D&D 5E [Spoilers] Out of the Abyss - Graz'zt tactics

[Delazar]

Vizeran is an archmage with Teleport. I am assuming he simply teleported to another secret lair of his. He is a big too major and intelligent to simply be killed. (The guy created the elemental weapons in Princes of the Apocalypse and has a ton of magic stuff.)A way to explain his screams I would say he polymorphed his assistant into his form so that he would be killed in his place.

I kinda of played it that teleporting is dangerous due to faerzress and the demon incursion. But I like the idea that Vizeran used a decoy.

edit: on second thoughts, in order to fool Graz'zt, his death should look real. I guess I may go the "clone" route. Though I also like the idea of the party wizard figuring out the ritual by himself, without needing Vizeran...

 

[MonsterEnvy]

Well his decoy in my idea. Would simply be one of his assistants polymorphed into him. It's not a illusion so it can't be see through that way and his death would indeed be real. Just not actually him. Even if he takes a backseat. I feel he should still survive and try to manipulate the party.

 

[Prism]

I ran Grazzt against 3 prepared 20th level characters in our ongoing campaign and he lasted fairly well with his two Marilith companions. I made good use out of sanctuary so the party had a very difficult time trying to attack him (I played up the whole he's so beautiful you cant bring yourself to damage him). He also teleported away (and back) to get healed up part way through. I gave him a summon demon ability too to bring in a balor towards the end.