 72) or cower before Asmodeus for up to 63 rounds. If the Will save is successful, the creature is instead shaken for 9 rounds. In addition, if Asmodeus wills it, the target may also take 9 points of Strength damage. A Fortitude save (DC 72) halves the effect. A creature cannot drop below Strength 1 in this manner. Madness: If the target creature fails a Will saving throw (DC 72), its mind becomes overwhelmed by the sheer power and otherworldliness of Asmodeus. The creature’s Intelligence and Charisma scores each drop to1. The affected creature is unable to use Intelligence- or Charisma-based skills, cast spells, understand language, or communicate coherently. The subject remains in this state until a heal, limited wish, miracle, or wish spell(succeeding at a DC 45 caster level check) is used to cancel the effect. If the variant sanity rules are being employed (see Appendix D: Infernal Insanity), the creature instead takes d% points of sanity damage (minimum9) on a failed save and 3d6 points of sanity damage on a successful save.Deities and cosmic entities can only be affected on a successful opposed rank check. Hell’s Mouth (unique salient divine ability): As the King of Hell, Asmodeus has absolute control over all of the gates and portals that lead to Hell from any location, reality, or plane of existence, as well as those within Hell. Up to 18 times a day, The Lord of the Nine can cause a gate or portal to open and can accomplish different feats with it. First, Asmodeus may use the Hell’s Mouth to interact with beings within his sensory range.Secondly, Asmodeus may cast spells, use salient divine abilities, spell-like abilities, or any other power through a Hell’s Mouth. Asmodeus may also send devils through the Mouth; such beings are treated as if called rather than summoned. Finally, Asmodeus can cause the Hell’s Mouth to inhale sharply; sucking in those within 90 feet into a location in the Nine Hells of Asmodeus’ choosing if they fail a Will Save (DC 72). In any event, the Mouth remains open for nine rounds.Asmodeus can only open existing gates to Hell or those that have been opened by spellcasters, magic items, or artifacts within the past nine days at the location the gate was created. Thus, if a wizard casts a gate spell toHell in his sanctum, for the next nine days, Asmodeus can create a Hell’s Mouth in that location. Asmodeus cannot use Hell’s Mouth on typical summon monster spells. He is limited in his ability to create Hell's Mouthson planes apart from Hell and the Prime - he does not have direct access to the Ethereal Plane or the Elemental Planes. He has no access to the plane of Concordant Opposition or to Sigil, though he is able to open a Hell'sMouth in the gate towns. He may open Hell's Mouths on the Outer Planes, but only 18/year, and only within 18 miles of an existing monument or portal to Hell. Note that these restrictions do not prevent him from openingstandard gates to these locations (save Sigil).A Hell’s Mouth usually appears as a great, diabolicallyevil human male face with jagged, chewingteeth. Flames burst from the gaping maw as it attemptsto suck in unlucky victims or when Asmodeus uses theMouth to communicate. On other occasions, it appears403as a particularly sinister-looking portal complete with adiabolical, enflamed frame. Asmodeus may adjust theMouth’s appearance as he desires.Infernal Knowledge: As the driving force of LawfulEvil in the cosmos for countless millennia, Asmodeuspossesses untold knowledge. He may use the lore abilityas a 45th level loremaster (+85 to his check).Infernal Majesty (Ex): Within Perdition, the powerof the King of All Hell is incomparable. On any layer ofHell, Asmodeus possesses a cosmic rank of 21, rankinghim as an overdeity. This does not alter his statistics andis applied in addition to his divine rank (the better of thetwo, in this case the cosmic rank, is used for rankchecks). Asmodeus may select up to nine locationswithin Hell at any one time, which he may affect as agodly realm. It is unclear if he has any limitations interms of range or duration in accomplishing such feats.Although it is believed that he must succeed in a rankcheck to overcome the cosmic or divine defenses ofother Lords or gods, the certainty of this position is unclear.The Lord of the Nine (unique salient divine ability):Asmodeus is affected as though by a permanentnondetection spell (caster level 45th) and can see in perfectdarkness, even that created by deeper darknessspells. He can communicate with any creature within 18miles using telepathy. He gains the Damage Reduction,Infernal Majesty, Regeneration, and bonus feats of theLord of the Nine template, and reaps improved versionsof some of their other powers, as follows:Call Devils (Su): As a move equivalent action, Asmodeuscan demand the respect of any devils. Asmodeusmay call, up to 9 times a day, up to 3 archdevils,6 Dukes of Hell, 9 pit fiends, or 18 of any lessertype of devil. Any devil or being with a diabolic templateis vulnerable to being called by Asmodeus, regardless oflocation. No devil is brave enough (save Mephistopheles)or stupid enough (save Moloch) to verbally challengeAsmodeus in Hell, much less to his face, so allobey his commands.Diabolic Supremacy: Akin to (but more potent than)the diabolic prowess of lesser arch-devils, Asmodeusreceives a +18 profane bonus to the DCs and effectivecaster levels of his special attacks, spells, and spell-likeabilities. Asmodeus calculates the save DCs for his divineaura and salient divine abilities as he does his otherspecial abilities.Spell-Like Abilities: Asmodeus may cast all spell-likeabilities available to the Lord of the Nine template atwill. These abilities are included in the list below.Overlord of Hell (unique salient divine ability): Asthe true and undisputed King of the Nine Hells, Asmodeushas powers that transcend those of the otherLords of the Nine.Infernal Potentate (Ex): As the personification ofLawful Evil, Asmodeus’ mere presence automaticallyunhallows an area equal to 9 miles in Hell. Not only canAsmodeus select any spell from the unhallow list in thePlayer’s Handbook, he may also use any of his domainspells as potential attachments to the effect, can attch upto nine different spells at once, and can change the associatedspells 9/day as a move equivalent action. Whilehe can suppress (and reactivate) this ability as a freeaction, he rarely does so. Asmodeus can use this abilitythrough his Hell’s Mouth salient divine ability.Submission of the Lords (Ex): Once a month, Asmodeuscan force the other eight Lords of the Nine tosubmit to him. Asmodeus may call them to his fortressin Nessus, Malsheem, where they must pay obeisance tohim. This power also allows Asmodeus to terminate anyand all infernal abilities of the Lords or any other devil.Asmodeus may do so 18 times a day as a moveequivalentaction, the devil (even an arch-devil or Lord)receiving no saving throw or spell resistance to avoid theeffect. The devil retains its hit dice, class levels, feats,skills, and ability scores, but loses its Abomination andDevil traits, supernatural abilities, spell-like abilities, andany benefits and/or features associated with the Duke ofHell, arch-devil, and/or Lord of the Nine templates.Asmodeus may also grant these benefits up to 18 timesper day, again as a move equivalent action. Finally,Asmodeus can simply transform a devil into anotherkind of devil, the devil again receiving no save againstthis ability. This power extends beyond Hell through theuse of a Hell’s Mouth, although there are rumors thatAsmodeus can reach beyond Hell without the benefit ofthe Mouth. Asmodeus’ power to promote or demotedevils as described here is in addition to the powers ofthe Diabolical Decree.Spell-Like Abilities: Asmodeus uses these abilitiesas a 99th level caster, except for divination spells, evilspells, and law spells, which he uses as a 100th levelcaster. The save DCs are 78 + spell level. At will - accursed,animate dead, baleful polymorph, blasphemy,blur, calm emotions, change self, charm monster, clairaudience/clairvoyance, command, confusion, contagion,create greater undead, create undead, deeper darkness,delayed blast fireball, desecrate, destruction, detectchaos, detect good, detect magic, detect secret doors,detect thoughts, dictum, discern location, disintegrate,dispel chaos, dispel good, divination, dominate monster,dominate person, earthquake, enthrall, false vision, findthe path, firestorm, flame strike, foresight, geas/quest,greater command, greater dispel magic, greater invisibility,greater restoration, harm, hellball, hold monster,implosion, inflict critical wounds, inflict light wounds,invisibility, legend lore, magic circle against chaos,magic circle against good, mass hold monster, massinflict light wounds, mass suggestion, meteor swarm,mirage arcana, mislead, monstrous thrall, nondetection,oppress, order's wrath, persistent image, polymorph,polymorph any object, power word stun, protection fromchaos, produce flame, protection from good, pyrotechnics,read magic, restoration, resurrection, screen, scrying,shatter, shield of law, suggestion, summon monsterIX (as evil or law spell only), symbol of pain, time stop,true domination, true resurrection, true seeing, tyranny,unhallow, unholy aura, unholy blight, wall of fire, wish.Spells: Asmodeus may spontaneously cast up to 9arcane and 9 divine epic spells per day. The forbiddenspells accursed, Asmodeus' heretical infection, the Serpent'ssibilant whisper, and tyranny are all closely associatedwith the Lord of the Nine, though he is familiarwith an untold number of spells.Cleric Spells Per Day: (Levels 0-22)6/11/11/10/10/10/9/8/8/8/5/4/4/4/4/3/3/3/3/2/2/2/2.Caster level 71st (72nd for divination, evil, or law spells).Base DC = 51 + spell level, or 53 + spell level for mindaffecting,language dependant spells.Wizard Spells Per Day: (Levels 0-22)4/10/10/9/9/9/9/8/8/8/5/4/4/4/4/3/3/3/3/2/2/2/2. Casterlevel 76th (77th for divination, evil, or law spells). BaseDC = 51 + spell level, or 53 + spell level for mindaffecting,language dependant spells.404The Ruby Scepter of Hell: Asmodeus carries TheRuby Scepter of Hell. The scepter is carved from pureruby, with an onyx pentagram at its head. Of unparalleledcraftsmanship, it glistens with an unimaginable,unearthly luster. This item would be worth more than1,000,000 gp in gem value alone, before even consideringits immense magical power.The Ruby Scepter is a +9 axiomatic power unholypower heavy mace with a threat range of 18-20 and a x4critical multiplier. Any creature struck by the Scepter isaffected as by blasphemy and dictum (caster level 45th).The Ruby Scepter also possesses the following powers.While Asmodeus may use each of these powers at will,unless otherwise stated, all others may use each powerno more than three times per day.• Tyrant’s Taint: On any successful strike, the RubyScepter may confer Tyrant’s Taint. If a victim fails aWill save DC 72, he suffers from this insidious effect.Tyrant’s Taint has an incubation period of 9 days anddeals one negative level. The “damage” dealt by Tyrant’sTaint shifts the victim one alignment stepcloser to Lawful Evil. What makes Tyrant’s Taintparticularly dangerous is that a new save must bemade every nine days for the next 81 days. Nine successfulconsecutive saves indicate that one has becomefree of the disease. Tyrant’s Taint may beremoved by a 31st level, good aligned cleric who mustcast greater restoration and miracle in immediatesuccession, succeeding on a DC 45 caster level checkeach time; this may be done at any time during the 81day period. Like the Serpent's sibilant whisper (seeChapter 2: Forbidden Magic), it is all but impossibleto detect Tyrant’s Taint.• The Ruby Scepter grants a +9 profane bonus to thesaves of all Lawful Evil creatures within 90 feet (allwielders save Asmodeus benefit from the bonus).The wielder may withdraw this effect on an individualbasis should a powerful Lawful Evil creature challengehis authority. Further, all Lawful Evil creatureswithin 900 feet with 45 or fewer combined HD orclass levels may be commanded by the wielder as anevil cleric commands undead. All other non-LawfulEvil creatures with fewer than 45 HD may be turnedas a good cleric turns undead.• Absorption: The Ruby Scepter can be used as a rod ofabsorption, capable of absorbing up to 27 spell levelsper day.• Armor of Malsheem: When this ability is activated (afull round action), the wielder’s damage reduction,fast healing, and regeneration are doubled for the next9 rounds (if the wielder does not possess one or moreof these boons, he receives a DR of 9/ – , fast healingequal to his Constitution modifier, and regenerationequal to double his Constitution modifier). When inAsmodeus’ hands, the Scepter also doubles the hitpoints of his divine shields for the duration. Whilethis power may be used once a day for others, Asmodeustake on the Armor of Malsheem thrice perday.• Bolt of Lightning: 180 foot long, 10 foot wide line;deals 180 points of corrupted, violated electricitydamage (Reflex DC 72 for half). Failure of the Reflexknocks a victim prone; furthermore, failure by 10points or more throws a victim back 10 feet plus 10more feet for every additional 10 points by which thesave was failed (thus a being that received a result of40 would be knocked back 30 feet). If this effectcauses the victim to strike a solid object (like a wall),the victim suffers 1d6 points of damage for every 10feet they travel before striking. A victim must alsomake a Fortitude save DC 72 or become paralyzed for9 rounds. Whether the victim succeeds or not, hebecomes charged with static electricity for the next 9rounds and deals 15d6 points of electricity damagewhenever they come within reach of or touch anotherbeing.• Cone of Frost: 90 foot long cone; deals 180 points ofcorrupted, violated cold damage (Reflex DC 72 forhalf). Those struck must also make a Fortitude saveDC 72. On a successful save, victims are slowed for 9rounds. On a failure, victims are stuck in place asthough by hold monster for 9 rounds. If they fail theFortitude save by 18 points or more, they are frozeninto ice and rendered helpless for up to 9 days (amiracle or wish cast by a 31st level caster that succeedsat a DC 45 caster level check can thaw victimsout). If they take 50 points of damage or more fromany one attack while in this state, victims shatter intopieces and die.• Inflict Wounds: On any successful melee attack withthe Ruby Scepter, the wielder may choose to inflictwounds upon the target of a melee attack (this is doneas part of the melee damage rather than as a separateaction). This effect deals 52 points of corrupted, violatednegative energy damage to the target (Will saveDC 72 for half). Undead are neither harmed by norbenefit from this power. Thrice per day, Asmodeus(and Asmodeus only) can increase the effect, dealing200 points of corrupted, violated negative energydamage instead (Will save DC 72 for half). In bothcases, Asmodeus heals a number of hit points equal tohalf the damage dealt in this fashion (he cannot exceedhis normal maximum hit points in this fashion).• Jet of Acid: 360 foot long, 5 foot wide line; deals 180points of corrupted, violated acid damage (Reflex DC72 for half). Failing the Reflex save requires that avictim must also make a Fortitude save DC 72 for onemagic item; failure indicates that the item takes thedamage as well (see Items Surviving after a SavingThrow in the Magic Overview section of the Player’sHandbook to determine which items are affectedfirst). At the beginning of each of the next tworounds, another of their items must save as well. Inaddition, the acid eats away at the flesh, dealing 3points of Constitution damage (Fortitude DC 72 forhalf) immediately and an additional 3 points at thebeginning of each of the next two rounds (unless aheal, miracle, or wish spell from a 31st level casterthat succeeds at a DC 45 caster level check is cast onthe victim).• Tyrant Triumphant: Activating this ability causespulsing, red and black waves to emanate from theScepter in a 90 foot radius. The area within 90 feet ofthe Scepter is surrounded by a wall of anti-magic.The wall is razor thin, but prevents spells or supernaturalabilities originating from within the area fromaffecting those without and vice versa, similar to thelesser layers of a prismatic wall. All save the wielderwithin the area are affected as if by disjunction, blasphemy,dictum, and repulsion in that order during theround that the effect begins (caster level 99th, DC 72where applicable). A nearly impenetrable shield is405erected around the wielder, and remains for 3 rounds.Each round the barrage of spells repeats within 90foot radius of the Scepter. The shield surrounding thewielder is immune to all forms of attack save thosewith the good or chaotic descriptor. The shield has999 hit points. Even from those forms of attackagainst which it is vulnerable, the shield ignores thefirst 90 points of damage per round. Good or chaoticaligned spells which do not normally deal damagedeal 1d10 points of damage per spell level to theshield. During the first round, the Scepter’s wielder ispurged of all unwanted effects, including but not limitedto, disease, poison, enchantments, curses, debilitations,and death. In the second round, the wielder ishealed to full hit points. By the third round, thewielder regains spells, spell-like abilities, and anyother limited-use abilities innate to his nature (notgranted by an item) as if he had rested for a day.While Asmodeus may use this ability thrice a day, allothers benefit from it once a day. Tyrant Triumphantwill automatically activate once per day should itswielder perish. In either case, once Tyrant Triumphantis used, the wielder may not call on any of theScepter’s other powers save its melee effects(including axiomatic power, unholy power, blasphemy,dictum, and Tyrant’s Taint, but excludinginflict wounds), or the remaining uses of Tyrant Triumphant(Asmodeus only), for the next 24 hours.A being that touches or holds the Ruby Scepteragainst Asmodeus’ will suffers several dire consequences.In addition to the saves required by InfernalArms, the DCs increase by +1 every nine hours. Even abeing that saves against these effects suffers nine negativelevels when holding the Ruby Scepter.Any being slain by the Ruby Scepter finds his soulconsigned to Nessus – trapped in the Serpent’s Throne.No being save Asmodeus himself can restore such a soulto life. Asmodeus has a price for the release of each one,assuming someone is willing to travel to his domain inorder to bargain for it.Some say the Supreme Virtue once traveled into Hellto liberate her follower, and she was the only one to everreceive a soul back free of cost. The modron bureaucratsof Mechanus offer pricey legal advice for discoveringloopholes in a contract offered by Asmodeus...some gomad after seeing perfect logic so tainted by evil.Other Divine PowersThe statistics here reflect the powers of the avatar ofthe King of Hell, whom most simply call Asmodeus,although the true name of this being is unknown. As faras the devils of Hell, most gods, and virtually all lesserbeings know, the avatar is the true Asmodeus.Although these statistics are for the avatar of the trueKing of the Nine Hells (what or whoever that beingmight be), it is only through the use of the Hell’s Mouthsalient divine ability that the avatar can interact with (or,more rarely, enter) the Prime Material Plane.Senses: Asmodeus can see (using normal vision ordarkvision), hear, touch, and smell at a distance of eighteenmiles. As a standard action, he can perceive anythingwithin eighteen miles of his worshipers, holy sites,objects, or any location where one of his titles or namewas spoken in the last hour. He can extend his senses toup to twenty locations at once. However, his remotesensing is limited to Hell, or to Prime worlds he hasaccessed with a Hell's Mouth. While he can completelyblock the sensing power of any god or cosmic entityattempting to peer into Nessus, he does not have thisability beyond his layer.Portfolio Sense: Asmodeus can sense anything thatpertains to Lawful Evil acts (trickery, tyranny, etc.)eighteen weeks before it happens and retains the sensationfor eighteen weeks after the event occurs. However,he is limited in his ability to perform this feat beyondHell except with the use of a Hell’s Mouth.Automatic Actions: Asmodeus can use Bluff, anyKnowledge skill, or Sense Motive as a free action if theDC for the task is 30 or lower. He can perform up totwenty such free actions each round.Create Magic Items: Asmodeus can create anymagic item that has lawful or unholy attributes, thatsmothers the will, or that otherwise brings the wielderever closer to a Lawful Evil alignment.[/sblock]And I gave up on editing it halfway...<img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f641.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":(" title="Frown    :("  data-smilie="3"data-shortname=":(" />While the latter undoubtably exhaustively delineates the boundaries of Asmodeus' capabilities, in reality, more than 99% of his statblock is not going to get used.Which would you rather prefer? <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f609.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)"  data-smilie="2"data-shortname=";)" /></blockquote>

Verification