Ipos, Lord of Masques

Demon Lord, Chaotic Evil
Challenge Rating (CR): 25 (75,000 XP)

Armor Class: 21 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 496 (33d12 + 264)
Speed: 60 ft., fly 120 ft.

Saving Throws: Dex +14, Con +16, Wis +14, Cha +18
Damage Resistances: Cold, Fire, Lightning, Thunder; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks
Damage Immunities: Acid, Necrotic, Poison
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Paralyzed, Poisoned
Senses: Truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages: Abyssal, Common, Infernal, telepathy 120 ft.
Challenge Rating: 25 (75,000 XP)

TRAITS

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

If Ipos fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Mask of Endless Deception

Ipos can alter his appearance at will as if using disguise self, except that he can mimic any humanoid or monstrous form, and the changes extend to his voice, scent, and mannerisms. This effect cannot be detected by truesight or similar magical means unless Ipos is directly confronted with a truth-seeking ability or magic.

Lord of Masques

Ipos can cast charm person, disguise self, and suggestion at will, without expending spell slots. He can cast these spells on any creature within 120 feet of him, even through his illusionary personas. The saving throw DC for these abilities is 18, and creatures charmed by Ipos have disadvantage on saving throws against his abilities as long as they remain charmed.

Aura of Performance (Passive)

Ipos exudes an aura of performance and theatrics within a 60-foot radius. Allies within this aura have advantage on Charisma checks and saving throws to maintain their deception or performances. Enemies must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw when they start their turn in the aura or become distracted, imposing disadvantage on their attacks against Ipos and his allies until the start of their next turn.

Reckless Performance

At the start of each of Ipos’s turns, he may choose to become reckless in his actions. While reckless, Ipos can add his Charisma modifier (minimum of +10) to any damage rolls of his choice, but attacks against him have advantage until his next turn.

Multiattack.
Ipos makes three attacks: one with his Bite and two with either his Claws of Deception or Rapier of Eternal Theatre.

Rapier of Eternal Theatre (Melee Weapon Attack).
Melee Weapon Attack: +18 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 32 (4d10 + 10) piercing damage. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by Ipos for 1 minute. While charmed, the target is under the effect of the suggestion spell, with Ipos dictating the target’s actions.

Claws of Deception (Melee Weapon Attack).
Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 20 (3d6 + 10) slashing damage. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Charisma saving throw or suffer one of the following effects (Ipos’s choice):

• Silenced: The target is unable to speak or cast spells with verbal components for 1 minute.
• Confused: The target is affected as though by the confusion spell for 1 minute.

Bite of Deceptive Hunger (Melee Weapon Attack).
Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 26 (4d8 + 10) piercing damage. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or become afflicted with Maddening Venom for 1 minute. While afflicted:

• The target suffers vivid hallucinations, perceiving Ipos in multiple terrifying forms.
• The target has disadvantage on saving throws against illusions and charm effects caused by Ipos.
  The target may repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

Terrifying Monologue (Recharge 5–6).
Ipos delivers a mesmerizing and horrifying monologue. All creatures within 60 feet who can hear him must succeed on a DC 22 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. While frightened, creatures cannot move closer to Ipos. A creature that succeeds on the saving throw becomes immune to this ability for 24 hours.

Stagecraft (Recharge 5–6).
Ipos conjures an illusory stage, altering the environment within a 30-foot radius:

• The ground becomes an oily, translucent surface, turning the area into difficult terrain.
• All creatures in the area must succeed on a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw or fall prone.
  Ipos can animate the stage as part of his performance, casting Dance Macabre or Hypnotic Pattern (save DC 18) as free actions, without expending spell slots.

LEGENDARY ACTIONS

Ipos can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Ipos regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

• Illusory Step: Ipos magically teleports up to 60 feet to an unoccupied space he can see. He leaves behind a brief illusion of his former self, which briefly distracts enemies. All enemies within 10 feet of his starting position must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 round.
• Seize the Spotlight (Costs 2 Actions): Ipos makes a Charisma (Performance) check with advantage. On a successful check (DC 20), he may command all creatures within 60 feet to bow in deference, imposing disadvantage on their attacks for 1 turn. If they fail their Charisma saving throw, they are paralyzed with awe for 1 turn.
• Summon Minor Act (Costs 3 Actions): Ipos calls forth a minor demon from his domain (choose from a dretch, quasit, or imp) that obeys his every command. The creature appears within 30 feet of Ipos and acts immediately on his turn.

MYTHIC ACTIONS (If Ipos’s mythic trait has been triggered, he gains the following additional actions):

• Dominate the Stage (Costs 3 Actions): Ipos can control one creature he can see within 60 feet of him. The creature must make a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, Ipos can control the creature’s actions for 1 minute, forcing it to act as if charmed by him. He can issue commands that the creature will follow even if they are self-destructive.
• Masquerade (Costs 2 Actions): Ipos transforms into a new persona of his choosing—this includes a complete physical transformation with new abilities and spells. Ipos’s true form is hidden, and creatures must make a DC 18 Intelligence saving throw to detect him as a demon lord under true seeing.

Ipos’s Spellcasting

Ipos is a 20th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 20, +12 to hit with spell attacks). Ipos has the following spells prepared:

Cantrips (at will): Thaumaturgy, Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation, Friends, Mage Hand
1st Level (4 slots): Disguise Self, Charm Person, Silent Image, Cause Fear
2nd Level (3 slots): Mirror Image, Hold Person, Invisibility, Misty Step
3rd Level (3 slots): Counterspell, Hypnotic Pattern, Major Image, Fear
4th Level (3 slots): Greater Invisibility, Phantasmal Killer, Banishment
5th Level (3 slots): Dominate Person, Cloudkill, Mislead
6th Level (2 slots): True Seeing, Mass Suggestion, Hallucinatory Terrain
7th Level (2 slots): Plane Shift, Forcecage
8th Level (1 slot): Power Word Stun, Dominate Monster
9th Level (1 slot): Weird, Foresight

Treasure

• Rapier of Eternal Theatre: This enchanted rapier is both a weapon and a conduit for Ipos’s powers, amplifying his ability to deceive and manipulate. When wielded in battle or while performing, the rapier’s blade shifts into an illusionary projection of varying forms and colors that confuse and entrap his enemies. It grants the following benefits:
  • Increases the user’s Charisma modifier by +2.
  • Allows the wielder to cast Disguise Self once per day without expending a spell slot.
  • While wielding the rapier, Ipos has advantage on Charisma (Deception) checks.

Lair Actions

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Ipos can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects. He can only take one lair action per round.

• Mimic the Mask: Ipos can cause one creature within 60 feet of him to appear as if it were an illusion. That creature must make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or become Invisible to all creatures except Ipos for 1 minute.
• Theatre of Shadows: Shadows twist into illusionary forms that confuse enemies. All creatures within 60 feet of Ipos must succeed on a DC 18 Intelligence saving throw or be frightened and paralyzed for 1 round.
• Dazzling Lights: Bright lights fill the area, blinding any creature that fails a DC 18 Constitution saving throw. Blinded creatures cannot take reactions until the end of their next turn.

Minions

Ipos commands a troupe of demons and summoned performers. Typically, this includes lesser trickster demons such as Harlequin demons who perform his bidding, sow chaos, and create illusions in his name. They are often used to enhance his performances or aid in trickery, appearing as part of the show or as “assistants.”

LORE AND ROLE

Ipos is a demon lord of trickery, illusion, and performance. Once a mortal performer in a forgotten age, he ascended to demon lord status by embracing the chaotic, amoral philosophy that life itself is but a grand production. He teaches that identity is a mask to be discarded, and that no consequences exist for those who play their parts well enough.

Ipos’s followers are often actors, jesters, and entertainers who abandon their moral compasses in exchange for eternal fame and the freedom to play any role they desire. However, this comes at a cost—performers who fail to meet Ipos’s standards are destroyed, erased from existence. Those who survive his trials are transformed into demonic creatures, cursed to perform for eternity in the twisted reality of Ipos’s domain, the Festive Everlasting.

Ipos’s goals are simple: to create an endless theater of deception, trickery, and manipulation. He thrives on watching the world play out its parts, making those who dare to oppose him mere pawns in his grand performance.

Ipos is often sought by those desperate for power or fame—many mortals have made dark pacts with him, seeking his blessing in exchange for their souls or for becoming part of his final act. His machinations extend far beyond his domain, influencing mortal kingdoms and even gods, who must contend with the insidious whispers of his schemes.

Ipos is a master of illusions, manipulation, and mind games, providing a challenging and compelling adversary for high-level campaigns. His abilities to control and deceive make him a potent threat in both direct combat and social encounters, fitting for an epic showdown or a long-term antagonist in a campaign.

Ipos – The Lord of Masques

Originally from The Book of Fiends

Designed By Aaron Loeb, Erik Mona, Chris Pramas, and Robert J. Schwalb

Ipos ‘Lord of Masques’

Layer: The Festive Everlasting
Areas of Concern: Actors, comedians, entertainers
Domains: Chaos, Eloquence, Evil, Trickery
Favored Weapon: Rapier

Throughout the mortal realm, certain sovereigns ban actors from entering their cities or performing in their lands. Men and women of loose morals and even looser reputations, actors receive treatment similar to that given lepers or heretic in some quarters. The craftiest find secret patronage from members of the effete nobility; the unlucky end up in stocks or worse.

If more rulers knew about the decadent cult of Ipos and its pervasive popularity among performers, the actor’s lot might be even harder. Instead of scrounging to find an appreciative audience, she might find herself before a much more hostile group of spectators’ a mob of torch bearing zealots just itching to cast her into the flames of redemption.

The cunning Ipos whispers knowingly to his enraptured audience of performers that life is but a grand production, that ‘identity’ is nothing more than a role to be cast away at a moment’s notice when necessary for the plot of life to proceed to another act. While this philosophy encourages useful lessons of reinvention and discourages mulling over failure, it also teaches a disdain for morality: If nothing is truly real, there can be no consequences for one’s actions.

To ensure that their performances are memorable (for to make no impression at all is the greatest of mortal failings), followers of the Lord of Masques will cross any line. No sin is too perverse, no risk too great that it can’t be endured for the sake of the show.

As befits his title, Ipos can assume numerous forms, ranging from a terrible draconic beast to a simple dung-covered pauper. He seems to favor one guise in particular, however – that of a tall, well-dressed rake with a lion’s head, the feet of a goose, and the tail of a hare. Actors often paint such a figure onto their tents and stageworks, waving their demonic affiliation under the noses of appreciative fans who see the animalistic image as a simple caricature meant to please children and the simple-minded.

The Festive Everlasting, Ipos’s bizarre Abyssal realm, resembles an immense outdoor theatrical festival held in a beautiful vale lit by an early afternoon sun. Eager souls play the part of groundlings near the plane’s thirty-three connected stages, while a host of demonic nobility flock to the bleachers and private boxes. The entertainers themselves are recently deceased actors, sworn to Ipos during mortal life, who revel in the chance to perform for all eternity. Hawkers of pleasures both simple and sublime roam the crowds, ensuring that all present sate themselves upon some sort of mind-enhancing (or occasionally mind-numbing) concoction.

The Festive Everlasting possesses an air of idyll, but a competitive desperation permeates the theatrical atmosphere, noticeable to all who know to look for it. At the end of each three-hour performance, the crowd displays by show of applause its appreciation for each actor in turn. The five entertainers (out of about seven hundred) adjudged to have engaged in the worst or least memorable performance are erased from existence, their souls totally consumed by the Abyssal stage upon which they stood only moments before.

Those actors who survive a year on the stage join the jeering crowd as demons, only slightly more sympathetic to the plight of the actors than the catty, demanding drama critics sitting next to them.

Ipos’s decadent doctrine appeals to sensualist performers who live for the false existence they portray upon the stage. Boiling down the whole of mortal experience to the familiar rules of performance makes sense to such bon vivants, who generally don’t think far beyond making an impression upon the ever-present crowd. Ironically, such performers eventually disdain their audiences, seeing them as constantly demanding ‘mundanes’ whose rigid ways allow them to live only through observing those willing to assume roles that they cannot.

Performers sworn to Ipos pity those who have but one face, but one voice, but one role to offer the world. Theirs is a much more vibrant experience, leading to much more fulfilling applause in the afterlife. Amoral bards adore the Lord of Masques.

Obedience

Thaumaturges dedicated to Ipos spend their obedience ritual reciting from memory the great monologues of the theatrical tradition. Often, such monologues parody the liturgy of established religions, replacing matters of honorable ritual with references (and frequently pantomimes) of the most disgusting vices imaginable. Though by no means required for the ritual to work, Iposian thaumaturges prefer to practice their obedience before an audience. At the end of the hour-long performance, the thaumaturge regains his spell complement for the day.

Note: Thaumaturges dedicated to Ipos treat Perform as a class skill.

Ipos, Lord of Masques

Demon Lord
Chaotic Evil
Challenge Rating: 25 (Approx. 76,800 XP)

• Size: Large
• Type: Outsider (Chaotic, Evil, Extraplanar)
• Initiative: +10
• Speed: 60 ft., fly 120 ft. (good)
• Armor Class: 38 (-1 size, +10 Dex, +19 natural), touch 19, flat-footed 28
• Hit Dice: 40d10+280 (420 hp)
• Fortitude Save: +21
• Reflex Save: +22
• Will Save: +22
• Attack: +24 melee (Claws of Deception)
• Full Attack: 2 claws +24 melee, 1 bite +26 melee, +28 rapier
• Damage: Claw 2d6+10, Bite 3d6+15, Rapier of Eternal Theatre 3d8+10
• Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft./15 ft.
• Special Attacks: Aura of Performance, Terrifying Monologue, Stagecraft, Mimic the Mask, Dazzling Lights, Illusionary Step, Spell-like Abilities
• Special Qualities: Darkvision 120 ft., DR 15/epic, Resistances (fire, cold, acid, lightning, and poison), Immunities (necrotic, petrification, mind-affecting, disease, and energy drain), Aura of Deception, Regeneration (5), Legendary Resistance (3/day)
• Saves: Fort +21, Ref +22, Will +22
• Abilities: Str 28, Dex 30, Con 26, Int 30, Wis 28, Cha 32
• Skills: Bluff +35, Diplomacy +32, Hide +30, Intimidate +28, Knowledge (Arcana) +30, Knowledge (The Planes) +32, Perform (Acting) +40, Sense Motive +32, Spellcraft +32
• Feats: Improved Initiative, Combat Casting, Quicken Spell, Spell Penetration, Greater Spell Penetration, Dodge, Mobility, Combat Reflexes
• Environment: Any plane, often in grand theaters or other places of performance
• Organization: Solitary or with his troupe of demons (usually lesser trickster demons like Chasme, Babau, or Vrocks)
• Treasure: The Rapier of Eternal Theatre, plus assorted magical items

Combat

Multiattack

Ipos makes three attacks each round: two with his Claws of Deception and one with his Rapier of Eternal Theatre.

Rapier of Eternal Theatre (Weapon Attack)

Attack: +28 melee
Damage: 3d8+10 piercing damage
This rapier is a unique magical weapon, and when Ipos uses it, the blade momentarily shifts into a variety of illusionary forms, disorienting his enemies. Any creature hit by the rapier must make a Will save (DC 26) or become charmed by Ipos for 1 round, unable to take hostile actions against him.

Claws of Deception (Melee Attack)

Attack: +24 melee
Damage: 2d6+10 slashing damage
If Ipos successfully hits a target with a claw attack, the target must make a Will save (DC 26) or be struck by a confusion effect for 1 round, as if under the influence of the confusion spell. If the target fails the save, it is confused and can take no other actions except those determined by the confusion effect.

Terrifying Monologue (Su)

Ipos can begin an elaborate and terrifying speech that forces all creatures within 60 feet who can hear him to make a Will save (DC 27) or become frightened for 1d4 rounds. A successful save negates the fear effect. This ability has a cooldown of 1d4 rounds.

Stagecraft (Su)

As a free action, Ipos can create a 60-foot diameter area of illusionary effects that confuses and disorients his enemies. This can take the form of fog, bright lights, shifting shadows, or other distracting phenomena. All creatures within this area must succeed on a Will save (DC 28) or become dazzled and disoriented for 1d4 rounds. Ipos can also use this area to cast his Hypnotic Pattern or Mirage Arcana spell without expending any spell slots.

Mimic the Mask (Su)

Ipos can assume the form of any creature he has seen before, as if using the disguise self spell. The illusion is so perfect that even magical means of seeing through illusions (such as true seeing) are unable to pierce it unless the observer succeeds on a Will save (DC 29). He can also mimic the creature’s mannerisms, voice, and even scent.

Dazzling Lights (Su)

As a standard action, Ipos can create a flash of bright light within a 60-foot radius. Creatures within the area must make a Fortitude save (DC 28) or become blinded for 1d4 rounds.

Spell-Like Abilities

Ipos can use the following spell-like abilities at will, with a caster level of 20:

• Charm Person (DC 24)
• Disguise Self
• Hypnotic Pattern (DC 25)
• Greater Invisibility (self only)
• Mass Suggestion (DC 27)
• Dominate Person (DC 28)
• Telekinesis (DC 26)
• Plane Shift (self only)
• Greater Teleport (self only)
• Power Word Stun (DC 29)

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

If Ipos fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Aura of Performance (Ex)

All allies within a 60-foot radius gain a +2 bonus on all Charisma-based skill checks (including Bluff, Diplomacy, and Perform). Additionally, allies within this aura can take 10 on any Perform check to create a perfect illusion or performance.

Immunities (Ex)

Ipos is immune to mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects), energy drain, death effects, and any effect that would alter his shape or cause him to lose control of his form.

Lair Actions

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Ipos can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects:

• Mimicry: Ipos can cause the area around him to briefly mimic the physical surroundings of a creature in his domain. This causes all creatures within 30 feet to suffer a -2 penalty to their attack rolls and saves until the start of his next turn.
• Mesmerizing Illusions: Ipos can create a field of disorienting illusions around him. All creatures within 40 feet must make a Will save (DC 28) or be dazed for 1 round.
• Illusionary Step: Ipos can teleport up to 60 feet as a swift action, leaving behind a mirror-like illusion of himself. Enemies must succeed on a Will save (DC 29) or be fooled into thinking the illusion is the real Ipos, causing them to target it for 1 round.

Minions

Ipos typically commands a host of lesser trickster demons and spirits that align with his chaotic nature, including:

• Harlequin demons

These demons assist him in spreading confusion and fear, often using their own illusions and misdirection to distract his enemies or further his deceptive schemes.

Treasure

• Rapier of Eternal Theatre: This magical rapier allows Ipos to deal 3d8+10 piercing damage. It also allows him to cast Charm Person at will, and Disguise Self once per day as a free action. While wielding the rapier, Ipos gains a +2 bonus to all Charisma-based checks and saves.