Claude Frollo

“The Sinister Judge with a Dark Secret: Unveiling the Twisted Mind of Claude Frollo!”

• Alias: None known
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Archdeacon of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Judge
• Religion: Devout Catholic
• Allies: None in particular, but he holds a position of authority within the Church
• Enemies: Esmeralda (due to his conflicting desires and obsessions), those he perceives as sinful or a threat to his version of justice
• Abode/Base of Operations: Resides within the confines of Notre-Dame Cathedral, but also operates in the city of Paris
• Nationality: French
• Languages: French, Latin (for religious rituals and texts)
• Alignment: Lawful Evil
• Affiliation(s): The Catholic Church, the judicial system
• Significant Others: None known, as he suppresses his desires and focuses solely on his religious duties.

Claude Frollo is a complex and enigmatic character driven by a deep inner conflict. As the archdeacon of Notre-Dame Cathedral, he is respected for his intelligence and knowledge. However, beneath his scholarly facade, Frollo harbors a dark and tormented soul.

Haunted by his own inner demons, Frollo is consumed by a fervent religious devotion that borders on obsession. His rigid adherence to his faith leads him to become a stern and ruthless judge, determined to eradicate sin and uphold divine justice. Yet, lurking beneath his righteous façade is a profound struggle with his own desires and forbidden passions.

Frollo’s life takes a fateful turn when he encounters the mesmerizing and free-spirited gypsy, Esmeralda. Instantly captivated by her beauty, he finds himself torn between his duty as a man of the cloth and the burning desires that consume him. His inner turmoil intensifies as he wrestles with his conflicting emotions, battling the very human desire for love and the divine mandate of his position.

Driven by a misguided sense of righteousness, Claude Frollo relentlessly pursues Esmeralda, consumed by a toxic mix of lust, obsession, and self-righteousness. His pursuit of her becomes an embodiment of his internal struggle and his twisted perception of justice. Frollo’s actions ultimately lead to tragic consequences, revealing the depth of his darkness and the devastating impact of his choices.

In his relentless quest for control and purity, Claude Frollo seeks to achieve a twisted sense of divine justice, believing that by eliminating the sources of temptation, he can rid the world of sin. Blinded by his own self-righteousness, Frollo becomes a tragic figure trapped in a web of his own making, forever haunted by the consequences of his actions and the depths of his own depravity.

Claude Frollo

Medium humanoid (human), lawful evil

Armor Class 15 (mage armor) Hit Points 150 (20d8 + 60) Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
12 (+1)	14 (+2)	16 (+3)	20 (+5)	18 (+4)	16 (+3)

Saving Throws Int +9, Wis +8 Skills Arcana +9, Insight +8, Investigation +12, Religion +12 Senses passive Perception 14 Languages French, Latin, Infernal Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)

Spellcasting. Claude Frollo is an 11th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 17, +9 to hit with spell attacks). Claude has the following wizard spells prepared:

• Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand, prestidigitation
• 1st level (4 slots): charm person, detect magic, magic missile, shield
• 2nd level (3 slots): hold person, invisibility, misty step
• 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, dispel magic, fireball
• 4th level (3 slots): blight, dimension door
• 5th level (2 slots): dominate person, wall of force

Actions

Staff. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.

Fire Bolt. Ranged Spell Attack: +9 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (4d10) fire damage.

Dominate Person (Recharge 5-6). Claude Frollo targets one humanoid he can see within 60 feet of him. The target must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or be magically charmed by Claude. The charmed target obeys Claude’s verbal or telepathic commands. If the target takes any damage or receives a suicidal command, it can repeat the saving throw, ending the effect on a success. The target is also allowed to repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns.

Reactions

Shield. Claude Frollo raises his hand and a shimmering magical field appears, providing a +5 bonus to his AC until the start of his next turn.

Legendary Actions

Claude Frollo 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. Claude regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Fireball. Claude Frollo casts fireball (5th level) using a legendary action.

Misty Step. Claude magically teleports up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space he can see using a legendary action.

Counterspell. Claude Frollo attempts to interrupt a creature in the process of casting a spell. He casts counterspell using a legendary action.

Equipment

• Faded black robes adorned with religious symbols
• Tome of ancient dark magic
• Ornate silver staff with a skull-shaped handle
• Pouch of spell components
• Journal filled with forbidden knowledge

3.5 Claude Frollo Cardinal of Asmodeus

Dark Cardinal Claude Frollo
Cleric 9, Cardinal of Asmodeus 10
Medium Humanoid (Sapien)
Hit Dice	9d8+10d6 (79 hp)
Initiative	+1 (+1 Dexterity)
Speed	30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class	24 (+1 Dexterity, +8 armor, +5 deflection), touch 16, flat-footed 23
Base Attack/Grapple	+13/+14
Attack	Scepter of the Dark Cardinal +15 melee (1d8+2 plus 2d6 axiomatic plus 1d6 hellfire plus 2d6 unholy/ 19-20); or spell +14 melee touch or +14 ranged touch.
Full Attack	Scepter of the Dark Cardinal +15/+10/+5 melee (1d8+2 plus 2d6 axiomatic plus 1d6 hellfire plus 2d6 unholy/19-20); or spell +14 melee touch or +14 ranged touch.
Space/Reach	5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks	Art of Hell, benediction of Hell, hegemony of Hell, lure of Hell, rebuke undead 9/day (+2 synergy bonus), spells, voice of Hell
Special Qualities	Rite of the Diabolical See
Saves	Fort+9, Ref +7, Will +20
Abilities	Strength 13, Dexterity 12, Constitution 10, Intelligence 16, Wisdom 23, Charisma 22
Skills	Bluff +31, Concentration +18, Craft (sculpture) +13, Decipher Script +10, Diplomacy +30, Disguise +9 (+12 when acting in character), Gather Information +14, Intimidate +27, Knowledge (Arcana) +11, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) +12, Knowledge (religion)+20, Knowledge (the planes) +13, Perform (oratory) +19, Profession (composer)+14, Sense Motive +18, Spellcraft +20, Survival +6 (+8 on other planes)
Feats	Dark Speech, Devotee of Darkness (Asmodeus), Eschew Materials, Leadership, Maximize Spell, Persuasive, Quicken Spell, Sacrificial Mastery
Environment	Any land or underground
Organization	Solitary (unique)
Challenge Rating	19
Treasure	1636 gp, belt pouch (with 200 sp), bracers of armor +8, circlet of persuasion, cloak of charisma +6, eye ointment (of mushroom powder, saffron, and fat), jewelry (100 gp), noble’s outfit, periapt of wisdom +6, ring of mind shielding, ring of protection +5, Scepter of the Dark Cardinal (+1 axiomatic hellfire unholy Light Mace with the abilities of a rod of rulership), signet ring, silver Unholy Symbol (Asmodeus), unholy water font (100 gp), waterskin, winged boots
Alignment	Lawful evil

Claude Frollo seeks out the desires of others and offers them for small prices, always ensuring that what they gain in return for what they’ll lose is worth the price. Of course, the price is eventually the fool’s soul and that’s all that Claude is interested in. He is one of the most powerful cardinals in the world and controls a relatively large cult of devil worshippers across Paris. His evil is subtle, but ensures that his master’s cult grows larger by the year.

Aelister speaks 4 languages

The Art of Hell (Su): Three times per day, Claude Frollo may select to enhance the power of spells bearing the Evil or Lawful descriptors, or spells from the school of Enchantment, as a free action. Evil and Lawful spells find all of their variable modifiers improved as per the Empower Spell feat; Enchantment  spells receive a +2 bonus to the DC (this bonus stacks with any other bonus).

Benediction of Hell (Su): Once per day, Claude Frollo may grant a blessing to any willing to treat with Hell in the form of a limited wish. The results of the limited wish occur “naturally” over the course of three days and always to the benefit of Lawful Evil. When Claude grants his Benediction to another, he pays no experience cost; if, however, he uses the Benediction for himself, he pays the appropriate cost as described. Those who take advantage of a Benediction of Hell always end up “owing” Claude. Within nine days of the Benediction, he will demand a quest upon the client who receives no save against the request and suffers double penalties until the quest is fulfilled.

Devotee of Darkness: Once per day, Claude Frollo can call upon the aid of Asmodeus, granting him a +3 profane bonus to any one roll. Against chaotic or good foes, Claude gains a +1 profane bonus to Armor Class, and once per day can gain a +2 profane bonus on saving throws against a spell with the chaotic or good descriptor. He also gains Spell Resistance 19 against chaotic and good spells and spell-like abilities.

Whenever dealing with a higher-ranking servant of Asmodeus (or the Overlord of Hell himself), Claude takes a -2 penalty on attacks, checks, and other rolls, a – 3 penalty to Armor Class, and a -6 penalty to saving throws. In addition, no Spell Resistance Claude obtains is ever effective against such creatures.

Hegemony of Hell (Su): Once per day, Claude Frollo can impose the ordered might of Hell against all tainted by evil within 90 feet of his person, forcing them to obey him as though struck by mass charm monster. All evil aligned aberrations, giants, humanoids, magical beasts, monstrous humanoids, and undead possessing fewer than 19 HD can be affected, and must succeed at a Will save (DC 33).

Chaotic Evil beings receive a +4 modifier to their Will saves, while Neutral Evil beings receive neither a bonus nor a penalty. Lawful Evil beings suffer a – 4 penalty to their save; furthermore, if the Lawful Evil being fails by more than 9 points, it becomes a permanent thrall to Claude as though under the effects of dominate monster. Otherwise, the Hegemony of Hell persists for 24 hours, after which those under its power receive another saving throw with a +1 bonus; this cycle continues until a save is made.

Once released from the Hegemony of Hell, the victims perceive Claude in a friendly fashion. Claude may have up to five thralls (including any thralls gained by means of the Lure of Hell ability); he has the ability to release a thrall at any time, although doing so is treated as the daily use of Hegemony of Hell.

Lure of Hell (Su): Once per day, Claude Frollo can proselytize to those not of his alignment. If he can speak to a single victim for at least one full round with no interruption, Claude can force it to succeed at a Will save (DC 28) or become subject to one suggestion offered by him and move a step closer to lawful evil. Should the victim become lawful evil due to a suggestion offered by Claude, the victim must make another Will saving throw or become one of his thralls. Claude may have up to five thralls at a time.

Rite of the Diabolical See: Having performed the Rite of the Diabolical See and been found worthy by The Overlord of Hell, Claude Frollo has exchanged his immortal soul in exchange for rich diabolical rewards. He can see in darkness (even that created by deeper darkness spells) and can engage in telepathic communication with any creature within 100 feet. When casting corrupt spells, Claude is treated as a devil (and thus does not pay the corrupt cost). Finally, he receives a +9 bonus to all checks related to summoning a power of Hell (Duke of Hell, arch-devil, or Lord of the Nine); this bonus stacks with those of other cardinals during cooperative or ritual magic.

Voice of Hell (Su): Claude Frollo’s voice commands attention and respect. He receives a +10 profane bonus on any Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, or Perform (oratory) check, and a +3 bonus to language-dependant enchantment spell DCs (but not cardinal powers).

Typical Cleric Spells Prepared (6/7+1/7+1/6+1/6+1/6+1/5+1/4+1/3+1/3+1; save DC 16 + spell level):

• 0 – create water, detect magic, detect poison, mending, purify food and drink, read magic;
• 1st – bane, cause fear, command, comprehend languages, disguise self*, obscuring mist, protection from good, sanctuary;
• 2nd – darkness, death knell, desecrate, detect thoughts*, hold person, shatter, silence, zone of truth;
• 3rd – bestow curse, blindness/deafness, clairaudience/ clairvoyance*, deeper darkness, locate object, protection from energy, speak with dead;
• 4th – cure critical wounds, death ward, divination*, divine power, freedom of movement, sending, tongues;
• 5th – commune, greater command, false vision*, righteous might, slay living, true seeing, unhallow;
• 6th – blade barrier, greater dispel magic, harm, heal, mislead*, word of recall;
• 7th – blasphemy, dictum, greater scrying, legend lore*, mass inflict serious wounds;
• 8th – discern location, flame strike (maximized), polymorph any object*, unholy aura;
• 9th – energy drain, Implosion, miracle, time stop*.

*Domain spell.

Domains:

Knowledge (all Knowledge skills are cleric class skills; cast divination spells at +1 caster level),

Overlord (prestige domain),

Trickery (Bluff, Disguise, and Hide are cleric class skills).

Plot Hooks

• The Scholar’s Apprentice: Players come across Claude Frollo’s notice seeking an apprentice to assist him in his research and studies. They must prove their intellect and dedication to gain his favor, but as they delve deeper into Frollo’s pursuits, they uncover dark secrets and forbidden knowledge.
• The Witch-Hunter: Rumors circulate that a powerful witch has taken residence in the nearby woods, causing havoc among the villagers. Frollo seeks aid from the players to hunt down and capture the witch, believing it to be his divine duty to rid the land of evil. However, as they confront the supposed witch, they discover a tragic misunderstanding that challenges Frollo’s rigid beliefs.
• The Cathedral’s Curse: Strange occurrences haunt Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Frollo, as the archdeacon, is desperate to maintain its sanctity. The players are enlisted to investigate the mysterious phenomena, uncovering a malevolent force tied to Frollo’s own past sins. They must navigate the treacherous labyrinth of the cathedral and confront the darkness within Frollo’s soul.
• The Pursuit of Esmeralda: Frollo becomes infatuated with the beautiful dancer Esmeralda and tasks the players with finding and capturing her. The players must navigate the complex web of Parisian streets, encountering Esmeralda’s allies and gaining their trust. As they witness Frollo’s obsession and the tragic consequences it brings, they must decide whether to support or defy his pursuit.
• The Lost Relic: Frollo seeks a mythical artifact rumored to possess immense power and divine knowledge. The players are recruited to assist in the search, but as they journey through ancient crypts and encounter dangerous cults, they realize that the artifact’s influence corrupts Frollo’s mind. They must decide whether to retrieve the relic or prevent Frollo from falling deeper into darkness.

Currently in the World

Claude Frollo is a middle-aged man with a gaunt and severe appearance, his face marked by deep lines of sternness and intellectual intensity. He has a prominent bald head, with a fringe of graying hair encircling his temples. His eyes are dark and piercing, seeming to hold a hint of both wisdom and an unsettling fanaticism.

Currently, Claude Frollo is immersed in his study within the chambers of Notre-Dame Cathedral. The room is dimly lit by flickering candlelight, casting elongated shadows on the walls adorned with shelves of ancient tomes and religious artifacts. The air is heavy with the scent of old parchment and incense. Frollo’s demeanor is one of intense concentration, his brow furrowed in thought and his hands clasped tightly together as he ponders matters of faith, justice, and the nature of sin.

His mood is a complex mixture of intellectual fervor, moral righteousness, and a deep inner turmoil. Claude Frollo is driven by a burning desire to eradicate sin and enforce his vision of divine order upon the city of Paris. However, beneath his stern facade lies a turbulent and conflicted soul, haunted by his own forbidden desires and the temptations of the flesh. This inner struggle often manifests as a sense of inner torment and an unsettling aura of repressed emotions.