[Thundarr Thursday] Notorious NPC: Skullus the Wizard

Skullus the Wizard

8th Level Sorcerer

STR: 3 --- INT: 14
DEX: 5 --- WIL: 21
CON: 14 --- CHA: 9
HPs: 59 --- AC: 8
Mutations: advanced mind control

Although he is only a disembodied head, Skullus is one of the most powerful wizards found in the Thundarr universe. As a giant 3-foot-tall head in a glass dome, Skullus is fairly weak physically. He is carried around on a special platform by four hooded slaves, as he is unable to travel about on his own. He is, however, very powerful mentally. His high Willpower makes him formidable in mental combat. Aside from his magic-casting ability, Skullus also has one very powerful and unique mental mutation. Skullus' advanced mind control mutation gives him the ability to completely enslave a victim's mind. To do this, Skullus must make eye contact with the victim for 30 seconds. If the victim then fails a save versus their WIL halved, Skullus will have inducted a new slave into his army.

Yes, that is Skullus' other power - he has amassed one of the largest armies in the World. His army consists primarily of mind-controlled victims who will fight to the death for Skullus. It is estimated that he has more than 500 mind-controlled soldiers to do his bidding. Skullus is also very technologically advanced, having a large regiment of four-armed Battle Droids who also do his bidding. Skullus has 20 of these Battle Droids who have the ability to fly and fire lasers. He will use these as a line of defense for himself, sending his mind-controlled rabble into the lines of combat first. Skullus also has a large War Machine available that he uses to wage war on those who oppose him.

In fact, that is one of Skullus' weaknesses - his deep-rooted hatred for and ongoing war with another wizard by the name of Octagon. Skullus has been waging war against Octagon's impenetrable fortress for many years now to no avail. He has been amassing his largest army yet, preparing for one last all-out assault against Octagon. When the PCs first meet Skullus, he could be "recruiting" more victims for his army, or Skullus' final drive toward Octagon could be underway.

As an 8th level wizard, Skullus has the following number of spells and levels memorized: three 1st level spells; three 2nd level spells; two 3rd level spells; and two 4th level spells. The Mutant Lord should use the magic-user/elf spells list from the Labyrinth Lord rulebook. Skullus is able to cast spells quite easily without the use of his hands. Skullus has a very low AC due to his inability to fight and/or defend himself. His glass dome offers him 50 hit points of protection before it fails. Because of his vulnerability, Skullus will make certain that his armies, droids, and machines are between himself and whomever may want to harm him.

NOTE: This villain was inspired by the episode "Wizard Wars" from the classic Ruby Spears post-apocalyptic cartoon "Thundarr the Barbarian." Stay tuned each week for "Thundarr Thursday"!