Urbain Grandier, the Accused Priest

Urbain Grandier is a controversial historical figure known for his involvement in the Loudun possessions in 17th century France.

• Alias – Father Urbain Grandier
• Gender – Male
• Race – Human
• Occupation – Catholic priest of Loudun parish
• Religion – Roman Catholicism
• Allies – The townspeople of Loudun, particularly those he has helped through his work as a priest
• Enemies – The local authorities who view him as a threat to their power, the Protestant factions in France who see him as a pawn in their larger political and religious game
• Abode/ Base of operations – The parish of Loudun, where he leads mass and interacts with the townspeople
• Nationality – French
• Languages – French, Latin
• Alignment – Lawful Evil
• Affiliation(s) – The Roman Catholic Church
• Significant others – None

He is a charismatic, passionate and confident man with a quick wit and a sharp tongue, who is not afraid to speak his mind and challenge the status quo. Urbain is a tall, dark-haired man with piercing blue eyes and a distinctive scar on his cheek.

Born into a noble family, Urbain is well-educated and well-connected, but he is also ambitious and eager to prove himself as a worthy leader. He becomes the Catholic priest of the Loudun parish, where he quickly becomes popular among the townspeople for his engaging sermons and his willingness to help those in need. Urbain’s popularity and influence, however, soon make him enemies among the local authorities, who view him as a threat to their power.

Urbain’s involvement in the Loudun possessions begins when a group of nuns at the local convent accuse him of using black magic to seduce and possess them. Despite the lack of evidence, Urbain is arrested and subjected to a series of brutal torture sessions in an attempt to extract a confession. Despite the physical and emotional pain he endures, Urbain remains steadfast in his innocence and refuses to confess to crimes he did not commit.

As the trial unfolds, it becomes clear that the accusations against Urbain are part of a larger political and religious power struggle between the Catholic and Protestant factions in France. Urbain becomes a pawn in this larger game, as both sides use his case to further their own agendas. Urbain’s ultimate goal is to clear his name and prove his innocence, but he is also fighting for the freedom of his town and its people.

Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Urbain’s indomitable spirit and unwavering faith in justice and truth make him a hero in the eyes of many. Even in the face of death, Urbain remains defiant, refusing to be broken by the corrupt and powerful forces that seek to destroy him.

Urbain Grandier, the Accused Priest

Medium humanoid (human), lawful evil

Armor Class 16 (breastplate)

Hit Points 162 (18d8 + 72)

Speed 30 ft.

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

Saving Throws Wis +8, Cha +11

Skills Deception +11, Intimidation +11, Persuasion +11, Religion +8

Senses passive Perception 13

Languages French, Latin

Challenge Rating 13 (10,000 XP)

Actions

• Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d8+2 piercing damage.
• Divine Word. Urbain Grandier can use his action to cast the command spell at 5th level without expending a spell slot. The target must be able to hear Urbain Grandier and understand the language he is speaking in.
• Fiery Oratory. Urbain Grandier can use his action to deliver a fiery sermon, inspiring his allies and demoralizing his enemies. All allies within 30 feet of Urbain Grandier gain advantage on attack rolls and saving throws against fear for the next minute, while all enemies within 30 feet of Urbain Grandier have disadvantage on attack rolls and saving throws against fear for the next minute.

Lair Actions

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

• Devil Summoning. Urbain Grandier summons a devil of CR 5 or lower to aid him in combat. The devil remains for 1 hour or until it or Urbain Grandier is killed.
• Profane Sermon. Urbain Grandier delivers a profane sermon, cursing all enemies within 60 feet of him. All enemies within 60 feet of Urbain Grandier must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 18) or suffer 6d6 psychic damage.

Legendary Actions

Urbain Grandier 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. Urbain Grandier regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

• Divine Command. Urbain Grandier casts the command spell at 3rd level without expending a spell slot.
• Blasphemous Insult (Costs 2 Actions). Urbain Grandier insults his enemies with blasphemous words, dealing 3d8 psychic damage to all enemies within 30 feet of him.
• Infernal Blessing (Costs 3 Actions). Urbain Grandier invokes the power of hell to bless himself or an ally within 30 feet of him. The target gains advantage on all attack rolls and saving throws for the next minute.

Equipment

• Rapier
• Breastplate
• Holy symbol of Asmodeus (doubles as a spellcasting focus)
• Scroll of command (3rd level)

Magic Items

Ring of Mind Shielding – Urbain Grandier wears a ring that protects his mind from being read or detected by divination magic.

Cloak of Protection – Urbain Grandier wears a cloak that gives him extra protection from attacks and spells.

Background

Urbain Grandier was a charismatic and ambitious priest who was accused of witchcraft and demonic possession in 17th-century France. He was eventually tortured and executed for these crimes. In this fictional version of him, he has made a pact with the devil and now uses his charisma and spellcasting abilities to further his own dark goals.

CR Level

Urbain Grandier’s CR level is 13, making him a challenging opponent for a group of 5-6 level 10-12 adventurers.