Home / Delve into the Depths in the Kobold Blog / Hell Bound: Today’s Tools for Tomorrow’s Tyrants

Hell Bound: Today’s Tools for Tomorrow’s Tyrants

Hell Bound: Today’s Tools for Tomorrow’s Tyrants

a cleric in hellThe machinations of Hell are complex, interlocking yet independent, all aimed to achieve one goal: bringing about its ruler’s dominion. Careful examination of Hell’s exposed plots reveals that it nurtures its pawns: tomorrow’s tyrants train extensively in its ways before they are unleashed.

Hellish Powers

In their shadowy temples, Hell’s disciples learn to achieve dominance over their peers, practice power plays, and study the proven tactics of a successful tyrant. Opposition to Hell’s rule is expected; crushing the inevitable rebellion is a standard part of the curriculum. Clerics dedicated to the tenets of Hell can choose from the following prayers in addition to the powers that are normally available to them.

Domineering Gaze (Cleric Attack 1)

You lock gazes with your opponent and engage in a battle of wills…

At-Will • Divine, Fear, Psychic
Standard Action               Ranged
5
Target:
One creature.
Attack:
Wisdom vs. Will.
Hit:
1d4 + Wisdom and Charisma modifier psychic damage. If the target attacks you on its next turn, it takes an extra 1d4 + Wisdom and Charisma modifier damage. Increase damage and extra damage to 2d4 + Wisdom and Charisma modifier damage at 21st level.

Submit to Me (Cleric Attack 1)

The sheer power of your blows buckles the knees of your target.

At-Will • Divine, Weapon
Standard Action               Melee
weapon
Target:
One creature.
Attack:
Strength −2 vs. AC.
Hit:
1[W] + Strength modifier +2 damage. Increase damage to 2[W] + Strength modifier +2 damage at 21st level.
Special:
On a critical hit, you knock the target prone.

Tyranny Triumphant (Cleric Attack 1)

You beat your foe repeatedly with your weapon, shouting your fell god’s name, rapidly breaking down your target’s will to resist your dominion.

At-Will • Divine, Psychic
Standard Action               Melee
weapon
Requirement:
You must hold a melee weapon before using this prayer.
Target:
One creature.
Attack:
Wisdom vs. Will.
Hit:
1d8 + Wisdom modifier psychic damage. Increase damage and extra damage to 2d8 + Wisdom modifier damage at 21st level.

Hell’s Clenched Fist (Cleric Attack 3)

You summon a coal-black fist of necrotic energy to clutch your foe.

Encounter • Divine, Necrotic
Standard Action               Ranged
10
Target:
One creature.
Attack:
Strength vs. Reflex.
Hit:
2d8 + Wisdom modifier necrotic damage and the target is immobilized until your next turn.

New Feats

Not every diabolical disciple has it in them to become a cleric of Hell. Some succumb to compassion and flee the halls of training, and others lack the natural ability to become a true cleric, but even they can still serve their fell god—if unwittingly.

Diabolical Training

Benefit: Choose one of the following 1st-level cleric prayers: domineering gaze, buckling blow, or tyranny triumphant. You can use that power once per encounter.

Silver Tongue

Prerequisite: Cha 13, Evil alignment
Benefit: Treat Bluff and Diplomacy as trained skills when dealing with lawful good creatures.

Reign of Terror [Divinity]

Prerequisite: Channel Divinity class feature, serves Hell or has access to the Tyranny domain.
Benefit: You can invoke the power of Hell to use reign of terror.

Channel Divinity: Reign of Terror (Feat Power)

Through terror, tyranny reigns.

Encounter • Divine
Immediate Reaction      Ranged
10
Trigger:
Another creature within range is successfully intimidated.
Effect:
You can spend a healing surge.
Special:
You must take the Reign of Terror feat to use this power.

New Magic Item

Eventually, the disciples of Hell leave their halls of training. The most promising students often receive a gift, to help them subdue the masses and bend them to the students’—and ultimately Hell’s—will.

Hand of Hell (Level 3)

Worn on your left hand, this black velvet glove’s palm is lined with iron.

Item Slot: Hands 680 gp.
Property: Gain a +1 item bonus to Intimidation checks.
Power (Daily): Free Action. Reroll an Intimidation check; you must keep the new result even if it is worse.

7 thoughts on “Hell Bound: Today’s Tools for Tomorrow’s Tyrants”

  1. Lately Kobold Quarterly has been providing better 4E crunch than Dragon Magazine has :)

    Two minor comments:
    – Submit to Me needs a bigger damage bonus, even with the property line the penalty is currently not worth it.
    – Tyranny Triumphant erroneously mentions increasing extra damage

  2. Thanks,

    At Paizo the following fix was suggested for ‘Submit to me’: Make it only -1 to hit, and make the damage bonus scale (+2/+4 at 11/+6 at 21).

    That should fix your problem with it.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Join the Kobold Courier and Earn Loot!

Stay informed with the newest Kobold Press news and updates delivered to your inbox weekly. Join now and receive a PDF copy of Demon Cults & Secret Societies: Harbingers of the Yawning Void for 5th Edition (PDF)

Join The Kobold Courier

38878

Be like Swolbold. Stay up to date with the newest Kobold Press news and updates delivered to your inbox twice a month.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
Scroll to Top